My Political Stance

My articles sometimes intersect with politics, so I think it’s important to be transparent about my views. This page offers a quick reference for readers and reminds me of my own biases (or lack thereof).

Apolitical Identity

I consider myself apolitical. While some, such as Akash Banerjee, criticize this position—and I’ve seen similar debates on social profiles and elsewhere—I remain firm in identifying as apolitical until I have reason to change. This is a personal stance; no one else gets to dictate it.

Views on Politicians

I distrust all politicians, regardless of party, ideology, or economic outlook.
If you’re a politician, I’ll keep my distance and remain sceptical—not personally, but because my experience with politics has taught me to be cautious.
I don’t blame politicians for their role; distrust is simply a cost of the job.

Personal Values

Integrity: I strive to be trustworthy and protect others’ confidence in me.
Evidence‑based thinking: I update my positions as new information emerges, letting sentiment take a back seat. Politics, in contrast, is driven largely by sentiment, which clashes with my worldview.

Constitutional Loyalty

As an Indian citizen, the Constitution of India guides my actions. Even if a religious text conflicts with constitutional provisions, I prioritize the Constitution. I may challenge a law, but I will not violate it.

How Indian Democracy Works (and Why It Feels Broken)

Party formation: Citizens join parties; parties select candidates.
Manifestos: Parties craft promises they believe will resonate with voters.
Elections: Voters choose parties (and thus candidates) based on those manifestos.

Problem: The process feels inverted. Parties set the agenda, and citizens react to it, rather than citizens defining the agenda first. This flips the intended “rule of the people” model, turning politicians into de facto leaders instead of mere representatives.

Leaders vs. Representatives

Politicians are representatives, not people’s leaders.
Calling Mr Narendra Modi or Mr Rahul Gandhi “leaders” is accurate only within the context of their parties.
The Prime Minister is the head of the executive branch, not a sovereign ruler.
Terms like “Ruling Party” (or “Rule”), “Regime”, etc. imply domination; “Administration” or “Government” are more precise and preserve the democratic notion that the government serves its citizens.

My Relationship to Parties

I am unaffiliated with any political party. When my views align with a party’s, it’s coincidental—probability, not endorsement. Likewise, disagreements are equally probable.

I respect a politician only when they earn it through concrete actions.
I have no favourite party or politician.
During elections, I select a candidate based on their track record and future potential, irrespective of party affiliation. Choosing the head of the legislature or executive isn’t my role as a citizen; instead, I vote for the representative in my own constituency whom I find most approachable and accountable.

Economic Outlook

I favour a progressive capitalist system—a market‑oriented system that encourages innovation and competition while rejecting crony capitalism and prioritizing social equity, environmental stewardship, and democratic oversight.
I welcome foreign investment and use imported goods without shame.
Domestic products are not inherently inferior; I choose items based on utility, not origin (with the notable exception of hostile neighbours, whenever possible).

Religion: I hold personal beliefs but do not impose them on others. I respect all faiths and expect mutual non‑interference.
Secularism: My view of secularism is absolute separation of the State and religion. The State should have nothing to do with religion and vice versa.
Liberty: I champion individual freedoms so long as they don’t infringe on others’ rights, aligning with constitutional fundamental rights and reasonable limits on free expression.
Patriotism: I love India and its people, celebrate our achievements, and feel responsible for confronting societal ills. Criticizing flaws does not make me “anti‑national”; true patriotism seeks improvement.

Closing Thought

My political perspective is rooted in evidence, constitutional fidelity, and a commitment to liberty and equality. This statement serves as a guide for both readers and myself, ensuring transparency about where I stand—and where I do not.