A state of displacement

The past six months have been extraordinary in Tamil Nadu’s history as a period of turmoil and insecurity. We live in a democratic state and the principles of democracy that vest the powers of self-governance with us, the people, are exercised by our peacefully expressed vote. We, the people of Tamil Nadu, have seen our votes, and the trust inherent in them, betrayed in the most blatant, callous and reprehensible manner.The framework for forming a government that has been laid out in our Constitution, has been unconscionably manipulated in a morally bankrupt manner to seize political power.
We have stood witness helplessly as the events of the past several months have been foisted upon us. And at the end of all the machinations and manipulations, we are far from having a sensitive and proactive government.
There has been a lacuna in addressing urgent needs of citizens. At the time of our late Chief Minister’s demise, we stood among the foremost states in the nation. But since then, the lack of obvious and effective governance has already been significantly detrimental to that status. Sustained non-governance of this kind will lead to a situation where it might well take the next decade or so to recover. Our farmers were protesting in our nation’s capital for a justice that is primarily the responsibility of the State government.

The first budget of this government has not addressed the issues of generating revenue, new external investments, developing infrastructure, bolstering social welfare, fostering entrepreneurship, bridging the budget deficit, desperately needed health reform, women’s and children’s welfare and so many more burning necessities of our State. By no stretch of the imagination can this be interpreted as being in the best interests of the State and our people.
Somewhere down the line through 70 years of self-governance, we seem to have lost the script with regard to the fundamental duties, obligations and privileges of democratically elected office. From being revered as a position of great responsibility towards the people, today, political position appears too often to be seen as a means to amassing power and wealth. A position that is to be attained at any cost and retained at even greater cost — the latter generally accruing to the common man. Such aspirations to power are cloaked in a travesty of governance; where the lack of an empowered and committed government causes immense degradation of citizens’ rights. Nowhere is this parody of governance more obvious than in our Tamil Nadu.
Periods of great upheaval undoubtedly exact a toll but also provide opportunities. Opportunities to correct course and apply lessons learnt. But to realize these opportunities, one must act before the window closes. We have been subject to plenty in the name of politics and governance and it is time to say enough. Enough to our State and our vote being treated as anybody’s fiefdom. Patience is a virtue and as a people, we Indians are fatalistic. But even for us, hasn’t this expression of greed and blatant corruption pushed us to the limits of our tolerance? It is time to elect a new government. One that is held by us to a higher standard of duty and accountability. Members of which government we must elect based on capability to execute the responsibilities entrusted to them and credibility to fulfil the promises made by them.
I have faith in us, the people of Tamil Nadu. We are responsible, proactive and socially responsible citizens. We have proven this through the crises that have struck us over the past few months. And I have every confidence that we will exhibit these qualities in governing ourselves.
Written by Actress, costume designer, RJ, television personality, and blogger Gautami