As elections draw near, politicians become more candid, indulging in personal attacks that grow graver by the day. Promises are made—some offer rice at ₹2 per kg, others vow to uphold equality by eliminating computers and English, effectively preserving poverty. There are those who pledge to fight terrorism, though how remains a mystery. Meanwhile, some take cover behind glamorous faces, vowing to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the Indian Parliament. The grand festival of the world's largest democracy is in full swing. For the people, this is a time of reckoning—an opportunity to reflect on past governance and undo the damage inflicted by incompetent administrations.
I will refrain from naming individuals, but those familiar with the political landscape will recognize the figures in question. At the heart of this discussion lies the Indian National Congress (INC), the country’s oldest political party. While it once played a significant role in shaping India, I believe it bears responsibility for the decline of Bihar. Decades ago, the party empowered a leader who was self-serving, myopic, corrupt, and authoritarian. Above all, he belonged to the Brahmin community—a label that, in today’s political discourse, has become almost derogatory. This leader survived for a while, riding on the goodwill generated by past Congress stalwarts. But his tenure was long enough to drive Bihar, one of the most populous and agriculturally rich states, into ruin.
The next election brought about change, but instead of progress, Bihar descended into anarchy. Casteism, illiteracy, poverty, crumbling infrastructure, and rampant corruption reached extreme levels, infiltrating even cemeteries and crematoriums—let alone the judiciary and policing systems. This period saw the surge of Naxalite movements, with Jehanabad district bearing the brunt of the violence. The situation grew so dire that the region gained international notoriety, with European human rights organizations taking note of the escalating crisis.
Later, when Bihar finally had a chance to restore law and order, I watched with anticipation—only to be disappointed. The Congress, led by yet another Gandhi, propped up the very forces that had kept the state in disarray. My hopes were shattered, and I realized that the road to recovery would be much longer than expected. Over the past two decades, several such incidents have reaffirmed my stance, making my choice for the upcoming elections clear. One thing is certain: I will not be voting for Congress—for the sake of my beloved home state.
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