Destructive Leadership Has a Cultic Face!

Unprecedented is the word to describe the way TVK stormed into power in Tamil Nadu – some might even say crawled into it with the help of other parties in a post-poll alliance - supposedly a state with a progressive mindset, only in comparison with the dismal records of other states. While change is permanent and welcome, the aura built around an individual is a serious cause for alarm. What propelled him to power is not necessarily the misgovernance of the past government, but rather the cult carefully developed around him. Let me decode some of the traits of a cultic figure and impending disaster for all.

1. It’s all about me, and I can make no mistake
This, in a way, is a variant of narcissism. Self-obsession and invincibility are dangerous traits in any leader. From the start, Mr Joseph Vijay has consistently manifested a narcissistic tendency in his dealings. He declared that people should consider him as if he were a candidate in all the constituencies. It was ridiculous to see the way he went about pronouncing a few constituencies as if he were the candidate. Anyone voting for his party is voting for him personally. It necessarily entails two things: 1. None of the candidates announced is as intelligent and honest as I am. 2. I can make no mistake. This type of functioning is found in all cultic leadership worldwide. Look at Mr Trump; it is all about him, and Mr Modi thinks he is beyond making any mistakes and everything should revolve around him. Concentration of power is not empowerment; it is, on the contrary, subjugation.

  2.     Weak to the Strong and Strong to the Weak
It was pathetic the way Mr Joseph Vijay campaigned in a few places, rather rambled. He was fierce in attacking his opponents, picking just one within the state, leaving the so-called ideological rival untouched. This again is very bad leadership. If someone has a political philosophy to stand by, he or she cannot pick and choose when it comes to fairly criticising. The way Mr Modi takes on opposition within India is incredible. But when it comes to opposing major powers such as the USA, which constantly humiliates India, he keeps mum. Leadership is all about standing by certain values, not playing it safe. Not once did Mr Vijay open his mouth against the erosion of federalism and the overarching powers the union government wields against states, especially those ruled by the opposition. It’s interesting to watch how much of the states’ rights will be lost or preserved in the coming years.
3.     Monologue and zero real-life interaction
Among the many factors that catapulted Mr Joseph Vijay to power, his dialogues and slogans cannot be ignored. A state obsessed with cinema easily latches onto such slogans. It’s again a very bad leadership model for the progress of any state. Since he assumed office, our Prime Minister has never once addressed the press or engaged in any meaningful interaction. The same strategy is followed by Mr Vijay, even when people were dying at the hospital, he did not meet the press to either condole or to give his perspectives. The bubble would have burst long before had he met the press. In a democratic setting, people have the right to know, to seek clarification and even challenge. This again demonstrates the lack of empathy and knowledge.
4.     Victim Mindset
Those who have no ideology are crybabies. Their public discourse revolves around them. Does that ring a bell? Yes, our own Prime Minister, even having been in power for more than a decade, time and again plays the victim card, blames Nehru, Congress, and spins a narrative of his humble background and experience of poverty. Mr Joseph Vijay is no different. In reality, he has never been politically active until a few years back. His political activism has been largely symbolic, lacking substance. Playing the victim card may get someone political mileage and sympathy, but in the long run, most people will realise the leader's inability.
To all my friends who are diehard fans, Nanbas & Nanbees, of actor-turned-politician Mr Vijay, we are all in for a bumpy ride ahead. Open your minds, reels are not the reality. Narcissism is not the hallmark of any leadership. Cult worship will take us backwards! As you’ve been quick to critique the past government’s perceived and real misdeeds, do so now. Be patient with those who criticise, because they serve the nation in a way the digital zombies cannot. Do not adore a person, but rather stand behind a political philosophy!