Aristotle, in his seminal work Politics, argued that the middle class is best suited to hold significant influence in governance. His reasoning was simple yet profound: the middle class, being neither excessively wealthy nor desperately poor, understands the virtues of moderation and the challenges of balance. In today’s context, this philosophy resonates deeply with India’s socio-political fabric. The middle class, comprising millions of hardworking individuals, earns in India, invests in India, and pays taxes in India. They have the most significant stake in the functioning of the nation’s systems. If the country were to collapse, the poor would lose little as they already have minimal assets, and the rich would move their wealth offshore. But the middle class would be left to bear the brunt of such a catastrophe. This stark reality raises a pertinent question: should those with the most at stake not have a greater role in running the system?
The Role of Rajya Sabha Ministers in Governance
In India’s parliamentary democracy, the Rajya Sabha, or the Council of States, serves as the upper house. While it plays a crucial role in the legislative process, it also acts as a platform for seasoned individuals, often experts in their fields, to contribute to governance without being directly elected by the populace. However, this structure has a significant downside when Rajya Sabha members become ministers.
Unlike Lok Sabha MPs, who are directly elected and accountable to their constituents, Rajya Sabha members often lack the direct connect with the public. This disconnect is starkly visible when comparing the houses of a Lok Sabha MP and a Rajya Sabha minister. The former’s residence is often bustling with constituents seeking redressal for their grievances. In contrast, the latter’s residence may exude an aura of exclusivity, rarely visited by the general public. This detachment can result in a lack of accountability and a perception that such ministers are mere extensions of their party leadership, executing directives without the burden of public scrutiny.
While some ministers from Rajya Sabha are criticized for their deplorable Performances, most of them do not even exist in the minds of the critics because of their deplorable non-performances.
Ministers Who Embody Deplorable Performances
Some of the most prominent and controversial ministers today hail from the Rajya Sabha. Their roles often spark debates about their effectiveness and independence:
Nirmala Sitharaman, the Tax Minister of India
Nirmala Sitharaman has garnered the dubious reputation of being India’s “Tax” Minister, a moniker reflecting her administration’s relentless pursuit of revenue at the expense of the country’s middle class. Under her stewardship, taxation policies have seemingly prioritized fiscal targets over public welfare, burdening the backbone of India’s economy with an ever-growing share of the financial strain. The implementation of a convoluted GST system has left small businesses struggling to comply while skyrocketing fuel taxes—masked as necessary reforms—have driven up the cost of living for millions.
Her policies have consistently drawn criticism for their perceived bias towards large corporations, offering them tax cuts and concessions while leaving ordinary citizens to shoulder the weight of economic mismanagement. This lopsided approach has deepened the wealth divide, undermining the government’s narrative of inclusive growth.
Furthermore, Sitharaman’s detachment from ground realities has fueled discontent, as her rhetoric often fails to resonate with the struggles of everyday Indians. By focusing on balancing spreadsheets rather than addressing pressing economic concerns, she risks alienating the very citizens whose trust is essential for a thriving democracy. Her tenure stands as a stark reminder of the dangers of governance that prioritizes numbers over people, leaving India’s middle-class feeling exploited and undervalued.
As the Union Finance Minister, Nirmala Sitharaman’s policies have been criticized for disproportionately affecting the middle class. From increased taxation burdens to policies perceived as favouring corporates, many argue that her tenure has strained the very class that forms the backbone of the economy. However, it is essential to view her position in the context of her Rajya Sabha membership. Without a direct electoral mandate, her policies may reflect the priorities of the party leadership rather than the electorate.
S. Jaishankar, The Minister of Sigma Affairs: S. Jaishankar, is a distinguished diplomat-turned-politician. His expertise in foreign affairs is undeniable, but his Rajya Sabha membership raises questions about his accountability for his actions. While his achievements on the international stage were laudable till his first tenure, his second tenure as the external affairs minister has not shown any such results. Almost all our neighbours have a bitter relationship with our country today. Age-old friend nations are now sitting on China’s lap. He performs extremely well only in the Reels posted by the supporters of BJP where he is always seen to throw fire cannons from his eyes with a sigma male background music. He has completely surrendered before the “All Publicity – No Performance” attitude of his political masters. The absence of direct electoral pressure is directing his focus to align more with strategic objectives than with the public’s immediate concerns.
