“Equal Right to Vote” and Everyday Inequalities in India

 

“Equal Right to Vote” and Everyday Inequalities in India

The story of Kanta and the real-life narratives of Omprakash Valmiki and the Ansaris reveal a powerful contrast between the legal ideal of equality and the social reality of inequality in democratic India.

1. Universal Adult Franchise – Legal Equality

India is a democracy where the Constitution guarantees every adult citizen the right to vote, regardless of caste, religion, gender, economic status, or education. This is known as Universal Adult Franchise, and it forms the foundation of political equality.

In the story, Kanta, a domestic help, feels proud and empowered as she stands in line with people from different social classes, including her employer. Each person, whether rich or poor, has one vote. This is a moment where legal equality becomes visible and tangible.

2. The Illusion of Real Equality

However, as Kanta’s day unfolds, she begins to question this equality. Although she is politically equal in the polling booth, her daily life is filled with inequality:

• She lives in a slum with poor sanitation.

• She cannot afford to take leave when her child is sick.

• She has to borrow money from her employer, showing her economic dependence.

• She waits in long queues at a government hospital, which is primarily accessed by the poor.

This contrast shows how legal rights do not always translate into equal opportunities or equal dignity in real life.

3. Social Inequality – The Case of Caste Discrimination

The story of Omprakash Valmiki, a Dalit writer, highlights caste-based discrimination in Indian society. Despite legal provisions against caste discrimination, many Dalits still face:

• Humiliation and exclusion in schools.

• Forced manual labor due to caste-based prejudices.

• Verbal and physical abuse.

Omprakash’s experience as a child made to sweep the school instead of studying like his classmates is a shocking example of how deeply entrenched caste hierarchies deny basic dignity and equality.

4. Religious Discrimination – The Case of Mr. and Mrs. Ansari

The second story reflects religious discrimination faced by Muslims in urban housing markets. The Ansaris, despite having the money to rent an apartment, were repeatedly rejected by landlords after their identity was revealed. They were even advised to change their names to something more "acceptable" (like Kumar) to find a house.

This shows how prejudice and stereotypes affect even financially secure individuals and violate the principles of secularism and equality enshrined in the Constitution.

5. Conclusion – Legal Rights vs. Social Reality

The Indian Constitution guarantees equality through:

• Article 14: Equality before law

• Article 15: Prohibition of discrimination

• Article 17: Abolition of untouchability

• Article 19-22: Fundamental rights

However, the real challenge lies in ensuring that these rights are meaningful in everyday life. Stories like those of Kanta, Omprakash, and the Ansaris remind us that true democracy is not just about voting rights, but about ensuring equal dignity, access, and opportunity for all citizens.

To build a just society, we must go beyond the vote and work to eliminate economic, social, and religious barriers that deny people their rightful place in the nation.

Questions and Answers

1. Q: What is universal adult franchise?
   A: The right of every adult citizen to vote, regardless of caste, religion, gender, or income.

2. Q: Who is the main character in the story that goes to vote?
   A: Kanta.

3. Q: What makes Kanta feel proud in the morning?
   A: She feels equal because everyone, rich or poor, gets one vote.

4. Q: Why does Kanta become unsure about equality later in the day?
   A: Because she faces poverty and poor living conditions.

5. Q: Where does Kanta live?
   A: In a slum with a drain behind her house.

6. Q: Why can’t Kanta take a day off from work?
   A: Because she needs to borrow money to treat her sick daughter.

7. Q: What kind of job does Kanta do?
   A: She works as a domestic help.

8. Q: What kind of inequality does Omprakash Valmiki face?
   A: Caste-based discrimination.

9. Q: What is the meaning of the word "Dalit"?
   A: "Broken" – a term used by lower castes to describe themselves.

10. Q: What did the headmaster make Omprakash do in school?
    A: Sweep the school and playground.

11. Q: How did Omprakash feel while sweeping?
    A: Tired, dusty, and humiliated.

12. Q: Who stopped the discrimination against Omprakash at school?
    A: His father.

13. Q: What promise did Omprakash’s father make to the school?
    A: That his son would study there and many more would follow.

14. Q: Who are Mr. and Mrs. Ansari?
    A: A Muslim couple looking to rent a house.

15. Q: Why were the Ansaris denied housing?
    A: Because of their religion and non-vegetarian food habits.

16. Q: What suggestion did the dealer give the Ansaris?
    A: To change their names to "Mr. and Mrs. Kumar."

17. Q: How long did it take the Ansaris to find a house?
    A: One month.

18. Q: What does the Ansari story show?
    A: Religious discrimination in housing.

19. Q: What does Kanta's story reveal about equality?
    A: Voting rights exist, but economic and social inequalities persist.

20. Q: Why is equality in daily life important in a democracy?
    A: Because real equality goes beyond just voting—it includes dignity, opportunity, and freedom from discrimination.