Lawmakers need to perform

It’s election time in some Indian states. And I love elections. I really love them because electioneering is such an entertaining medley of huge promises, verbal
assaults, tall claims, refashioned lies and sly half-truths showcased in riveting rhetoric.

But we all agree that at the end only truth matters. And lawmakers also know that and that leaves them worried. But if they have performed they mustn’t worry. Because the ordinary voter reacts only to performance. Only creature comforts matter to them. Every other issue comes later.

Permit me to discuss how a town’s development has helped its representative retain his seat for years.
It is a quiet little green and hilly settlement where neighbours live like friends. Where girls are treated with deep respect.

Where rallies don’t take away the bulk of people’s active hours. Where the bells toll in temples undisturbed and where the imams call out for prayers uninterrupted. And where religion is seen as a unifier and not a campaign prop to garner votes.

Only creature comforts matter to them

Yet the townsfolk were terribly unhappy because reaching the main city was a night- mare, especially during the rains. For decades they had to walk a good kilometer across muddy tracts to be at the bus stand only to take a bumpy ride in a rickety bus to the city.

The situation remained the same for years till the extremely frustrated residents decided to dethrone the sitting lawmaker. They elected a new State Assembly member who promised to change their lives during his campaign. Unlike some politicians he kept his promise and didn’t see lie as a weapon.

He got a rail link constructed to the main city. The inhabitants have been really happy that the distance between the town and the main city, once looked upon as a huge challenge for women and children, had been taken care of. It has revolutionised life in the settlement.

The area’s pride had united hamlets around the town reducing journey time and pleasing farmers who can earn more because their crops reached the city’s markets faster and fresher.

The train also helped connect hundreds of boys and girls in the area to major autorickshaw stands.

The lawmaker is now busy getting potable water pipelines laid in the area because he has realised the importance of good work.

Well, the ruling dispensation in the states are expected to come back to power because from day one they have remained focused on delivering on their pledges. Ideology doesn’t sell. It merely stirs. But development sells. They are convinced. We are convinced.