Thank you dear subscribers, we are overwhelmed with your response.
Your Turn is a unique section from ThePrint featuring points of view from its subscribers. If you are a subscriber, have a point of view, please send it to us. If not, do subscribe here: https://theprint.in/subscribe/
‘democracy prevails!’ We’ve heard this repeatedly ever since the 2024 election results were declared. 2024 had its Winners and its Losers! Pride of place belongs to the Voter, Opposition and Digital Media; they stood tall in the face of extremely adverse circumstances. At the bottom of the other end were the TV Channels and a handful of Anchors! The ECI also, at the bottom, partially redeemed its image by pulling through the elections without a hitch.
As an octogenarian who is also an informed citizen I sense Change and am hopeful! Let us look at some successes/failures:
+ Prime Minister Modi: humbled and somewhat outmanoeuvred, he is back in office for his third consecutive term. A personal victory and a milestone, as he maps Jawaharlal Nehru’s record of 3 consecutive wins.
+ The BJP: a mellowed, and rather subdued BJP formed the government. Its principal members from the PM’s Council of Ministers are back ensuring continuity and perhaps, a more nuanced performance.
+ The Coalition Partners: Other Members who form a part of the NDA Coalition, are poised to negotiate the best benefits for their states while also participating in governance and holding the reins, should Mr. Modi and his Council of Ministers, get over-ambitious.
+ The Opposition: 25 parties with 234 elected MPs who form the Opposition, have emerged as a robust challenger that can contain a somewhat until now, arrogant government. The Opposition’s performance was more remarkable given the Election Commission’s evident soft pedaling of the Ruling Party. Belittled, humiliated, coerced into submission, they now feel vindicated and can be expected to ensure eagle-eyed surveillance to hold the government to account.
– /+The Election Commission of India: The ECI faced severe criticism for conducting what has been described as the least ‘free and fair’ election, to date. Accused of subverting the democratic process that has won India worldwide acclaim, the ECI’s blatant display of political preferences, failure to ensure adherence to the Code of Conduct, delays in announcing votes counted, refusal to count VVPAT slips, and many others, was indeed a blot.
The ECI’s performance on Voter-turnout was sub-optimal. Targeting 75%, they closed at 66%. As a part of SVEEP, the ECI had attempted several measures in 2023. ‘Turnout Implementation Plan’ focused on Urban apathy; MOUs were signed with the Ministries of Education and Ministry of Youth Affairs; its Literacy Mission brought in participation of Schools, Universities, Colleges, NSS Units and Literacy Clubs. A MOU with the Indian Banks’ Association leveraged the banks’ extensive network of branches. None of this however, created the desired impact. Also, most of these steps were taken in late 2023, only months before the elections. A little too much with too little time for implementation.
The ECI however, earned applause for efficiently conducting the elections. India’s electoral system addresses a population of 1.4 billion. Voter population @17 crores in 1951 is approximately 94.5 crores today. Likewise, booth-presence grew from 44.87% in 1951-52 to 67.5% in 2024. The ECI’s success at pulling off one the most difficult elections deserve acknowledgement and applause.
– TV channels: Theirs was the most unpleasant display of gutlessness. Cosying up to the Ruling Party and constantly showcasing the Prime Minister, they hid facts, highlighted irrelevant issues. neglected opposition presence and presented only one side of the picture-that of the Ruling Party. They fell abysmally short on expectations to deliver on committed journalistic norms.
+Digital media: On the other hand, Digital channels displayed a rare courage in exemplary adherence to journalistic norms. Several private YouTube channels, anchored by independent journalists who panned out across the country, presented facts painting the real picture. That, in fact, was the most distinguishing feature of this election! All praise to this group of Dedicated Journalists for whom the country came first.
+ The Voter: The ultimate Victor was the Voter. This election proved that the Voter superseded everyone else. The woman voter left a mark. With participation at 66%, her contribution in ushering change was phenomenal! She was more involved than ever before. Freebies, benefits nor religious sentiments no longer mattered. This time around, there were issues of genuine concern-jobs, Inflation and corruption.
++ The Indian Constitution: Perhaps, the real takeaway was the display of the little Red Book in Rahul Gandhi’s hands. The Indian Constitution was in constant focus as references were made to Democracy, Rights and Equality. ‘Democracy’ and ‘No’ to Dictatorship’ became buzz words. The citizen was centre stage; the vote transgressed beyond benefits and freebies to settle on Rights and Entitlement. It is a Victory to be cherished.
Can we then, together, work towards sustaining the momentum? Can all those who stood tall and challenged the system, not forget this moment of pride. Can we work together to ensure that the change sustains? That no matter the party in power, the Citizen ultimately reigns?
These pieces are being published as they have been received – they have not been edited/fact-checked by ThePrint