In 2014 I voted for the first
time in India’s national elections. Little did I know that when next time India
holds its polls I will be sitting in another country and may not have the bandwidth
– economic or otherwise – of going back and casting my vote in one of the most
vibrant democracies of the world.
Distance often makes it difficult
to see things clearly – but sometimes it may also allow you to see things in
different light – and therefore I feel that even without voting, I need to
express myself to all the friends, relatives and family members who will be
voting in India’s next general election.
·
This election is not about saving India’s soul
Anyone who
claims that this election is about saving India’s soul – probably considers
India’s soul too weak, fixed and simple. While such an expression may make
people feel charged up, there is hardly any credibility to it when we stop and
think about it for a couple of minutes. What is India’s soul? I don’t know a
certain answer to this but surely it is not a fixed thing that can be stolen or
broken – because soul evolves, transforms, grows, subsides and goes through the
same cycle again and again. This very nature of soul - and its liveliness makes
it difficult to even grasp and control a soul of one person – let alone the
entire nation.
·
Need for Chowkidaar
It is a very
common political ploy to instigate a sense of fear among people, to make them
feel unsafe and therefore look for leaders who can provide a sense of safety. The
term Chowkidar – a guard – being currently used to suggest that somehow, we as
a nation need someone to protect us. We must not fall for such tactics – and must
not let fear overtake our common sense. This technique is very similar to those
used by Donald Trump during the US presidential elections. India and all its people
are strong enough to take care of themselves and need no one to look after
them.
Another reason why
this need for a guard seems ludicrous is – somehow it leaks an air of
superiority of the ruler over those that are ruled. It is exactly opposite of the
concept of “Swaraj” on which India had based its freedom movement.
Let us remember that we are a
country of over a billion people, different ideologies, diverse culture, varied
skillsets and wide range of opportunities ahead of us. Let’s vote for the basic
issues and concerns that touch our daily lives – when each one of us does that –
the national picture will automatically start shaping well.
A famous political leader named
Ram Manohar Lohia’s quote is also worth remembering - sarkar tave ki roti jaise hoti hai, usko palat tey raho nahin toh jal
ke raakh ho jayegi – the government is like a roti that needs to be flipped
on the griddle or it will burn. As a first time voter, I did not do a thorough study but just cast my vote for a different party than the then ruling party - and if I were to get another chance, I would probably do the same this time as well!
