Anyone who has the vote knows that caste politics and swamijis of mutts sway a number of voters. Rational arguments about issues that transcend caste politics have no place in elections in Mysore or in India. About the influence of swamijis: their hands are on every pie- be it supporting an MLA or MP, appointing vice-chancellors etc.. Caste or broadly speaking religion is a powerful force. Politics and religion is an explosive mixture, not only in Mysore or in India but in America as well. Evangelic Christian leaders influence state and federal elections. Bush's election was achieved through the religious leadership in Ohio. Leaders in Baptist churches in American Deep South have extraordinary influence on the shaping of politics. What is the role of a common person? None to put it bluntly. There is a sense of inevitability in all elections -in Chamundeshwari or in Columbus.
Chamundeswari Election is probably indicates the nadir to which Karnataka politics has sunk. Yes, most of us may feel sense of despair and cynicism to which we have been driven but the question is should we keep quiet. One possibility could be all the like minded NGOs and those indivduals who have stature in the society like poets and writers pool their resources and should join to come out with a bilingual phamplet to create awareness to exhort the voters to rise above caste considerations and refuse all blandishments. Secondly, the voters should also be told that in case JD(S) candidate wins they should relentlessly follow the CM to fulfill his promise of investing nearly Rs. 300 crore in a time bound fashion. Third, voters must insist that CM should also follow this example of investing in all the constituencies. This will be sobering experience not to indulge in such extravagant promises to win votes. This will be a small step but at least it is better than being a muste observers.
