A Frenzy Hard to Miss
Elections are always an exciting time. They are a living proof of success of the great experiment in Democracy. Nobody believed that India would succeed in this effort. That is why the coming week and the weeks after are going to be fun for all of us here in Karnataka. For, on the 10th of May, the State of Karnataka goes to polls for all its 224 seats.
The action is hard to miss. The Hon’ble PM has visited the state around 8 times since January 2023. He also held a mega rally over the weekend in Bengaluru. While on the other hand, the opposition has ensured that they are not far behind. Rahul Gandhi made several pitstops on his Bharat Jodo Yatra and spent 15 days in Karnataka alone last year. The highest time spent in any state by the Yatra was around 20 days in Kerala.
Karnataka is a powerful state contributing about 8 % to the GDP of the country. It is also one of the more prosperous in terms of per capita income. But moreover it is where the promise of New India lies. Bengaluru easily enjoys the title of being the Unicorn capital of India and the stalwarts of the Tech Industry find themselves at home here. Geographically also, the state enjoys a bountiful coastline with enough inroads into the hinterland which ultimately connect to the east coast.
We The People
While 10th of May will be decisive for the state, for many of us — migrants it will be a paid holiday. I will only be a spectator to the action unfolding on the ground. Many of us have not moved our electoral roll registration. We continue to be registered in our hometown constituencies. This means that while we can comment on the civic and infrastructure issues, there is little political impact possible. The ECI website offers a convenient way to move your electoral constituency. Though I am yet to try it out for myself.
The issues which come to the fore during elections lose steam once results are out. In an event of anti-incumbency the baton of the issues passes to the opposition. And the newly elected government may have different priorities.
Where does this leave us – the common folks?
Influencing Inclusive Governance
The electoral constituents have a right to elect their representatives. But governance cannot be exclusive only to the electorate. Many migrants don’t port their registration because they don’t share the same connection with the place. This leads to further disengagement and the rift widens between the state and the citizen. A truly mobile workforce cannot afford to not engage with the state machinery.
Defining the priorities of the government must be an inclusive affair, incorporating multiple voices including those of the minorities. This means there is a big opportunity for civil society engagement. There should be a platform for all groups – residents of neighbourhoods, working class members, members of various castes, corporate workers, women, minorities among all strata – religious, social – to engage directly with the state machinery.
So far social media has only been a theatre of agitation and complaint or worse, propaganda. But the government has an open field to lead by example. By engaging directly on policy matters – both in formulation and implementation to the last mile – the Government can make the Great Experiment more credible.
The public especially the youth have a role to play in making this happen. Influencers in particular can utilise their street-cred to bring about healthy partnerships between the state and the people. Their “reach” puts them in a sweet spot to interact with both the parties. But how neutral they maybe, remains to be seen.
While elections are necessary for a democracy, the true test is in its governance. So if you are a voter – do go and vote on the 10th of May, and if you are not – find ways to engage with the state anyway.