These days, rajniti is raj without niti: Govindacharya
Claiming to be on a "private visit" to the constituency of his bete noire, MM Joshi, former BJP ideologue KN Govindacharya spoke to Vinod Sharma in Allahabad on his yet to be published work ? Impact of Globalisation and its Alternatives ? that is bound to raise a political storm. Excerpts from the interview:
Claiming to be on a "private visit" to the constituency of his bete noire, MM Joshi, former BJP ideologue KN Govindacharya spoke to Vinod Sharma in Allahabad on his yet to be published work — Impact of Globalisation and its Alternatives — that is bound to raise a political storm. Excerpts:
How much removed have you been from partisan politics since the start of your study leave in 2001?
I haven't met any top BJP leader in recent years. I have devoted all the time I had to complete my study of globalisation (of the Indian economy). I will start raising questions of values and issues (that need to be debated) in May (after the polls.)
What are the major findings of your study?
Its conclusions are as follows: Rural poverty hasn't decreased, urban poverty has reduced marginally at heavy social costs and unemployment is on the rise.
Do you fear any social upheaval in the face of the rising sense of relative poverty?
Yes. But we have in India a tradition of religio-spiritual counselling which is keeping the situation from turning explosive.
Hasn't the BJP's 'feel good' slogan added to the overall despondency?
I will not comment on a particular party or a slogan. Election is a battle of images that might not be in consonance with ground realities. Poll cacophony does not permit serious debates.
Didn't you owe it to the people to place your findings in the public domain before the polls?
I am in no way a participant in the ongoing battle of images. My endeavour is to fight hunger, poverty and unemployment.
Is our political class debating the issues that touch our people?
The trend that began with the corporatisation of our economy and polity will not end with these elections... There is a skewed relationship between our polity and society. The political void is getting bigger with democracy getting eroded by party politics and the latter by cabals, groups and factions. Consequently, Rajniti is just about Raj without Niti (politics without principles).
What could be the consequences of this trend?
The danger is of average citizens being pushed to the fringes.