India: a Secular Democracy
The world has witnessed a complex but transparent electoral process of India, which has extended for almost one and half months. After crossing the par number of 272, the government alliance, National Democratic Alliance (NDA) announced to form new government, with Narindara Modi at the helm for third time. Though the Indian National Congress and other opposition had failed to secure simple majority; however all is not lost for them. Despite the enactment of several non-democratic means by Modi: arrests of key opposition leaders, freezing party’s accounts and even the appointment of partial election commissioners had not restricted Congress and other anti-government parties to form a strong opposition.
Baharati Janata Party (BJP) had openly used anti Muslim rhetoric to lure Hindu nationalistic sentiments for political gains. Claiming Congress a threat for national security and its victory simply means the majority Hindus are in jeopardy along with a controlled state media did not prove prudent enough to carry out the BJP’s aspirations of gaining over four hundred seats.
Outcomes of the elections illustrate, the problem of laymen are quite simple: poverty, water scarcity, unemployment, corruption and inflations rather the hyper-nationalism. The defeat of BJP in Utter Pradesh, particularly in Ayodhya, despite the inauguration of Ram Mander is a clear and loud message for Modi to prioritize his policies from Hindutva to human security; otherwise he will has to face the consequences in the next elections.
Gratitude goes to the people of India and their affection for democratic values, who came out in large number to fulfil their constitutional responsibilities, in harsh weather, as the voting turnout was 66 percent. They voted for their basic needs, without giving due consideration for their emotions and sentiments, subsequently proved that why India is called the largest secular democracy. Indian authorities also deserve credit, the way they have conducted the whole process with transparency and impartiality, more importantly the neutral role of Indian army, by keeping themselves away from all these processes, irrespective of the fact that India is also facing internal and external security threats. At the end of the day, everyone is accepting the results and the smooth transition of power is on its way, as prescribed in Indian Constitution.
It is a lesson for the people and authorities of Pakistan: the former need to use their voting rights rationally and cautiously, without influencing by any popular narrative, while the latter have to accept the will of people that is the only way out for all the incumbent political and security crises. Let the people rule- let the democracy prevail.
