It’s back, the farce.
Expect the usual this year. No, I’m not talking about the contestants (yet).
The smart kurta-clad, unshaven do-gooders who really care for our society. Them folks.
“If you don’t vote, you don't have the right to blame.” “Your vote counts.” “Only you can make a difference.” “You owe it to the country.” “If you don’t like it, why don’t you do something to change it? Like, VOTE.” “Wakeup, wakeup, wakeup, wakeup re.”
Ha. I say.
Why so pessimistic? Here’s why.
Every election, at its best, 60% of the populace turns out to vote (and that’s a celebration-worthy figure, I’m told).
The party/candidate that wins, gets, let’s say, 40% of the vote share.
So this candidate is representing 40% of 60% of India. So far, so fair.
Now, to make the curry interesting, spike it with coalition conundrum (the inevitable “future” of the country, I’m told too.) Which means, the party/candidate for who “40 of 60” voted for, might not go on to represent anything or anyone nationally.
THAT, my dear friend, is decided by who won how much in the other part of the country, and who amongst all here, is willing to shake hands with that party; but isn't that the same party who the “40 of 60” originally voted against, by not voting for them
Net result, I’m governed by a DD national integration commercial of people of varying colours, accents, and head gear. A few who I haven’t heard of. A few I never want to. A few I can’t understand. And a few I can’t stand.
So, I’m stuck with a government I didn’t want; the one who is making policies without asking me; and who is then telling me I chose them. So suffer. (Not to forget, this after I chose to vote).
Of course, all this while we are assuming that I had a valid choice in the first place (which I didn’t). It was the good 'ol democratic “least-worse” syndrome - choosing someone who’ll screw me least/gentlest, that’s all; and that too was based more on hope rather than any left-brained thingamajig.
So where’s the power I seemingly wield with my unfortunately-not-middle-finger? Where’s my choice? Ours is not a US-based presidential democracy, where basically the whole country chooses between two parties/candidates. (But that’s another story.)
No sir. This is the great Indian rope trick, and you won’t realize when one got wound around your neck.
What’s the choice, you ask. What other option do we have? Well, I don’t know. I don’t see anything changing any soon. Only a deus ex machina can probably save us. Probably. No one’s vote, no matter for whom, or for what reasons, is ever going to matter till then. We might as well sleep watching a movie.
Disclaimer: This is not to discourage anyone from voting; go ahead, stain your fingers. I’ll too; and then cuddle up in some corner hoping they’ll be gentle.
