http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/what-development-for-whom/article5979241.ece
Currently in India there is a heated election for prime minister. On one hand is the BJP's candidate Narendra Modi the Chief Minister of Gujarat and on the other is the Congress Party's Candidate Rahul Gandhi. The Congress party that has been in power for more time has come to be seen as incompetent, corrupt, weak and focused on vote bank politics. The BJP has come to be seen as less corrupt and far more competent but also more polarizing especially amongst minorities particularly Muslims. A central topic in this debate is development particularly because of Modi's track record of economic growth in Gujrat. However, in this article the author points out how the debate on development lacks depth. He lists various aspects that have not been included in the debate like participation of local groups, inclusive policies and how development is viewed. The author claims because of this election cycles highly polarizing campaigns the divisions in India's societies along caste, gender and religion are coming to head. And all these divisions in society will translate to ultimately failed development policy because how can there be inclusive policies and enhanced participation of marginalized groups when people in these highly segmented groups see the government through such strongly held and divisive opinions. This article is so relevant to me because of the political and cultural climate into which I will enter when I go to Mumbai for my PE. It has also reminded me to take into consideration how inclusive and participatory my own PE is when approaching people along these divisions.
I will also be going to India this summer and I am really excited to be in the country during such an interesting political period. I really want to hear what people have to say about the candidates.
ReplyDeleteI was in Mexico during the election and it was really interesting. Although the local people knew how corrupted the candidate were, there was a feeling of hopelessness with the "democratic" election process.