A Journey of Inspiration
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Mant Vidhan Sabha - Mathura
The Election Campaign in Uttar Pradesh is gaining traction and attracting enormous crowds. I am travelling with the Rashtriya Lokdal leaders and observing Campaign 2012 not as a bystander but as one who is involved in the process. I have a stake because I have been brought up in a small village in Muzaffarnagar District. As I view the problems of rural India and my State through the prism of my own experiences, I realize that often in a networked world increasingly influenced by the mainstream media, the voice of a small minority is mistaken to be the voice of the majority, simply because it is loud and vociferous. Infact, it is the silent majority of rural India which makes our Republic a vibrant democracy. They have aspirations and through a multitude of voices, they are asking for their share. That is why elections in our country are in my view great equalizers that give the masses opportunity of expression.
I feel that the principle challenge before us is to make this voice of our rural masses heard in the institutions making and implementing policies. There could be several individuals who through the political process represent the rural angst. As I view the campaign, I get a sense that the Rashtriya Lokdal is positioned as a party that belongs in this space.
Rashtriya Lok Dal MP Jayant Chaudhary is contesting Assembly Polls from the Mant Assembly in Mathura. He is travelling from one village to another addressing sabhas and asking the old & young to support him. He is emphasizing the need for participation (Bhagidari) of the masses & transparency (Pardarshita) in government. The State through the elected representatives and civil servants cannot be the sole responsible for ensuring the prosperity of all. The people must be deeply involved at all stages and participate in our democracy.
The theme of “Small steps leads to big change” can be seen and heard in his addresses to constituents. He is emphasising how “through small changes we can turn around our BEMARU Uttar Pradesh”. I asked the locals about Jayant Chaudhary as an MP. Several young people said that our problems are continuing but “at least he is trying!” During his tenure, the RLD MP took the initiative to ensure an open tendering process in the MPLAD Scheme. “I realize that I was working with an uncooperative State Government; I had to ensure that the resources at my disposal were utilized in manner that would ensure transparency”, said Jayant to me in our conversation on the day.
(Shri Jayant Chaudhary addressing one public gathering in a Village of Mathura, Uttar Pradesh)
In public gatherings, the young leader said that he believes in politics of hope and positive development. He highlighted the work culture of the BSP government during these five years; “the present BSP government built statues and party symbols by spending crores. The mis-governance & arrogance was exposed when approx. 600 Children died due to Japanese Encephalitis. Ambulances were bought but not used; health centres in rural areas lay neglected. At this defining moment, we need a government that is sensitive, responsive to the pains and needs of the people.”
On my drive back home, I thought about the day’s events and what Jayant said. He spoke with passion and simplicity. I would have voted for him if I were registered in his constituency!
(The author is a student of University of Delhi and associated with Campaign 2012).