Why unemployment is not a make-or-break issue in our politics

Perhaps this is so. But in today’s era, with social media, one does not require the mainstream media to the extent one did 15 years ago and so it is unlikely that this is being kept suppressed by a lack of attention from the media.The answer to the question appears to lie in something deeper. It seems that broad issues such as the economy’s health and competent management and the ability of the government to produce an environment where jobs are available are not of particular concern to us as voters.If important, they are less so than other things, like more temples and stopping young women wearing hijab from entering college as we are doing this week in Karnataka, and more statues.When some of us who are directly affected by this economic crisis are mobilised as happened under Hardik Patel in Gujarat or as is happening for the Railway recruitment now, then there is some activity on the ground. But for the most part our popular politics appears to exclude issues that are crucial in many other democracies, especially those of the West. Things that make or break leaders and parties, and which are the constant subject of daily debate and concern are not of importance in our country.We can reflect on what that means about us as voters and us as a nation, and also, if this continues, where we will find ourselves as we enter the Amrit-kaal of our democracy.(The author is Chair of Amnesty International India. Views are personal)



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