In the profound words of Mahatma Gandhi, “An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind”. These words, resonating with the ideals of peace and nonviolence, have reverberated through history, reminding us of the vital importance of harmony and unity.

As I look at our society, it becomes painfully clear that our world is already facing significant challenges. Since gaining independence, political parties have utilised the divisive “divide-and-rule” strategy left by the British. They have exploited every crack in our society for their own gain, and corruption has permeated every aspect of our lives, depleting our resources. It’s truly disheartening for us honest taxpayers.

I witness individuals struggling to access clean water, while others luxuriate in swimming pools. I see people waiting in long queues overnight, even resorting to sleeping on the streets, just to receive medical care at reputable hospitals. I observe children resorting to begging or labouring due to a lack of free education and awareness. I witnessed members of the LGBTQ+ community striving for basic civil rights, knocking on the doors of justice for recognition and acceptance.

As a middle-aged Indian man who is gay, I find myself at the intersection of multiple identities. I have firsthand experience of how divisive politics reduce me to nothing more than a bargaining chip in the power game. Yet, in the midst of all this chaos, there remains hope for a government that can bring us together and transcend these divisions.

So, what are we all hoping for from our next government?

Most importantly, we desire leaders who focus on uniting people, not driving them apart. We need a government that recognises our diversity as our strength rather than using it to sow discord.

Transparency and accountability should not just be mere words; they should be held as genuine principles. We need leaders who genuinely care about the people rather than just their own interests. Every penny of taxpayers’ money should be spent wisely and honestly.

Education is crucial for our future, and our leaders need to prioritise it. Investing in education means equipping our youth with the tools to navigate the world, and it also helps combat narrow-mindedness and prejudice.

The significance of accessible and quality medical facilities cannot be overstated. Health is a fundamental human right, yet for many Indians, adequate healthcare remains elusive. Our next government must invest in healthcare infrastructure and services, making them accessible to all, regardless of socioeconomic status.

We are asking our next government to champion justice and equality. Nobody should be marginalised or discriminated against because of who they are. Every individual should have the same rights, enabling them to live their lives with dignity and respect.

The road ahead may be challenging, but it’s not devoid of hope. As we embark on a new era, let’s remember the wisdom of great visionaries and strive to build a nation where unity triumphs over division. It’s a formidable task, but together, with a shared purpose and determination, we can navigate through the tough times and emerge stronger than ever.

Additionally, the struggle for queer rights in India cannot be overlooked. While progress has been made, there is still a long road ahead to ensure equality and acceptance for all individuals, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. Our next government must prioritise enacting and enforcing laws that protect the rights of the LGBTQ+ community, fostering an environment where everyone can live authentically without fear of discrimination.

Finally, the escalating cost of living is another pressing issue that demands attention. Many hardworking individuals and families are grappling with soaring prices, making basic necessities increasingly out of reach. Our leaders must implement policies that address this economic disparity, ensuring that every citizen has access to a decent standard of living.

In conclusion, the future may pose challenges, but it’s not devoid of hope. As we step into a new era, let’s remember the wisdom of great visionaries and work towards building a nation where unity triumphs over division. It’s a substantial challenge, but together, with a shared purpose and determination, we can navigate through the tough times and emerge stronger than ever.