India just witnessed a massive general election, and now Maharashtra and Jharkhand are ging to polls. Number of people participating in the mammoth exercise is staggering: around 12.23 crore (122.3 million) people are gearing up to vote in these two states alone. For perspective, that's twice the eligible voting population of Germany. As if that’s not enough, various constituencies from couple of other states are also headed for polls. But hold on, what exactly are these voters aspiring for? What’s going through their minds as they head to the booths?
Decades ago, political promises like roti, kapada, makan (food, clothing, and shelter) resonated well with them. Then came - mandal, mandir and masjid politics; later it was India shining based on the economic improvements as political slogan. Fast-forward to today, and what matters? Well, if we go by the coverage on our major news channels, they’re essentially telling us that voters only care about… Hindu-Muslim conflicts.
Now, I’m no stranger to the daily dose of election news. At work, I pass through the pantry a few times a day, where two massive screens blast a popular Indian news channel in English. Over time, I’ve noticed a few “interesting” patterns in their current coverage of elections. Here’s a rundown:
1. Assembly elections are happening Maharashtra, Jharkhand is a kind of also ran
Sure, Jharkhand is also voting, but blink, and you’d miss it. Apparently, Jharkhand’s polling hardly merits a mention. It’s as if the state is merely a blip on the map-there, but not really “there.”
2. Mumbai = Maharashtra
For the news channel, Maharashtra essentially boils down to the Mumbai metropolitan area. You’d think the other 34 districts of Maharashtra are barren wastelands, devoid of voters, or, heaven forbid, issues. It’s all about Mumbai, folks, because why cover the majority of the state when you have a glitzy metro to focus on?
3. Priyanka Gandhi in Wayanad makes the cut, sometimes
The sole exception to this myopic coverage? Wayanad. Why? Because Priyanka Gandhi is contesting there, in a seat previously held by her brother. Yes, this loksabha seat of Kerala, vacated by Rahul Gandhi, somehow finds a rare mention.
4. Everything is a Hindu-Muslim problem
Every. Single. Issue. This is the baseline conclusion from watching the coverage. As far as these channels are concerned, voters have no other problems. No concerns about jobs, inflation, or healthcare—just the ever-present Hindu-Muslim issue looming over their heads.
5. Opinions from the Same faces, 24/7
Instead of giving airtime to actual candidates with stakes in these elections, we get an endless parade of party spokespeople talking in circles. Why interview people who are actually running in the election when you can have talking heads on repeat?
6. Balancing on bubbles of religion
Got a minor, unrelated issue? Inflate it into a Hindu-Muslim conflict (or a Congress-BJP issue), and voila, you have hours of engaging prime-time debate. Remember, every tiny issue is just one twisted angle away from becoming a religious (Congress-BJP)) flashpoint.
7. Pointless religious debates round the clock
Late-night debates mean one thing: pulling in politicians to argue aimlessly about religion. No mention of critical issues like food security, inflation, or education. Because, really, who cares about those, right?
In the world according to this channel, Indians apparently live, breathe, and, yes, eat religion. They wake up to it, inhale it with their morning chai, and take it to bed. Issues like inflation, healthcare, or entrepreneurial opportunities? Mere background noise. Don’t worry if you’re going to bed hungry, can’t afford a doctor, or can’t get a loan to start a business. These things just don’t sell airtime like a good old-fashioned religious debate.
A wake-up call to national news (a.k.a entertainment?) channels
So, for those who claim to run “national” news channels, here are a few pointers I would like to mention,
1. India exists beyond Delhi and Mumbai
Yes, there are actual voters in places other than New Delhi’s vicinity or Mumbai’s city limits.
2. People can’t eat religion
Contrary to popular belief, people don’t survive on religion alone. They have needs—needs that are probably a tad more important.
3. Voters outside metro cities exist, Too
Every Indian voter, whether they’re in a big city or a remote village, deserves equal coverage and concern.
4. Economy, environment, healthcare, and more—they are real issues
These topics exist. Really. The economy, climate change, hunger, and public health are all part of the complex fabric of people’s lives.
5. Studio debates don’t solve real problems
Screaming matches from the comfort of a well-lit studio don’t exactly equate to problem-solving for the average citizen.
6. Experts do exist outside political circles
Ever considered inviting subject matter experts to talk about these issues? Some of us would appreciate a dose of informed opinion.
This obsession with religion and politics will only go so far. Sooner or later, viewers might just decide they’ve had enough and switch to something a little more, shall we say, relevant?
Sajeev
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