From TMC to Shiv Sena, people’s mandate is being bartered for power

The recent defections of several All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) members to the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA), along with a similar exodus from the Shiv Sena, have raised concerns about the state of Indian politics. The author argues that these defections are driven by personal gain and not ideological conviction, undermining the democratic mandate and the purpose of political parties as vehicles for policy differences. They advocate for restoring principles and public service to the core of political discourse in order to ensure a more ethical and effective political system.