Indian Elections – 2009

Today it was election day in New Delhi. I wasn’t well and didn’t go and vote.I was wondering about Indian democracy and what it had brought the Indian people. Sixty years after independence from the British we still have so many problems to deal with. There have been great achievements , but pride in them is tinged with the bitter realization of the many horrors still rampant in this country.For the last twenty years we have been having coalitions of different varieties in Delhi. This is because the Indian electorate is not homogenous and is divided on the basis of language , religion , caste and vested interests. Consequently it is not clear whether this election will throw up . I expect a coalition under which things will carry on as before . The absence of the communist parties will act as a spur to much needed economic reform. Their presence will result in a continuation of economically ruinous policies.India’s fiscal deficit is mounting .Poverty and inequity continue to asphyxiate the people while the politicians fool them on the basis of religion and caste. Religion and caste are real problems. Outward tolerance does not mean that people accept religious differences. In many parts of the country hindu-muslim relations remain poignantly fraught. In addition , conflicts between Christian missionaries and hindu right wing activists for souls in the tribal areas mean more trouble lies ahead . Internationally the rise of the Taliban in neighbouring Pakistan means that the security challenges will increase . It is sad that while the overweening objective should be the deliverance of the poor from need and want , the Indian taxpayer will infact be financing an ever increasing security apparatus with its paraphernalia of missile , nuclear and non conventional weapon programs.Enemies within and adversaries without beset the Indian state.As a gay person , I have no hope that any Indian government will in the near or medium term future decriminalize homosexuality in India. For all the outward façade of modernity India is and will remain a deeply conservative society plumbing the zenith of hypocrisy when it comes to conduct in the matter of sexuality.As these elections are poised to end , I wonder if any of the Prime Ministerial candidates , that is the BJP’s L K Advani and his rival Manmohan Singh have the capacity or the wherewithal to being real change. The system is such that change is difficult . Democracy for its many odious failings in the Indian context , has kept the country together by giving people the illusion that they have a voice . Yet the reality is that rights and the ability to enjoy them are the preserve of the elite . In a few days , we will know the complexion of India’s political firmament. As an Indian who inspite all its failings, loves his country I hope that we get the leadership and vision which can steer the ship of state through the choppy seas ahead.