Ashwini Vaishnaw, the Reel Minister of India: Ashwini Vaishnaw, often hailed as a technocrat with a diverse portfolio, has garnered significant attention as India’s Minister of Railways, Communications, and Electronics & Information Technology. However, his overemphasis on optics and digital narratives earned him the moniker of the “Reel” Minister. While he excels in creating a polished image through social media campaigns and digital initiatives, his actual performance on the ground leaves much to be desired.
Vaishnaw has been proactive in showcasing modernized train designs, station redevelopments, and cutting-edge technological projects through carefully curated social media posts. However, these initiatives often fail to translate into tangible improvements for the common traveller due to an over-emphasis on optics and optics only. Despite the glamorized presentations of “world-class stations” and “bullet trains,” the realities of overcrowded trains, frequent delays, and poor maintenance of existing railway infrastructure persist. The gap between promises and ground realities highlights a tendency to prioritize appearance over substance. Core issues like safety and basic amenities for passengers remain neglected. Derailments and accidents continue to plague the railway system, raising questions about whether the focus on luxury projects is coming at the cost of addressing fundamental problems. The “Vande Bharat” trains, though technologically advanced, are inaccessible to many due to high ticket prices, leaving a significant portion of India’s population underserved.
As the minister overseeing communications and IT, Vaishnaw has been instrumental in pushing the Digital India agenda. However, several of his initiatives have faced criticism for poor execution. For instance, the rollout of 5G technology has been criticized for prioritizing rapid deployment over addressing infrastructural bottlenecks and affordability issues for consumers. Similarly, the lack of robust cybersecurity measures has raised concerns about data privacy and protection under his watch.
Bureaucratic Aloofness
Rajya Sabha MPs lack direct electoral accountability, which contributes to the disconnect from grassroots realities. Their policymaking is often influenced by party directives rather than genuine public needs. This detachment becomes evident in decisions that prioritize elite segments of society while ignoring the needs of the common man.
The Puppet Problem
The crux of the issue lies in the nature of Rajya Sabha ministers’ dependence on their party leadership. Unlike Lok Sabha MPs, who must constantly engage with their constituents to secure re-election, Rajya Sabha members often owe their positions to party nominations. This dynamic creates a potential for ministers to act as “puppets” of their party leaders, prioritizing party agendas over public welfare.
This dependency is not inherently their fault. The system’s design, which allows unelected individuals to hold ministerial positions, creates an environment where loyalty to the party becomes a survival strategy. Consequently, policies and decisions may reflect the priorities of a select few rather than the broader public interest.
The Middle Class: A Case for Greater Representation
Given the middle class’s pivotal role in sustaining the nation’s economy and governance, their underrepresentation in decision-making is a glaring anomaly. Aristotle’s vision of a governance structure dominated by the middle class underscores the need for a system where those with the most at stake have the most significant influence.
India’s middle class is not just a tax-paying demographic; they are entrepreneurs, professionals, educators, and workers who drive the nation’s progress. Their unique position equips them with a balanced perspective—they understand the aspirations of the poor and the responsibilities of the wealthy. Their inclusion in governance could bridge the gap between policy formulation and ground realities.
A Path Forward
To address the issues stemming from the current system, several steps can be considered:
- Increased Accountability for Rajya Sabha Ministers Introducing mechanisms to ensure greater accountability of Rajya Sabha ministers to the public could mitigate the “puppet” problem. Regular public consultations and transparent reporting of their activities could bridge the gap between them and the electorate.
- Enhanced Role for the Middle Class in Governance Encouraging greater participation of middle-class individuals in politics, either through direct elections or advisory roles, could ensure that their interests are adequately represented.
- Reforming the Rajya Sabha Nomination Process Ensuring that nominations to the Rajya Sabha are merit-based and reflect diverse societal interests could reduce the concentration of power within the party leadership.
- Strengthening Local Governance Empowering local governance structures can provide a platform for middle-class representation, ensuring their voices are heard in policy-making.
India’s middle class is its backbone, and their stake in the nation’s functioning makes them ideal candidates for greater involvement in governance. While Rajya Sabha ministers like Nirmala Sitharaman, S. Jaishankar, and Ashwini Vaishnaw bring expertise to their roles, the systemic issues of accountability and representation cannot be ignored. By revisiting Aristotle’s insights and aligning governance structures with the middle class’s interests, India can build a more inclusive and effective political community. After all, a nation’s strength lies in empowering those who have the most to lose and the most to contribute.
