The PDP’s Gamble

By Dr. Tanveer Ahmad Khan 

In the ever-evolving landscape of Indian politics, the phenomenon of political candidates switching parties for personal gain has become a cyclical theme. This trend, often referred to as the “Aaya Ram Gaya Ram” syndrome, highlights the lack of ideological commitment among politicians and the opportunistic nature of party politics. The phrase, coined in the 1960s after a Haryana MLA, Gaya Lal, switched parties multiple times in a single day, has become synonymous with political defections. Today, this practice is not only normalised but also accommodated by political parties, often at the cost of democratic principles and public trust. The recent efforts by the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Jammu and Kashmir to allegedly bring back defectors to revive its diminishing fortunes is a case in point, raising critical questions about the ethics of such practices and the role of voters in holding politicians accountable.

The Aaya Ram Gaya Ram Syndrome in Modern Politics

The Aaya Ram Gaya Ram culture reflects a deeper malaise in Indian politics: the erosion of ideological integrity. Political parties, once defined by their distinct ideologies and visions for society, have increasingly become vehicles for power consolidation rather than instruments of change. In this environment, politicians often prioritise personal interests—such as securing ministerial positions, avoiding legal troubles, or gaining financial benefits—over the interests of their constituents. This has led to a situation where party-hopping is not only accepted but also rewarded. Modern party politics has further institutionalised this trend. Parties, desperate to expand their influence or secure a majority, often welcome defectors with open arms, offering them lucrative positions and tickets to contest elections. This transactional approach undermines the democratic process, as it reduces politics to a game of numbers rather than a contest of ideas. The recent defections in states like Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Karnataka are stark reminders of how party loyalty has become a casualty in the pursuit of power.

The PDP’s Revival Strategy: A Case Study

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Jammu and Kashmir provides a fascinating example of how parties are attempting to revive their fortunes by re-inducting defectors. Once a dominant force in the region, the PDP has seen a significant decline in its influence following the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019 and the subsequent political realignments. Besides the defeat and diminish in recent election results in the region. In a bid to reclaim its lost glory, the party has been allegedly actively reaching out to leaders who had previously left its ranks especially in south Kashmir.

While this strategy may seem pragmatic from a party perspective, it raises serious ethical concerns. Many of these returning leaders had abandoned the PDP during its most challenging times, often joining rival parties or forming new alliances like Jammu Kashmir Apni Party (JKAP) formed by Syed Altaf Bukhari in 2020 and his associates mainly from PDP. By welcoming them back, the PDP risks sending a message that loyalty and ideological commitment are negotiable especially the finger might be raised towards the Wahid Rehman Para who talks more about the commitments and principles in politics. This approach not only undermines the party’s credibility but also alienates its core supporters, who may view such moves as a betrayal of the party’s founding principles.

The Role of Voters: Holding Politicians Accountable

The Aaya Ram Gaya Ram culture thrives because of the lack of accountability in the political system. Voters, disillusioned by the constant defections and the absence of meaningful change, often feel powerless to influence the behavior of their elected representatives. However, the power to curb this trend ultimately lies with the electorate. Voters must recognise that their ballots are not just a means to elect representatives but also a tool to hold them accountable. In the coming years, voters must critically examine the track records of candidates and parties before casting their votes. Politicians who switch parties for personal gain should be shown the door, as their actions demonstrate a lack of commitment to the people they represent. Similarly, parties that accommodate such defectors must be held accountable for undermining democratic norms. By rejecting opportunistic politicians and parties, voters can send a strong message that integrity and accountability are non-negotiable in a democracy.

The Need for Systemic Reforms

While voter awareness is crucial, systemic reforms are equally important to address the root causes of the Aaya Ram Gaya Ram syndrome. The Anti-Defection Law, enacted in 1985 to curb party-hopping, has proven ineffective in achieving its objectives. Loopholes in the law, such as the provision allowing defections if one-third of a party’s legislators switch sides, have been exploited by politicians to engineer mass defections without facing disqualification.

To strengthen the law, amendments must be introduced to close these loopholes and ensure that defectors are automatically disqualified from holding public office. Additionally, political parties must adopt stricter internal mechanisms to promote ideological discipline and discourage opportunistic behavior. Transparency in candidate selection and party funding can also help reduce the influence of money and power in politics.

Conclusion: Restoring Faith in Democracy

The Aaya Ram Gaya Ram culture is a symptom of a deeper crisis in Indian democracy. It reflects the growing disconnect between politicians and the people they represent, as well as the erosion of ideological integrity in party politics. While parties like the PDP may see short-term gains in re-inducting defectors, such strategies ultimately undermine public trust and weaken the democratic process.

Voters have a critical role to play in reversing this trend. By rejecting opportunistic politicians and parties, they can demand greater accountability and integrity in public life. At the same time, systemic reforms are needed to address the structural issues that enable party-hopping and undermine democratic norms. Only by restoring faith in the political process can India hope to build a democracy that truly serves the interests of its people. The time has come for voters to show the door to those who prefer personal gain over public service, and for parties to rediscover their ideological roots. The future of Indian democracy depends on it.

Views expressed in the article are the author’s own and do not necessarily represent the editorial stance of Kashmir Observer

• The author is an independent researcher and geopolitical analyst                                   

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