Politics was an offshoot of the civilization when people lived together with a king or leader. It was also a necessity to protect their territory and livelihood. What started as a tool of the administration became the source of power during the latter part of history. In some regions of the world, the religions influenced the political decisions. Of late, many outfits have entered the arena, each claiming their ideologies to be superior. Though the methods have changed, the purpose remains the same; to serve the people and satisfy selfish motives. The modern politics have varied hues affecting us. The major impacts are highlighted here.
Freedom. The exploitation, suppression, and misdeeds of the dynasties and empires, led to the uprisings, revolutions, and the necessity for self-rule. The consciousness for civil rights and the emergence of political groups strengthened the desire for independence from the alien rulers. The classic example for this is the Indian freedom movement spearheaded by Indian National Congress. Many nations secured their freedom by the political method only.
Protection of workers' rights is ensured by the pressure and agitation tactics of the trade unions and the political parties. Several long pending issues were settled though belatedly with the help of politics. The observation of Workers day on the first day of May every year points to the degree of achievement by the politics. The measures against exploitation, child labor, health hazards, and retrenchment are noteworthy.
Source of employment. In the absence of suitable jobs and alternate opportunities, many unemployed and under-employed have taken to the politics as their permanent means of livelihood. With perseverance and hard work, some reached the corridors of powers and tasted success, while some earned wealth through the follies and fluke.
Hereditary claim. Dynastic trends continue as the leaders desire to run the parties by appointing their children and grandchildren. This attitude is borne from the lust for power and money, and not for the sake of public welfare. Though these leaders preach democracy for others, they want to retain the party's control. The one raising voice against the leadership has to either face expulsion or personal intimidation.
Ground for revenge. Opponents form an alliance to topple the common enemy. Those expelled from the old party and suffered humiliation float the new groups or join the opposite group to avenge the rivals. Sometimes, even the factions within a party emerge out of ego and other interests.
Relationships fail. Family members join two political parties. To gain an upper hand, each employs different games and end up in personal enmity and partition of family. The youngest of the brothers used to liberally give gifts and support to the kids of the brothers and sisters, but later claimed the ownership of his mother's property, though the same was acquired with the earnings of the eldest brother.
Business loss. To win the votes, politicians jeopardize the national economy by announcing populist measures like freebies, loan waivers, concessions, and dilution of rules and systems. Public money and enterprises are the main victims of such bad politics.
Boost for indiscipline. Leaders set the example. The mistakes and motives of many politicians have encouraged the lower ranks and the members of the society to pursue the same. Corruption and other forms of misdeeds are rampant all over the world.
Good politicians strive for the welfare of the land they belong to. Though possessed of charisma and indisputable powers, they do not seek any favors or fame. Mahatma Gandhi steered India to get the independence, but he did not wish any post or power in the government of that country. Unless the leaders keep the national interest as their top priority, all the efforts to cleanse the politics will go in vain.
