Everyone must accept voters’ mandate peacefully

Representation Pic

The exit polls indicate a sweeping National Democratic Alliance (NDA) win while Opposition leaders stoically maintain that such polls have been wrong in the past. Amid fierce televised analysis and debate, social media is brimming with analyses, comments, trolling and jibes.

As India braces for June 4, we must exhibit absolute discipline in the city. The world's largest democracy, led by its financial capital, must show that it will accept whatever happens.

Indulging in violence or provocation as another term begins for the government, means a loss for citizens. While we absorb the results through different news channels, let routine and regularity not go out the window.

Careening crazily on the roads, targeting certain shops and deliberate provocation should be avoided. Let us be empathetic for people in hospitals, those trying to reach medical facilities, senior citizens and children. It is also vital that celebrations do not spill over into an ugly, violent war on our roads.

Local leaders should be doubly responsible on Tuesday. Workers and followers must, of course, be free to celebrate but within the ambit of the law. In a shrill, ‘insta' centric world, decibel levels will go through the roof. Shout if you must, but don't indulge in violence. Those who campaigned, making all kinds of promises pre-election, should be able to rein in any kind of lawless behaviour from followers and prove through example that they respect the results.

This may sound utopian but we should ensure that we do everything to prevent violence from becoming ‘mainstream' or the ‘expected' response on results day.