Disappointment of Voters In every budget, the poor are offered subsidies, the rich receive rebates, and the common man—burdened with hope—watches endless TV debates, waiting for relief that never comes. Income tax is the only issue people clearly understand, and when even that sees no change, disappointment deepens.
Today’s politicians have become a privileged class—a new breed of kings. They enjoy double pensions without taxes, lavish perks and freebies: air travel, telephones, electricity, petrol, medical treatment with attendants, office staff, subsidised meals, and plots of land. They avail loans at ridiculously low interest rates and draw huge salaries—often in lakhs—for part-time attendance during short and shrinking sessions. Dearness allowance follows, regardless. Every ordinary citizen pays tax on everything—even medical reimbursements and travel benefits. Yet, by the power of legislation, politicians have exempted themselves from most taxes, without debate or public consent. A person ensconced even for a single day as an MLA or MP becomes entitled to pension, while ordinary citizens must serve minimum qualifying years to receive even partial benefits. Elected representatives should hold office on a strict contract basis. Parliamentary and Assembly sittings have been drastically reduced—perhaps to avoid scrutiny and embarrassment. It is no surprise that industrialists now make a beeline for political careers. No qualifications, experience, or age limits are required. They watch in disbelief as politicians amass crores without running any business. Wealth flows instead from land deals, questionable property sales, bribes, and acting as agents for those in power. We, the voters, place them in power—granting position, privilege, and fame—only to see them feather their own nests. Democracy today appears to be of politicians, by politicians, for politicians. For the common man, it only gets worse. The motto seems clear: loot—and let loot. Nelson Lopes Chinchinim Nelson Lopes Chinchinim https://lopesnelsonnat.wordpress.com
