The recent issue surrounding election bonds bears a striking resemblance to the tale of the Emperor’s New Clothes. Despite widespread awareness of the illegality of these bonds, many individuals are unwilling to acknowledge it is as a legalized scam, shielded by anonymity and the veneer of legality. In this scenario, the Supreme Court of India has played the role of the child who boldly proclaims the emperor’s nakedness to the public. However, the populace is predominantly divided into pro-BJP, anti-BJP, and a smaller faction of independents. Those who staunchly support the BJP struggle to reconcile this fact, often falling victim to cognitive dissonance.
Meanwhile, opposition parties seize the opportunity to capitalize on this vulnerability, attempting to leverage the issue to undermine the BJP government’s authority. Amidst this polarization, individuals who strive to remain neutral and objectively analyze the situation find themselves marginalized. It becomes evident that taking sides compromises one’s ability to truly listen and comprehend differing perspectives. Ultimately, the election bonds scheme represents a legalized crime, cloaked in political interests and legal immunity, yet glaringly exposed as a scam in the eyes of the judiciary system.
Despite being declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court of India, the practice of using election bonds continues unabated. Instead of addressing the root cause of this issue, the media often shifts blame to other political parties or downplays the severity of the corruption. This narrative is reminiscent of the argument that if everyone smokes, it’s no longer harmful, disregarding the underlying health risks. The real issue lies in the law that permits bribery through election bonds, and whether these funds are obtained through crony capitalism. In Indian politics, spending money is seen as synonymous with garnering votes, perpetuating a cycle of corruption. Meanwhile, the government systematically undermines opposition parties, creating an uneven playing field in elections. However, people are not blind to these injustices, and change may be on the horizon.
In friends circles, people avoid questioning the actions of the current government altogether, because they already have praise of the power. They downplay or deflect criticism. Others actively suppress dissent, punishing those who dare to expose the truth. They either receive kickbacks for their loyalty or seek validation within their group.
In our increasingly polarized society, individuals often prioritize personal agendas over meaningful discussions. They take sides before even considering the issues at hand, rendering dialogue futile. This lack of engagement has eroded our sense of collective action, leaving us isolated and indifferent. As we prioritize personal gain over societal well-being, we risk losing sight of the bigger picture and neglecting our responsibility to future generations. Unless we break free from our echo chambers and embrace genuine dialogue, we may find ourselves facing a bleak future of isolation and apathy.
It seems that those in power are aware that the stakeholders lack the courage to question or challenge them, creating a state of pluralistic ignorance. In this scenario, they may believe it’s the perfect opportunity to flaunt their authority and make bold moves, akin to the tale of the Emperor’s New Clothes. If anyone dares to speak out against them, they may face swift retribution or be dismissed as inconsequential, much like the child who dared to point out the emperor’s nudity.
