Qualified Leadership: Sewing Up the Nation's Future

Chunaav ka mahina, hai mach gaya shorr
Fir aaya hai time to choose, who'll screw us more?!

In straightforward tasks like sewing shoes, we believe that only someone with specialized training can fulfill our needs. We wouldn't trust someone with no experience, to cobble together footwear, no matter how attractive s/he may look or how convincing s/he may sound. We understand the importance of technical skill and knowledge in achieving a desired outcome.  

However, this logic seems to vanish when it comes to politics. Here, it's often assumed that anyone who can win support is capable of running the government.  Popularity and charisma become the primary qualifications, although effective leadership requires much more advanced skill sets.

To illustrate the absurdity, imagine that you are seriously ill and need an operation. Would you choose a surgeon based on their press conference charisma or years of medical training and proven experience? Of course, you'd prefer expertise.

Likewise, when the welfare of the entire nation is at stake, should we not seek the advice and services of the most qualified people? Just as a doctor's accreditation demonstrates his medical expertise, the background of a potential leader should demonstrate an understanding of complex political, economic and social issues. We need leaders with experiential wisdom and a proven ability to effectively navigate challenges. Just because someone can win an election doesn't mean they possess the necessary skills to govern well. Because political mobilization on religious lines by getting the Ram-mandir built; on caste lines by providing EWS quota; and on sectional lines through providing loan-waivers and freebies is not uncommon.

So, how does one make an informed choice of leaders? By attaining a knowledge about the sitting MPs and the prospective candidates. It's not that difficult. PRS strives to make the general public aware of various policies, politicians, and processes. It tracks the functioning of the Indian Parliament and provides a comprehensive resource base for key legislative policies and issues besides the details regarding political leaders. Simply visit prsindia.org and fill in the details regarding your constituency and hit search.  

And there you go. You've got the unsavory details of your leaders- his attendance, his educational qualifications, criminal cases against him, his participation in the debates and discussions in the parliament, his introduction of the private member bills as well as his income over the past years. Understand the past work of your sitting MP. You can alternatively visit eci.gov.in and perform a background check on the new candidates this year.

Jaago Graahak Jaago! Kyunki… (take the following lines with a pinch of salt)

 

Na Hindu khatre me hai, Na Musalman khatre me hai, 

Ruling party ko chhod ke saara Hindustan khatre me hai!!