Doing the same thing repeatedly and expecting different results is a definition of insanity. That is what is happening with the circus of elections every few years.
It is well known that most political parties make false promises around the turn of the elections, but their corrupt fervor is ruthless once in power. The Congress party has ruled in my ancestral village, Guruharsahai (Punjab, India), because they won the last four elections; in other words, they have ruled for the previous 20 years. I use the word “ruled” instead of “served” intentionally because if you take a quick look at my village and its surrounding areas, it is easy to comprehend the complete disarray and dysfunction the area is undergoing.
There is a lack of public water system; the roads resemble the craters of the moon, there is zero effort to provide general healthcare despite a looming pandemic, some of the streets and sewage system was quickly built in such a huff only recently that they will not withstand the first monsoons to hit the region in the next few months. Not to mention the state of the local public schools built only recently in hurried and haphazard construction to showcase some progress by the Congress party. But it does little to make safe and healthy school buildings and environment for the children.
Perhaps the biggest challenge and setback to my village has been the widespread introduction and sale of a lethal drug called the Chitta (such as Fentanyl and opioids).
The business of drugs is the most sophisticated operation being conducted as it is among the largest cash-crop for the area. What’s mind-blowing is that its rapid use and continuous flow are under the direction and supervision of the political leaders, their accomplices, and the police. They were elected and hired to protect our communities from such substance abuse, but they are the biggest reason for the downfall of my village.
That is the situation of my village after 72 years of India’s independence. Winston Churchill rightly predicted the so-called political “leaders” as independent India’s ‘thugs’ and ‘scoundrels.’ They have managed to reduce my village into a depressed economy with high unemployment and drug overdose rates.
This madness must stop now! We need to end the election circus that leads to no real change and improvement. We need a better vision and plan for my village and Punjab. When you vote on February 20, you’re not just voting for a political party; you’re voting for a future that is either the same old sad reality or a new beginning for change and improvement.
Think hard before you support a candidate and cast your vote because their record speaks more than their empty and meaningless words. Start with electing politicians who have the history and credibility to make a positive change.
To bring change, we must begin to admit what is wrong and do right. I’m doing my part, are you?
Ruby's Musings 