There is something wrong with the citizens of India and their notions about country and politicians. I am not generalizing everyone, but so far, in most debates relating to elections, only a limited number of issues have been discussed. These include issues pertaining to the Ram Mandir, Caste, Hindu-Muslim relations, the role of the army or defence ministry and the infamous blame game between parties. In fact, these topics are being leveraged by political parties to garner support and votes, and mainstream media houses to increase TRPs. It has reached a point where we seem to have forgotten why elections are held every five years in the largest democracy in the world. But, can we blame political parties or mainstream media houses for vocalising the issues mentioned above, instead of talking about several other matters of concern? Issues of importance, such as development, jobs, healthcare, education and employment have been largely ignored this election season.
After all, “jo dikhta hai, wahi bikta hai.” (What you see is what you get)
I believe that political parties only talk about those matters that can lure public support. Religion and caste have always been a sensitive topic in India. The more someone tries to discuss the topic, the more controversial it becomes. And our politicians know this very fact very well. Kahan kaise kab nishana lagana hai (Where to target when).
Politicians often make derogatory statements regarding religion, caste, or the army and use these issues to gain votes. Since their main aim is winning elections, it appears that they don’t realise their statements are often detrimental to the country’s progress.
But what about us, the citizens of India, the kingmakers of the largest democracy in the world? What are we doing with our rights? And why are we praising politicians of any political party like they are God? Why do we worship these politicians, who don’t even have the decency to talk about development while asking for votes? Why are we so enticed by the debates on religion and caste that we forget pertinent issues like growth and development?
Aren’t politicians answerable to us? Then why are we behaving like vulnerable human beings, who are ready to die for these politicians, even though they often forget the promises made in the name of religion, once they come to power?
In the public debates, or on social media platforms, it is a common observation that the moment opinions are shared, derogatory terms are thrown at people who voice their thoughts. The moment someone dares to ask questions about development, employment, or health, they are subjected to public shaming. Sometimes, people forget to be human and just begin to act like blind worshippers. And this is not just related to a single political party, supporters belonging to different parties behave this way. They live under the assumption that insulting someone from an opposing party translates to doing something great for the country. But, I believe this is a total misinterpretation of what it means to have allegiance to any party or the country.
I think no political organisation can be blamed for our behaviour because they are not asking people to worship them. It’s a personal choice how we treat politicians and how we view the concept of development and in which manner we take up issues. It’s in our own hands to judges which issues are important and need to be debated about. An apt example in this context would be the plight of farmers all over the country. I don’t know whether the situation is the same throughout the nation, but in my hometown, farmers are still struggling to make ends meet. They are still struggling to eat food twice a day or to give their families better lives.
Despite being major contributors to the agro-business and the Indian economy, farmers are still hanging onto a cliff when it comes to their own survival. While these farmers struggle to pay off loans, we witness big businessmen who have been parts of huge financial scams fleeing the country. It is a sad reality that the people who provide the country with food, have to think twice about their own meals. The plight of farmers in India is not restricted to any one religious or caste-group, it affects every farmer.
Does the debate on religion and caste become so powerful that humanity becomes negligible?
Another reality in this context is the water scarcity in the villages of India. While citizens and politicians are busy debating about religion, caste, or army and citizenship, and while politicians are busy making promises in the name of religion and caste, there are many people in our country who have to travel miles to get drinking water.
While our politicians live a life of complete luxury, there is a major section of our population that does not have the liberty to enjoy a meal twice a day. Once we realize that politicians are hindering the path to the nation’s development and we stop using religion as a tool of division, India will have a chance at real growth and development. What’s important to remember is that power does not lie in the hands of any politician or even the upcoming government, it lies in the hands of those who reside in this country.
Because let’s be honest, whether it’s BJP, Congress, SP, BSP or any other party, or any political candidate, they will only show their support to the people of this country up until elections. So, instead of focusing and dwelling on the issues of religion, caste and the army (an institution which has never been biased in protecting the citizens) and instead of demeaning our democracy, let’s talk about development, employment and the issues that matter. After all, these issues are affecting everyone in our country, these issues are not biased to a particular section, these are basic requirements to run a nation.
The choice will always be ours and we should let conscience guide our views about each other and our country this election season.