A Plea for Meaningful Political Action
When calamities strike—be it snowfall, floods, or any other disaster—there’s a curious trend among our political leaders. They rush to the scene, shaking hands with people, walking through the affected areas, and making sure cameras capture every move. This is often seen as solidarity, but we must ask ourselves: Do we truly need them physically on the ground? What value are they adding by simply being present, especially when they lack the tools, authority, or systems to address the crisis effectively?
Take, for instance, the heavy snowfall that paralyzed life across many areas yesterday. Yes, seeing our MLAs among the people might provide a fleeting sense of reassurance. But beyond that, what did their presence achieve? Did they clear snow from the roads? Did they restore electricity? Did they provide relief to those stranded or ensure emergency services were operational? The answer is clear—they didn’t. And they couldn’t.
The Role of an MLA: Misunderstood and Misused
An MLA’s primary role is legislative—they are elected to represent the people in the assembly, to create laws, and to ensure the government implements policies that improve lives. It is not their job to wade through snow-covered streets or inspect hospitals. These are administrative functions that should be carried out by trained officials equipped with the necessary resources.
Unfortunately, many of our MLAs seem to have misunderstood their roles. They believe that by physically being on the ground, they can win public approval and, perhaps, votes for the next election. But this mindset is deeply flawed. Leadership isn’t about optics; it’s about impact. And impact requires systemic change, not superficial gestures.
For instance, during a fire outbreak, we don’t need leaders with empty hands rushing to the scene. We need fire brigades with equipment to extinguish the flames. Similarly, during floods, we need boats, rescue equipment, and relief supplies—not politicians taking selfies in floodwaters. During snowfall, people don’t need handshakes or photo ops; they need roads cleared, electricity restored, and essential services functioning smoothly.
The Dual Governance Trap
Our governance system is already plagued by inefficiency, and the presence of MLAs on the ground only exacerbates the problem. On one side, the bureaucracy runs the system with its own set of limitations and delays. On the other, the administrative machinery often operates in isolation, disconnected from the real needs of the people.
In this dual governance trap, the common man suffers the most. Instead of simplifying lives, our leaders often complicate them further by interfering in administrative tasks. They micromanage officials, issue directives without understanding ground realities, and then disappear when real accountability is demanded.
Building Systems, Not Spectacles
The need of the hour is not for MLAs to physically be on the ground during every disaster. Instead, their focus should be on building a robust governance system that can handle crises effectively. This includes:
1. Legislative Action: Passing laws that mandate emergency preparedness, allocate sufficient disaster relief funds, and ensure transparency in their usage.
2. Strengthening Institutions: Ensuring that hospitals are fully equipped, roads are maintained, and essential services are accessible even in extreme conditions.
3. Accountability Mechanisms: Holding bureaucrats and administrative officials accountable for lapses in service delivery.
4. Resource Allocation: Ensuring that disaster management authorities are well-funded and equipped with modern technology and trained personnel.
5. Public Awareness: Educating citizens about disaster preparedness and providing them with tools to safeguard themselves in emergencies.
These are the roles MLAs must embrace if they truly wish to serve the people. Anything less is a disservice to their constituents.
Symbolism vs. Substance
The reliance on symbolism over substance is a troubling trend in our political landscape. Walking in snow, visiting flooded homes, or inspecting a hospital might generate headlines, but it does little to address the root causes of these crises. What people need is not sympathy but solutions.
For example, instead of showing up during a snowfall, why not work to ensure that snow-clearing machines are available in every district? Instead of visiting flood-hit areas, why not legislate for better flood management infrastructure? Instead of inspecting hospitals, why not allocate funds to hire more doctors, buy advanced equipment, and ensure medicine supplies?
These are the actions that matter. These are the actions that define real leadership.
The Danger of Misplaced Priorities
When MLAs focus on optics, they neglect their core responsibilities. This creates a dangerous cycle where immediate needs are addressed superficially, while long-term solutions are ignored. Over time, this erodes public trust in governance and deepens the divide between leaders and the people they claim to serve.
Moreover, this misplaced focus often leads to the misuse of public resources. Money that could be spent on improving infrastructure or providing relief is instead wasted on organizing visits, staging events, and promoting leaders on social media.
A Plea for Change
With heavy hearts, the people of this region must ask their leaders: Do you truly understand your role? We elected you to make laws, to create systems, and to hold the government accountable. We did not elect you to take selfies in the snow or to make headlines during floods.
Fix the system first. Build a governance model that works for the people, especially in their times of need. Only then will your presence among us carry real meaning.
It’s time for our leaders to rise above the superficial and embrace the substantive. The challenges we face are too great, and the stakes are too high for anything less. Let this be a wake-up call for all those in power: Stop the theatrics, and start delivering real results.
The common man deserves better. The region deserves better. It’s time to live up to the promise of leadership.
