We do not intend to encroach the domain held firmly by the pedagogue when we attempt to deal with, the 'in spite of' aspect in politics—we are not dabbling in any discussion about the grammatical problem. Our concern is only to place before the public, a peculiar aspect to be detected in the politics of today—we might even call it puzzling. And unless we analyse the truth behind this aspect, we are apt to get confused and even bewildered.

It is usual and logical to argue, because of such and such reason or cause or factor, such and such a thing has happened. That is understandable and ninety out of a hundred would certainly view problems in that way alone.

If it is stated, that because of increased production, prices have come down, the lay man understands it quite well. If it is pointed out that because of vast sums of money sunk in new projects, there is all-round prosperity, the ordinary or average man or woman, is able to understand and even appreciate.

But, if one analyses the politics of today, one would be dismayed to find that the term, 'because of' is not used as much as the other term, 'in spite of'. Therein lies the peculiarity in present day politics.

In spite of increased production, prices are rising up.

In spite of the fact that thousands of crores of rupees have been spent, the unemployment situation has not improved.

In spite of heavy and even crushing taxation, there is deficit financing.

In spite of the best efforts, our export trade has not improved.

In spite of frantic efforts, emotional integration has not been achieved.

In spite of sonorous talks about the Socialistic pattern, the growth of the power of the plutocrats has not been checked or brought under control.

In spite of vigilance, corruption has not been rooted out.

In spite of our talks on peace and good-will and the principle of co-existence, we are not prepared to cut down the military expenditure to any appreciable degree.

In spite of colossal dams and irrigation projects, the food front presents a dismal picture.

Of course, while the average man is naturally bewildered, the rulers come forward with explanations and exhortations.

That but shows their anxiety to keep the people in good spirits—nothing but that.

And to assume that their explanations have been accepted by the people, and to conclude that the people have been convinced and satisfied, is to commit a blunder and the rulers persist in committing such blunders.

Till this kind of peculiarity in our politics is eliminated or at least minimised, there is going to be no lasting and satisfactory solution for the problems facing the country. And to achieve that, the rulers should give up the habit of relying on their ability to explain away problems, cajoling critics, or beating them down with the cudgel. That could but postpone the evil day.

But we find ministers at the Centre and the States, relying on the art of hoodwinking the public and bludgeoning the critic. They think that, by that process, they are beating down the opposition and forget, that the malady becomes more and more acute.

Assured of a road-roller majority, and armed with a sympathetic press, they could afford to pooh-pooh the opposition—but is it prudent to ignore the problems as well? That is dangerous. Let them by all means enjoy the delights they get by being the bravados, but let them not imagine, that all is quiet on the people's front.

The moment some scheme of theirs is criticised, they jump up to admonish.

If they are able to point out the untenability of the criticism, they are serving democracy well. But that is not what they do. They but brush aside the entire criticism, by some sweeping statement or scathing attack, or presenting sweet shibboleths.

This trend could be discerned, in all the speeches delivered by those in power, at the Centre and the States.

In fact, the ministers of our State go to the length of saying, that they are 'itching for contest', but find the opposition, weak, uninformed, and ill-organised.

Such talk is sweet stuff for the party rally—none doubts—but to indulge in such talks alone, without succeeding in alleviating the distress of the masses, is dangerous.

"But our position is not at all dangerous, look at the results of elections! We contest, we win!"—So argue the top-men.

Who knows not the fact, that today the Congress party is in possession of a powerful electioneering machinery, built laboriously and at a great cost?

Who knows not the other important fact, that the vested interests in all walks of life, support the Congress during these elections, knowing full well that the Congress is their last sheet anchor?

Who knows not the other factor also, that an impoverished mass is apt to fall an easy and even willing prey, to the silver scattered during the elections?

Who knows not the fact, that the Congress takes up the role of a geisha, during election time, and ropes in all and sundry, unmindful of the fact, that there is no common bond between the new entrants and the Congress?

Who knows not, that on analysis of the list of Congress candidates, anybody could point out, black-marketeers, usurers, contractors, business magnates, and even ex-abkari contractors? There are any number of Congress candidates, who are donning on Khadi for the first time in their life! There are still others, who find it easier to hire the Congress for their purpose, rather than oppose it at the polls. The Congress has decided to keep up its position, by hook or crook. Unholy combinations, ill-assorted groupings, and such other awkward arrangements are made, just for registering a victory at the polls.

No party sure of its hold over the masses, would rush forward to enjoy the embraces of the power-lusty lords! As in the case of individuals, so in the case of institutions; there is what is termed as 'chastity'. The Congress presents with pleasure a long list of victories —here, there, everywhere, we have won! —but in that long list, how many are real, Congressmen and how many are 'market-stuff?'

And how many, are in their hour of victory not jubilant, but care worn—the cost of victory has not been light. And for how long are they going to keep the show going—day after day it is becoming more and more difficult, and costly!

The Congress today registers victory at the polls, in much the same way, as the businessman clears the goods from the godown, utilising the over-drafts! That cannot be a permanent and fruitful arrangement.
And the Congress party and those who walk into its parlour during election time, are going to get the bitter lesson, for, the democratic forces are determined to fight the Congress on all fronts, and at every step, till exhausted and exposed, the Congress lays down its arms. But, for that day to arrive, the leftist forces should function undaunted, and unmindful of the odds against them. They should go on educating the masses, perfecting the electioneering machinery.

They should not shirk the responsibility of championing the cause of the people—even while the people falling a prey to machinations and mercenaries, have not sided the democratic forces. The task is tremendous, but imperative, for, if a party aims at establishing its power, not by presenting solid results but by mustering strength during election times, democratic forces, should rush up to check it; if not democracy itself would be debased and discredited.

And it is with this object, that the D.M.K., puts up a determined fight against the Congress on all fronts, unmindful of consequences.

(Editorial - 15-03-1959)