Media and the Indian election

Photo by Firoz, Mumbai (April 16, 2009)

The world's largest democracy India is going through month-long five-stage elections process to put Lower house of parliament with 543 members in place. These elected leaders will be given the responsibilities by 743 million Indians to lead the country. The fate and destiny of India will be in the hands of these leaders for next five years. But this election seems to a mind-boggling game for all political pundits as they cannot clearly predict as who is expected to form the next government at the centre when voting comes to an end on May 13, 2009.

India as a nation is at the cross-crossroads. Economic slowdown, cross-border infiltration, internal security, unemployent, communal harmony are some of the issues of critical social importance. Unfortunately none of the political parties seems to be keen and has been able to raise real issues to seek mandate. And why should these parties will ever raise issues? Don’t we know and come to realise that democracy thrives on vote bank politics, poverty, unemployment and all sort of miseries? Don’t we know that people with all comforts do not go and vote because for them 'to vote' doesn't matter. Affulent section of the society follow pre- election debates on television channels but politics remains a dirty word for them. They feel electing a government is not going to solve any problem.

But, I am not a pessimist. Political parties may not have been able to raise issues of people’s concern, but people are aware of the real issues via media. Media is at work and covering every views, news and issues possible. People in the country want peace, stability and economic prosperity and growth. Give them some benefit of doubt to use their political discretion in the best of the country’s interest. Wait for the voting to get over. Voters are going to surprise one and all.