“Democracy means simply the bludgeoning of the people by the people for the people.” — Oscar Wilde

I’m no political analyst. And I surely do not know which party will eventually come to power. However, regardless of the coalition that comes to power in this deeply-divided Lok Sabha elections, it just takes just one look at the manifestos of the current major political parties and a bit of listening to the incantations of local MPs, to wonder whether things will really improve for the masses.

Consider this. Besides the macro-economic policy announcements in the manifestos, there are hardly any concrete suggestions for local upliftment. Governments come and go and yet the paani (water), bijli (electricity) and sadak (roads) issues remain unsolved over the years.

Having shifted from Mumbai city, I now stay in Mayur Vihar, East Delhi. I was told that Delhi is much better than Mumbai — more spacious with gardens and cleaner roads. Yet, when I go for my morning walks, there’s hardly a stretch of land without an open garbage dump. The garbage generally spills on to the road, and people have to skillfully avoid landing into bits and pieces of it while simultaneously avoiding a speeding bike or car. Then there’s the odour, which spreads for at least 25 metres radius. How long can one hold one’s breath that long? Phew.

Thankfully, the pollution level is lower than Mumbai (where I stayed the major part of life). The roads are another menace. Somehow, they always appear to have a bulge in the middle and taper at the sides (in most parts of India). Potholes, thanks to the metro barricades and construction work, make life more miserable. Moroever, the dust can make a simple walk traumatic. What do your guard? Your nose with a handkerchief, your feet with extra pads, or head with a helmet so that no stray piece of brick falls on your head from a metro site?

When I come home, I see the water filter, and I wonder why I bought it? Am I not paying enough taxes that the government should not provide me with safe and clean drinking water? On my foreign trips, my friends sarcastically remind me that drinking water directly from the tap is perfectly acceptable. The list is endless.

I’ve often heard the argument that we get the government we deserve since many of us don’t take the trouble to vote for good governments. I don’t believe this is the whole truth. It’s hard to believe that voting in this country, despite the efforts of a vigilant Election Commission, is 100 per cent fair.

An urbanite and agnostic like me, for instance, still does not understand why religion should become a plank for votes or why minorties should form a clan to fight for their rights. Obviously, minorities may be feeling cheated and hence are raising a hue and cry. Ramadoss feels, for instance that LTTE chief Prabhakaran is not a terrorist. And there are sections of people who believe that Naxalities were forced to become what they are today since our country’s leaders did not address the issues on time.

And I still can’t undertand why political parties in states should be allowed to publicly make statements that they will not allow outsiders to work and stay in the city. Aren’t these unconstitutional statements? Shouldn’t the courts and police take suo moto action? Why should such people be allowed to get away scot-free?

I know there are no simple answers. One has to understand castes, sub-castes, multitude of religions, languages, et al to understand the Indian political scenario. There’s nothing in black and white here. Again, I’m no expert here. However, my humble opinion as a tax-paying citizen of India is that I have a moral right to be heard on this subject. Simultaneously, I do believe that instead of ranting here, I perhaps should take a shot at becoming a politician. I do have quite a few concrete ideas on making this country a better place. Moreover, politics is no longer a bad word I guess — especially after 26/11. After years of self-denial I finally agree with Aristotle that I’m a political animal. Indeed! So watch this space.