caricature

Politicians ( misunderstood mortals )

Simple people – alien to five star culture, be it hotels, cars or dress – more comfortable in their traditional dress, food and talking to their ilk, be it from the same party as that of his or from the opposition party – antennas finely tuned to earth level : what will appeal to voters, to party-men, to Prime Minister / leader of the party / dadas in the party - unlike the pundits ( economists / journalists / thinkers / bureaucracy ) Ministers know what makes people happy and that is goodies, irrespective of whether it is justified or that giving goodies will cost nation or economy – knows that visibility is important - even notoriety is a preferred choice than obscurity – has a love hate relationship with bureaucracy - has always difficulty in delineating party and Government work or interests - does not differentiate between own money and Government money while spending for self and family - is interested in economic development but would prefer if it is happening in his constituency or in his State atleast – extremely caste and regional conscious - has never been able to understand the hue and cry about nepotism - keep the wife in purdah – allow state machinery to be (mis)used by sons – exonerates mistakes of children – firmly believes in Indian tradition of helping ( even at the cost of the State )extended family members - would swear by patriotism, party, poor but seldom gives thought what such commitments mean – generally for private capitalism in private and public sector publicly ( milching public sector is only possible while holding position whereas private sector will continue to be munificent so long as one has influence and power with the Government - has a problem in distinguishing collection of funds for party and self - believes in family





planning so far as its applicability to poor is concerned but not to self – with commendable trait of being at ease whether in office or not in office – and so believes in karma - understands problems of poverty and ignorance and illiteracy – shuns western concepts and living styles – firmly believes that only politicians and not other classes who can improve the country – has great trepidation in dealing with party members opposed to him than opposition party members – never at a loss of words in speaking or advising on any subject ranging from oceanography to smuggling.

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