The Epstein Files controversy highlighted the hidden world of global elites, their secret networks, and the extraordinary lengths to which power and wealth can shield them from public scrutiny. While the revelations stirred headlines, they also provide a lens through which to understand how the lives of ordinary people are often manipulated by artificial political divides. Across nations, the elites lead lives in ivory towers, in mansions far removed from the public spaces where most citizens live and work. Meanwhile, the rest of society is encouraged to align with political parties and politicians, as if electoral loyalty could provide real agency or security. Subscribing to political divides in India or elsewhere seems to be a foolish move increasingly.
Political theatrics in India and elsewhere often distract the masses from pressing local issues. Prime-time debates, fiery speeches, and party quarrels dominate news cycles, yet these spectacles have little bearing on daily life. While politicians quarrel, their children study abroad and work in global cities, shielded from the challenges faced by the majority. Ordinary citizens shoulder responsibilities in schools, hospitals, offices, and public spaces, navigating infrastructure issues, commuting challenges, and civic inefficiencies. Meanwhile, the elites attend each other’s private events, swap affiliations between parties, and form alliances behind the scenes. In this context, political differences among parties often appear superficial, a theatre designed to divide and occupy attention rather than solve pressing problems. On seeing this reality, it is natural for the masses to even wonder whether it is necessary for them to vote in elections and whether voting actually leads to any tangible difference in their daily lives.
The pursuit of party loyalty is therefore largely futile for non-elite citizens. No matter how staunch a supporter one may be, politicians rarely participate in the final rites or daily struggles of their constituents. A genuine connection between the masses and those in power is rare. This reality highlights the importance of self-reliance and community focus. Citizens gain far more from addressing municipal issues, such as road safety, sanitation, water supply, public transportation, and school quality, than by investing emotional energy in national political contests. These local matters directly affect living standards, health, and economic productivity, and they are within the reach of organized citizen action.
Political conversations in workplaces or social settings can also create unnecessary tension. Debates over party lines often escalate into conflict, straining relationships among colleagues and neighbours. Focusing on local governance issues, community development, and personal skill-building provides more tangible returns. People can become active in civic initiatives, participate in local elections, and engage with municipal officials without being co-opted by party politics.
It is important to recognise that not all elites are manipulative or disconnected from social responsibilities. Many contribute to philanthropy, social initiatives, and development programs. The issue lies in how political systems are structured to keep the masses divided and distracted. By reframing priorities and investing in local action, ordinary citizens can reclaim a sense of agency and improve quality of life without being drawn into partisan conflict.
Ultimately, political theatre and elite privilege underline a clear truth: loyalty to a party or a politician offers little protection or benefit. The masses must focus on building their own knowledge, networks, and self-sufficiency. Civic engagement at the municipal level, community organisation, and personal development are far more productive than emotional attachment to national-level politics. By recognising the artificial nature of political divides in India and elsewhere, citizens can invest energy in tangible outcomes, advocate for local improvements, and navigate daily life with awareness rather than distraction.
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