CHENNAI: Not all who contest elections win, former judge of Madras high court 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.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.‘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 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, CN 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.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.
