An Open Letter to the Voters of Jalandhar Parliamentary Constituency
(SAMAJ WEEKLY)- May 31, 2024
Dear fellow voters,
The festival of democracy – Elections, 2024 is about to close tomorrow with the last phase of voting on June 1. The results will come on June 4. It will be known what “We the people of India” have decided and who would rule the country for the coming years.
Recently, I wrote two blogs on the parliamentary elections with regard to Jalandhar where I am a voter and also a couple of issues which are of concern to the majority dalit voters in this reserved constituency.
First I wrote an open letter to the Candidates and Voters which may be seen at: https://diplomatictitbits.blogspot.com/2024/05/an-open-letter-to-candidates-in-lok.html
The focus of the blog to solicit and gather support to an important proposal on April 14, birthday OF Babasaheb Ambedkar, as International Day of Equality. It appears; as usual, nobody has paid any attention to the proposal. We are where we were.
Ik Tarze Tugafil Hai; So Woh Unko Mubarak,
Ik Arze Tamanna Hai; Who Hum Karte Rahenge
The second blog was on the Parliamentary seat of Jalandhar and the major players in the arena and three of the major dalit issues which should attract the attention of political outfits and the leadership. It may be accessed at: https://diplomatictitbits.blogspot.com/2024/05/jalandhar-parliamentary-constituency.html
But nothing of that sort could happen. The issues of International Day of Equality and that of the Heritage property of Ad-dharam Mandal in Jalandhar could not elicit any response and reaction. The name of Guru Ravidass was invoked by PM Narendra Modi in his rally or road show in Hoshiarpur not as a serious matter but to pay lip service, I am sorry to add. I again ventured to write today, one day before the elections considering:
Behosh Jo Padain Hain Shyad Une Jaga De
After 75 years of independence, dalit communities are standing on the cross roads even after reservations in the seats of parliament and other elected bodies in the polity of India. Nobody, all political outfits and their leaderships, are just oblivious of the rights and due space to the dalits in the society and polity and also economy of the country. The dalit leadership is sitting on the fringes. They don’t have any voice, unfortunately. It was not the scenario which Babasaheb Ambedkar and other leaders visualized. Let us stand up and think. Let the June 1 elections be a beginning. Just consider the three below listed emotive issues concerning dalit communities and decide who could be the right candidate to deserve our vote, irrespective of party affiliations. The five major nominees have not responded publicly to the three issues personally. I don’t think they have the mind and influence to raise the issues with their leadership. Where do we stand in the given situation? We would ignore these issues at our own peril.
Three issues:
i) April 14, birthday of Babasaheb Ambedkar, as International Day of Equality. My latest blog on the subject gives all the necessary details: https://diplomatictitbits.blogspot.com/2024/05/an-open-letter-to-candidates-in-lok.html
ii) Guru Ravidass Mandir at Tuglakabad in Delhi. My blog on the subject would give some information on the subject: https://diplomatictitbits.blogspot.com/2019/08/my-wishful-thinking-guru-ravidass.html
iii) Ad-dharam Mandal Headquarters at Mohala Kishanpura in Jalandhar to be declared a heritage building of the community. Details may accessed from my blog on the subject: https://diplomatictitbits.blogspot.com/2024/01/call-to-redeem-history-and-glory-of-ad.html
Guru Ravidass and Babasaheb Ambedkar watch us. We are to help ourselves and value the right to vote in a democratic setup. The years to come are full of challenges – as Allma Iqbal said:
Chupa Ke Astin Mein Bijalian Rakh Li Hain Gurdu Ne
Anadil Bagh Ke Gafil Na Baithen Ashiano Mein
Yours truly,
