Role of Neutrals in a Polarized World

India was historically country with less political polarization. This trait gave raise many regional parties and national parties to coexist in the largest democracy of the world. Each of states were ruled by different parties owing to dynamics of the region, preferences of people, charisma of the leaders, and issues that were prevalent. This is good sign that there is good portion of people who are open to choosing option that they think is suited to run the state. Similarly at nation level even though Congress ruled the country for most part, there were enough evidences that nation did not give clear mandate and the choice kept waving  basis the agenda and policies backed by the parties that came to power.

In recent past there seems to be a change in demographic on the political affinity attribute. Noticeable polarization is being observed in people and the neutrals are being reduced to a small group. Given this shift neutrals are now entrusted with responsibility of ensuring they analyse and read the situation and decide well, this is not easy task.

•  Resisting Strong urge to be part of a gang – Like every one neutrals may get sense of being wanted, part of a gang. This can lead them to sway one way or other thus shrinking the group even further. It is an urge that needs to be resisted.
• Social Media distractions – With explosion of social media we get fed what they want us to hear. We are continuously being fed half information, fake news and some logical lies which distract you and try to pull towards a gang.
• Biased Media – Even the most lauded new papers and TV subscribe to one ideology or the other and deliberately or otherwise feed us with biases info
• Lack of proper analysis – with so much information to grasp it is not an easy  task to comprehend fully and decide. There is chance of misunderstanding/misinterpretation of information at disposal.
•  Blind followership – Some neutrals due to limitation in point#4, resort to follow an intellectual blindly with a view that I am sure he would have thought through this.
• Apathy – Over a period of time, some neutrals lose hope and become apathetic towards the process and system 

Neutrals in fact decide the fate of the nation as their votes are decisive and crucial for fair outcomes in democracy. They must understand the value of their contributions and try and resist above traps to make the nation better.