An Insight into India's Biggest Political Jamboree
By
Sumit Paul, New Age Islam
25 April
2024
Politics Is the Art of The Possible, Not the
Art of The Ideal.
Mario Vargas Llosa
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Peruvian
Nobel laureate in Literature (2010), Mario Vargas Llosa's quote, "Politics
is the art of the possible, not the art of the ideal," sheds light on the
pragmatic nature of politics. Rather than focusing on lofty ideals and utopian
visions, Vargas Llosa suggests that successful politicians navigate the complex
web of political systems by making strategic decisions based on what is
realistically achievable.
This quote
resonates with the notion that compromise and practicality play crucial roles
in the political realm. In order to effectively govern and make progress,
politicians must be willing to navigate the realities and limitations of the
societies they serve, choosing solutions that are attainable rather than
holding onto unattainable ideals.
Vargas
Llosa's quote serves as a reminder that politics is a practical discipline,
requiring leaders to balance competing interests and make decisions that may
not align with their personal ideals but are instead aimed at creating the most
feasible and desirable outcomes for their constituents.
How will
you contextualise Llosa's famous quote when elections are going on and
politicians are making impossible claims? With due respect to the Latin
American great, let me tweak his quote and rewrite it in the Indian context:
Politics is the art of the impossible and also an art of manipulating ideals.
To quote Ambar Baharaichi, "Ye Sach Hai Rang Badalta Tha Vo Har Ik
Lamha/ Magar Vahi Toh Bahut Kaamyaab Chehra Tha" (Granted, he changed
his (political) stance every now and then/ Yet, it was the most successful
face). You got the insinuation?
The
political jamboree goes on because it's a Tamasha (charade) in the
world's biggest democracy where, "Vo Taza-Dam Hain Nae Sho. Abde
Dikhate Hue/ Avaam Thakne Lage Hain Taaliyan Bajate Hue" (Azhar
Inayati)
They
(politicians) are never tired of making and claiming outlandish dreams/ The
masses are tired of clapping. At the end of the day, we must remember that
"Inn Se Ummeed Na Rakh Hain Ye Siyasat Wale/ Ye Kisi Se Bhi Muhabbat
Nahin Karne Wale" (Don't expect anything from them as they're
politicians/ These people are close to none).
Politicians
know how to bribe people, especially during elections. Bashir Badr rightly
said, "Mujh Se Kya Baat Likhani Hai Ke Ab Mere Liye/ Kabhi Sone, Kabhi
Chaandi Ke Qalam Aate Hain" (What do they want me to write as gold and
silver quills are being offered to me). After all, "Samajhne Hi Nahin
Deti Siyasat Hum Ko Sachchai/ Kabhi Chehra Nahin Milta, Kabhi Darpan Nahin
Milta" (Politics doesn't let us know the truth/ Sometimes, faces are
blurred, at times, mirrors are not there). Things are obscure. Future is
obfuscated. The current political dispensation is obstinate and obdurate. Let's
see what transpires on June 4. I've kept my fingers crossed. Haven't you?
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A regular columnist for New Age Islam, Sumit Paul is a researcher in
comparative religions, with special reference to Islam. He has contributed
articles to the world's premier publications in several languages including
Persian.
URL: https://newageislam.com/spiritual-meditations/insight-india-political-jamboree/d/132196
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