As unseasonal floods and volcano fires abate and new equations build up in the Middle East with the visit of Israeli PM to UAE and then Bahrain and virtually no chance of de escalation of tension along Russia-Ukraine border even after frantic efforts of French President Macron and German Chancellor Scolz, India is in thick of yet another mini General Elections for 625 seats in five states. Corona or Covid or Omicron,its business as usual. Public sentiments are not only appealed at, depending upon mood and ‘setting’, these are also taken for granted.
Topsy Turvy Phase
2) Its a span of nine weeks from announcement to conclusion of process of elections.Looks , festival of Holi may be preponed for a few. Everything appears moving except further slowing down of work in Government offices or common man targetted projects and schemes. So to say , another adventure has been set in motion by the hard tasking ECI, upon test of first endurance amidst Covid syndrome in Bihar, West Bengal and four other states, subsequently.
Real Issues Take A Back Seat
3) It is not that indispositions and casualties donot happen and religion and secularism assume fresh ‘Avatars’ but the fact remains that vital figures are under reported, if not suppressed altogether. Fresh but futile debates on Secularism and resultant Rights and Duties begin even when one needs to be” vocal about local”, yes mainly local issues during an Assembly poll. No need to think and touch even the vexed topic of a Population policy or need to get rid of black money which ,otherwise are responsible for most of our day to day ills and challenges.
4) One has no hesitation in expressing that regular studies of children and their examinations have to wait or postponed for no valid rhyme or reason but elections( even if term of some legislatures may not have expired) have to be held in the name of Jum-huriat (democracy).
Advent of Election Tourism
5) One gets an impression therefore, that elections may not be a necessity always ,rather these are taking the shape of an ‘Exercise in Tourism’.
6) What is not there to be witnessed which a normal,relaxed tourist does not aspire ?
Thrill, adventure, rural-urban exposure, interface with regional lyrics, idioms, songs,music,dances,cuisine,artificial or superficial contact and temporary sympathy with the masses. Perhaps all with a view to dramatise if not divert always.
The exercise so made available or imposed, provides seasonal engagement as also employment, apart from fresh caste and class alignments. One also gets to know the short-lived proximity between primordial loyalties and status patterns springing from upstarts on the one hand and gradually picking up Start Up phenomenon.
Lofty Promises
7) Promises are made without proper assessment and appraisal of individual or community resources.Element of violence or muscle power may look to have subsided but truth invariably takes a back seat. Free flow of allegations and counter allegations have a field day . Even fissures within a dominant family surface to suit personal interests. Groping in dark or promising castles in the air does not cost anything.Mere play or shuffling of words would do.
8) For print and electronic media and those aiming to make a fast buck, elections provide a ready made opportunity. It’s also the ideal time to try fresh networks, harbour relationships or get acquainted with psedo think tanks or actual intellectuals.
Who knows , a situation of defeat or loss in political spectrum may open other flood gates ?
9 )Assumption of role of fixers, mediators, critics, analysts and upcoming election guides cum managers, based on past trends and projections is also very much possible. This never ending Show will go on. Has to go on. One has to live with it. Unless an alternative emerges.
Will we ever see a fresh light ,a ray of actual Hope at the end of tunnel ?
About the Author : Dr. Aaloc Srivastav, Ex CS , Sikkim is a Senior Retd Bureaucrat and passionate about writing on his favourite subjects . The views shared by the author are his personal.