IT is a hard won freedom that is under threat from the vested interests; money bags, manipulators and musclemen. Indians made huge sacrifices to win this freedom from an oppressive British regime that was destroying our social, political and economic freedom. Surely the imperialists have not forgotten their loss and are returning with the help of lackeys in one form or the other. Otherwise how could one explain their front door or backdoor entries into the Indian economic, defence and social areas? How could we explain that 70 per cent of the Indians live on paltry Rs 50 a day? They have neither access to drinking water nor clean toilets. No education and health care either. Surely, the governments led by the congress and the BJP have often thrown crumbs to them often; all to cheat and hoodwink.

Bhagat Singh and his compatriots, Raj Guru and Sukhdev ,a few days before they kissed the gallows in March 1931 asked in a letter the British to shoot them instead of hanging them as they were war criminals wrote: “ The struggle for independence shall be waged ever with new vigour, greater audacity and unflinching determination till the socialist republic is established and the present social order is completely replaced by a new social order, based on social prosperity, and thus every sort of exploitation is put to an end and humanity is ushered into an era of genuine and permanent peace.”

India’s first prime minister, Jawaharlal Nehru had said in the Constituent Assembly: “I must frankly confess that I am a socialist and a republican, and am no believer in kings or princes or in the order which produces the modern kings of industry, who have greater power over the lives and fortunes of men than even the kings of old, and whose methods are as predatory as those of the old feudal aristocracy. I recognise, however, that it may not be possible for a body constituted as is this National Congress, to adopt a full socialistic programme. But we must realise that the philosophy of socialism has gradually permeated the entire structure of society the world over and almost the only points in dispute are the pace and the methods of advance to its full realisation. India will have to go that way, too, if she seeks to end her poverty and inequality, though she may evolve her own methods and may adapt the ideal to the genius of her race.”

This is still a distant dream, although it finds mention in Indian constitution. We attained freedom in August 1947 and established a republic and held first free and fair elections in 1952. The entire world watched, some in admiration and some in awe this dance of democracy. Others like the British Tory leader Winston Churchill also stared at this in dismay as their prediction about the doom of democracy failed. There are now serious problems with our republic and democracy.

India goes to polls in April and May this year with gusto. Over 710 million voters elect 543 members to the Lok Sabha. This exercises would cost huge money, according to one estimate Rs 10,000 crore. But it shall be worth any money if pro people parties come to power with clear agenda and programmes.

Lack of interest in the proceedings of the parliament and misbehaviour of some members like cash for questions has disturbed the people of the country. The Election Commission which has assumed vast powers to check malpractices and keep money and muscle power out could be of help if the people are vigilant.

Elections are indeed basic to the democratic process. Indians not only elect members of Lok Sabha, they elect members of the state assemblies, municipal councils and sarpanchs and panchs of the panchayats; basic democratic units. These periodic elections are held religiously and with zeal.

Voting is not compulsory in India but there is a fair participation. Let us keep up this and participate more vigilantly.

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