The Civic Elections and Parties/Netas in ‘Mortal Kombat’

The Civic Elections and Parties/Netas in ‘Mortal Kombat’​

By: Amit Bhushan Date: 16th April, 2017

The Civic Elections in the Capital seem once again an opportunity for the Netas and Parties to introspect deeply regards there ‘declared stand’ on ‘issues’ and what is ‘practiced’ by them on daily basis. While there has been calls to the same, however what may have been left unclear is whether ‘development or nationalism is the core agenda’ now for some party or if ‘anti-corruption without directional clarity’ is moving towards some achievement for some other and it leave some other party unmentioned, for obvious reasons, I suppose but that might perhaps reflect a lack of ‘independence’ so thought should include the same as well.

A host of issuses have already been raised for what perhaps may be a rather symbolic elections since local bodies revolve mainly around ‘Safai in Mohallah’, ‘maintenance works’ and may be parking space and public space encroachments etc. Of course some attendant issues thrown in because the erstwhile local bodies & netas too had preference to spread their wings beyond resources, just like all other netas. So we have some ‘do or die’ reverberations although won’t be surprised if keeping post elections skeletons in cup-board from spilling out is one of the goals for the defendants as well as the challengers. So we have the slugfest around ‘Fears and Egos’ or settings of Mortal Kombat.

Like the game, the Netas would need lots of ‘Faith’ on their ability to push or sell their agenda to the masses (& this would perhaps test their conviction on the agenda itself) with the addition liability to overcome their ‘Fears & Egos’ to drive the result. It perhaps doesn’t help if the netas haven’t figured out that what keeps going wrong with elected corporators, almost all the time and what would be different in campaign as well as selection or other variables so that this election isn’t another short term adhocism. There may be quite a few including in the commercial news media ‘skeptical’ with a preference for the ‘status quo’ rather than ‘change drivers’, we have an interesting situation. Added to it is fact that there may be a dearth of ‘media heros’ for the Local bodies election. This then really boils down to the ‘candidates’ themselves to reach-out to their constituents to communicate their message with some ‘masala’ and other distractions continued to be thrown in at regular intervals. Let’s see the ‘Game’ evolve…

 

[Swaswati Borpuzari]

The Civic Elections and Parties/Netas in ‘Mortal Kombat’​

In the imaginative and visually striking world of 'Mortal Kombat,' a realm where warriors from various realms battle to the death, the concept of civic elections and political parties, or "Netas" as they are colloquially known in some parts of the world, might seem out of place. However, if we were to transpose these modern political constructs into the universe of 'Mortal Kombat,' it could lead to a fascinating and perhaps even darkly humorous exploration of power, corruption, and the struggle for control.

The Setting: Outworld and Earthrealm​

Imagine a world where Outworld, the tyrannical empire ruled by the likes of Shao Kahn and Kano, holds a semblance of a democratic process. While the term "democratic" is used loosely, there are factions and parties vying for power, each with their own agenda and a penchant for ruthless tactics. Earthrealm, on the other hand, is a bastion of hope and justice, where the idea of free and fair elections is more closely adhered to, but not without its own share of political intrigues and power plays.

The Political Factions of Outworld​

1. The Iron Fist Party (IFP): Led by Shao Kahn himself, the IFP represents the ironclad, authoritarian rule that Outworld has been accustomed to for centuries. Their campaign slogan is "Strength through Unity," and they promise to maintain order and stability at any cost. Shao Kahn's charisma and fear-inspiring presence make him a formidable candidate, though his methods are often brutal and merciless.
2. The Shadow Syndicate (SS): Headed by Kano, a notorious mercenary and former leader of the Black Dragon, the SS is a political faction that operates in the shadows. They promise economic prosperity through any means necessary, often involving black market activities and exploitation. Kano's cunning and ability to manipulate the masses make him a dangerous opponent in any election.
3. The Serpent Alliance (SA): This faction is led by the enigmatic Quan Chi and Shang Tsung, both sorcerers with a deep interest in the occult. The SA promises to restore ancient traditions and harness the power of the Netherrealm to protect and enhance Outworld. Their mystical allure and promises of eternal life and power attract a dedicated following, though their methods often involve dark magic and necromancy.

