- Most Indians may not like to pursue what’s happening with the political churnings in the country. In the same vein, most of us are also likely to have developed extreme cynicism towards the Indian political system, parties, and related paraphernalia surrounding the same. We are too familiar with the usual trope associated with anything and everything to do with politics per se. The deep-rooted corruption, the unholy nexus between the political masters and bureaucrats/technocrats, the high-handed behaviour, the craze for unfettered power, the sense of entitlement pervading among the politicians, and of course, the ubiquitous caste conundrum alongside the communal versus secular narrative. These aspects have become a part of our existence itself.
PC: TV9 Bharatvarsh
- Despite these usual images being witnessed during any election in the country, what can also be summarized as unusual surprises are the candidates chosen to represent any party emerging victorious despite fighting tremendous odds. Mind you, Indian politicians come from a delightful range of occupations, making our elections not only interesting but also showcasing what it means to be a truly democratic country. The selection of candidates is always undertaken with utmost seriousness, weighing in various permutations and combinations at length. As such, what does one make of the extraordinary feat of the Martin Family’s winsome threesome, who won three assembly seats, from three parties, in two legislatures, TN & Puducherry? Diversity personified.
PC: News Arena
- Lottery businessman Martin’s wife, TN’s richest candidate (Rs. 5863cr, no less), is now an ADMK legislator, their son-in-law is a TVK MLA, and their son floated his own outfit in neighbouringPuducherry to win a seat. No gawking – it’s all legit. The cliché writes itself – lottery czar Martin’s family hit the jackpot. Contesting and campaigning are so much about financial muscle and personal branding now, it’s all kosher. Don’t be too overwhelmed. What’s equally true is that riches of state assemblies aren’t confined to fat cats. Just as rich is the interesting, even bewildering, sometimes odd, mix of people who dream big, and dare to enter the electoral fray, frightening for those with thin skins, unthinkable for those with slim means.
PC: India TV News
- Leave aside the brains (family parties, career netas, activists, and lawyers), the beauties (superstars, sportstars, B-grade actors), the babus & cops, even the motley mix of musicians and monks. The field keeps widening. Among the most novel trades, in this round, is that of a TVK winner – a vastu expert and medical astrologer, who some time ago, reportedly got into a bit of a snafu over posts on astrology curing cancer. As they say, we need all kinds infused in the dizzying cocktail that’s a legislature. On a more sobering note, mothers of rape-murder victims also find themselves winners, in perhaps a closure of sorts. But who is to argue the legislature is no place for people from diverse economic backgrounds? It’s open to everyone. That’s the beauty of Indian politics.
