In India, politics is frequently seen as a battlefield where ideologies collide, laws are discussed, and the country’s destiny is decided. Beneath this utopian façade, nevertheless, comes a sharp reality: the contradiction between ground politics and intellectual politics. While ground politics is frequently entangled in pragmatism, identity-based rhetoric, and populism, intellectual politics reflects lofty goals and well-informed discussions. It is imperative that this theory-practice gap be closed if India’s democracy is to survive.
In its perfect state, intellectual politics is defined by rational discussion, evidence-based policymaking, and a dedication to the common good. Here, political players participate in insightful discussions that tackle difficult social issues by utilizing a range of viewpoints and specialties. The talks that take place in the Indian parliament on a variety of topics, ranging from social reforms to economic policies, serve as one such example. These discussion boards provide a venue for policy development and intellectual interaction, despite partisanship and occasional interruptions.
But these high principles are frequently abandoned when discussions turn from academic to practical politics. Motivated by electoral concerns and populist inclinations, ground politics frequently prioritizes identity politics and immediate benefits over in-depth policy talks. The use of caste-based mobilization in elections is one conspicuous example. Rather than addressing the underlying causes of socioeconomic inequality, political parties frequently utilize caste identities to win over votes by promising reservations or preferential treatment.
Moreover, the divide between ground politics and academic politics has been made worse by the growth of populism. Populist politicians frequently take advantage of the anxieties and complaints of the populace, using language that divides people and easy fixes to gain support. Instead of having thoughtful conversations on border security and refugee rights, political leaders in Assam, for example, have used the divisive topic of illegal immigration to inflame tensions and divide communities.
The execution of policies is another area where the divide between ground politics and intellectual politics is evident. Even with well-meaning policies, bureaucratic inefficiency, corruption, and a lack of political will frequently prevent them from being translated into concrete results. Consider the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, a comprehensive initiative designed to attain universal coverage of sanitation. Even though the project received a lot of support and media coverage, obstacles like poor infrastructure, behavioral shifts, and grassroots accountability systems have hindered its progress.
It is not impossible to bridge the gap between grassroots politics and intellectual politics, nevertheless. A number of programmes and actions can support the development of a more responsible and responsive political system and aid in bridging theory and practice.
First and foremost, voters need to be more civically engaged and politically literate. We can close the divide between academic politics and real-world politics by giving individuals the means to assess political speech critically and hold elected officials responsible. Voter education campaigns, civic forums, and participatory governance procedures are examples of initiatives that can significantly contribute to the improvement of political accountability and awareness.
Second, political players need to show that they are sincerely committed to moral leadership and sound government. Politicians may close the gap between words and deeds by espousing openness, accountability, and inclusion; they can also prioritize the public interest above party benefits. Furthermore, encouraging a climate of communication and consensus-building can aid in bridging ideological gaps and open the door for workable answers to difficult problems. Moreover I’m writing this article before 2024 general elections in which NDA vs INDIA is going in our country and I hope this time more intellectual minds wins so they can discuss real issues in biggest panchayat of India which is Lok Sabha.
In conclusion, the health and vitality of India’s democracy depend on bridging the gap between grassroots politics and intellectual politics. India can effectively negotiate the complexity of its political terrain and fulfill the ambitions of its varied populace by promoting ethical leadership, informed citizenry, and inclusive government. India would never be able to fully realize its democratic potential until massive efforts are made to close this gap.