Figures like Shanta Kumar stand as a testament to the enduring importance of integrity and ethical leadership in shaping India’s democratic future.

In the realm of public perception, the term “demagogue” is often employed to denounce politicians perceived as bigoted, pernicious, and manipulative. Yet, Himachal Pradesh’s two-time Chief Minister and a product of the early sixties’ RSS, Shanta Kumar, stands apart, deserving a distinctive label due to his principled stance and unwavering commitment to ethical governance.

In a time when religious sentiments surge across the Hindi heartland, Kumar astutely questions the BJP’s adherence to the ideals of Lord Rama. He contends that the construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya alone is insufficient; it must be accompanied by a sincere embrace of Lord Rama’s values.

Kumar advocates for politicians to prioritize the preservation of the nation’s dignity, reminiscent of the era when India was under colonial rule. He sharply criticizes the prevalent trend of politics being reduced to a mere power grab, lamenting his own party’s succumbing to such temptations.

Kumar further expresses his dismay at the arrests of opposition leaders by the Enforcement Directorate, even during the enforcement of the model code of conduct. He asserts that with the BJP poised for power, engaging in such immoral acts only undermines public trust. He notes with concern the rising tide of political corruption, even following the demise of the corruption-ridden Congress party, as evidenced by reports from Transparency International.

Drawing from personal experience, Kumar recounts a pivotal moment when he resisted the temptation to engineer defections from the Congress to form a BJP government. Instead, he chose to uphold his conscience, earning praise from former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee for his integrity. Despite his support for Prime Minister Modi, Kumar openly acknowledges his shame over the Gujarat government’s release of convicted rapists, emphasizing the imperative of justice.

Regrettably, Kumar finds himself among the 75-plus octogenarian leaders forcibly retired by the BJP, relegated to a nominal advisory role. Despite this, he remains a vigilant observer of power politics, transcending party lines to speak out against democratic erosion and the BJP’s deviation from the principles of the Jan Sangh and RSS.

Kumar’s unwavering commitment to democratic principles is evident in his critique of power-hungry politics and his insistence on preserving the ideals of principled governance, commitment, and patriotism. He applauds opposition governments when warranted, as seen in his commendation of the Sukhu government’s handling of a catastrophe in 2023.

Even during his second term as Chief Minister, Kumar demonstrated his adherence to principles, as exemplified by his firm stance on the application of the “No Work No Pay” principle during employee agitation, despite its political costs.

His zero-tolerance approach towards corruption is underscored by his vocal criticism of figures like former Karnataka CM Yeddyurappa and his unyielding condemnation of corruption scandals like VYAPAM in Madhya Pradesh and the Bangaru Laxman bribery scandal.

In conclusion, analysts lament the hijacking of politics by the singular pursuit of power, which has eroded moral and principled governance. Yet, amidst this landscape, figures like Shanta Kumar stand as a testament to the enduring importance of integrity and ethical leadership in shaping India’s democratic future.

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