First time it was accident, second time it was luck - but if happens third time - it is a habit. Jagan Mohan Reddy as expected became a hero with resounding victories at Kadapa, Nellore and now across 16 constituencies in the state. These landslide victories have taught a lesson or two for most for his opponents. However, fresh questions have been raised by observers on the very genesis of his success with in the context of the democracy.
Executive, judiciary and legislature are the three pillars of the democracy. During the past 60 years, the key players in this System have made a mockery and the result is, a nation that has been paralyzed by non-performance and corruption scandals. As they have few options, citizens have elected scores of representatives with criminal records and sent them to both Parliament and state legislatures. Of them, until recently - Jagan Mohan Reddy is just one. However, with the game changing victories that knocked out Telugu Desam Party and Congress, fresh questions have been raised.
Some of the leaders in the state questioned the wisdom of the voters who have voted for the YSRCP. Some of the leaders branded the victory an emotional blackmail. Many of the bitter critics called it a doomsday. One high profile leader in the state even called it an accidental voting on account of circumstances. At once this victory moved the gravity from Jagan's corruption issues on which the elections have been fought by his opponents to, questioning citizens fundamental right in democracy - Vote.
Now the question is about who is right and who is wrong?
Jagan has been charged but he is not convicted. Taking the adage, no one is guilty until proven, people who have voted in the elections by and large did not believe what the Government of Andhra Pradesh, Eenadu, Andhra Jyothy, CBI, Congress Party and Chandra Babu Naidu have been claiming.
Within widely corrupted democratic system in India there are few holy cows. Some of the holy cows like Manmohan Singh, perhaps are more damaging to systems than the acknowledged rotten elements. Thus, there is locus standi for any debate based on corruption or honesty. As we have seen, when the time comes - all the forces across the party lines join to pip lokpal bill and in turn work towards damaging the reputation of Anna Hazare and his associates.
The key point is, the three pillars in democracy are expected to work for the poor, vulnerable and needy sections of the society. However, with the widening divide between rich and poor, most of the elected representative forget their constituents soon after getting a ticket to Delhi or Hyderabad. Despite all the allegations, both YS Rajasekhar Reddy and YS Jagan Mohan Reddy made the difference at this level. They have connected with the people. Listened to them. Tried to understand them. At the end, what matters to a voter is - how best they are taken care off. A mere statistic, or a simplified technocratic definition of poverty at Rs 26 per day, or a full meal to eke out a life?
When I visit a temple I do not question chastity of the priest. When I go to school, my focus is on how good my teacher is but not his background. At the end of the day, 99% people want solutions to their problems and opportunities for survival. Who cares if YSR or Jagan are corrupt as long as they take care of their constituents?
Many critics continue to question Jagan and his victory. May refuse to accept it. May come out statistics that his victory is not as convincing as it is seen. But the crux of the matter is Service to the Citizens. All those Congress and TDP leadership have amassed huge wealth and yet they cared little for the people. If they are serious to defeat Jagan, then there is no option but to connect with people and work for their welfare. It is high time if Chandrababu Naidu realize that, Eenadu with all the crap filings is key constituent of his down fall. Equally, Congress should have realized that, more they talk against YSR or Jagan they are exposing themselves.
The bottom line is, citizens are the foundation for the three pillar of the democracy. Despite all the allegation, Jagan's and YSRCP victory is honest in people court and it is in black and white. There is no scope for debate on this verdict.
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