Monday, October 26, 2009

The People's Mandate

Kya hoega is counrty ka???
Not seldom has the above been heard when confronted with the supposed inefficiency and inactivity of the government in how we would like to be governed.

George Bernard Shaw famously quoted "Democracy is a device that ensures we shall be governed no better than we deserve". The strength of this mighty arsenal with the people was only at 50% of its potency in the recent polls in Maharashtra. This though seems a conservative figure considering only 50% of the 'enlisted' voters came out to exercise their right. The list of those above 18 and not even enlisted would drop these figures to abysmal depths.

Democracy is the rule of the majority but when the majority is happy taking a 'casual leave'to accomodate an extended long weekend to spend with their 'near and dear' instead of utlising it for the purpose they have been granted a day off for cuts a sorry tale for a country which boasts of the largest democracy. Infact the majority would rather sit at home and enjoy a crack at the government's expense.

To come to think of it, those in power have the approval of not more than 30% of 50% of us and the rest have to submit themselves to the whims and caprices of this incumbent.
The one who bestows power is equally to blame as the one who weilds it for misuse. 'Power corrupts' is probably the oldest of cliches and so there is an added responsiblity on us to decide who weilds it for us.

Now is not the time to decide what kind of government is best for us, this aspect must have been given a considerable amount of thought before it was concluded to be the best for a diverse country as ours, nor is it the time to crib,cringe and croon about 'pathetic' state of affairs in the country. Its rather time we participate actively in the act of governance. Its time we forgo our passivity with an involvment. Democracy itself implies participation of the citizenry in the running of the country. Its far more easier to lament the 'corrupt' politician for taking our beloved country to the dogs.

Farces like candle light vigils as forms of protest when something goes awry become the order of the day to display our solidarity against the incompetent 'politicos'. 'The spirit' they say, can never be dampened by a few corrupt men. This time can rather be saved by choosing the right men to power.

Its never too late to change when the change is for a better beginning. We ourselves are to blame for the abject reality that faces us, for the poverty that engulfs us,for the potholes that have gained permanace, and everything else that is conviniently blamed on the government.
The will of the people rules our country. If that happens to be insipid and apathetic, we dont have to look any further to blame.

Its high time we realise what power democracy confers upon its citizens through the right to adult franchise else it remains to be seen Kya hoega is country ka???

7 comments:

  1. good article man
    i'm sure it would cause a few of our nation's youth to realize the power that they wield and the sacrifices that others have made for this right,the right to vote..
    let us hope that this is the start of a "better beginning"

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  2. Poor Voting percentage(50%) in Maharashtra definitely indicates fact that people are no more interested in elections and government because they know whoever will come situation will either not improve or become more worse.

    Basically no one wants to vote because they are not finding any suitable candidate whom they can cast their valuable votes for. So the question is, who is voting, who is in 50%, who still believe that voting existing candidates will save our country or city.

    I know that voting is our right and we must vote, but Question is whom to vote? Who is true Janata Leader? Who is corruption proof? Who really wants to work for us?....... Where will our country go if existing leaders and there children continues to rule our country?????

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  3. Rajesh its upto us to find a suitable leader..
    We arent helping matters by shunning the elections altogether, rather we are only helping the 'existing leaders and their children' with our ignorant behaviour.
    What GBS has said aptly sums it up.
    This is a pessimistic approach towards our polity.
    I am sure we are not incapable of finding 288 men or women who would represent us but this cannot happen unless we are committed towards it.

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  4. Could not agree more with you on this. The cost of a good democracy is 'eternal vigilance'. It should be our own conviction;responsible citizery.
    We readily displace the blame on Politicos without realising the root of democracy is "US". Tree doesnt bear fruits or has stunted growth because of weak roots.

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  5. Hai Dude excellent posting about Democracy Please give us some nice postings

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