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India’s problems are complex. And unfortunately these are compounded by
vote-bank politics. Instead of uniting the different sections of
society, many politicians divide it to keep their vote banks intact. If
people are united, politicians won’t be able to get votes through
divisive politics. In such a situation, the only way for them to win
votes would be through good performance. As citizens, we must protect
our country from those who manipulate issues for their personal gains
and who lead by playing vote-bank politics. Those with vested interests
support insensible decisions and oppose sensible ones. We have to steer
clear of such leaders. We must encourage broad-minded politicians and
leaders to come forward and take charge, and to educate and uplift the
society - spiritually, morally and socially. We need leaders who are
satya-darshi (truthful), sam-darshi (equanimous), priya-darshi
(pleasant), paar-darshi (transparent) and door-darshi (visionary). So,
before we elect our leaders, we should examine their qualifications. We
must elect leaders who will do away with policies based on caste,
creed, religion and region; who will ensure that every child gets a
multi-cultural, multi-dimensional education.

We need leadership with a mission and a vision, leadership with a
spirit of sacrifice, compassion and commitment. We must choose leaders
who have a long-term vision and short-term plans to achieve it. They
should have great personal integrity, and place the country before
themselves. Unfortunately, most of our politicians lack a sense of
sacrifice and inclusiveness. Irrespective of the party they belong to,
people perceive politicians as insincere. Today, people are fed up of
them. This is when apathy sets in among people. They dismiss politics
as a whole and withdraw from their basic duty of voting. Our votes are
an important tool to bring about a change in the system; they give us
an opportunity to raise our voice against injustice. But many of us
have developed a chalta hai attitude, because we fail to see the power
of our votes. This attitude is dangerous for the country. By not voting
we are encouraging the status quo.

Each one of us must not only vote but also encourage others around
us to vote. When good, intelligent and well-educated people don’t vote,
they play into the hands of politicians, who use money and vote bank
politics to seize power. People should not lose hope. Good politicians
exist. And they must be given a chance to do the best they can for the
country, for its people. We have seen the shortcomings of capitalism,
communism and socialism. Now is the time for humanism and spiritualism.
Politics without humanism and spiritualism is bound to be dirty. Many
people believe that spiritualism is not for this world, that it is not
a practical tool to bring about societal transformation. But that’s a
misconception. Mahatma Gandhi was spiritual. He conducted satsangs
every day and played an important role in bringing freedom for our
country. That is why today we need leaders who have a spirit of
sacrifice, and who are spiritual in their outlook, to enter politics.