Questions of Contention

WHAT ISSUES WILL MOTIVATE VOTERS THIS ELECTION? AND ARE OUR POLITICOS LISTENING? WE ANALYSE SOME KEY ISSUES AND ATTEMPT TO FIGURE WHICH PARTIES COME CLOSEST TO OUR DEMANDS

After two consecutive UPA regimes, after a decade of Manmohan Singh, the country is poised for change. The three major players in this election – INC, BJP and AAP – have opened up to recommendations from the general public for framing their election manifestos. As of writing this article, no manifestos have been made public, but the INC has released a document titled Our Vision for 2014 and the BJP has released a few infographics on Narendra Modi’s plans. But making promises is nothing exceptional; it is keeping them that makes a difference.

ENDING CORRUPTION
The last decade might be best remembered for the number of scams it has spawned. Five scams in 10 years has lead to the general consensus that the government is looting us. We want: No middlemen in government services. These babus consume time, money and energy. More developed countries already practise e-governance whereby citizens can avail of several government services through the internet. With regards to bribes – if government employees were paid sufficiently, the necessity to ask for bribes might reduce, but this must be monitored. Who might deliver: BJP. One of Modi’s ‘8 point development model for India’ is e-governance and removal of red tape. We expect AAP to deliver too, since it is a party formed on the premise of combating corruption.

REVIVING THE ECONOMY
Not too long ago, India’s GDP growth rate was 9% p.a. Today, it is about 5%. A few months ago it was apparent that inflation was making everything dearer when the price of onions went through the roof. We want: Tax reforms. Less than 3% of India’s population is eligible for tax and is paying for the entire country. It’s time more people contributed. Also, it is difficult to be an entrepreneur in India; case in point – at least 35 procedures/licences/permissions are required just to build a warehouse. Making life easier for entrepreneurs would give the economy a boost. Finally, it’s time to stem the outflow of money, especially black money. Tax payers’ money is not meant to be stashed in Switzerland or the Canary Islands.
Who might deliver: No party has a concrete economic strategy. The INC has promised the creation of 10 million jobs but doesn’t say how. The BJP proposes a law be passed to regulate the distribution of black money but doesn’t explain how it will get the money back. The AAP in New Delhi provided generous subsidies without considering the repercussions.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR WOMEN
It’s no secret that rape and public safety are two of the most worrying problems for women. The 2012 Delhi rape might have horrified the nation, but it has not put an end to sexual abuse in the country.
We want: Stricter laws not just for rapists but perverts as well. Recognise marital rape and punish it. Reform laws that are sexist – for instance, adultery may only be reported by a man, not a woman. Encourage more women to take up jobs by promoting education for girl children.
Who might deliver: The INC has promised a helpline for women as well as gender sensitivity class for police officers. The BJP has proposed the Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao programme that is supposedly based on “equal opportunities for women”. Both have their pledges in place, but as to how effectively they will be implemented is anyone’s guess.

LGBT RIGHTS
Section 377 and the fight to have consensual sex with whom we please. When several other democracies in the world recognise homosexuals as people and give them equal rights, why can’t India?
We want: Reform of Section 377 of the IPC so that it excludes consensual sex. Non-consensual sex, which amounts to rape, must continue to be punished. The Supreme Court has given the legislative the freedom to amend the law, which it must.
Who might deliver: The INC seems more likely. Sonia Gandhi termed the verdict “disappointing” while law minister Kapil Sibal said, “In this 21st century, we must move with the times. We should not jeopardise those relationships and consider those as criminal activities.” Rajnath Singh, the president of BJP said, “Gay sex is not natural and we cannot support something which is unnatural.” However, Piyush Goel a Rajya Sabha MP, also from BJP, said, “There is nothing ‘unnatural’ in these relationships and I hope that the subject is reviewed/law amended at the earliest.”

BETTER INFRASTRUCTURE
70% of India’s population still lives in rural areas where opportunities and infrastructure are lacking. People are flocking to cities in search of jobs and a better life, leading to overcrowded urban areas.
We want: Better employment and living opportunities in rural India so that population dispersion is more uniform and both cities and rural areas are liveable. Better planning for urban and rural growth so that expansion is monitored; unchecked expansion leads to uneconomic urban sprawl. More modern and faster modes of transport in cities and towns as well as those that connect the suburbs.
Who might deliver: Surprisingly, both the INC and BJP seem to have similar agendas. The INC does like to harp about its Land Acquisition and Resettlement and Rehabilitation Bill the legislative passed last year, but does also state, very broadly, that it is “committed to the rapid development of public infrastructure such as roads, highways, ports, railways and electricity.” The BJP also promises several reforms, like “building 100 smart cities” and providing “24×7 electricity on demand”.

Less than 3% of India’s population is eligible for tax and is paying for the entire country; it’s time more people contributed

Volume 3 Issue 10