Bandhs, Street Protests should be the last option

Being a native of Jharkhand, the one thing that I have been used to is the frequent bandhs, street protests and agitation since the time I’ve gained senses. Before, Jharkhand’s creation as a state, political parties and aggressive groups used to agitate for a separate state to meet the indigenous people’s needs, and when Jharkhand, finally got created in 2000, the political upheaval only augmented manifold.

Today, the same could be understood for the people of Delhi who laid loads of expectations on the shoulders of the passionate novice Mr. Arvind Kejriwal. Given the unlimited corruption and illegal practices becoming a routine affair, AAP led by Arvind Kejriwal, soon, rose like a messiah for the worried and distressed citizens. When Kejriwal launched his own party roaring to broom out all the corruption from the country, the whole nation went gaga-over him. However, very soon this spectacle vanished and Delhi turned into the heart of street protests, fight between politicians and police and huge chaos. In his 49- day stay in CM office, he was in news, largely, for those reasons, which he was not voted for. Of course, the people of Delhi didn’t vote to see Kejriwal, sit on dharna and exude extreme stubbornness and impatience. Rather, they wanted a stable government with an honest leader.

Witnessing these situations compel us to mull over the reasons and the justifications for such acts. For a common man and woman, Bandh, dharna or street protests with barricades means, nothing more than disturbance and disruption in their daily works, including the emergency services like medical, banking and transportation getting affected. Also, these bandhs emanating from impatience and stubbornness of leaders contributes to humongous loss to the nation’s economy.

By saying this, it does not mean that people should not embrace this measure to weed out their grievances, but more maturity and patience is needed. Apart from this, the agitated groups should look out for better and more effective ways like dialogue with the concerned person/ ministry and peacefully, but firmly, putting their demands.

In a nutshell, disturbing the system and bringing the routine life to a standstill, should be the last option for the change-seekers. It’s high time to realize that those fighting in the name of common men are openly marring their life only.