THE MIDDLE CLASS INDIAN VOTER

The Indian population as we all know is diverse in all aspects .Educational background , culture ,financial condition , needs and expectations . We as a class belong to a chunk of educated working citizens . We live with some realistic ,achievable hopes and needs . We work for the government ,and have put in our hearts and souls into it . But again of all the government service holders we are that fraction who neither aspire for financial schemes nor have the power to influence decisions . So where do we stand .

Whenever its time for elections , I run through the same volley of unanswered questions .Why are we paying over 3 months of our salaries as taxes . We do not expect any waiver or fancy perks . We neither want to pay back less than what has been set by rules. We want basic life sustaining amenities . Our expectations include , social security, proper civic amenities like water supply and flood control . A hygienic city would mean control of most mosquito and flies bourne ailments . We would be happy with just a clean , secure , anxiety of water free life as our basic need .

But , alas ; we never catch any attention for our votes are smattering both in number and weightage . The compilation of promises and agendas are designed to satisfy the rural and semi urban Indians who are biggest in numbers and that’s of highest value for an aspirant for power . The next valuable class of voters are the affluent entrepreneurs and industrialists who can liberally shake off wealth for the sake of powerful connections .

So , I ponder . Where is the value of our fundamental right of Democracy . We work honestly . We pay our dues without complaints . We aspire for a reasonable existence , we follow rules . But when it comes to our dues no single aspirant to the corridors of power has our needs on their agenda .

My question shall perhaps remain unanswered for a few more decades .

But I wish to exercise my franchise once again .

Dr Madhumita Priyadarshini Das