Chennai: Not all who contest elections win, former Madras High Court judge Justice N Kirubakaran said, while cautioning that children and young followers of political parties, particularly actor Vijay's TVK, must develop the mental maturity to accept defeat if results do not go in their favour.
Concerns Over Social Media Posts
He suggested that before the commencement of vote counting, all political leaders, including actor Vijay, should issue statements urging children and youth to accept both victory and defeat gracefully. “The high voter turnout in the 17th legislative assembly elections was encouraging,” the former judge said, expressing concern over ‘shocking social media posts made by supporters of certain political parties.’
Need for Mental Maturity
Justice Kirubakaran pointed out that not all parties can win an election, yet some people remain under the illusion that their party will definitely win. Children and youngsters often strongly believe that the party they are affiliated with and its leader must win. They should develop mental maturity to accept defeat if results do not go in their favour, he said.
Pointing out that leaders like Indira Gandhi, C N Annadurai, and J Jayalalithaa too had faced electoral defeats at various times, Justice Kirubakaran suggested that before vote counting, all political leaders, as well as actors, should issue statements urging children and youth to accept both victory and defeat gracefully.
Role of Families
He added that families must monitor how their children and young members react. “If your leaders win, celebrate; if not, prepare for the next election,” he said, adding that young people have responsibilities towards their families, including caring for their parents.
Justice Kirubakaran's remarks come as a timely reminder to the younger generation about the importance of resilience and maturity in the face of electoral outcomes. He emphasised that political engagement should not lead to undue stress or extreme reactions, and that every election is a learning experience.
