Can We ?

 

During the long colourful history
of this beloved democracy of ours,
political parties have not cooperated
to meet the crying needs of the hour

Even on issues of national importance,
in the interest of the country 's progress,
they haven't put their differences aside
but fought and let the nation regress

Their eyes only on the vote bank,
fortifying their power and feathering their nests
their cut- throat politics for personal gain
resulted in yet more plunder and pain

But now we are at the historic moment
when all the parties - 23 or so -
have unanimously agreed on an issue
without a protest or a row -

To oppose the supreme court's new ruling
which requires candidates who stand for polls
to disclose their assets, criminal past & education -
resisting as one, suddenly they are kindred souls ! !

All this makes one wonder
what next lies in store for us
Will they outlaw courts & laws
and let crime prosper without a fuss ?

Or will people join politics
just to escape convictions of the past
and would words like integrity and justice
disappear from our vocabulary fast ?

Unless the electorate is mature
and can perceive the trend from the past,
Can we citizens really afford
to allow such a democracy to last ?

~ Shanta ~

 

More Poems By Shanta

Kavitanjali

 

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On May 2, The Supreme Court of India passed a landmark judgment mandating candidates contesting parliamentary or assembly elections must disclose to the public:   Their criminal records (convictions,  acquittals, Charges, etc.), if any,  Their assets and liabilities, Their educational qualifications. Greater  transparency strikes at the root of the corrupt and criminal politics. People have a right to know. 
 All major political parties are resisting. This is a rare opportunity for the silent majority to make itself  heard. You can  make yourself heard by signing the petition to the Election Commissioner. 

http://www.ipetitions.com/campaigns/SupremeCourtIndia_Clean_Politics/