Are India’s Leaders Guided by Service or Self-Interest?

Key Highlights

1. Public Perception: A 2025 Pew Research study revealed that 63% of Indians believe their leaders prioritize personal and party agendas over national interests.
2. Historical Inspiration: Figures like Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar embodied service-oriented leadership, contrasting sharply with modern power-centric politics.
3. Call for Change: As socio-economic challenges mount, India’s citizens are demanding leaders who prioritize long-term progress over short-term political gains.

Introduction

The intentions driving political leadership have always been a subject of scrutiny. Are our leaders driven by a genuine desire to serve the people, or do they seek power for personal gain? In a complex democracy like India, where governance intersects with diversity, inequality, and global challenges, understanding the motivations behind political actions is crucial. As the nation navigates pressing issues like climate change, economic disparities, and social polarization, the question of leadership intent becomes more relevant than ever.

The Dual Nature of Political Intentions

1. Leadership as a Force for Service

• Historical Examples:
  • Mahatma Gandhi: Gandhi’s commitment to non-violence and self-reliance showcased a leader driven by ethical governance and societal upliftment.
  • Dr. B.R. Ambedkar: Ambedkar’s focus on constitutional reforms and social justice highlighted service-driven leadership that aimed to dismantle systemic inequalities.
• Modern Parallels:
  • Leaders like Odisha’s Naveen Patnaik, with his focus on disaster management and grassroots development, demonstrate how service-oriented intentions can address community needs effectively.

2. Leadership as a Quest for Power

• Populism and Identity Politics:
  • Campaigns focusing on caste, religion, and regional identities often prioritize electoral victories over developmental goals.
  • Policies like farm loan waivers and short-term subsidies, while popular, fail to address systemic issues.
• Power Consolidation:
  • Opaque funding through electoral bonds and allegations of executive interference in institutions highlight the pursuit of power over transparency and accountability.

The Impact of Leadership Intentions

1. Positive Outcomes of Service-Driven Leadership

• Inclusive Policies: Programs like Kerala’s literacy campaigns and Delhi’s healthcare reforms reflect the transformative potential of service-oriented governance.
• Public Trust: Leaders who prioritize ethical governance foster greater trust and engagement among citizens, strengthening democratic institutions.

2. Consequences of Power-Centric Politics

• Erosion of Institutions: Allegations of interference in the judiciary and Election Commission weaken the checks and balances essential for democracy.
• Public Disillusionment: A Lokniti-CSDS survey in 2024 found that 59% of urban voters feel disconnected from political processes due to perceived self-serving leadership.

Are We Demanding the Right Intentions?

1. Educating the Electorate

• Platforms like Know Your Candidate enable voters to evaluate leaders based on their track record and ethical standards rather than rhetoric.
• Civic education campaigns can empower citizens to demand accountability and transparency.

2. Reforming Political Systems

• Transparency in Electoral Funding: Mandating full disclosure of political donations can reduce cronyism and corporate influence.
• Institutional Independence: Safeguarding the autonomy of oversight bodies ensures that leaders remain accountable.

3. Promoting Ethical Leadership

• Encouraging young leaders through initiatives like the Youth Parliament Program fosters a new generation of service-driven politicians.

Conclusion

The debate over political intentions—service or self-interest—shapes the trajectory of India’s democracy. While historical figures like Gandhi and Ambedkar set benchmarks for ethical governance, modern politics often leans toward power consolidation. As citizens, the responsibility lies in demanding leaders who prioritize collective welfare over personal gain. The future of India’s democracy depends on aligning political ambitions with the aspirations of its people. Will we choose leaders driven by progress, or will power continue to dominate the political narrative? The answer lies in the hands of the electorate.