Electoral Illumination

As Maharashtra gears up for its Assembly elections on November 20, an unusual harmony looms between the ‘Festival of Democracy’ and the ‘Festival of Lights.’ The rare coinciding of Diwali with the election season underscores a unique opportunity for reflection, choice and renewal. This festive intersection invites voters to participate in the democratic process with the same zeal with which they approach Diwali, a festival that celebrates the triumph of good over evil, wisdom over ignorance, and light over darkness. Much like the ‘diya’ that illuminates each household during Diwali, the ballot each voter casts will shine a light on the direction Maharashtra will take in the years ahead.

The stakes in this Assembly election are substantial, as is the anticipation. Maharashtra’s politicians, both from the ruling Mahayuti and the opposition Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi (MVA) as well as the smaller parties, are vigorously competing to capture the public’s imagination, rolling out grand visions and promises for the state’s progress and development. Against a Diwali backdrop, campaigning has taken on a celebratory tone, a blend of hopeful pageantry and political manoeuvring. Yet, amid the banners, rallies, and slogans, the electoral landscape is also marked by competing challenges: inflation, unemployment, agricultural distress and the ever-present concerns about infrastructure and governance.

As politicians court the public with fervour, every citizen in Maharashtra must remember their indispensable role. Voting is not simply a civic duty; it is a moral imperative. Just as Diwali invites self-reflection on one’s actions and relationships, so too does election season call for introspection about the society one wishes to shape. Apathy, often creeping in on election day, is Maharashtra’s greatest adversary. To forego voting is to abdicate one’s stake in the future. Much as Diwali lights every corner of the home, so must every eligible citizen make their way to the polling booth, illuminating the path forward with collective will.

There is, of course, a cautionary tale embedded in this coincidence. Diwali’s bounty can sometimes blind people to the superficial shine of appearances, and elections are prone to similar illusions. As candidates pledge sweeping reforms and promise a brighter tomorrow, voters must look beyond the gleam of grandstanding and weigh each party’s record against its rhetoric. Maharashtra’s electorate must be clear-eyed about the transformative potential of their vote and not be swept away by the bombast of electoral fireworks.

And so, as Diwali celebrations ring through the state, Maharashtra is offered a rare alignment of festivals. The triumph of the ballot, like the flame of the ‘diya,’ will be a testament to the power of choice, enlightenment, and resilience. In a world often divided and polarized, the simultaneous celebration of Diwali and democracy is a heartening reminder of the values shared by both. May the electorate carry this torch forward, lighting the way toward a brighter, more prosperous future for Maharashtra.