Rise by Merit, Not by Manipulation
Dr. Santosh Kumar Mohapatra
In contemporary politics, it increasingly appears that many people rise, gain influence, and secure positions of power not primarily through sacrifice, contribution, competence or potential, but through manipulation, networking and strategic appeasement.
When someone seeks to climb the political ladder, the first question often becomes: “Who can elevate me to that position? Who can promote and popularise me?” Instead of earning respect through genuine work and public contribution, they try to please a select few who have the power to advance their interests. In the process, they may ignore, marginalise or even ruthlessly treat those whom they consider less useful to their ambitions.
This is fundamentally different from the conduct of honest, candid and principled people. Such individuals are usually willing to speak their minds. They appreciate those whom they genuinely believe are doing the right thing and criticise those whom they believe are doing wrong. They do so without constantly calculating whether their opinions will advance or damage their own prospects.
Yet, human behaviour is complex and constantly evolving. A person’s thoughts, priorities and conduct can change from moment to moment and from one stage of life to another, depending on circumstances, age, relationships, necessities and personal ambitions. Therefore, we should be cautious about permanently labelling anyone as completely good or completely bad.
Even someone who appears deeply committed to pro-people causes and progressive values today may change over time. Circumstances can influence people, and power, position, recognition and personal necessities can sometimes alter their behaviour.
Therefore, neither blind glorification nor permanent condemnation of individuals is wise. What matters is to judge people by their present conduct, consistency, contribution and integrity, rather than merely by their past reputation or political affiliations.
Ultimately, genuine leadership cannot be built on manipulation and appeasement. Positions gained through such methods may provide temporary power, but they cannot guarantee lasting respect. Sacrifice, competence, honesty, contribution and commitment to people are the foundations on which credible leadership is built.
