Politicians across states are demonstrating a ‘never say die’ attitude, seeking to retain their hold over the masses through means fair and foul. Those in power use their resources effectively to continue in their chairs as the people give politicians a hero’s image, while those in the opposition bide their time. Among the major survivors in politics and power for long durations is Nitish Kumar, the Bihar chief minister who has been around for half a century. He survived by changing sides, at times fighting the likes of Narendra Modi and at other times courting him, and changing colours like a chameleon. Having served as central minister and chief minister for repeated terms, news is that pre-election opinion polls this time are giving low ratings for Kumar. His popularity, as per one opinion poll, is just half of what his new generation rival, Tejashwi Yadav, now maintains. The assembly polls in the state are just a month away and the 75-year-old Kumar is bound to make a fresh bid to retain power for himself and his political alliance.
Kumar is just one among the many politicians who have demonstrated an insatiable thirst for power. He achieved his goal by hook or by crook, ‘led’ the people or ruled them for two-thirds of the Independence era and would not hang up his boots. In several states, politicians who held senior posts for several decades are hanging around, refusing to give way to the new generations. In certain cases, as in the case of the Congress, families retain power or hold sway over politics for decades together through successive generations. The BJP was thought to be a shade better, with new leaderships being ushered in across several states. But, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, also 75, remains as its reigning hero for the third successive term in power at the Centre. Unlike in the US, there’s no limit here for politicians to hold any post. Despite a long innings, Nitish Kumar has not been able to substantially change the fate of Bihar as a backward state. His agenda is limited to ensuring ‘sadak, pani’ to the people, whereas the larger cause of fast-paced economic development remains neglected. It, thus, is natural for the new generation to aspire for a change of leadership. The ‘tired face’ of Kumar should be a dampener to their spirits.
The system of politics in this country is a circus without a ring. While every government service has an age limit for retirement, this is not applicable to politicians and ministers, not to speak of chief ministers and prime ministers. Reforms, revitalization and rejuvenation are a must for effective performance of the systems.. Ageing men hanging around the corridors of power as “movers and shakers” is a bad commentary on the state of affairs of a nation. They have a vested interest in protecting themselves and extracting the maximum for themselves from the establishment. Ideally, a new generation with new and novel ideas, and brimming with energy, must step in and lead the nation and states from the front.
