Fardeen Mohmmad Bhat
In Jammu and Kashmir, and across India, social media erupts with praise every time a politician cuts a ribbon on a new bridge, road, or school. “Great job, leader!” the comments pour in. Videos go viral, likes rack up, and the leader basks in glory. But pause for a second: whose money built that project? Ours. Every rupee came from taxpayers like you and me—farmers, laborers, shopkeepers, and families scraping by. This isn’t heroism; it’s basic governance. Politicians are elected to allocate public funds for public good. When they inaugurate a hospital funded by our taxes, they’re not donating their personal wealth—they’re handing back what we already paid in. Yet, we cheer as if it’s charity. It’s like praising a shopkeeper for selling you your own groceries.
The real question should be: Why did it take so long? Why the delays, cost overruns, and empty promises before the “grand unveiling”? The same goes for police officers and officials. A cop helps a stranded motorist or resolves a local dispute, and suddenly it’s “superhero” status online.
“True leadership should be measured by innovation and advocacy for the marginalized, rather than the standard allocation of public funds. By shifting from blind praise to public scrutiny—specifically regarding project timelines and budgeting—citizens can reclaim their influence and ensure government accountability.”
Noble, sure—but it’s their job. Their salaries, vehicles, and stations are funded by our income tax, GST, and property levies. Duty isn’t optional; it’s the contract we all signed through democracy. Praising the bare minimum distracts from failures: unchecked corruption, delayed FIRs, or officials ghosting constituents until election season. This culture of sycophancy weakens accountability. It lets leaders off the hook for real deliverables—like timely flood relief in Kashmir valleys, fair wages for apple orchard workers, or pothole-free roads in rain-soaked Srinagar. Instead of applause, demand results.
Ask: Has this project been audited? Is the funding transparent? Are locals benefiting, or is it just a photo-op? True leaders earn praise for innovation, efficiency, and fighting for the marginalized—not for routine spending of public money. Next time you see that viral inauguration clip, hit share with a comment: “Good work, but when’s the next one due—on time and under budget?” Let’s flip the script from flattery to scrutiny. Our money, our power.
(The author is a freelancer. The views, opinions and conclusions expressed in this article are those of the author and aren’t necessarily in accord with the views of “Kashmir Horizon”)
