Politickled!

 

Some years ago, one would simply say Indian politics never ceases to amaze us. However, in current times, as the unwitting audience to this increasingly witless phenomenon, it’s blaringly obvious that the community and global counterparts of politics, have not just risen to, but sometimes, even outdone the national challenge! And, as what would earlier have shock value now simply warrants our chuckles, amazement has turned to amusement. But then, you already knew that. So, let’s focus on the oncoming Maharashtra State Assembly elections, which is upon us in a couple of days, on the 21^st of October.

The build-up towards the elections, has, in part, confused us, and in part, given us our very own ‘October Pest’. For one, we can’t seem to keep up with (read: care about) the shifty shades of greying Indian politics, with our party-hopping candidates. And secondly, the intrusive campaigning – with loud speakers blaring on the streets at all odd hours, ‘volunteers’ accosting us on the streets with pamphlets we really don’t want to be seen with; and using our doorbells against our afternoon siestas – has rendered us helpless against this October Pest!

But even so, say, for a moment we put aside these inconveniences and political indiscretions, and ruminate… Do our state candidates, immaterial of the party they represent, truly make a difference to or help resolve the predicaments faced by the mostly ignored, middle/upper-middle class of citizens, like you and I? Even as innumerable candidates make the exact same promises all over again, should we stay with the old-unfaithfuls and pledge our vote to the known devils, or vote in a new face, hoping it will be the much-needed face of change? Do we go with faces that keep changing under the same name or with names that keep changing under the same face?

These are not necessarily rhetorical questions. In fact, the answer to these will determine, even motivate, you to cast your vote on Monday. It is said that those who do not practice their democratic right to vote, are called ‘idiots’. But should you view the above questions as rhetorics, in keeping with Indian politics, what do you call those who do?

Now this might not be a ‘politically correct’ piece to share, but I’m guessing I don’t have too much to worry about when the phrase itself has proven to be an oxymoron… for the most part! But for the sake of its remainder, make the effort to cast your vote.

Happy weekend, all!

– Anahita