In a while, the state I love goes to voting again. As a matter of fact, the political campaigns have been going on for quite sometime now. I wish I can tell of how much I know about politics. But for one, I never really studied about it nor am I really interested. But once in a while it annoys me to think of the “hows” when election comes around again.
I think I got a faint idea about it. They say, election means electing some leaders. Efficient enough to lead the state towards betterment I suppose. I wouldn’t say I haven’t seen great changes in my state in the past years that have gone by. There certainly were some wonders going on for a while now. But I still see the condition of our roads almost beyond repair. Sad to say, traveling isn’t all that pleasing or even commuting itself.
Anyway, back to campaigning and it’s some stories that perhaps nobody really cares about. Interestingly, it seems people in the villages are quite well versed with politics. Especially when the general elections come around, they are the ones most involved. Well, I’m quite disappointed to learn how our voting system works. Whatever happened to ‘electing a good leader.’ Rather, today we are after leaders who are in favour of us, them who would take some notice of us.
So, in the end it’s money! Whoever has the most probably has the biggest chances to be elected. Make no mistake; it’s not the leaders’ fault but us voters. What are we doing? Are we really interested to see more growth and development in our state? Are we eager to see our leaders working towards betterment of our land? Or are we just voting for selfish gains? Are we voting so that we would have some big shots to rely on whenever we need? Is the state election not for public good?
I feel politicians have busy lives. Of course you don’t need me to tell you so. But you see, they have too many appointments. Everybody becomes family when you are a politician. Some party member you hardly knows passes away and you have to be present to offer your condolences just that they know you were there. Some party member’s family/relatives fall sick, it becomes your duty to pay a visit and perhaps even help with the medical expenses. Some party member comes over and you are compelled to give them some money. A thousand or two, some hundreds, whatever and whenever! Some party member’s children needs job, you also have to find them some work. Or say, some of them are getting married; you still have a part there. Besides political engagements, being a politician means you are a part of all those who support you. Too much for elections! For goodness sake, they are supposed to be leaders and not the rich relation we can have.
And then, I’m told when elections come around, people begin to distribute money. Now, that’s quite something! What have we really done to our state? We’ve become some selfish lot looking around for selfish gains. Why does politics have to be very personal? Why does it have to be based on how rich the candidate is? Why can’t we just vote sincerely for them who deserve it and not because they can make us a little richer? No wonder, we are still far behind. Perhaps, unless we learn to vote for what we believe in (meaning the right leaders who will shape our state), we will continue to stay where we are, still sorry for the poor conditions around us.
Vishii Rita Krocha
