Shrey Awasthi
In the vibrant democracy of India, election rallies have long been perceived as a showcase of power, enthusiasm and public support. Loud slogans, giant cutouts and massive gatherings are often celebrated as the hallmark of political momentum.
Yet, one cannot ignore a growing concern — while rallies display strength, their true utility for the people and the candidate often remains underutilised.
Thousands of hours and crores of rupees are spent in organising grand election events. Leaders and parties invest heavily to mobilise crowds, arrange logistics and amplify visibility. However, once the stage lights dim and the crowd disperses, the long-term impact of such rallies on society is minimal. The reality is that the resources poured into rallies rarely translate into tangible development for the common voter.
Case for a consolidated fund
Imagine if even a fraction of the funds spent on these rallies could be redirected toward public welfare. Instead of dissipating into temporary shows of might, the money could be pooled into a “Consolidated Electoral Welfare Fund” — a fund where contributions from every contesting candidate are collected and later channelled into projects that benefit society directly.
Inclusivity beyond victory: Whether candidates win or lose, their financial contribution would ensure that their presence in the election leaves a positive mark on society.
Burden-free regime for voters: This mechanism would require no extra taxation or burden on the common citizen; it would purely come from the election process itself.
Visible development: From building libraries to improving schools to supporting healthcare or developing local infrastructure, the fund could visibly transform communities.
Strength in service, not just in numbers
Such a model would redefine what it means to showcase strength in politics. Instead of a one-day spectacle of gathering crowds, leaders could demonstrate their strength through lasting contributions to the development of Himachal Pradesh. Rallies would still have their place as platforms for dialogue and vision-sharing, but their financial muscle would be tied to tangible social outcomes.
If implemented, this idea could become a pioneering step, not just for Himachal but for the entire nation. It would give every candidate — victorious or not — a chance to contribute to society’s progress. More importantly, it would restore the faith of the youth and common voters, who often feel disillusioned seeing crores spent on optics while basic issues remain unaddressed.
True politics is not just about winning elections; it is about building society. By transforming the concept of election rallies into engines of welfare through a consolidated fund, India can set a shining example of participatory democracy where every candidate’s effort fuels the journey of development.
(The writer is the state coordinator of the Himachal Unemployed Youth Federation; views are personal)
