Tuesday, July 14, 2009

shourie on decline of the system

jul 13th, 2009

http://www.indianexpress.com/news/on-the-way-down/488780/0

adha:patanam, that is descent into the netherworld.

2 comments:

Ghost Writer said...

‘Democratic centralism’ to blame
This is all true - and the reason this is so is that there is lack of inner party freedom in Indian parties. How can an entity that robs people of choice within, guarantee freedom and choice without? Is it not obscene that if you belong to a ‘star’ family – you are pretty much guaranteed a ticket from a seat of your choice – including some very safe ones? How can they be accountable to constituents if they are not accountable to their own party cadre?
Why cannot party workers (and not the central 'high command') choose candidates for each constituency? The only way to make the 'coterie' accountable - is to make everyone accountable. It is time that Indian parties, starting with the BJP, start to have a primary-based system - local party members vote to elect to a college; the college votes to elect state level leaders. This makes the local leader accountable to local party cadres - and the state leader accountable to local leaders. It also ensures that only those candidates who can take the heat of battle get tickets - not sons, uncles and cousins. This vote – by the way – should include provisions for a recall. This ensures particularly egregious corruption (like what is on show in BJP-Karnataka these days) is punished.
There is a downside – the intra-party democracy can be made into a vote-buying operation. However, with a few idealists and sting operations this can be taken care of. Even if it is not – it will have a good effect. Better everyone loots than only star families looting!

Deva said...

What about India? It will be eaten alive by the Missionaries and Jihadists, assisted by a criminal media and a criminal christian congress. Everyone knows the record of these "elements" in heathen societies. What mechanism does Shri Shourie suggest for native resurgence if the party mechanism is inherently subject to corruption? The stalker abrahamist god is after our souls.