The Weight of a Vote

Steering India’s Future Through Informed Choices

Newsreel Asia Insight #63
Dec. 4, 2023

In the wake of the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) electoral victories in three out of four states, discussions are rife about its prospects in the upcoming national elections. While political victories are often seen through the lens of party ideologies and leadership charisma, it’s crucial for voters to remember the real stakes: the governance of a nation.

The BJP was elected in the Assembly elections in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh, as per the results announced on Dec. 3. Meanwhile, the Congress party was chosen by voters in Telangana. In Mizoram, as of the morning of Dec. 4, the counting of votes continued, with the regional party, Zoram People’s Movement, appearing to have the majority.

The issue with assessing a political party’s chances in national elections based on state voting patterns lies in its reinforcement of parties’ efforts to sway voters with mere rhetoric, while neglecting their governance track record. This approach to election coverage, prevalent for decades not just in India but globally, means that many voters remain unaware of how the central government directly influences their daily lives and overall wellbeing.

Therefore, let’s take a moment for a quick reminder about the central government's role in our lives.

The central government’s role in managing national defence and foreign affairs is paramount. The safety and security of India’s borders, the welfare of its armed forces and the country’s standing on the global stage hinge on these responsibilities.

When casting their votes, citizens must assess how effectively the current government has managed defence policies and international relations. Have diplomatic ties strengthened? Is the nation more secure under the current regime?

The central government’s handling of the economy is perhaps the most tangible measure of its performance. The government and the Reserve Bank of India work together like master chefs, making sure the economy – our national meal – is well-cooked, balanced, and ready to be served for everyone’s benefit.

Controlling inflation is like adjusting the heat while cooking – too high, and the cost of living (or the food) burns up, becoming unaffordable. Too low, and economic growth cools down, leading to other problems. Managing foreign exchange is like ensuring there’s a good mix of international spices in the dish, keeping the country’s currency in balance with others around the world. Setting key interest rates, the cost of borrowing money, is like setting the right cooking time, ensuring everything is done perfectly to encourage people and businesses to invest and spend wisely.

Now, let’s think of the central government as the captain of a large ship navigating the vast ocean of the economy. Its role in managing inter-state trade and commerce, international trade policies and financial regulation is like steering the ship through calm and stormy waters alike, crucial for the journey towards economic growth.

The ship’s health – akin to the health of the banking, insurance and stock market sectors – is maintained by various regulatory bodies, much like a crew ensuring everything on board functions smoothly. These sectors’ robustness reflects the government’s skill in economic management, just as a well-maintained ship reflects the capabilities of its captain and crew.

As voters, it’s like being passengers on this ship. It’s important to consider whether the captain and crew (the current government) have created an environment on board that’s conducive to a prosperous voyage – fostering business growth and ensuring economic stability. Your vote is your say in choosing the right captain and crew for the next leg of the journey.

The central government can also be seen as the chief architect of India’s economic future. Its role in national economic planning, including managing central public sector enterprises and rolling out long-term plans, is akin to drawing the blueprint for a grand building. Just as an architect's plans determine the structure, strength and functionality of a building, the government’s economic strategies and plans set the direction and pace of the nation’s progress.

Managing public sector enterprises – Bharat Heavy Electricals, Oil and Natural Gas Corporation, Steel Authority of India, Coal India, Hindustan Aeronautics, etc. – is like overseeing crucial pillars of this grand structure, ensuring they support and enhance the overall design. The effectiveness of these plans and management directly influences how robust, modern and inclusive India’s economic edifice will be.

The current government has abolished the five-year plans, aiming for a more flexible approach that focuses on achieving sustainable development goals. What has been the outcome thus far?

Now, how about looking at the infrastructure and services – such as railways, civil aviation, major highways and telecommunications – as the vital arteries of a country? The central government acts as the heart, pumping life through these arteries.

Just like how smoothly flowing traffic on highways, punctual trains, reliable air travel and seamless communication networks make daily commutes and connections easier, effective governance in these sectors ensures a smoother, more productive life for everyone. When these systems work well, they not only make our day-to-day tasks more manageable but also fuel the nation’s progress, much like blood flowing efficiently through the body keeps us healthy and active.

Have there been significant improvements in these sectors? Are new projects in line with the nation’s needs?

Elections are not merely contests between parties; they are decisions that shape the lives of over a billion people. It’s crucial for citizens to cast their ballots grounded in the real-world performance of a government, not merely swayed by its rhetoric or an aura of confidence. Just as a wise investor scrutinises a company’s financial health, market position and growth potential, voters must assess a government’s track record, policy outcomes and tangible achievements.