Much has been said about our politicians. Especially the ones who have represented us over the years. Even more so, the so called “old breed of politicians”- the ones who are clearly reflections of the choice we make once every five years. And afterwards, they are also the ones we point fingers at, for the lack of every social or economic development.
The last few weeks were made of money talks. Somehow every conversation or update on social media leads to it. Of votes being sought, sold and bought. Of people coming forward, carelessly offering their votes in exchange of something. More often, it’s money, but also vehicles and promises sometimes. And at any cost they want it NOW. Or the candidate does not get the votes.
Not too long ago, we talked about “a new breed of politicians”. Clearly, the existing politicians have failed us. So much so, this unhealthy trend has- much to our disappointment- grown, and is dishearteningly flourishing in our land. Listening to election anecdotes from everywhere across the state, you can’t help but wonder what has gone wrong with our society, which was once known for her honesty.
Now, because politicians have spoilt many people rotten during elections, you come across stories of voters demanding for things you wouldn’t even have thought or imagined could be related to elections. And the voters’ rate has apparently increased too! I knew of villages which were true, and wanted nothing in return for their votes. They only wanted a genuine leader to build their community, and lead them to a better future. These villages apparently don’t exist anymore. Now, like everywhere else, they want money or something in return for their votes.
At the rate the selling of votes is taking place, I doubt if people especially at the grassroots level even have the slightest idea how much their votes are worth. Many of them are happy to give away their votes for a mere thousand rupees in cash and live rest of the five years wishing for developments that are vital for our social growth.
We need voters who understand that selling one’s vote is the end to everything else that we dream of as a society. The moment we do this, we also give away our right to ask for any kind of development. Our societal aspirations end where greed and selfishness take over.
And as much as we need a new breed of politicians, we also need to raise a new breed of voters. Only then we can start hoping for elections to make our lives better. The way it's meant to.
The last few weeks were made of money talks. Somehow every conversation or update on social media leads to it. Of votes being sought, sold and bought. Of people coming forward, carelessly offering their votes in exchange of something. More often, it’s money, but also vehicles and promises sometimes. And at any cost they want it NOW. Or the candidate does not get the votes.
Not too long ago, we talked about “a new breed of politicians”. Clearly, the existing politicians have failed us. So much so, this unhealthy trend has- much to our disappointment- grown, and is dishearteningly flourishing in our land. Listening to election anecdotes from everywhere across the state, you can’t help but wonder what has gone wrong with our society, which was once known for her honesty.
Now, because politicians have spoilt many people rotten during elections, you come across stories of voters demanding for things you wouldn’t even have thought or imagined could be related to elections. And the voters’ rate has apparently increased too! I knew of villages which were true, and wanted nothing in return for their votes. They only wanted a genuine leader to build their community, and lead them to a better future. These villages apparently don’t exist anymore. Now, like everywhere else, they want money or something in return for their votes.
At the rate the selling of votes is taking place, I doubt if people especially at the grassroots level even have the slightest idea how much their votes are worth. Many of them are happy to give away their votes for a mere thousand rupees in cash and live rest of the five years wishing for developments that are vital for our social growth.
We need voters who understand that selling one’s vote is the end to everything else that we dream of as a society. The moment we do this, we also give away our right to ask for any kind of development. Our societal aspirations end where greed and selfishness take over.
And as much as we need a new breed of politicians, we also need to raise a new breed of voters. Only then we can start hoping for elections to make our lives better. The way it's meant to.
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