Empowering the Masses

The masses elect their representatives to serve them and the politicians make all kind of promises to do so. However, once the elections are over and the government are formed, the leaders forget the masses and masses lose their leaders. An odd God fearing and honest legislator might visit his constituency at times but it is well nigh impossible for the ordinary voter to see the legislator at his request. They all seem to have different priorities "“ mostly personal. Some mind boggling "“ VVIP copters, bullet proof Mercs and Land Cruisers costing billions to the exchequer, the cost with which hundreds of schools and health care units could be established. Is there no check and balance upon them and their extravaganzas? A few of them getting together in the name of the cabinet can decide for themselves whatever they wish. To control this rampage, I suggest, we should also resort  to the practice of writing to our MNAs and MPAs invoking them for action for or against certain acts of the government, as is done widely in the West. A letter signed by hundreds and thousands of the constituents will have definitely the desired effect and compel the legislator to take cognizance of their wishes. Empowering of the masses in giving their verdict on important national issues apart from ringing a bell of caution into the ears of the self-serving leaders would also help strengthening the institution of democracy in the country from the grass root level.

Truly

Col. Riaz Jafri (Retd)