We all wanted to be treated and valued as humans, with thoughts, with emotions, with aspirations for a space to explore, to reflect, and to evolve. But what happens if all of that emotions and aspirations are treated just as a resource to exploit, a contact to use, a number in the datasheet, and an engagement solely for a vote? Be it at home, with friends, in organizations and in the community, we disassociate, disengage, make poor decisions, corrupt the self and the surroundings, and fake many things. 

In elections, it is not always the politicians who make us feel being deceived but at every election, there are many independent contestants who wanted to be that much-needed alternative to the corrupt, exploitative, divisive, communal politics but end up being rejected by the people. What do they feel? In the past, they lose hope in engaging with and changing this community, become invisible from social space, mind their own business like you and me, or join the same party-based, corrupt, divisive, communal politics. 

Is that it? 

What are the other options? 

What is the gap between people wanting a good politician, from voting for a good politician? 

What would be the journey of an independent contestant from campaigning to delivery of the promise?

What financial strength does one need?

How a perceived solution can actually trigger a real challenge?

What should be the line of ethics for a person who contests in electoral politics?  

What should be the strategy?

What should be the attitude while committing to the responsibility of delivering good governance to the people?

What are the people's expectations, after one wins?

What is the present level of people's engagement and interest in Governance?

What are the different narratives that will be talked about the one while serving the tenure?

Why do people vote for parties and not candidates? 

What can make ours, a truly representative democracy?

All and much more were discussed at the meeting organised by Mr.Bharathi Kannan of Tambaram Makkal Kuzhu and an independent contestant of 47th ward of Tambaram Corporation. 

Voice of people addressed the participants, sharing our journey and learnings as a citizen's group working for the implementation of Area Sabha and Ward Committees in the City Corporations. We also emphasized our concern on the implementation of the people's forum to be fully representative and with inclusivity rather than making it of how it is perceived and projected presently, to be the forum for the urban elite, RWAs,... 

Mr.Nandakumar of Thannatchi explained in detail why it is necessary to empower and integrate people into the governance and how people's problems can be solved by making them the stakeholders in the process. 

The meeting was greatly enriched by the presence and address of Mrs.Rekha Ramu, Panchayat President of Pandeswaram Village who shared all of her experiences that started from organic farming to serving people as Panchayat President. She spoke extensively to the level of tiniest details on working for the social cause, challenges associated with it, contesting in electoral politics, crucial elements of electoral politics, addressing people's expectations, funds for Panchayats, support one requires from family, and answered many of the questions mentioned above. 

The participants included many ordinary citizens and candidates who contested the recent local body election
and also shared their experiences.

And the best part of the meeting, Ms.Isai's songs are still being played in my mind.

I feel there is a whole lot of interesting work the independent candidates, and the people can do together for the community.