Indian polity at crossroads

With every passing year, the parliamentary system of the largest democracy of the world has turn into a system of politicians in power who are glued to their seats by popularising the socio- political propaganda in the mainstream electoral scenario aiming to heap up their vote- bank.


I attended a conference held by Symbiosis Institute of Media and Communication, Pune, on March 17, 2009, organised a unique seminar “Indian Polity at crossroads” at its Lavale Campus to give an overview of the changing trends in the politics and analysis the upcoming elections to the people at large. A day-long event was addressed by prominent speakers across diverse fields. Irfan Engineer, Atul Kulkarni, Col Rao, Arun Bhatia, Dr Jose Geroge delivered thought provoking ideologies.


The Lok Sabha Election 2009 remained the prime focus of the discussion. The active participatory audience was convinced with the view that however this time none of the political party is following the similar line of action for campaigning election manifesto, in fact focussing on the economic condition of the country. Not only the two major players in the electoral but also some small parties are pre- occupied flaunting their governance. Last year, during the State Assembly Elections, the highly anticipated election passed as a low key affair in all the 70 constituencies. Although, candidates and parties have spent exorbitant amount of money in media campaigns, rallies, billboards and at other such collaterals to woo and booze the voters.


It is the time for us as citizens, the future of the nation, to see the political scenario and ask ourselves what has the government done for us. Make the government accountable to its people. Why are we only considered as vote banks and not as citizens of the country who elect one amongst us to work for us? See around yourself and you will find that all the parties are coming out openly to criticise and lay allegations on each other. The democratic exercise of the election promotion has already started witnessing an objectable face by government in power singing Jai Ho! Nevertheless, what amuses is that the election manifesto of all the parties read as the hymns of the same note.


Well, it is the testing time for the Congress government which is reigning in the house for a full five year term! Will it be able to come to power again or lucky stars of some other party will shine? Congress takes it as an opportunity to resolve all the controversial issues in the nation pertaining to its position.


People are expecting the victorious party in the Lok Sabha elections to resolve the looming issues that still accounts to a major share of the problems in the nation. Inflation has badly hit the economy and no wonder the inability to check the ever increasing prices has become one of the aspects to judge the present government. Opposition parties, therefore, gets an edge over the ruling party and promise the citizen easy prices, affordable vegetables, low fuel and LPG rates and likes.


The counter and urban terrorism has turned out to be the real troublemakers in India. Rapes, molestations, robbery and murder have been increasing at an alarming rate. This might change the voting pattern and shift the paradigm. Security from anti- social elements and terrorist is the biggest challenge for any government that comes in power. These incidents clearly portray the lapse in Congress’s vision regarding law and order and police coordination. But terrorism in India is extremely complex. According to Col Rao, “In India, religion and political driven terrorism is so deeply rooted that it will not be eradicate till our politicians start performing as leaders.”


He also points out the fact that religion plays a pivotal role to increase the vote bank. Whether it is promising seats to Dalits, OBCs or minorities, political parties will do anything to gain votes. They would then shrug off from their statements once the elections are over. All these distinctions later take a form of mass agitation resulting in genocide like in Gujarat.


However, it is imperative to evaluate the nation on yet another parameter. A steady economic growth has been marked over the years. Infrastructure development is tremendous; an integrated transport system is being adopted. Government following the guidelines of Master Plan 2021, has already given half a makeover to the many parts of the country with Delhi Metro, numerous flyovers, foot over bridges, escalators, under passes and various similar projects at other cities.


With opening gates to Commonwealth Games 2010, India is adding another star to its already positioned trophy with Pune Youth Games, 2008 at the world map. “Nevertheless, if we as conscious citizens looked to the flip side of such events, we will find that our government is spending millions of dollars on organising these world- class events. Polishing already existing infrastructure, developing already developed parts and ignoring the down trodden at its core,” says Arun Bhatia, ex- IAS official and independent candidate from Pune.


Manifesto of all the parties’ promises to deliver education to one and all. But if we see the figures, Sarva Sikhsha Abhiyan has been a total failure. Nevertheless, we do not hesitate to boast of India being recognised as an emerging hub for education. Atul Kulkarni, National Award winning film actor says, “However, it is interesting to notice that education in India is not a process of learning but a mere task to gain marks, securing a degree and earning a handsome package by getting through a placement from some B- school!” He further adds that it is important for us as a citizen of the country to take some steps to make our nation work and prosper. Education is a long- term mission that can and will resolve all the corrupt practices in politics in India that originates from a man at the so- called political gaddi to a clerk in a passport office.


Bijli, sadak and paani are still the burning issues in the country.
And why don’t we take an initiative to ask our government servants to deliver the services that we are supposed to get. Health and Sanitation are also issues that need to be carefully dealt with. Government hospitals are still not equipped with new and comprehensive health care measures to serve the need of the ever increasing population. People are dying due to dengue, jaundice and malaria. As of now, the development of the country seems to be far away from the ground reality.


A distinctive vision must be set up to streamline and provide momentum to the increasing growth rate of India by working at the grass root level.


The election is the litmus test for any party to prove its prominence. It is the time for us to observe the execution of dozen new promises made by them. And most importantly, it is a time to cast vote, a vote to a right candidate. And if there is no right candidate, stand for yourself, your people and make a difference.


Atul Kulkarni rightly said, “You have to be in the system to change the system.”