When the idea of democracy was born, it was envisaged as the ultimate governance, where every individual would have equal rights and the world would be a better place to live. Instead of the rule of muscle, people would choose who would form the laws, who would ensure that right policies are in place so that the people get the best life possible and are able to live without fear or subjugation.
People needed leaders amongst them to form their voice and make sure the state machinery is run efficiently so that the state makes progress and there is development for all.
These leaders were supposed to come up with policies and promises, and the people would then choose which leader is best suited to serve their interests.
However, when these leaders are elected, they get power – power to control the state, power to control finances, power to control the lives of the people. And, when one tastes power, they never want to part with it. They become corrupt. Interests of the people become too irrelevant (the same interests that they are supposed to protect).
The present day leaders/politicians no longer have the welfare of people in mind, it is all about power now. They live like kings. The moment someone gets elected to some Government office (MLA, MLC, MP, etc), their wealth starts multiplying. How do the politicians get so wealthy that almost all of them have wealth in crores?
These politicians are supposed to be the representatives of the people. But, how accessible are they? Especially if they are in power! And, when you do get a chance to meet any of them, they have so much air about them. One gets a feeling as if one is meeting a king! And, all the office staff – PA, clerk, security – everybody is so very ill mannered too. Why should they have the power? How different are they from the emperors of the past? Just that they have to keep a guise on top of them!
And, we have heard so many cases of politicians misusing their power – slapping people, delaying flights, even making trains stop at stations where they are not supposed to stop! The list is long. We have so many accusations of politicians even getting people tortured and killed if they do not meet their demands! And, they are supposed to represent us and work for our welfare!!!
Common man like me has so many grievances about the state of democracy in India, that it will take ages to pen everything down. I will stop here – coming up next would be thoughts on why Indian democracy is a farce! It is better than many other countries, but it still isn’t real democracy!
No comments:
Post a Comment