The Political Parties of Earthrealm​

1. The League of Light (LoL): Led by Raiden, the God of Thunder, the LoL is a party dedicated to the protection of Earthrealm and the promotion of justice. Their campaign slogan is "Light over Darkness," and they advocate for a strong alliance with the gods and a focus on ethical governance. Raiden's wisdom and leadership make him a respected figure, and his party often draws support from those who value tradition and righteousness.
2. The Humanitarian Coalition (HC): Headed by Jax Briggs, a loyal Special Forces operative, the HC focuses on human rights, equality, and the welfare of Earthrealm's citizens. Their slogan is "For the People, By the People," and they emphasize the need for a government that listens to and serves its people. Jax's military background and commitment to justice make him a strong candidate, though he faces criticism for his sometimes overly aggressive tactics.
3. The Techno Progressives (TP): Led by Kano (yes, the same Kano who defected from Outworld), the TP is a party that advocates for technological advancement and innovation. They promise to modernize Earthrealm's defenses and infrastructure, making it a powerhouse in the battle against Outworld. Kano's controversial past and pragmatic approach to governance make him a polarizing figure, but his vision for a technologically advanced Earthrealm resonates with many.

The Campaign Trail​

The campaign trail in 'Mortal Kombat' is a dangerous and often lethal affair. Political rallies are more like gladiatorial bouts, where candidates and their supporters engage in fierce combat to demonstrate their strength and resolve. Debates are conducted in the form of Mortal Kombat matches, where the victor is seen as the most capable leader.

The Role of the People​

In Earthrealm, the people have a say in the election process. Voter turnout is high, as the citizens are keenly aware of the threats posed by Outworld and the importance of choosing a strong and just leader. However, in Outworld, the concept of a free vote is more of a formality. The ruling party often uses fear, propaganda, and magical manipulation to ensure their victory.

The Influence of the Gods​

In both realms, the gods play a significant role in the elections. In Earthrealm, Raiden and his allies support the League of Light, while in Outworld, Shao Kahn and his sorcerer advisors use divine powers to influence the outcome. The gods' involvement often leads to supernatural interventions, making the election process even more chaotic and unpredictable.

The Dark Side of Politics​

The struggle for power in 'Mortal Kombat' is not just a matter of who can win the most votes. Assassinations, betrayals, and dark magic are common tools used by the parties to gain the upper hand. The Iron Fist Party and the Serpent Alliance are known for their ruthless tactics, while even the League of Light and the Humanitarian Coalition are not immune to the temptation of using extreme measures to protect their realms.

Conclusion​

Transposing the concept of civic elections and political parties into the world of 'Mortal Kombat' creates a rich and complex narrative. It highlights the timeless struggle for power, the corrupting influence of leadership, and the importance of ethical governance. While the setting is fantastical, the themes are all too real, offering a unique perspective on the human condition and the lengths to which individuals and factions will go to achieve their goals. In this dark and dangerous universe, the line between politics and combat is blurred, and the fate of entire realms hangs in the balance.

 

[Dhruv Bindhani]

The Civic Elections and Parties/Netas in ‘Mortal Kombat’​

By: Amit Bhushan Date: 16th April, 2017

The Civic Elections in the Capital seem once again an opportunity for the Netas and Parties to introspect deeply regards there ‘declared stand’ on ‘issues’ and what is ‘practiced’ by them on daily basis. While there has been calls to the same, however what may have been left unclear is whether ‘development or nationalism is the core agenda’ now for some party or if ‘anti-corruption without directional clarity’ is moving towards some achievement for some other and it leave some other party unmentioned, for obvious reasons, I suppose but that might perhaps reflect a lack of ‘independence’ so thought should include the same as well.

A host of issuses have already been raised for what perhaps may be a rather symbolic elections since local bodies revolve mainly around ‘Safai in Mohallah’, ‘maintenance works’ and may be parking space and public space encroachments etc. Of course some attendant issues thrown in because the erstwhile local bodies & netas too had preference to spread their wings beyond resources, just like all other netas. So we have some ‘do or die’ reverberations although won’t be surprised if keeping post elections skeletons in cup-board from spilling out is one of the goals for the defendants as well as the challengers. So we have the slugfest around ‘Fears and Egos’ or settings of Mortal Kombat.

Like the game, the Netas would need lots of ‘Faith’ on their ability to push or sell their agenda to the masses (& this would perhaps test their conviction on the agenda itself) with the addition liability to overcome their ‘Fears & Egos’ to drive the result. It perhaps doesn’t help if the netas haven’t figured out that what keeps going wrong with elected corporators, almost all the time and what would be different in campaign as well as selection or other variables so that this election isn’t another short term adhocism. There may be quite a few including in the commercial news media ‘skeptical’ with a preference for the ‘status quo’ rather than ‘change drivers’, we have an interesting situation. Added to it is fact that there may be a dearth of ‘media heros’ for the Local bodies election. This then really boils down to the ‘candidates’ themselves to reach-out to their constituents to communicate their message with some ‘masala’ and other distractions continued to be thrown in at regular intervals. Let’s see the ‘Game’ evolve…

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