In a process spread over a period of almost a month, many states in our country
will have new state assemblies. Some of them will retain the ruling class while
others may go for change.
In my very own state we used to give sleepless nights to the ruling class,
since with each elections we used to give the baton of power to the other side
hoping that they will do better. But with in a very short time we get
disillusioned with the new dispensation in power. Rest of the time, that is
either till bickerings among those in power pulled them down or till the next
elections at the end of five year our ruling class would attempt to push us to
the other side so that we give the ousted once our thumps up.
In the process I have noticed two things. One, the pace at which the ruling
class become deaf, dump and blind towards people of the state, the very people
who helped them ascend to power. Secondly, there seem to be a stiff competition
among the current and previous dispensations as to how fast they can alienate
themselves from the people and give the other one a chance.
In the mean time allegations fly thick and fast. Those who promised clean
administration and progressive policies soon forget the promises. By the time
they leave office most of them would have faced at least a few allegations of
corruption and nepotism. Once in power, especially when becoming a minister one
gets into a semi prison. Only a select few has any direct access to the
minister. With police vehicles as in pilot and escort, traffic rules are thrown
to wind. Cosy comfort of the ministerial banglows which are renovated at the
cost of millions make them forget the hardships they suffered prior to their
ascendancy to power. Those who came from thatched houses, those who are in
from simple and humble back grounds are pushed to comforts and most of them lose
their character. Many are quick to grab the pie as it comes, albeit in benami
names. Some of them increase their balance sheet by a huge percentage.
I don't forget the men who retain impeccable character and integrity.
Much more than the greed that affect those in power, it is their
transformation, making them alienated from their close friends and followers of
ester years that sadden me. The minister who was one among us till he became a
minister and will be among us after a few years is now protected. If you take
only positive, transparent decisions in the best interest of your own people,
why you need this much protection from your own people ?
If you have nothing to hide, if you have not lost the courage and conviction
which were your strengths when you were fighting for the people then why should
you be afraid?
But now you know you have done and are doing many things which make people
irritated and turn them against you. Now you fear people for you have done
things that are against them.
The tragedy with our democracy is that our illusion that the formation to which
we gave a drubbing has learned to behave better.
I too hope. every five years ............. then go and vote ...........simply to
see my hopes dashed and wait for another chance to take revenge.
This time too ................
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