Are elections a bargain to shun reality?

Are elections a bargain that shun reality and offer green pastures to electors with doles, freebies and promises? Past experiences notwithstanding, a substantial number of voters continue to fall prey to the pre-poll announcements, including those made under oath. Unfortunately, the post poll bitterness does not act as a deterrent for similar traps on every future battle of the ballot.

The coming election is no different as promises of doles, freebies and overall development have been flying high and the vulnerable are getting lured.

All political parties and their candidates have employed the best of the social media strategists to impress the voters with “what we are going to do for you? allurements”

Punjab may not boast of a strong millennial force but it has for a change a fast emerging corps of rural and semi urban “awakened” youth that refuses to get captivated by what political parties and their nominees are reeling out.

It does not want interest free loans to study abroad or anywhere or “financial assistance” to women. Instead, it wants to support those parties or candidates who promise quality education at affordable price, proper health care within the reach of a common man, clean and potable drinking water and uninterrupted power supply at reasonable tariffs besides sustainable jobs, both in public and private sectors.

Intriguingly, no political party or candidate is anywhere near what this fast depleting “awakened youth force” wants. A substantial number of this vociferous group members have continuously been looking for green pastures overseas as they appear to be losing fast their faith in the present political system. Since the last elections to the State assembly in 2017, an estimated over 20 lakh voters of 18 to 25 age group, have immigrated to western world for a building a stable career. This loss of able-bodied manpower, both skilled and unskilled, is colossal. Still, it is not an issue for the political parties looking to grab power in this debt-ridden State.

NB: Wish you all a Very Happy Khalsa Sirjana Divas and Vaisakhi.

Cheers and Smiles. Enjoy the festivities of both Khalsa Sirjana Divas (Vaisakhi) and the elections 2024.

(Prabhjot Singh is a veteran journalist with over three decades of experience of 14 years with Reuters News and 30 years with The Tribune Group, covering a wide spectrum of subjects and stories. He has covered Punjab and Sikh affairs for more than three decades besides covering seven Olympics and several major sporting events and hosting TV shows.)