Prevailing situation in the country is indicative enough that at the end of the ongoing festive season, the nation will be in election mode till the general elections are over May next year. This effectively means that no matter how much the rupee falls or petro prices reaches new highs, to outwit each other the political leaders will be busy in mud-slinging. The issues which are hurting the commoners will not be addressed. In other words, while the country will be passing through a turbulent time, power will remain the sole focus of our leaders. While in politics lust for power is no offence, what is worrying is that no one is interested in lowering the burden of the common people. We have heard enough of accusations and counter-accusations. But so far, we are yet to see that cutting across party lines, political parties are discussing how to keep petro prices within the reach of common people. No combined efforts are being made to check the free fall of rupee. In such a situation, no matter which party comes to power after the general election, the nation will have to make a steep climb to bring the country back on the path to development. Democracy is not all about winning elections or accusing each other, democracy provides a space to reach a consensus. Be it for external factors or internal reasons, the fact remains that the country’s economy is not at all looking healthy. Industrial output has touched a new low. Agriculture production is also going down. Along with it if one considers petro prices or the fall of rupee, the economic situation is grim to say the least. In this hour of crisis the country needs proper attention from policy makers and politicians. The economists have to suggest the way and the politicians will have to implement them. Only then will w be able to get out of the present crisis. Similarly, our foreign policy is also under attack. Why are we importing oil from Iran? Why are we purchasing weapons from Russia? Why are we not joining China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)? United States of America and China are trying to bully India. Clearly, these two countries are eyeing the Indian market to strengthen their respective economy. But since Independence, India has always remained a non-aligned country. India along with former Yugoslavia and Egypt led the non-aligned movement (NAM). Notwithstanding all the pulls and pressures from NATO and Soviet Block, India never became junior partner of any superpower. Now in a changed world order, the effort to tame India has further intensified. The situation is almost similar to when India fought against imperialism. Just as that time, this time too, the entire country will have to fight the neo-imperialists together to maintain age-old Indian tradition of co-existence. At this hour if we remain divided we will have no other option but to succumb to the pressure of superpowers. So our leaders should keep in mind that elections will come and go. But to emerge victorious in the coming elections if the leaders compromise with national interests, they will never be forgiven.
