ACTIVISM OR POLITICS? -Soter D'Souza

The recent remark of the Union Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde that “like Bofors the coal scam will also be forgotten”may have created ripples. But there is some truth in it. Raking up scams and whipping up public emotions to rattle governments and eliminate inconvenient politicians is not new. These days, decisions made by the Government on every policy has to be made controversial and projected as a grave threat to this Nation by those in opposition who have fixed their eyes on the 2014 polls. But, are these exposures of scams and controversies on policies really going to cleanse the political system, or are they limited to merely embarrassing the rival political camp and concealing some deeper truth from the public? Will these selective exposures strengthen democracy, or are they being used to capture democratic institutions by injecting disillusionment and frustration in the public? This criticism of the current political situation is in no way intended to give a clean chit to any political party in Government by denying the existence of rampant corruption. But looking at the present politics and social activism from a people’s angle there seems to be something grossly amiss that will ensure long-term political reforms. Just a couple of days before, the priority to install a Lok Pal to eliminate corruption and recover black money in Swiss Banks were the ultimate issues for people’s movements. Overnight the focus has shifted to Coalgate and the Shah Commission Report on illegal mining, with some anti-corruption activists now focused on launching a political outfit. The Women’s Reservation Bill which has been pending in Parliament for several years, and which was in the media focus just two years ago, does not seem to be of interest anymore. The second Mahatma who had emerged at Jantar Mantar last year, to bring a second independence for this country, is no more glamorous for TV screens and is now struggling to keep his flock together. What independence can this Nation expect from an activism devoid of principles, and spiritualism? Barely eight months ago the slogan in Goa was that, ‘if you are with the Congress then you are for corruption.” Not surprisingly, now that we are in the era of parivartan governance, corruption though continuing in Goa does not appear to be a problem. So the latest spin last weekend was that, “if you are not with Justice Shah then you are with the mining lobby.” This ‘either this or nothing’ rejects any third opinion and is intended to cause a mental paralysis in the public. Issues seem to get drawn out of the cupboard and put back, depending on what and whose purpose is to be served. One wonders if what we have is activism, or are these undertakers? So, which are those genuine voices of concern and which are those that are merely meant to blackmail someone or take political mileage? Currently, it appears that principles and values are only meant for politicians. There seems to be no code of ethics that regulates activism, leave aside the absence of any ideology. It is more of the pot calling the kettle black situation. A tree being cut for road widening could be the cause for mourning before the TV cameras for some activists. But the destruction of mangroves for a state-of-the-art waste treatment plant becomes progressive development for the same activists to the extent of questioning the veracity of the ODP. Some activists are under an illusion that their running with the hare and hunting with the hound has not been observed by the public. It is simply amusing to see how those alleged to be hiring machinery and trucks for mining activity are in the forefront for gheraoing government officers to demand a ban on mining. So what inference should one draw from such doublespeak and inconsistent behaviour in activism? This is exactly why practically nothing has changed since December 2007 after all the noise to ‘Save Goa’. What is promised to be apolitical becomes political overnight. People are only incited to curse the politicians. Hardly a few are aware that once the crowds had melted away in 2007, negotiations with the government on the Regional Plan was about how the people have no right and competence to carry out spatial planning for their villages according to the 73rd Constitutional Amendment. That is exactly what the RP-2021 and the new Goa Building Regulations are all about. What more can one expect when unprincipled property dealers, land brokers and those involved in real estate, (directly or indirectly), team up as activists to ‘Save Goa’ and campaign for a people-friendly Regional Plan? With such a double role by those mingling in people’s movements, it becomes clear that it is not fair to entirely blame only politicians for the mess. The biggest threat to the people is what appears like the umbrella of the mafia having cast its shadow on civil society movements. This is because Civil Society Groups have no problems demanding transparency and accountability from politicians, but fail to set the same standards for themselves. Social activism these days is not necessarily about social reformation; it seems more about imitating politicians and corporates. This is something the people of Goa will have to bear in mind while investing their time and energy. Without social reformation the people of Goa cannot expect relief from the problems afflicting them. This social reformation will have to start at the grass-roots leading to the real decentralization of governance as provided for in the Constitution of India. This could be threatening for the urban activist who feels that the Gram Sabha should have no right over his two-thousand square metres of land in the village. Here lies the contradiction between cosmetic noises over development issues and the commitment for bringing about real empowerment of the people and communities. Unfortunately, the ‘soul-force’ which Mahatma Gandhi advocated is terribly missing in today’s social movements. Published in Herald, 24th September 2012 http://www.heraldgoa.in/newscategory/Opinions/14