Governments Are Elected And Toppled When People Decide

By Sumit Paul, New Age Islam 14 May 2024 True Democracy Is Based On The Idea That Not Only Do People Want To Be Free To Choose, But They Also Want To Be Responsible For The Consequences Of Their Choice. Matthew Arnold Matthew Arnold's quote sheds light on the essence of true democracy, highlighting that freedom of choice goes hand in hand with taking responsibility for one's decisions. In a society founded on genuine democracy, it's not enough for individuals to have the freedom to make choices; they must also be willing to bear the consequences of those choices. This concept underscores the importance of personal accountability and the recognition that the collective well-being depends on individuals owning up to the repercussions of their actions. True democracy requires citizens who not only exercise their freedom but also actively engage in a responsible manner, thereby fostering a society based on both liberty and accountability. Sarkaarein Banti Hain, Girti Hain Log Jab Tay Karte Hain Mushkil Ye Hai Ke Log Yahan Koi Faisla Nahin Karte Hain -Justice Anand Narayan Mulla (Governments are elected and toppled when people decide/ Problem is that people-voters-keep dithering) What Arnold said is meant for the educated and thinking people who can choose and are ready to face the consequences of their choices. Mind you, Arnold was a true-blue Englishman. He had the educated Brits on his mind while opining this. Arnold's quote, therefore, doesn't work in India because the Indians are politically naive and gullible people. Do a majority of Indians ever think that what will happen to the country if a particular person or party is elected? Did Indians think of the consequences of their political choices in 2019 when the current political dispensation was re-elected? Do we think as to what will happen in 2024 if our thoughtless choices help this government come into power once again? Will Ram Mandir, Krishna Mandir, this Mandir and that Mandir give them Roti, Kapda aur Makaan? Will the never-ending Muslim-bashing get (Hindu) people jobs? You're responsible for the consequences of your choices when you think. Here, people cannot even think as to what's good or bad for them. They're so clueless and are always taken in by the leaders who have the gift of the gab. Empty rhetoric helps politicians win. In such a deplorable scenario, How can moronic masses choose and decide? Awaam Ko Nahin Ilm Ke Kya Chahiye Arbaab-e-Siyasat Ko Toh Bas Yahi Chahiye Ahmed Nadeem Qasmi (The masses are clueless as to what they want/ The politicians of all hues want such brainless crowds). We need to be politically mature to choose and be mindful of our choices. Remember, you've the last and also the best opportunity to vote out this dispensation in a democratic manner. Apply your brains and bring about a change. ---- A regular columnist for New Age Islam, Sumit Paul is a researcher in comparative religions, with special reference to Islam. He has contributed articles to the world's premier publications in several languages including Persian. URL: https://www.newageislam.com/spiritual-meditations/governments-elected-toppled-democracy/d/132312 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism