In school, we learnt the difference between autocracy and democracy. We were also told that a democratic system does greater good for its people, because they can choose who will run the country, thus giving more power to the people. They didn’t just have to be run by someone who does as he pleases, not as his kingdom pleases. So, somewhere along the way, the people grew respect for the leaders they picked, and learnt to trust them, their decisions. But is that trust misplaced?
The Indian economy trips and falls often. The government often takes decisions and makes laws that the public doesn’t quite agree with. And sometimes, it’s the mass that takes the fall for their decisions – and it’s happened a lot in our country; so much so that the trust between the politicians and leaders, and the very people who elected them have taken a lot of scathing.
Corruption runs unstopped among politicians, why, some of them display their sense of foul-mindedness in the open! There seems to be a lack of respect between ‘our’ leaders and us. More often than not, their decisions are met with grave dislike, provoking protests and hostility.
So when we hear about their promises when they’re running for election, are we supposed to believe them? Are we supposed to believe their words before we witness their actions? Our country may be a democracy, but trusting the leaders we pick is probably not a very good idea. Or should we be more critical, popping in questions now and then, grilling them and testing their mettle?
Picking a leader doesn’t just end at the declaration of the result of the votes. One can’t just vote and elect, and leave it all on them to correct and reform. Some of the leaders are undoubtedly honest, and work as hard as they can to keep their words. But there are those who are in it just for their own personal benefit.
Our economy takes a hit every now and then. Recently, a veto blocked an important trade treaty, infuriating the World Trade Organization’s members, with the country hugely resounding their views, citing it was a bad move. In the face of crimes, the country still operates on loosely-based laws. Indeed, with an astronomically high population as ours, it would be quite a challenge for our leaders to run this country. But once they make a promise, the citizens automatically are lead to believe and hope for a better future, a brighter economy, and a safer place to live in.
In conclusion, we cannot expect a country to change for the better right after an election. This may be a democracy, but our leaders’ powers are not our own powers. They might still make bad decisions. We should all probably march towards the common goal together, distribute power more justifiably. A democracy doesn’t end at the elected leaders, it ends in a country that’s happy and prosperous. Here’s hoping the leaders are going to learn that, and make better choices when the situation presents itself.
