India is
the largest democracy in the world. A matter of pride for many of the citizens.
But is this what democracy was meant to be? Did we as a nation forget or
misunderstand what exactly democracy stands for?
65 years it has been and yet we are not in a democracy, we live in a pseudo democratic country, where we go to vote once in every 5 years and then our so called “elected representatives” govern the nation and forget all the promises in a flick of a second as soon as they take the oath.
What is Democracy? According to Oxford dictionary, democracy is defined as a system of government by the whole population or all the eligible members of a state, typically through elected representatives.
Now let us consider the scenario in India. The parties elect a representative which happens in closed door meetings and the “people” do not have a say in this. Yes we can contact the party heads, write letters and voice our thoughts, but the probability that our voice would be heard is as slim as the end of reservation system in India!
Now here comes the first problem and a deviation from the definition and essence of democracy, the elected representatives of the respective parties who will be contesting are NOT elected by the people, but by the parties. Hence any election henceforth is moot and has very less meaning whatsoever. Its like going to a battle with the weapons not of your choice but that which is imposed by the king.
The parties can ask for public opinion and make a candidate from the crowd itself. This way the people have the power, in literal sense the candidate will be “by the people.”
Okay, lets say that the candidates are acceptable to us, and they even win the election, now what? The promises made are forgotten, the manifesto is pushed back with all the un-necessary things and the elected representatives enjoy the power.
I do not say that exceptions are not there, but this is the reality in a broader perspective. We are being fooled by the term democracy and we, though reluctantly, but have adjusted ourselves with the scenario.
Democracy is “To the people, By the people and For the people.” But in India it is only “By” the people.
So, in short, the competing candidates are not among us, they don’t understand the problems and tensions of the area, and yet they contest for elections. They win, and yet they are not one of us, they are not the common man. They haven’t suffered pain and basic problems which a common man has, and yet they claim to solve our problems.
First step in solving any problem is, knowing that there is one. Is India really that big a democracy?
Is it finally time for us to retrospect on it?
65 years it has been and yet we are not in a democracy, we live in a pseudo democratic country, where we go to vote once in every 5 years and then our so called “elected representatives” govern the nation and forget all the promises in a flick of a second as soon as they take the oath.
What is Democracy? According to Oxford dictionary, democracy is defined as a system of government by the whole population or all the eligible members of a state, typically through elected representatives.
Now let us consider the scenario in India. The parties elect a representative which happens in closed door meetings and the “people” do not have a say in this. Yes we can contact the party heads, write letters and voice our thoughts, but the probability that our voice would be heard is as slim as the end of reservation system in India!
Now here comes the first problem and a deviation from the definition and essence of democracy, the elected representatives of the respective parties who will be contesting are NOT elected by the people, but by the parties. Hence any election henceforth is moot and has very less meaning whatsoever. Its like going to a battle with the weapons not of your choice but that which is imposed by the king.
The parties can ask for public opinion and make a candidate from the crowd itself. This way the people have the power, in literal sense the candidate will be “by the people.”
Okay, lets say that the candidates are acceptable to us, and they even win the election, now what? The promises made are forgotten, the manifesto is pushed back with all the un-necessary things and the elected representatives enjoy the power.
I do not say that exceptions are not there, but this is the reality in a broader perspective. We are being fooled by the term democracy and we, though reluctantly, but have adjusted ourselves with the scenario.
Democracy is “To the people, By the people and For the people.” But in India it is only “By” the people.
So, in short, the competing candidates are not among us, they don’t understand the problems and tensions of the area, and yet they contest for elections. They win, and yet they are not one of us, they are not the common man. They haven’t suffered pain and basic problems which a common man has, and yet they claim to solve our problems.
First step in solving any problem is, knowing that there is one. Is India really that big a democracy?
Is it finally time for us to retrospect on it?
