- One of the beauties of the dance of democracy in the context of Indian elections is the manifestos of political parties that come out with vivid plans for the electorate. These manifestos contain promises, assurances, reassurances, inducements, and more to largely influence the electorate to choose and also paint a picture of the party being the best to further the people’s interests. The majority now understands that most of those promises are merely on paper, although in the past, some people were persuaded by that upbeat language. Because such occurrences have started to become the norm rather than the exception, many people now take party manifestos with more than a grain of salt. The adage “actions speak louder than words” was once used. What is it?
PC: freepik
- Needless to mention, Indian citizens have become increasingly cynical with the turn of events where promises, most often than not, tend to fail to meet expectations. Despite monumental efforts by the political parties and the Election Commission of India to push the voting percentage upwards, increasingly poor turnout – especially in urban dwellings – reflects the people’s indifference to those efforts. As mentioned above, reasons vary from people’s lack of interest, disillusionment with the political system, the bane of corruption pervading everywhere with no effective deterrent mechanism in place, and largely compounded by the general apathy of the elected representatives. Then there is the caste conundrum, which plays a crucial role as always.
- We all know how caste equations have become an inalienable part of the political system in the country. Without getting into the labyrinthine caste conundrum ecosystem, it will suffice to say that every community looks forward to quotas and reservations in educational institutions and government jobs on caste lines. Unfortunately, calls for even more quotas and reservations from diverse castes, historically feeling deprived, are on the rise despite the Supreme Court’s restrictions not going beyond 50%. Sadly, compulsions to keep the vote banks intact and further consolidate make the political parties come out with even more quota and reservation promises. The moot point to ponder here is whether people take these inducements seriously anymore.
PC: freepik
- I strongly feel the answer is a big no. Indian citizens have become more aware of the political games and one-upmanship perpetrated against them. Indian society is becoming aspirational and wants to be left behind with the overall improvements in living standards brought about by the revolutionary emergence of material comforts. None of those unimplementable promises are going to cut any ice with the discerning citizens. Our expectations have changed beyond the capability of the scheming political brotherhood thanks to the understanding that information technology-driven measures have brought about. It’s time the political class laid serious emphasis on undertaking developments honestly. Lest! the citizens will show the door for taking them for granted.
