Political Promiscuity: A letter to Kymaia

Dear Kymaia,

People switching political (and I mean this in a very broad sense to include all things that affect our relationship with the society) parties are nothing new. Indeed, recently many politicians in India decided to change sides, some from one end of the spectrum to the other, and some only slightly only for optics. This has been the basis of much uproar, handwringing, facepalming, and outright anger for the perceived betrayal in my circles, as with everyone's from across the political spectrum.

I, on the other hand, disagree that this is cause for concern, much less the brouhaha it seems to have caused. 'Why?' you might ask.

You see, I believe that the only way to intellectual honesty is political promiscuity (my friend, Rajiv Tyagi, was on the money when he coined that phrase). You can't be both, honest to your soul and politically monogamous. Choose one. And choose carefully. For it says more about your character than the parties' with which you claim to identify.

What does that mean? It means that the only correct political party is the one that serves your interests and stands for what you stand for. You can switch from time to time and issue to issue, and you are answerable to no one but your own conscience.

Which party serves your interests for the short, medium, and long term isn't the crucial question, though you need to answer that too to decide who deserves your allegiance, however temporary.

The more important questions to ask are these: What are your interests? Why are your aspirations those specific aspirations? What do you, indeed, stand for? Also, what would make you change your mind? If you did encounter the very thing you claim that can change your mind, would you actually change it? How do your interests & aspirations, goals & objectives, and words & actions affect the other stakeholders on this planet? Are you applying the Golden Rule to how you define your interests? How deep and far have you thought about these?

How you answer those questions speaks more about you than the name of the political formation or ideology that can claim your loyalty at this sliver of delta in time does. As for the political entity that you believe will meet your expectations of catering to your interests (for yourself and the society), it is important only to the point that it has the readiness, willingness, and ability to do so. All else is immaterial.

Stay loyal to your convictions and intellect. In fact, change parties as often as you like, which could be zero times or a dozen. But stick to your principles. Political formations are simply vehicles to fulfil your aspirations. Don't worry too much about the label or uniform you wear today. Worry about the nature of your aspirations themselves. That's where the crux is. Not your hat or costume. 'It isn't who you are underneath, but what you do that defines you,' Batman said memorably. Personally, despite the bad publicity bats have had these past couple of years, I'd say that's solid advice.

Baba

P.S: Lest you misunderstand, let me clarify: Changing your mind and the vehicle through which you can fulfil your aspirations for yourself and your society does not mean cheating, backstabbing, and betraying a promise you have made. If you have an understanding, whether or not in writing, with the other party, exit gracefully, with adequate notice, ideally consensually, and with your head held high. Unless you are quitting for reasons of integrity. In which case, the floor is lava. But in all cases, feel no guilt about it. Guilt is the world's most useless emotion. Keep well away.