Unfortunately, the politicians are not being taken seriously. They have virtually hijacked the democratic machinery over the years; their standards have gone down drastically to the point of abhorrence. Ask people whether they like the profession of a politician. They make a contemptuous face. The vote banks, the fake promises to gullible people, guaranteeing jobs and doles to the key supporting people have landed the politicians into a messy marsh and the country has lost valuable time and resources, which could have given the much needed thrust to our national economy and progress. In fact we never defined our freedom- was it a freedom without obligation to society and country. After India gained independence, we had stalwarts to guide the destiny of the nation. As this tribe of luminaries vanished, we lost sight of our moorings and objectives. Democracy of numbers and unrestrained freedom became the watchwords. The good of the country was lost in the ethos of personal aggrandisement and money proliferation. The major political parties have money, infrastructure and orators with elaborate manifestoes- in fact all the tools to fight election for the survival of their parties. India is a great nation with talented men, men of vision, administrators, social and selfless workers, specialists etc. But in the course of political history of India, these so-called jewels have been side tracked. There is no room for logical or professional debates in the system of the parties. Yes ‘Boss", raising of hands and slogan shooting and the matter. In fact, politics has reduced men to the level of pygmies.

To me it appears that our democracy, a noble institution needs rejuvenation after fifty years of trials and tribulations. We as a nation have happily frittered away so many precious years and we all have to share the blame for the mess we are in. India is undoubtedly one of the best countries in the world with abundant resources. Unrestrained freedom, burgeoning population, indiscipline, disintegration of societies, and of ethical or moral codes have given rise to general chaos, which has served as a green pasture for our power hungry politicians.

Every sensitive and sensible man is perturbed about the state of affairs in the top echelons of the political parties. They have tarnished their image and the image of the country. How long can the citizen wait and watch. In fact, hereafter, the electorate should sincerely pledge to upkeep the institution of democracy and guard it from the political mire and slush. Before casting vote, we have to be sure of the credentials and the past track record of the candidate fighting an election. As electorate, we should insist that the candidate publishes his bio-data, educational/ professional qualifications, gross monthly income, assets, whether tax payee, the extent of his contribution to society, manifesto and the name of the sponsoring party. The prominent newspapers would do great service to the electorate if they publish the above details without payments. Also during the pre-election stage, the views emerging out of public discussion, survey of public opinions should be highlighted so that the eligibility of the right candidate could be reasonably established. For the purpose of casting vote, the candidate should be given precedence over the party symbol. Such a practice would motivate the voter to know more about the contestant and also to become literate.

Our gravest fault has been that over the years, we in right earnest, left the selection of the candidates to the political parties. The votes were cast for the party and not the individual. Thus the gap between the electorate and the elected has gradually widened leading to inevitable alienation. The unseen voter merely became a tool in the hands of the politician to exploit. In a democracy where an individual reigns supreme, such a system led to extinction of meritocracy and stifled sublimation of talent. In fact, it led to the creation of monoliths insensitive and unreceptive to the needs of the time.

Let the educational societies, social organisations, associations of technical specialists, ex-servicemen associations’, chambers of commerce and the like sponsor candidates of proven worth and credibility for the election. Such a step would surely rejuvenate our democratic institution. We have lost ample time but it is never too late!

As a matter of fact, since the political situation is in a very fluid state, public debate on such issues has assumed a great significance. Apprehensions over the outcome of the election, if thrust upon us, loom large. Heavens are not going to fall in case the political parties find themselves in no-win situation. As our emphasis will be on individuals of proven worth, the elected members can by consensus choose their leader. Normally, a leader emerges and not thrust upon the members. We should have no qualms on this score.

Now, dear readers, perhaps all of us can spare sometime and do some introspection and soul-searching. A nation’s time is too precious. Let’s not be mute spectators.