Sunday , December 22 2024

Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Why are voters becoming indifferent?

After the two phases of voting in the Lok Sabha elections, it has become clear that all the BJP candidates are relying more on the popularity and image of Prime Minister Modi for their victory. His own performance is not satisfactory. Due to this he is facing resentment from the voters. Apart from this, he does not have enough control over the local leaders and workers to spread enthusiasm among the BJP supporters.

It is not surprising that this time the enthusiasm which was seen in the last general elections is not visible in the elections. There is no enthusiasm visible either in the BJP camp or in the opposition camp. This lack of enthusiasm is being held responsible for the lower voting percentage in both the rounds of voting as compared to the last time.

Apart from this, one reason is also believed that while the supporters of BJP led NDA believe that Modi is coming back to power, the supporters of Congress led India Front believe that it will be difficult for this alliance. Is to gain power. This time the percentage of voting in the first two rounds is less than the last Lok Sabha elections. Whatever may be the underlying reasons for the decline in voting percentage, the conclusions being drawn about the gain or loss for the ruling party and the opposition on the basis of low turnout in the last two phases have no solid basis because no one has It is not permanent and it cannot be said which party's voters showed less enthusiasm towards voting.

Whether it is a benefit or a loss due to low voting, it cannot be denied that all the candidates of BJP and its allies have more faith in Modi's reputation than his performance. Perhaps Modi also knows this and that is why he is spreading smoke. Since voting has taken place in large parts of South India, the focus is on North India. Last time BJP got major success only in North India. A large number of BJP MPs are once again contesting elections in North India. Many of these MPs are facing anti-incumbency tendencies which is becoming a cause of concern for the top leadership of BJP. In many places people are not satisfied with their work.

It seems that these MPs continued to believe that this time too their boat will sail only with the help of Modi's name. How long will it run? On this, every party should discuss how to re-elect only those public representatives who are ready to solve the problems of the people of their area. Leaders who are indifferent or misguided towards the problems of the people should not be fielded in the name of a winning candidate. Along with this, it is also the responsibility of the public to stop electing ineligible, tainted and turncoat leaders in the name of caste and religion. It is true that to some extent the public as well as the leadership of the parties are responsible for incompetent public representatives. As the third round of voting is approaching, allegations and counter-allegations between the ruling party and the opposition are increasing.

From reduction in SC-ST-OBC reservation to religion-based reservation, allegations are being leveled against each other. Both parties are accusing each other of endangering the Constitution and democracy. While BJP is raising the issue of redistribution of wealth to corner Congress, Congress is accusing the Modi government of working for many businessmen.

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Both parties are also trying to polarize. Examples of this are the talks of Muslim reservation and vote jihad. During all this, the indifference of voters towards elections is also in discussion. Voter apathy is surprising as the number of young and educated voters is increasing. They are not unaware of the tricks of the leaders. They are also fed up with the promises and contradictions of the leaders. That is why they are losing trust in politicians and politics.

The urban voter who is most aware participates less in voting. Voting percentage in metros and big cities is less as compared to rural areas. Same thing is being seen this time also. Since most of the voters are tempted to cast their votes, political parties and candidates are also trying to woo them through unfair means.

They silently distribute money, liquor and other things to them. Therefore some candidates also spend unnecessarily. This is evident from the fact that this time, drugs, jewelery and cash, which were being secretly distributed among the voters, were seized in large quantities. This amount is much higher than the previous elections, even though only two rounds of voting have taken place. It is clear that votes are being bought. This is happening because people are also willing to sell their votes. Can there be a bigger tragedy than that a candidate succeeds in winning the election by buying votes? It is a matter of concern that this problem is increasing.

One problem is also being seen that emotional and polarizing issues have started coming to the fore in the elections. When this happens, real issues of public interest are left behind. This is increasing apathy among voters, which is a dangerous trend for democracy. In such a situation, it is the responsibility of all political parties to seriously hesitate in restoring public trust in politicians and politics. He should make only those election promises which can be fulfilled.

The election results will be known only on June 4, but the future government will have to seriously consider what reforms should be made in the laws for clean elections. While considering this, priority should also be given to joint elections which have been discussed for a long time and which has recently been recommended by the committee headed by former President Ram Nath Kovind.

Along with moving towards joint elections, there should also be discussion on making voting mandatory. Elections are the pivot of democracy but this pivot will be strong only when elections are held in a clean manner and people vote in large numbers. People not only choose governments for the next five years but also determine their own destiny through voting. Those who do not participate in voting are not entitled to complain later.