Editorial

The Winds of Change

Elections are not merely for capturing power. They are the most important instrument in the growth of a nation. They provide a crucial opportunity to change governance, to alter development process and to meet changing hopes and aspirations of people. That is why every election is important in its own way and each election adds a new feather in the cap of Indian democracy. The current round of elections in Bihar, Haryana and Jharkhand have come at the right time in the sense that in three states time is ripe for a change for the better. People had voted different political parties to power but had now realized that these parties are not fit to rule. The anarchy that is rampant in these states cannot be allowed to go on. With established norms and systems collapsing, disorder spreading and promoting violence, some of these states have achieved the dubious distinction of being modern versions of Jungle Raj. Take the case of Haryana, much touted as being on the move by Chautala. Reality is different and facts are shocking. Under Chautala democracy suffered severely. During the five years of his regime, Haryana Assembly met only for 57 days with an average of 11.18 days a year.

The story of the Chautala family of rags to riches constitutes a shameful chapter in the contemporary political history. With a land holding of just 32 acres in 1987, the Chautala family has acquired property worth several crores. His sons Ajay and Abhay openly admitted owning properties worth Rs. 8 crores and Rs. 5 cores respectively. While the Chautala personal saga was going on, the state moved backwards. Faridabad and Sonepat, once known as promising industrial centers are now in decay as the industrial units are shifting to better destinations. Under Chautala, Haryana achieved another dubious distinction of appointing persons with non-academic background as vice-chancellors of its universities. When Smt. Sonia Gandhi said that under the regime of Chautala and his two sons "every citizen is living in fear and terror of the trio," she was indeed reflecting the reality.

The situation in Bihar is worse. A state that had given immense strength and dynamism to the freedom struggle is today in a shambles. This holy land from which Gautam Buddha had sent the message of peace and universal brotherhood has now degenerated into a cesspool of corruption. Today, there is neither law nor order in Bihar. So much so this state that was once a world-renowned center of learning has acquired the label as the crime state of India. As every conceivable crime is committed with abandon, Bihar is sinking further and further into a bottomless quagmire of crime. Needless to say, there is no economic development and there is none to bother about it. People are living in utter fear as kidnappings and murders are committed unchecked by scores of mafia gangs that are holding to ransom this vast tract of fertile Gangetic basin. Bihar poses a serious challenge to the entire nation and the Congress party.

The question is: should Bihar be allowed to destroy itself and in the process seriously affect other neighbouring states too? No right-minded person or political party can remain a silent spectator to the decimation of this state which has the potential to be the Rhur of India besides being its granary. Bihar needs change and it must come now. The Congress party cannot remain insensitive to the plight of the people of Bihar. The Congress Party has a duty and Smt. Sonia Gandhi has gone to Bihar to fulfill that duty. Sentiments and associations simply do not matter when considering what is good for the people.

Less said the better about Jharkhand. When the state was created Naxalites were a problem in two of the 22 districts. Today this menace is prevalent in as many as 18 districts. Thanks to the BJP-led NDA government, the State remained as backward as ever despite its enormous mineral wealth. Tribals who constitute a vast segment of society have not received any benefit at all with the creation of a separate state. On top of this dismal scenario, is the communal agenda being forced on the people. Unsure of itself, the present government has not held panchayat elections. There are no concrete plans of development. If the situation is not set right now, things may go out of hand and Jharkhand may also become another Bihar. The present Assembly elections offer a great opportunity to change the fate of Bihar, Haryana and Jharkhand. It is time that winds of change that are sweeping the rest of the country reach these three States too.