India’s democracy has once again demonstrated its extraordinary strength and resilience with the recent Lok Sabha elections, setting a global benchmark with 642 million voters-the highest voter turnout in the world-a historic moment and a testament to the vibrancy of Indian democracy. The sheer scale and logistical complexity of conducting elections in the world’s largest democracy make this feat nothing short of miraculous.

The turnout is 1.5 times the number of voters in all G7 countries combined and 2.5 times that of the 27 European Union nations, highlighting India’s unparalleled electoral engagement. This robust participation reflects the electorate’s faith in the power of their vote and the democratic institutions that uphold their rights.

One of the most notable aspects of this election was the remarkable participation of women voters. With 312 million women casting their ballots, their turnout exceeded that of women voters in the EU’s most recent national elections. This significant representation is a powerful indicator of gender inclusivity in Indian democracy, further strengthening the democratic fabric of the nation.

The involvement of elderly voters, particularly those aged 85 and above, is both heartwarming and inspiring. These senior citizens, who have witnessed India’s journey from colonial rule to a sovereign republic, embody the spirit of resilience and commitment.

Their active participation serves as a poignant reminder to the younger generation of the value of democracy and the importance of safeguarding it through active engagement. Their participation not only adds to the credibility of the electoral process but also sets an example for younger voters, emphasising that age is no barrier to fulfilling one’s civic duties.

The efficient management of the 2024 elections is another aspect worthy of commendation. The significant reduction in the number of re-polls-from 540 in 2019 to just 39 in 2024-demonstrates the meticulous planning and execution by the Election Commission. This improvement is a testament to the dedication and hard work of election personnel across the country.

Furthermore, the record seizure of almost Rs 10,000 crore, nearly three times the value seized in 2019, underscores the Election Commission’s commitment to curbing the influence of money and ensuring free and fair elections. The proactive measures taken to tackle muscle power, misinformation and violations of the Model Code of Conduct were crucial in maintaining the integrity of the electoral process.

The record voter turnout in  Jammu and Kashmir, the highest in four decades, stands as a significant triumph for democracy in the region. It reflects the renewed faith of the people in the electoral process and their desire to participate in shaping their future through democratic means only.

The Election Commission’s efforts to ensure a smooth and transparent electoral process in  Jammu and Kashmir deserve special recognition. The high voter turnout is a positive indicator of the region’s integration into the democratic framework of the nation and the people’s commitment to peaceful and democratic expressions of their aspirations.

The role of technology and innovation in enhancing the electoral process cannot be overstated. The robust and precise process, akin to the precision of a clock, is a testament to the advancements in electoral technology. Ensuring the integrity and transparency of vote counting is paramount to maintaining public trust in the democratic process.

The continuous improvement of electoral systems, including the use of EVMs and VVPATs, has played a crucial role in minimising errors and enhancing the credibility of elections. The Election Commission’s emphasis on these technological safeguards reassures the electorate of the accuracy and fairness of the results.

As the nation prepares for the counting of votes, there is a collective sense of pride and anticipation. The entire process, from voter registration to the final tally, reflects collective efforts and unwavering commitment to democracy. The Indian elections are indeed a miracle and serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration for democracies around the world.

The Ayodhya throne – to kill him and have the kingdom for himself. Well versed in the politics of his day, Guh alerted his men to be ready for a combat with Bharat’s army. At the same time, he set out to find for himself the true intentions of Ram’s step-brother. Bharat’s open-hearted approach and his devotion to Ram set at rest all the doubts in Guh’s mind. He volunteered to guide Bharat and his followers through the dense forest to where Ram was staying with Sita and Lakshman.

Bharat had now to contend with a more virulent suspicion of his own step-brother, Lakshman. The latter, with the keen eyes of a hawk and the valour that daunted the bravest of his contemporaries, zealously guarded Ram and Sita in the serene surrounds of the Chitrakoot Hills.

Ram had taken Sita on a pleasant stroll on the banks of the river Mandakini and the couple rested now in a plain. Then he observed a massive cloud of dust and myriads of wild beasts running helter-skelter in fear. Ram asked Lakshman to climb up a nearby tree and find out what the matter was. It was then that Lakshman espied Bharat’s chariot at the head of thousands of armed men.

“Kaikeyi’s son, Bharat is upon us, brother!” he screamed in anger, “He comes as a foe. I don’t see any sin in killing him…Let Kaikeyi, stricken with extreme grief, see Bharat being killed by me in the same manner as an elephant fells a tree…” (ibid, Canto 96(xxiv-xxv). A person less adept than Ram at maintaining calm and reasoning would have been unable to pacify a fiery Lakshman.

Steadfast in devotion to Ram

The constant and unfounded suspicion failed, however, to deter Bharat from his devotion to Ram. There is often an argument as to who among Ram’s brothers was more devoted to him: Lakshman or Bharat. The answer depends on how we look at it. Lakshman had, in a way, subsumed himself into Ram. He did not exist, as it were, outside of Ram.

Bharat, on the other hand, committed himself completely to Ram’s cause even while he maintained his distinct identity. To go back to the story, what transpired upon reunion of Ram and Bharat at Chitrakoot is perhaps unique in the history. We generally find princes fighting among themselves to death in struggle for power.

Here, in contrast, were two princes rivalling each other in denying a proffered opportunity to power. Rishi Balmiki devotes as many as 12 cantos of Ayodhya Kand (Cantos 101-112) to this amazing part of his Ramayan. Ram asks Bharat why he has come to the forest. Bharat says it is to request him to accept the crown as their father has died. Ram turns down Bharat’s request.

He tells Bharat how Raja Dashrath had pledged before his marriage to Kaikeyi that a son born to her would succeed him to the throne. Queen Kaikeyi had only asserted his – Bharat’s – right to the throne as promised by Raja Dashrath. Bharat contends that the Raghu Dynasty has been following the doctrine upholding the right of the first borne (that is, Ram) to the throne and in no way it should be broken.

Ram states firmly that it is only their father’s word that matters to him. Bharat has to succeed him, while he, Ram, must spend 14 years in the forest. Driven to the wall by Ram’s resolute stance, Bharat sits on a dharna. (And we thought that dharna was the device of our own days to bend the powerful!). Ram is left only to plead with Bharat not to be insistent.

The rishis, sitting there and those present unseen in the celestial space, get worried. How would Ravan be killed if Ram gave in to Bharat’s pleas and went back to Ayodhya without completing 14 years of vanvas? They persuade him to abide by Ram’s direction. Eventually, Bharat agrees to return to Ayodhya, but not without imposing his own conditions.

One, Ram’s used wooden sandals would govern the land and two, he would spend 14 years outside the city, waiting for Ram’s return in his matted hair, clothed in bark and subsisting only on mool-phal (tubers). He ends up warning Ram: “O Paragon of the Raghus! If I don’t see you on the new year day following completion of fourteen years, then I shall enter into a raging fire!

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