Should you vote for Modi next term?
It’s getting almost time for us to decide on who to vote for. It’s a momentous decision that will determine the fate of the nation! A decision that will set the course for a long time to come!
As someone that lives in the US, I only get a vague sense of the impact of the policies of the present government on the everyday lives of people. We elected Modi to the most important chair in India over 4 years back and his popularity has most definitely come down. I am interested in the progress or otherwise that India is making and therefore took time during my recent visit to speak to a few people to get a sense of the atmosphere.
Here are the summaries of three conversations:
1. Ajit is a businessman that does government contracts and has traditionally enjoyed “influencing officials” to get away with not having to be compliant with certain rules. Ajit recently tried doing it with a top official. The official rudely trashed Ajit’s attempt stating that “he was not Ajit’s marketing man”. Ajit lamented that he must now conform to regulations under Modi and it is an expensive process for him. Ajit wants to take care of his family and the new rules are not allowing him. They are geared toward taking care of the Country!
2. Madhu is a teacher in a government institution. She has a difficult life, taking care of her home and getting to school. Madhu traditionally enjoyed getting to her school at her convenience. Modi made it extremely inconvenient for her by forcing her to get to her work on time. And there are measures in place that force her to work at her best everyday. She complained that she wants to be able to lead a happy life. The new requirements cause great inconvenience to her. They are geared toward the wellbeing of the students that will shape the future of the Country!
3. Ali and David are students that believe that the special provisions and minority status that they have enjoyed will be revoked. Talking about ancient Indian culture in the 21st century is stupid. They do not like the attempts to promote ancient Indian wisdom. Why revive Indian wisdom when we have already found comfort in subscribing to the practices from the ancient Middle Eastern and modern Western cultures? Modi likes making India stand on her grit and on her own unique individuality!
The struggle in India today is not about what policies will work and what will not. It is a struggle between individual convenience and National Progress.
In the end, a Nation will get what it deserves! It is up to us to determine what India deserves.
Are you one that has the maturity to look at the Greater Indian cause or are you the weakling that is pissed that you are now being required to play your part?
