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Introduction

A political parachutist is someone inducted into politics or high office without prior political experience, often from bureaucracy or business. Though seen as efficient, they lack the grassroots connect essential for democratic legitimacy, which comes from sustained public engagement.

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Importance of a ‘Direct Political Connect’ with the People

• Builds Understanding of People’s Needs: Long-term engagement helps leaders grasp citizens’ aspirations, and local realities crucial for sound policy.
• Ensures Democratic Legitimacy: Direct connect makes leaders accountable to voters, strengthening representation and participation.
• Enhances Policy Effectiveness: Political experience helps leaders shape expert advice according to real public needs, making governance more practical and effective.
  Eg: Parachutists may design efficient policies but lack insight into their social or political impact.
• Strengthens Party Democracy: Ground-level leaders build independent standing within parties, contributing to collective decision-making.
• Preserves the Spirit of Electoral Democracy: Politics is not just administration but representation; leaders must emerge from within the people.

Challenges in Ensuring Direct Political Connect

• Dominance of Political Elites: Party hierarchies and dynastic politics limit entry for genuine grassroots leaders.
• Rise of Parachutist Culture: Bureaucrats, businesspersons, and professionals entering politics dilute field-based political experience.
  Eg: Many former civil servants join major parties before elections, seen more as “trophies” than representatives.
• Over-Reliance on Rajya Sabha: Continuous entry through the upper house weakens leaders’ connection with the electorate.
  Eg: Parachutists prefer the Rajya Sabha route, avoiding the test of public approval.
• Media-Driven Perception Politics: Popularity through media visibility replaces field engagement as a measure of leadership.
• Centralisation of Power: Party leadership dominance leaves little space for independent grassroots voices within governance.
  Eg: Parachutists often serve as loyalists to top leaders rather than representatives of people’s aspirations.

Way Forward

• Encourage Field-Based Political Grooming: Prospective leaders, including professionals, should gain ground experience before seeking office.
  Eg: Those entering post-retirement could work locally first, contributing without seeking immediate power.
• Promote Intra-Party Democracy: Regular internal elections can help grassroots workers rise through merit, reducing dependence on parachuting.
• Reform Rajya Sabha Nomination Process: Limit consecutive terms and encourage candidates with proven public engagement.
• Recognise Experts as Advisors, Not Representatives: Professionals can contribute as consultants without bypassing the political process.
• Strengthen Public Accountability: Institutional mechanisms like citizen charters and social audits can ensure leaders stay connected to ground realities.

Conclusion

The rise of political parachutists shows a gap between expertise and public representation. While professionals add value, real political legitimacy comes from people’s trust. Strengthening grassroots politics and internal democracy is key to keeping India’s democracy genuine.

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