In an era where political integrity is under intense scrutiny, the concept of value-based politics has gained significant traction. Prioritizing ethical principles, integrity, and the greater good, value-based politics envisions political parties and leaders aligning their actions with these values to maintain public trust and uphold democracy. In the Indian context, political parties must implement a range of values to foster a healthy and vibrant democracy.
Integrity
Integrity stands as an essential virtue of value-based politics. Political parties should demonstrate unwavering integrity, adhering to ethical standards and upholding the rule of law. This includes transparency in financial dealings, accountability to the electorate, and a commitment to combating corruption at all levels. It is well-documented that political parties often avail opaque funding, accepting donations from undisclosed sources and hiding financial transactions. A recent example is the case of Electoral Bonds, declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court of India.
Additionally, it has become increasingly common for candidates to shift parties after winning elections, betraying voters who supported them based on their original party’s ideology. Political parties frequently make grand promises before elections, only to abandon them later, sometimes dismissing them as mere rhetoric or “jumla.” For instance, the unfulfilled promises of ₹15 lakhs in every account and 2 crore jobs have been notable. A party with values will always strive to fulfill the promises it makes.
Democratic Principles
Upholding democratic principles is fundamental to the functioning of India’s democratic system. Political parties should respect the principles of free and fair elections, protect the rights of opposition parties, promote civic engagement, and foster a culture of dialogue, debate, and consensus-building in governance. Recently, international organizations like V-Dem, Freedom House, and The Economist Intelligence Unit have downgraded Indian democracy, labeling it a “flawed democracy,”“electoral autocracy,” and “partially free democracy.”
During the Winter Session in December 2023, a record 146 MPs were suspended from both houses on allegations of unruly conduct, marking the highest number of suspensions in a single session in the history of Parliament. This incident underscores the growing dishonesty and undemocratic atmosphere in the political landscape. Similarly, several bills have been passed in Parliament with little or no satisfactory discussion.
Secular Values
India’s secular fabric, enshrined in its Constitution, guarantees equal treatment and respect for all religions. Value-based political parties must refrain from promoting religious discrimination or sectarian agendas and must safeguard the secular character of the country. Actions by the ruling party, such as leaders publicly declaring their intent to restructure India as a Hindu nation and laws threatening minorities with detention and eviction, have been seen as breaches of secular values.
The Prime Minister’s participation in the consecration of the temple in Ayodhya, built on the site of the Babri Mosque demolished in 1992, is another instance undermining the secular nature of the country.
Inclusivity
Embracing diversity and inclusivity is essential for a pluralistic society like India. Political parties should strive to represent and empower marginalized communities, including religious minorities, Dalits, Adivasis, and women, ensuring their voices are heard and their rights protected. The passing of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) is a glaring example of non-inclusivity, as it segregates people along religious lines. Congress leader Shashi Tharoor noted, “Inclusivity and acceptance were fundamental to the powerful ideas that (Mahatma) Gandhi introduced to the world. Sadly, it is clear that the BJP has proven itself to be far removed from that legacy of Gandhi.” The Prime Minister’s controversial statements regarding Muslims have further fueled concerns about inclusivity.
Social Justice
Social justice involves the fair distribution of wealth, opportunities, and privileges within a society, signifying equal treatment of all citizens without any social distinction. Despite 75 years of independence, social inequality remains a crucial issue in Indian society. According to the Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) released by the Planning Commission, approximately 14.96% of India’s population is considered to be in a state of multifaceted poverty. Basic amenities like electricity, drinking water, and toilet facilities are still lacking, particularly in rural areas. Caste prejudices and ongoing discrimination against lower castes and minorities threaten social stability and peace.
Human Rights
Respect for human rights is non-negotiable in a democratic society. The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) reported 5,605 cases of human rights violations up to April this year. Dalits, Tribals, and religious minorities frequently face denials of their human and civil rights.
Authorities have intensified efforts to silence civil society activists and independent journalists through politically motivated criminal charges, including terrorism. Anti-conversion laws have been misused to target Christians, especially those from Dalit and Adivasi communities.
The early release of 11 men sentenced to life in prison for gang rape and murder during the 2002 anti-Muslim riots, approved by the government and celebrated by communal organizations, highlights the ongoing human rights challenges.
Good Governance
Effective and accountable governance is crucial for delivering public services, promoting economic growth, and ensuring the well-being of citizens. Corruption and the lack of accountability in Indian politics and bureaucracy are deeply entrenched. Political parties must prioritize good governance practices such as transparency, efficiency, responsiveness, and citizen engagement to foster trust and confidence in the democratic process.
Influence of Money in Elections
Modern election campaigns are heavily influenced by money, with deep-pocketed donors, corporations, and interest groups pouring substantial funds into political campaigns. This financial influx can compromise the integrity of political actors, leading to decisions driven by financial interests rather than public welfare. Candidates relying on large donations may prioritize donor concerns over those of ordinary citizens, shaping policies to favor corporate interests and risking the integrity of the democratic process.
Criminalization of Politics
A disturbing trend in Indian politics is the endorsement of candidates with criminal backgrounds. Political parties often support individuals facing serious criminal charges, including corruption, violence, and fraud.
This pursuit of power and exploitation of criminal networks undermines public trust. The normalization of criminality within political circles erodes the very essence of democracy.
Hypocrisy in Gender Equality Discourse
Despite rhetoric on women’s rights, political parties often field candidates accused of gender-based violence or harassment. This hypocrisy undermines genuine efforts to combat gender inequality. When parties fail to hold perpetrators accountable, they perpetuate a culture of impunity, rendering women’s rights mere talking points devoid of meaningful action.
The challenges to value-based politics in India stem from weak regulatory frameworks, undue influence from corporate entities, and systemic deficiencies in the electoral process. These loopholes are exploited by political elites, compromising integrity for personal gain and undermining transparency and accountability. Upholding integrity in politics requires resisting undue pressure and prioritizing citizens’ welfare over narrow self-interests.
It is incumbent upon citizens, civil society organizations, and political stakeholders to demand transparency, accountability, and ethical conduct from their representatives. As India grapples with these challenges, it is crucial to recommit to value-based politics, forging a more just and equitable society through collective action and unwavering adherence to democratic principles.
[Dr. M. Iqbal Siddiqui is Assistant Secretary, Jamaat-e-Islami Hind]