Exploring What ails our Politicians?

“Ninety per cent of the politicians give the other ten per cent a bad reputation”. Henry Kissinger said this about a set of people who collectively never fail to generate bad publicity about themselves. Are politicians really that bad?

Good or bad anyway is always contextual and relative. But when the general chorus is against them, it deserves some thought. Generally, we develop our perceptions about various professions and professionals based on our personal experiences and the straight-jacketed popular belief system. So, when we look at a politician, of whatever stature, we tend to associate power, authority, money, aloofness, corruption etc. with him or her. Not the most enviable mix in the self-actualisation process of a person.

We normally suspend our parallel thought process which would have taken us to a point of realisation that each politician goes through a truly arduous journey like any other demanding profession. It’s not easy creating a remarkable space for yourself in the party cadre, making yourself capable enough to get a ticket to fight an election, campaigning day and night, juggling legislative works with party responsibilities, being surrounded by a plethora of people right from morning till late night, and of course, carrying the burden of a thick skin.

Why then they carry a bad name? I think one reason is what Henry Kissinger said and the other reasons are:

1. Politics seems to be the sole career choice for many, thus increasing the possibilities of more money-mongering (keeping in mind the opportunities available). To me, reasonably monied people with a genuine wish to do good through authorised power and create a name for themselves are the ones who should embark upon a political journey.

2. Most of them don’t curve an image of being educated, evolved, knowledgeable and responsible. In the process of playing to the gallery, many politicians miss out on a long-term strategic image that they need to curve out. The so-called "Aam Janta" actually desires a leader who's not that common but an aware, relevant, result-oriented, and impressive public representative.

3. Most of the politicians are not consistent with their good works. Perceptions are built over a period based on the consistency of a certain quality of delivery. It's a tad difficult to comprehend why a lot of potentially good politicians fail to remain steady in living up to the public's expectations when their career's longevity depends heavily on that parameter.

4. Since they have ‘power’ which makes them the ‘haves’, the ‘have nots’ simply don’t like them. This is classic human nature. There is a theory that most of the people who are not corrupt are the people who haven't yet got the opportunity to play around. So, there is this palpable sense of envy and hate among the 'have nots'. Therefore, every politician would do well to make an honest effort to remain relatable and likeable.

Since electoral politics is the prime driver and motivator for an aspiring politician, the whole thought process, behaviour and actions of a politician quite often are self-designed with a focus on achieving those 'Post' based goals. That encourages conformity and negates lateral interventions. The result is another power-hungry and compromising individual in the political arena.

History has instances and even today we have hugely talented and dynamic people in politics in our country. If any emerging political party has to create a name and popularity for itself, its leadership has to be chosen carefully keeping in mind the party’s brand positioning, and then entice and take the right mix of members into its fold.

Why can’t politicians be trained as well on how to carry their respective responsibilities meaningfully and in a result-oriented manner? Before elections, why can't every party project and promote those talented members/candidates who could take responsibility for respective ministries if the party comes into power? Finally, Why can’t we be in a time when a kid is inspired and groomed to become a solid and game-changing politician in life?

Someone rightly said that politics is not bad, some politicians are.