102-year-old votes in WB Panchayat polls, lesson for Chetan Bhagat
This heart-warming image of a 102-year-old woman voting in West Bengal Panchayat polls is an impeccable proof of India's functioning democracy. When a person, as old as her, practice their democratic rights for which India fought for centuries, rest assured they aren't "wasting time", but making sure that democracy exists, contrary to Chetan Bhagat's cynical and ignorant elitist remarks. So, what did he say?
"Don't waste too much time on politics"
"Enjoy politics and elections. Have a view. But don't waste too much time on politics. Chances are no matter who comes to power, how well you do in life will depend on how hard you work, not who gets elected," said acclaimed novelist Chetan Bhagat.
Why such opinion demean Indian democracy?
"The worst illiterate is the political illiterate. He hears nothing, sees nothing, takes no part in political life. He doesn't seem to know that the cost of living, the price of beans, of flour of rent, of medicines all depend on political decision." This quote by Bertold Brecht is an apt description of Chetan Bhagat's political understanding, negligible as it appears.
Great power but not so great responsibility
With controversies always surrounding his frivolous statements, Bhagat is not only a known celebrity, but also a controversial one. With over 12 million Twitter followers, a biggie for any Twitterati, such irresponsible statements may not bother Mr. Bhagat, but they surely disappoint an Indian. Which is why his tweet didn't go unnoticed by concerned citizens who responded brilliantly to Bhagat's blatant remark.
"Don't speak like uneducated and ignorant person"
"You never know which immature group of youngsters you influenced"
"You could have held on for another 3 hours before tweeting this? You never know which immature group of youngsters have you influenced to not vote? Yaar, thoda sabr karo. Think before you tweet," remarked a Twitterati referring to Karnataka assembly polls on May 12.
