Parliamentary Election is to be held soon and preparations for starting campaigns and rallies by political parties are in full swing. In fact BJP and Congress are already in action, PM and other top leaders are addressing major rallies across the nation amongst them President of INC. option
Just like Olympics, India’s National Election comes generally once in five years. Instead of countries participating we have the political parties doing the same things, choosing the right candidates just like the countries do with their athletes. Winnability is the main criteria in selecting the candidates.
In fact election in India is more like a Marathon Race or a Heavy Weight Boxing Match. But unlike Olympics there’s only one Medal “Gold”, no silver nor bronze. Rules and regulations are there, but flouting them is not difficult, if the candidate enjoys influence, money and muscle power. Unfortunately the authorities often look the other way instead of acting against the violators.
The voters participating in the election process are just like spectators watching the games. Same kind of excitement, euphoria and expectations. Nevertheless during the election voters fortunately have the upper hand. They hold the Aces and if played properly can decide the winner of their choice and hence the prized “Gold Medal”.
How effectively do the voters play their cards? That depends on several factors such as promises, cast, religion, language, literacy and even superstitions. One of the defining feature of Indian politics is that political parties can indulge in making tall and fascinating promises that could get them victory at the hustings and even form government, then sleep over these promises or implement a few of them at a snail’s pace over a period of 4 years and then just before the next election go overdrive with some, that can entice the voters and give them advantage over other political parties.
Besides captivating promises there are other goodies such as sops, freebies, bribes or any kind of instant gratifications in cash or kind. As we have voters with different cultural, educational and economic backgrounds, political parties take into account such factors and design the campaign strategies to cater for such diverse sections of voters.
The reason why I put “promises” as the top priority is simple, because promises when repeatedly spoken during the political campaigns and rallies have a powerful effect on the voters’ minds, who eventually begin to believe as truths.
Let’s us now delve into the different kinds of promises that are likely to receive top priorities during this election: construction of Ram Temple, universal minimum guaranteed income to economically weaker sections and women’s welfare etc.
Voters are always hoping that their lives will be better and their children will grow up in a more secure, prosperous and healthier environment. Therefore for every Indian any major election is a harbinger of “achhe din”.
It’s a kind of magic wand that could probably resolve their major issues, mitigate their problems and fulfill their aspirations.
