Election 2009

Its election time again, possibly the most crucial elections in Indian history. So have things changed since the mid 80s or early 90s???? Sure as hell, it has... Not sure if it's for the worse or better though.

Is India safe??? This query will evoke different responses from different quarters. The Politicians, Babus and the Elite are rarely targeted and are always safe owing to the millions of Rupees (mostly taxpayer money) they spend on their own security. But are you and me "the aam aadmi" safe?? I doubt that. We have seen violence in our very own backyard... women ruthlessly beaten up in the name of Indian culture, women being told what to wear and whom to speak with. In response, our good ol' politicians and the police labelled these incidents as "normal incidents" that keep happening in big cities and sat on their fat backsides doing absolutely nothing. 

It is extremely sad and unfortunate that we have forgotten that WE are INDIANS. We are either Hindus, Muslims, Christians etc or Tamils, Kannadigas first. We have become pawns in the hands of our so called "LEADERS" and their divisive politics based on caste, class, creed, religion and ethnicity. Take a look at Indian history post independence and you will realise that divisive politics has reaped rich rewards across party lines - the Massacre of innocent Sikhs post the assassination of Mrs Gandhi, Hindu - Muslim riots post the Mumbai blasts & Babri Masjid demolition, the Gujarat genocide, Kandhamal, Amarnath Land Dispute etc. The inability to let go of the Centuries old menace of caste system and ethinicity has led to the rise of regional yet very powerful parties like the RJD, LJP, JD (U), JD (S), BJD, BSP, SP, Shiv Sena, DMK, PMK, AIADMK, TDP, AGP, NCP etc 

The 2 so called National Parties - the BJP and the Congress - are still resorting to divisive politics in 2009 rather than focusing on crucial issues of good governance, proactive measures to counter global recession, sustainable economic growth, job creation, public health and educational reforms. 

The regional parties (read Tamil parties here) are more worried about other nationals who speak their language rather than their own people and country. We have seen bandhs, anti-Indian statements etc but unfortunately nobody has yet been charged or tried for sedition. The 2 National parties haven't criticised nor have made any calls or demands for action as they know these parties hold  the "KEY" to the formation of the next government. 

The main Prime Ministerial candidates are past 80 and already have their feet in their grave. What India needs at the moment is a young, vibrant and gutsy PM ala Barack Obama. We need a LEADER who acknowledges we have problems, has the guts to challenge existing systems and treat all citizens equally. 

2 phases of polling are now complete. But the voter turnout esp in urban cities has hit rock bottom. We've had States declaring compulsory holidays on polling days but the so called educated folks of this country thought that it was more necessary to spend time with their families, to watch a movie or to go out on trips rather than standing in long queues to exercise their franchise. It is these assholes who keep criticising the government, the system and everything else possible for the plight of the nation - you have no right to do this. 

Winning parties obtain a maximum of 25 - 27% of the total eligible voters' support. We have had many instances of winning candidates obtaining fewer votes than required for refunds of deposits. 1/4th (125 MPs to be precise) of the 14th Lok Sabha were with criminal backgrounds. 26% of the Parliament's time was lost in shouting, walkouts and boycotts. Each minute of the Parliament costs the Exchequer Rs 26, 035. 

Wake up India. It isn't late yet. We still have 3 phases to go. 

Voting is a Civic Sacrament. The ignorance of one voter impairs the security of all. Bad officials are always elected by good citizens who don't vote. So please do exercise your franchise intelligently. A strong government at the Centre is most crucial at the moment. 

"The Ballot is Stronger than bullets" - Abraham Lincoln