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 ----- 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? ------ 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 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism