Second Opinion : Sanjog Maheshwari
In his article, "Minoritysm is the problem" (Second Opinion, September 25), Mr RN Chawla has presented a correct analysis of the scourge of terrorism plaguing our nation. However, instead of a symptomatic treatment of the disease, an accurate diagnosis of the malaise would be in order.
It is clear that vote-bank politics is the main thing that provides a fertile breeding ground for all the malaises that wreak havoc on our civil society. Right from day one the Congress-led Governments at the Centre and in the States have been religiously adhering to a policy of minority appeasement. Of late, not to be left behind, other political parties have also begun to induge in vote-bank politics. In fact, quite a few of them have gone the extra mile to include other reserved category castes to enlarge their support base. The Congress has managed to remain firmly saddled in power for more than half-a-century by pursuing minorityism in the grab of 'secularism'.
If we have rampant corruption affording us a place of 'honour' among the world's most corrupt nations, a burgeoning population and ever-rising jihadi violence, it is only because our politicians and political parties cannot afford to ignore their vote-banks.
Be that as it may, we cannot wish away this fact so long as we remain wedded to the present Westminster model of parliamentary democracy. Quick-fix solutions can never provide a remedy for a deep-rooted malady for which surgical intervention is needed. For getting the desired results, we need to replace our present system of governance with the US model of presidential democracy.
When we are ready to adopt a skewed nuclear deal with the US, why should we hesitate in copying their system of governance, which has been unfailingly providing them with the world's best political leadership under a democratic set-up? We need this system more than one might think, as it will clearly de-link the executive and the legislative branches of Government. In doing so it is my opinion that selfish vote-bank politics will be countered to a large extent.
Once this is achieved, we will be free to start putting in place a pragmatic anti-terror mechanism without any strings attached. If one wants proof of the versatility of this idea, we only need to look at the US's track record in terms of tackling terrorism post 9/11. Thus, the nation should seriously start thinking in this direction.
It is clear that vote-bank politics is the main thing that provides a fertile breeding ground for all the malaises that wreak havoc on our civil society. Right from day one the Congress-led Governments at the Centre and in the States have been religiously adhering to a policy of minority appeasement. Of late, not to be left behind, other political parties have also begun to induge in vote-bank politics. In fact, quite a few of them have gone the extra mile to include other reserved category castes to enlarge their support base. The Congress has managed to remain firmly saddled in power for more than half-a-century by pursuing minorityism in the grab of 'secularism'.
If we have rampant corruption affording us a place of 'honour' among the world's most corrupt nations, a burgeoning population and ever-rising jihadi violence, it is only because our politicians and political parties cannot afford to ignore their vote-banks.
Be that as it may, we cannot wish away this fact so long as we remain wedded to the present Westminster model of parliamentary democracy. Quick-fix solutions can never provide a remedy for a deep-rooted malady for which surgical intervention is needed. For getting the desired results, we need to replace our present system of governance with the US model of presidential democracy.
When we are ready to adopt a skewed nuclear deal with the US, why should we hesitate in copying their system of governance, which has been unfailingly providing them with the world's best political leadership under a democratic set-up? We need this system more than one might think, as it will clearly de-link the executive and the legislative branches of Government. In doing so it is my opinion that selfish vote-bank politics will be countered to a large extent.
Once this is achieved, we will be free to start putting in place a pragmatic anti-terror mechanism without any strings attached. If one wants proof of the versatility of this idea, we only need to look at the US's track record in terms of tackling terrorism post 9/11. Thus, the nation should seriously start thinking in this direction.
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