In Indian politics, especially during general elections or State Assembly elections, the campaign by parties is rife with manipulation and deceit. It is orchestrated by wily politicians and facilitated by biased media outlets. The gullible electorate often falls prey to these tactics, leading to a perpetuation of a flawed political system. At stake is the democratic process along with integrity of politicians. While there are instances of good governance, these are exceptions rather than the rule.
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| promises of plenty. image credit - Pinrest. com |
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| image credit- Pinrest. com (Deccan chronicles.com) |
A significant issue is the control many political heavyweights exert over media houses. These politicians ensure that news reports are filtered to maintain their favorable image while suppressing negative news. This control over media creates a biased information ecosystem where the electorate receives a distorted view of political realities. Glaring mistakes and gaffes by politicians often go unreported, and the public remains unaware of their leaders' shortcomings.
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| mage credit- Pinrest. com (Deccan chronicles.com) |
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| mage credit- Pinrest. com (Deccan chronicles.com) |
During election campaigns, politicians employ various strategies to attract voters. One common tactic is crowd pulling, where large numbers of people are brought to rallies. These crowds are often enticed with money, liquor, and other incentives. The sheer size of these rallies creates an illusion of widespread support, which can influence undecided voters. However, this support is often superficial and does not reflect genuine political engagement or endorsement.
Campaign speeches are another area where deceit is rampant. Politicians make grand promises, pledging various goodies for the people. These promises range from infrastructure projects to social welfare programs. However, once elected, these politicians often fail to deliver on their promises. Their persona changes, and they become inaccessible to the very people who voted them into power. Constituents find it challenging to reach their elected representatives, and the promised developments remain unfulfilled.
Addressing these issues requires a multi-faceted approach. Increasing media literacy among the electorate is crucial. When people can critically evaluate the information they receive, they are less likely to be swayed by biased reporting. Strengthening laws around political funding and media ownership can also help reduce the undue influence of money in politics. Transparent campaign finance rules can ensure that elections are fought fairly, without the corrupting influence of money.
Civic engagement is another critical area. Encouraging voter participation and fostering a culture of accountability can lead to more responsible governance. Independent media organizations need support to provide balanced and comprehensive news coverage. Public forums, regular town hall meetings, and digital platforms can make politicians more accessible to their constituents post-election, ensuring that they remain accountable for their promises.
In conclusion, while Indian politics is fraught with manipulation and deceit, there are ways to counter these issues. By increasing media literacy, implementing transparent laws, encouraging civic engagement, and supporting independent media, the electorate can hold politicians accountable. Only then can the cycle of deceit and manipulation be broken, paving the way for genuine good governance. (Special thanks to Deccan Chronicle and its innovative cartoonist Sri Subhani; his remarkable new ideas will improve the awareness among the Indian voters)
Source: https://www.navrangindia.in/2020/04/funny-quotes-humor-etc-63.html
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