Opinion – The Way Political Parties Appeal To Their Voters Has To Change

Al Arafat Sherfuddeen

July 22nd, 2016 / 6:24 PM

Opinion – The Way Political Parties Appeal To Their Voters Has To Change

The fault lines are getting wider and visible. It is no secret that caste and religion have been part of the campaign strategy of political parties to mobilize voters for long. An optimist would have vouched caste and religion would subside from the political arena every passing day, the pessimist would think otherwise. As it stands, the pessimist remains vindicated. If in doubt, have a look at the U.P. election campaign and the way various political parties have allocated their coveted positions within the party. Not one political party have taken a progressive view on this. This pattern of caste and religion arithmetic is more prominent in U.P. given its significance of the state by the number of Lok Sabha seats and assembly seats (read Rajya Sabha seats).

Democracy is by far the aptest process that ensures representation of all sections of the society into the policy-making realm. Elections alone do not make a Democracy, an independent judiciary, civil society, individual rights, human rights and a host of other institutions and rights contributes to the definition of Democracy. As part of the large wide definition of Democracy, it is also the way political parties appeal to voters, the norm is and should be all political parties should appeal to all sections of the people rather than every political party trying to take a slice of the cake (read section of voters). The former will make the competition between parties a healthy one, it will bring the important issues to the forefront rather than divisive and polarising issues. The latter will continue to reinforce stereotypes, keep the most important issues like environment conservation, climate change, infrastructure out of the public policy debates.

How can it be enforced ?

Unfortunately, there is no straight forward answer and it will be hard to codify behavioural politics. However, people and political parties can come together and sign a binding agreement, keeping nation’s interests above everything and agreeing on common minimum code of conduct for electoral behaviour which can be overseen by the Election Commission and for such a change to happen, the constitution should be amended that empowers the Election commission with such powers so that it could be enforced effectively.

It up to us to stand up

We have too often seen political parties, their statements, actions and consequentially their governance reflecting their vote base, a base built on appeasement or prejudice against caste’s or religion. Good politics can work well for all, it is for the people to stand up, unite and raise their voice against the regressive and divisive politics practiced by various political parties across the political spectrum, else, the downward spiral which our Democracy is heading to could get to a point of irreversibility that will result in multiple fault lines in the society and thereby hampering social unity and economic progress.

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This Diwali Let Us Rebuild Schools To Secure A Better Future For The Country

We all have memories attached to our schools. Yes, obviously we do, otherwise, why would we be all excited for our school’s 10-year reunion? Because reunions are the time when we get to relive those juvenile memories and cherish the good old days.

The times we shared the same bench with our best friend and played tic tac toe on the desk. The times we took toilet breaks in the middle of a class only to secretly loiter around the corridors. The brilliant lunches we shared with our friends on the school playground during recess. Reminiscing over these memories warms our hearts.

Did you know that at least 35 million children between the age group of 6-14 do not attend school in India? There have been several reports that girls drop out of school because of a lack of basic facilities such as toilets. These children are not only missing out on basic education, but they are also missing out on those wonderful memories.

In a bid to make early education accessible to all, HIL Limited has taken a wonderful initiative. HIL Limited believe in the fact that when we do things together, better things happen, standing by their philosophy of ‘Together We Build’. In the film, you can see a small child Kamli. The naive child makes a colorful paper lantern for Diwali and gifts it to her school, which is in shambles. She is eager to learn and her adamant heart still gives her the hope that the colourful lantern might make her broken school a little brighter. After her Diwali holidays, when she comes back to her school and finds it prettier her heart rejoices.

HIL Limited believes that education is the right step towards bringing young minds together and creating a feeling of togetherness. Their social initiative has helped 75,000 children like Kamli by rebuilding their schools.

Now, these children would not miss out on basic education. They will also get to make beautiful memories that they will cherish for a very long time. This would also make their future stronger and more reliable. If you know any such school that needs attention, then please write to [email protected].

The Logical Indian appreciates HIL Limited for the wonderful initiative they have taken to make the future of so many underprivileged children better. Children are the future of the country and we hope that by making their future secure, we are taking our country forward.

Opinion – The Way Political Parties Appeal To Their Voters Has To Change

Al Arafat Sherfuddeen

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This Diwali Let Us Rebuild Schools To Secure A Better Future For The Country

HIL Limited

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