The upcoming elections in May 14 are nothing short of epic. The battle lines are drawn, daggers are out. And for the very first time in our lives, there is so much excitement over elections.
No, seriously! I don't remember the last time when people had become so passionate about the general elections. Everyone has a point of view. Its lovely!! Social gatherings are turning in to debates, meeting over drinks presents an opportunity to discover a new theory, friends reveal a totally different side of their personality...
And each one of us is presented with a new moral dilemma on a daily basis.
- Do we vote for the candidate at the local constituency? Or do we vote for a party, so there is a stable government at the Centre?
- Is it too romantic to expect a government that isn't handicapped with coalition pressures?
- Should we punish UPA2 for not being able to build forth on foundation of UPA1? Has the anger towards the various corruption charges simmered down with police action?
- Is it time to give the reins in hands of someone new? Has the anger for the 2002 riots simmered down after the Supreme court verdict?
- Are the issues of the masses (roti, kapda, makaan, electricity) still relevant as they were 15-20 years back? Or bringing forth newer issues (women's safety, sexual assault, gay rights) the way ahead?
- Will we vote the stained candidates back in power?
- Do we trust everything the mainstream media presents? Or have we become totally cynical and distrust them completely?
- Are the opinions of the arm-chair warriors and twitterati relevant? Have they managed to generate discourse among man on the street?
- Has the country truly come off age? Will the mandate be beyond the safety of "vote bank" politics?
A lot of young people are asking relevant questions, looking through propaganda, mining data and being active citizens of this great country. That's an impressive thing. What will be even more impressive is them showing up in April at the polling stations and exercising their right to vote.
If these elections don't see over 75% voting, then i don't know what will. I just hope more people come out to vote than they did to watch Dhoom 3, Chennai Express, Krrish 3, Ek Tha Tiger, and 3 Idiots. After all, you don't have to pay exorbitant ticket price to vote. Its free!!
We don't know the "swing" vote % in this country. No one does. But if is swing comes to shove, we might really be surprised. No one knows what people vote for. IMO, the true test of a Secular country is where the minorities - all minorities - feel safe. I am reading a insightful essay by Sudhir Kakar titled "Colours of Violence" and hopefully will be able to understand the communal nature of the beast. What i have gathered till now by my own experiences, is that the first fight is with hunger. To put it plainly, "insaan ki pehli jung, uske pet ke saath hoti hai."
Whoever comes to power: Create an opportunities where everyone can honestly 'earn' 3 square meals a day; Create an atmosphere where people can plan ahead; Create a future where people can achieve their dreams...
These LS elections are a fight for the very soul of this country. Reminds me of the wonderful narration from Oliver Stone's "Platoon" where the battle weary Chris Taylor (essayed by Charlie Sheen) summarises his experiences of war: I think now, looking back, we did not fight the enemy, we fought ourselves, and the enemy was in us. The war is over for me now, but it will always be there, the rest of my days. As I'm sure Elias will be, fighting with Barnes for what Rhah calls "possession of my soul." There are times since, I've felt like a child, born of those two fathers.
(If you haven't seen the movie, rent it this weekend.)
Having said all that, the one question each one of us has to answer before we press the button is: WHAT ARE WE VOTING FOR - THE CLEVER MARKETING OR ANTI-INCUMBENCY FACTOR.
