The digital
generation has literally changed the dimensions of the game of politics. India
has never been through so much polarisation, public drama, mudslinging and
hurling of abuses during the course of election campaigning as witnessed in the
latest edition of the general elections. Politicians are stooping to new lows.
This trend might not be the first instance in Indian politics, but with the ubiquitous
media anticipatorily catching each act of the politicians, people are
witnessing the never before seen picture of each of their political idols.
In reality,
thanks to the new technological innovations, varied types of snooping devices
are now unearthing malicious closed door meetings too. Now hardly any public meetings
or gatherings of the self-proclaimed VIPs in any corner of the country can
escape public eye. At this juncture, it is quite startling to find how leaders
aspiring to be representatives of people either at the state or central level
fail to present an impeccable and eloquent image of themselves before the
masses. Even toddlers would put up best behaviour when we brief them that they
will be duly rewarded and judged for all their actions. Are these so called
saviours of nation fall short of this basic common sense akin to kids? All the
candidates representing different political parties must realise people cast
votes with a hope that the individual would revive the community they live in
terms of better infrastructure, safe drinking water, drainage, electricity and security
for their families. As per constitution, these representatives are liable to
cater to the needs of the people of the constituencies they represent. Instead
of discussing the issues of governance and policies that can change the face of
the society why these candidates resort to the dirty games raking up personal
issues?
We Indians assiduously
proclaim to be the inheritors of oldest civilisation and are the upholders of culture
and virtues. But the behaviour of these politicians presents a completely
different picture of etiquettes to the World. These leaders are denigrating the
democratic setup of the country by dragging personal issues into the
campaigning business. Most of these speeches have become highly polarised and
divisive, indulging in defaming their political rivals. Much to the dismay of
public all these demeaning and pungent retaliatory statements are aired by 24x7
vigilante news channels. A section of people are now ashamed of owning up such
leaders whose repulsive dimensions are exposed. These statements are sparking
resentment among people. The tall image of their icons is now falling short of
credentials. The repugnant and derogatory remarks and clearly raising doubts
among intellectuals and elite about the competency of leaders and future of the
nation even. Whether they are fit to be statesmen or even eligible to lay
claims on the highest echelons of power?
The extended
spell of polling across the different parts of this vast nation in 9 phases is
unintentionally doing a great disservice than good. Undeniably, the election
commission deserves appreciation for the meticulous planning for peacefully
conducting the free and fail and elections so far baring minor incidents. They
must have toiled for several months to carry out the humungous task of
conducting election in the world’s largest democracy. The noble intentions of
this authority are unquestionable. But with the official election process
having set in motion from March 6th till May 16th the
rapacious politicians instead of invigorating faith in democracy are insinuating
people and dividing them. Election campaigning which have started on a positive
note has started spewing venom as they clumsily vie for every single vote. Now
instead of issue based politics, cheap tricks are coming to fore ground.
Ironically,
though leaders might ignore their claims and statements, they are now thoroughly
watched. As elections are entering the final phases, the leaders instead of
displaying their best attributes, they seem to appear before us in their
dubious best. It is becoming excruciatingly difficult to watch the television
or read newspapers as all of them are glutted by this rancour. There is hardly any utterance about
development and progress; their speeches are full of ridicule and mockery. It is high time that these politicians adorn
a befitting posture and exude an iota of patriotism at least. Else election commission should pronounce that
campaigning hence forth be banned en masse or detain the leaders who make
abominable comments without reservations. Else the citizens of the nation are
forced to undergo the torture of putting up with the vociferous vicious comments
that arouse the passions in otherwise docile and law abiding citizens.
These
leaders might probably bury their differences as the final curtain falls on the
election stage. But the insinuations of the acrid speeches refuse to die down
in the common men who idolise their leaders. These petty leaders who for their
political ends have divided the community on caste, creed, religion, regional
lines have impregnated deep seated repugnance. Election Commission must have
come up with tougher and stricter laws that can at least put checks on the
distasteful and disparaging comments. In India we have stringent laws and
punishments for any misdeed but as always they are never enforced. Perhaps, EC
is also paralysed by similar bug. May the election mark a new beginning and
rejuvenate new hope about a vibrant India.
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