Diminishing standards of Indian politics and political analysts
Indian politics is marred by corruption, money laundering, horse trading, religious polarization, political violence and vote-centric politics. Moreover, The mushrooming self-proclaimed or media-promoted political analysts or political experts have worsened the situation. Furthermore, most of their significant analysis or speculation or advices are based on surface-level observations. In addition, in most cases their existing political biases or personal perspectives and insights become pre-dominant. Thus, they miss out the required thoroughness and meticulousness very often.
Consequently, the social media and some news channels also spread misinformation or disinformation even without their knowledge. Likewise, Reports reveal that the propaganda and intent of the media houses influence even the exit polls, at times. Nevertheless, the General Election 2024 stands as a salient example of differences between the reality and exit-poll speculations.
Role of Media in Indian Politics
Media, essentially, the fourth pillar of democracy and such a deliberate yellow journalism in today’s modern media landscape can spread its far-reaching tentacles. Moreover, we can’t forget that India’s rank is 151 out of 180 countries World Press Freedom Index. The equally important is that the new coinage “Godi Media” or “Didi Media” has been widespread. If these are coupled with the advertently created momentum to pursue their own publicity, it can only cause catastrophe. It becomes rather difficult to filter out news from the camouflaging views. Hence, political rows erupt, which in turn brings political violence, triggering bloodbath.
Advices of Political Analysts
For instance, some political analysts, in a knee-jerk response to the Bihar results, have already suggested that the West Bengal BJP should project Suvendu Adhikari as its leading face and start pushing forward right away. Thus, it’s needless to ask how deeply he could analyze the result in such a short time period. He gets a wide media coverage in the evening talk shows in prime news channels, as a result, the Youtubers jump all over.
In contrast, we should not forget that Suvendu Adhikary is one of the alleged members in Narada Scam in Indian Politics. However, the opposition leaders allege BJP to be a washing machine for the scam-ridden politicians by citing the names of Hemant Viswasharma, Suvendu Adhikary, Ajit Power and a lot.
West Bengal: the beckon of Indian politics
Likewise, in West Bengal, we learn to create a storm in a teacup over politics from our college days. That’s why Bengal has produced high caliber politicians, but not political analysts. So, we never have got political strategist like Prashant Kishor (PK) or Sunil Kanugolu. Equally important is that Bengal has even failed to produce one Yogendra Yadav or Sanjay Kumar or even Suhasini Haidar. Due to such a dearth, we are to remain satisfied with Biswanath Chakraborty or Ambar Kumar Ghosh or Ranabir Samaddar. In fact, Swapan Dasgupta or Late Anil Biswas had shown their proficiency in their party politics.
Even if one looks at today’s West Bengal politicians, we will watch a high level of corruption and allegations of money laundering. This is in sharp contrast from the golden era starting from Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy till Buddhadev Bhattacharya. In contrast, the political slugfest has taken a toxic turn today, with personal jabs and verbal abuse dominating the conversation. The vendetta and hate speech have become so vibrant because of the desperation of politics without a voice of dissent. Politics, once a gentleman’s game, has now descended into gutter politics. If such a steady decline continues, consequently the parents will prohibit their children from the TV debates.
Perhaps we can conclude that the attempt to muzzle the media and indulge in horse trading has ultimately eroded political values. Such valiant attempts, regrettably, diminished the credibility of political analysts as well.
