A week is not enough for the ‘leaders’. There is nothing in sight that indicates a solid government being sworn in. The people of Maharashtra have absolutely no role to play except being mute spectators. Let us all shout from the roof tops – ‘victory to our democracy ’!
We are used to hundreds of statements, reports, announcements and directions of the all-powerful Election Commission in conducting free and fair elections. The voter turn-out is good too and the Commission is pleased with the process. After all, the job is over as scheduled and some people say it is well done too.
Now comes the all important question – ‘where is our government, gentlemen?’ Whom shall we ask? Who is responsible for the current imbroglio or the stalemate? If it is neither the people nor the Election Commission to take responsibility for the formation of the government, as I agree too, why should there be so much of fuss about a ‘free and fair’ polls at all?
With due respects to the Election Commission that it richly deserves, it is to be said that the Commission on its part functions more like a moral police than as an administrator above ‘preferences’ or priorities . All the strict instructions, guidelines and directives of the Commission are but in favour of the larger political parties. Every single action of the Commission is aimed at easing the job of the political bosses and tightening its grip over the smaller out-fits and independent candidates. If this practice is correct, why do not the Commission put up a proposal to the government to throw the system of allowing individuals and others to contest the election at all?
The Commission or its ‘machinery’ rather, has never been neutral or impartial when the matter is between the candidates of larger political parties and others. The humiliation and utter ill-treatment meted out to these ‘sinful’ candidates is only seen to be believed. How can the Commission discriminate the candidates in the fray? How can the Commission conclude that a contestant is sure to lose and will have fewer votes than required to secure his deposit? It is a blatant disregard to the spirit and provisions of the Constitution to deny a level playing field to all the contestants.
Starting from the timings of poll campaigns to restrictions on ‘wall-writing’ and posters to ‘allotting’ symbols and poll related speeches of various political leaders on government channels, allowing the advertisements on newspapers and electronic media and campaign thro social media…. the Commission has no qualms in its partisan attitude against the ‘smaller’ candidates. Let us say ‘Hats off’ to the Commission for being free and fairing in the conduct of polls.
The very concept of a ‘general’ election is now changed to facilitate crowning a political leader or the other where it has nothing to do anymore with empowering the common man in its true sense. If that is to be so, the current situation in Maharashtra is a more probable outcome than a people centric set up being ushered in to power.
Whom should we blame? It is a cleverly played out game that allows only the master manipulators to play it and we the people are but forced to support either this or that group fighting to carry away all that is legitimately ours.
The political scenario and the electoral arena in particular is day by day getting alienated from the general public and is placed at the altar of the gruesome, unmindful political heads who are hell bent upon capturing the reins of administration and snatching the fruits thereof – by hook or by crook. There is nothing that is immoral or unethical in this mad rush for power because in Indian democracy, ‘victory’ justifies every wrong doing and to be in power is the ultimate that gives the authority to do anything and yes it would be ‘good for the people’ as well!
Its ok. What about Maharashtra and the whole of India…? It seems to be heading for a ‘comic’ end. What would it be?
(to continue…
Baskaran Krishnamurthy – Educationist, Columnist, proponent of Gandian philosophy, guide for competitive examinations
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