The Concept of Democracy and the Country of India have a historic relationship and it would go for ages. But do we really know what Democracy actually is?? According to the Hub of Knowledge, Wikipedia, “Democracy has no specific, universally accepted definition. But there are two principles that any definition of democracy includes, Equality and Freedom. These principles are reflected by all citizens being equal before the law, and having equal access to power, and freedom is secured by legitimized rights and liberties, which are generally protected by a constitution.” This is the most acceptable definition of a Democratic Country. But I don’t think this is the policy that runs India.
Our Country has developed a new form of Democracy. The one in which you can survive if and only if you have strong political connections. Otherwise just be a prey of the powerful and be a silent spectator of the power-play. The so called “Equality before the Law” is very well seen in Ruchika’s case where it clearly shows the unwritten rules of the Law that it would favor the powerful and the rich.
The Second point still remains unexplained, rights and duties. It’s simple, we are deprived and denied of our Rights and in turn we do not bother to fulfill out duties. But this is not a solution for the betterment of the conditions we are living in. This, on the contrary, becomes a cyclic process and an advantage for our corrupt leaders, because they are confident that the people who can change their regime are happy holidaying on the voting day.
I strongly agree with Mr. Modi when he says that the Bill passed in the Gujrat assembly to make voting compulsory “Strengthens the Democracy”. This is a historic move, a very good one especially for “Indian Democracy”. I would like this to be a law for every poll in the country. As per the facts, the countries that have gone for mandatory voting have a high turnout of around 90-95% and thus their governments are, we can surely say, chosen by the majority.
This will also make sure that no section of the society is left out or taken for granted by the leaders. They’ll have to make moves of development for all because now they cannot leave behind the “non-voting class” of the society. The calculations of our leaders will surely be changed if this rule comes in affect for all the elections in the country. At least then they’ll do some hard work.
I have seen much criticism for this policy. Well, everyone has his or her own interpretations of situations and I respect that. I am nobody to counter their thoughts. All I know is every good thing in this world was initially criticized and after that it has always replied to its critics with success. Besides, genuine reasons of not being able to vote are always accepted so this should not be the basis of criticism.
Finally, I would end it up with a simple thought that at least one day we can give to our duties especially when we have an endless enthusiasm to fight for years for our rights.
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