The Elusive Elections

Democracy is the best thing that can happen to any country. Liberty, equality, fraternity are the ideals synonymous with democracy; and right to freedom of speech, right to religion, right to equality, right against exploitation, cultural and educational rights and right to constitutional remedies are the basic fundamental rights of any citizen in India; and yet these rights are denied to a greater populace in India. Democracy, I must say is taken for granted in India when there are countries like Pakistan, Cuba, Russia and African countries writhing in pain to break away from totalitarian models of government.

Today, the words ‘elections’ and ‘political parties’ carry the connotations of corruption, criminalization, communalism, casteism etc. The very thought of it, puts one off. This could be one reason why the common citizen trivializes elections. I believe and say that this is one reason why you should NOT be sleeping or showing slack during elections. Its time, we citizens condemn these ills of democracy and vote for an unbiased party that believes in the well being of all, irrespective of class, caste, sex and race. Most political parties today employ tools to entice people. What I hate is the fact that parties promise TV, Cycles, Laptops and sundry to poor people. Apparently, the rural, illiterate masses in India fall in to the snare laid by these parties. Illiteracy and poverty should not become fodder for exploitation. Political parties should work for the upliftment of the down trodden communities like introducing some schemes and incentives for poor farmers, weaving and textile industries rather than making false promises of offering luxuries. A common trend noticed in the latent opposition parties is destructive criticism. Parties should engage in constructive criticism and not destructive criticism. The recent comments made about Congress by praja rajyam founder Chiranjeevi. I saw this clip on TV 9 (Telugu news channel) where he is shown donning a Muslim cap and squatting among the Muslim community only to make flay congress by saying “what did Rajasekhar Reddy, the present CM of AP, do for Muslims?” He is not only indulging in destructive criticism but also inciting that community against a party for no damn reason!I agree that he is legendary actor, a mega star but politics is definitely not his cup of tea.

India needs a great leaders, visionaries and luminaries like Obama but certainly not Actors who have no clue and cue on the dynamics of politics. What is most annoying is when a Partys propaganda is based on religion. A recent specimen of this is the indictment of Varun Gandhi on his impugned and inflammatory statements that could lead to polarization between communities. He allegedly said: "If somebody lifts a hand against Hindus, or thinks they are weak, there is nobody behind them, then I swear on the (Bhagvad) Gita that I will cut off that hand." He needs to be sent to class VI standard where every one is taught in social studies that India is a secular country. It is neither irreligious nor anti-religious and Hinduism definitely is not a state religion though majority is Hindus. Another common phenomenon that is unique in Indian politics/elections is contesting of candidates with criminal charge sheets. Political parties should not field candidates with a criminal background. LK Advani has a charge sheet against him in the criminal conspiracy of the demolition of Babri Masjid. I fail to understand as to why is he contesting elections? and this happens only in India that is very flippant about democracy. We all should stand against criminalization of politics!
There is no point showing laxity and taking a holiday on Election Day. We must do our spade work, like we do our prep and prepare for studies or work. Find out about the candidate contesting for your constituency and vote for an able leader who will lead India to success. As it is only us who can make and break a government, we must use the power invested in us to vote for change! I have my voters ID, in the course of doing my spadework and will be all set to vote in the coming elections! Will You?