As the country prepares for the upcoming general election, political parties have once again started their campaigns. Leaders are busy announcing agendas and promises, claiming that they stand for the people and their problems. However, history shows that many of these promises remain only on paper.
Janakpur, often called the epicentre of the Madhesh movement and Madhesh politics, has seen the strong presence of many political parties. Yet, despite their loud claims, these parties have failed to truly stand for the cause of Madhesh. Their continuous failures have created frustration among the people and demanded a change in politics. The Gen-Z protests on Bhadra 23 and 24 clearly sent a message that the so-called mainstream parties need serious transformation.
In districts like Dhanusha, leaders who won elections have rarely shown the courage to return to their constituencies after victory. They avoid dialogue and debate with the people who elected them. Once elected, many leaders disappear from the ground, leaving voters unheard. This is one of the bitter realities of our political system.
If leaders spent time with their voters even after elections, people could share their concerns, and development, law and order, and good governance could improve. Sadly, this rarely happens.
The country urgently needs a political culture where leaders remain connected with the people not only during elections but also after winning. Such a culture would bring respect to politics and strengthen democracy.
During election campaigns, voters often express anger and disappointment. Some blame the constitution, while others blame federalism. But the truth is different. Neither the constitution nor the federal structure is responsible for the failures of individual leaders.
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the chief architect of the Indian Constitution, once said that even the best constitution can fail if political and economic democracy are weak. This reminds us that the real problem lies in poor political culture, lack of accountability, and weak governance.
Roads are dirty, corruption is widespread, leaders failed to deliver, and protests erupted. Some people say the constitution is to blame. This is wrong. A constitution cannot be responsible for corruption or poor leadership.
We elected leaders who were obsessed with power, money, and nepotism. Therefore, voters must be more aware and responsible. Voting should be based on merit, honesty, qualifications, and conscience.
Repealing the constitution or federalism will not solve our problems. The real failure is political leadership, not the constitutional system. Institutions fail only when people running them fail.
An election is not Ganga Jal that washes away all past sins. Voters have repeatedly forgiven corrupt leaders and elected them again. In return, leaders believe that a fresh election erases their past failures.
This mindset must change. Votes must be cast wisely, not emotionally or blindly.
It is time to set a strong foundation for a political culture based on rule of law, constitutional morality, accountability, and federal democracy. Citizens cannot remain silent spectators to political wrongdoing.
This election should not be influenced by caste, communal politics, money, or muscle power. It should be about vision, integrity, and development.
If we fail to change ourselves, elections will come and go, but nothing will improve. Let this election punish those who failed to meet people’s expectations and reward those who truly serve.
After all, your vote matters. Your choice matters. You deserve development, employment, and opportunities at home—not forced migration to Qatar or Dubai. The country deserves leaders with vision and clean character. Let this election be a turning point.
Rajeev Jha is a Janakpur-based politician.
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