Indians like to wash their dirty linen in public. This of course is put forward as a perquisite of democracy. The common argument is that watchdogs need to clean up the dirty acts of our fellowmen. If someone buys a billion dollars’ property in any other country, then it makes us sing praises for that nation’s prosperity. When in Sri Lanka some restaurant serves super-expensive desserts, our eyes sparkle with greed and admiration. But when in Mumbai a 2000 sq. feet flat sells for Rs 34 crore, Times of India goes ballistic. Spacious arguments are used to subtly point out the disparities between the rich and the poor and the creation of a new oligarchy. In short, India’s very democratic nature is questioned. The paper goes on to compare and contrast the fortunes of the ordinary Indian vis a vis our politicians. The privileges of the corrupt are sufficient basis for questioning India’s motives in decrying Pakistan’s dictatorships.

These arguments demand analyses. This is necessary to understand how a democracy functions.

a) Land price is a function of demand. Mumbai has become the hub for the nation’s business and equity markets. The job markets are booming there. So it is natural that real estate will be sold for a premium there. The very fact that price controls are not in place shows the functioning of a healthy economic democracy. It is unfortunate that may people cannot afford those prices but then they should be looking for places which they can afford. How does this comment on our democracy? Is the US less democratic for having a Silicon Valley? Everyone cannot stay there? In a democratic system there is always an efforts-rewards trade-off occurring. The democratic market is competitive by its very nature.

b) Politicians in our country are not well paid. This is one of the reasons why they demand more perks and cash rewards. Corruption in high places is so high here because the Centre does not have any process in place where politicians are well compensated and result-yielding leaders rewarded. Moreover, undemocratic and non-secular nations too have corruption. The very removal of democracy is corruption. India is corrupt so far or as less as any other democratic nation. Thus, this unequal sharing of resources between the common man and our leaders is not representative of any dilution of our democratic matrix.

India stands firm in spite of the external forces which provoke internal insurgents. We are a unique nation following the path of Dharma and democratic governance. The print media often does disservice by showing India in a bad light. Is it may be that journalists are scared of criticizing rabid fundamentalists? India is a soft target.

Via: Times of India

Image: THP