I am not a political person and I don't have any pretensions about it. In fact, I take pride in believing and saying that I do not understand politics. The self-promoted confession sprouts more out of apathy and aloofness than real lack of knowledge or interest. As ignorance of law cannot absolve one of all responsibilities or guilt of a crime committed, so being unaware of what is happening in the political arena of one's own country be reason enough for its citizens to shy away from questions which may not have tailor-made answers. Can we call ourselves patriots, in the true sense, if we do not even try and find out what is actually happening around us, howsoever, well-founded our feelings be for our motherland? One may still feel for one's country without getting into the murkier world of its politics but at the same time one cannot ignore the systems of governance and administration which affect one's life in its every stage and aspect.
All said and done, I wouldn't have sat down to post a blog on this issue had the Capital not been gearing up for the forthcoming election. Midst all the posters, publicity and media buzz even the most ignorant cannot choose to turn deaf to what is happening around, what did not happen as envisaged or anticipated, what should have ideally happened and what should be the future of this vast country.
While there can be no two opinion about the virtue of possessing in-depth information, a certain amount of common sense has its own efficacy and can be universally applied to all disciplines in want of greater proficiency. However, common sense is also very uncommon and can in no way substitute erudition. The unpredictability of politics widens the scope for speculations and forecasting. During the last election, we were divided between two poles - giving a fair chance to'alternate ideology' and siding the'known enemies'. The'alternate ideology' brought with it new hope of a brighter, stronger future. Utopia, however deceptive, beckons even the most grounded of beings when all remedies fail. The'known enemies' lure with a safety net which is perhaps less safe, in the actual sense of the term, and more tilted towards status quo, which in a way is comforting compared to experimentation that may end in likely disasters or in rare case, unlikely victory in favour of collective will . In the final analysis, secured knowledge of flawed intentions proves to be more satisfying, if not lucrative. Why? Because deep down somewhere we all fear the unknown, howsoever, suave and politically savvy, we may think ourselves to be. Surprisingly, in fragile moments of short lived impulse, we voted for the alternate ideology of political novices and the fiasco that ensued took one whole year to repair. We forgot that experience counts. We took a chance. We failed miserably. But the moot question is whether we are going to repeat the same mistake once again in our endless quest for that much needed stability?
Democracy is a hackneyed concept wherein the'demos'(Greek for common people) have come to be relegated to play the role of helpless bystanders and kratos( Greek for rule) have willfully taken on dubious shades. Are we, the people, really the king makers? With the politicians hammering down contrived mandates, the electorate is in an increasingly chaotic rhapsody. Does it indicate another landslide victory for the'chosen ones' with a political will severely tampered by an overdose of complacency? Alternately, either we bargain for an effete political party surviving on dynastic leadership or depend blindly on a confused culture of inexperience and naivety.
In this whole rigmarole, it is the middle class which is miserably exposed to betrayal. The need of the hour is a functional and functioning government. It is a wonder how an endangered sub-continent has sustained itself surrounded by geographical neighbors of not too friendly disposition. Many have also expressed fear of subtle and discomforting changes in the Center, in the absence of a true and meaningful opposition. In this scenario of burgeoning power play, does the vacillating aam aadmi really hold the key to the throne?
It is the electoral results which hold the secret within its bosom to be unfolded in due course of time.
Till then.
