BETTER LATE THAN NEVER

PLEASE VOTE NOW

The recent voting turnout in Mumbai was, needless to mention, poor - dismal - and abso-freakin-lutely unlaudable (No, I do not say this because of just 26/11 but because of the SHEER need to vote).

The very next day, I was recommended to read a post by a Mumbai based Gentleman at this link: http://www.dnaindia.com/blogs/post.php?postid=166#comments

Blog Excerpt: "...I'll present just two reasons for my not voting: One, I don't believe in a choosing exercise where the choice is not real. Suppose you are very thirsty, you would, of course, want to exercise your right to some thirst-quenching drink. But if you are told that you have to choose your drink between petrol, kerosene and dog piss, would you exercise your right? Is there a real choice there? Looking at the choice of parties we have, and the politicians, I see nothing there that won't do me harm, let alone command a modicum of faith or hope or even respect. So, what do I vote for?"

I was intrigued by his perspective but I was appalled at the fact that being an educated gentleman, how could he forget what I had to tell him through my comment:

"Simple suggestion. There is a TV programme 'Man vs Wild' that comes on Discovery (Tuesdays, 9 PM). Start watching it. You will soon realize that if you are stuck somewhere without water, the best source of preventing dehydration (and death) is you — your own PISS. But if you cannot, then the best next alternative will be Dog Piss — OBVIOUSLY! Right?

Democracy has become a farce in most nations (the degree varies). But I believe that Dictatorship, Monarchy, and Fundamentalism might have been worse (if chosen in 1944-47). Also, I strongly believe that Anarchy, Plutocracy, and Theocracy might have been impossible considering the problems we are facing in Democracy already today!

So the question essentially again boils down to — what is the alternative? If not UPA or NDA, then whom? If not MMS or LKA, then whom? YOU? ME? Sure.

Think it over! Unfortunately, you and me are part of this human species and by destiny have been thrown in a world divided in nations and in a nation called INDIA which accepted a self-reliant Democractic Republic system long before you and I were born."

I have been expressing this view clearly verbatim to many of my colleagues, friends, relatives, family in response to innumerable Forwards urging people to vote for 49-O under which you could "Vote for Nobody".

I would ask (in a typical 'Sprite' style) everybody - what will happen if you vote for Nobody.

They conveniently answered "The elections will be called off in a certain majority of 49-O"

I: Then? (assuming that the other person was not stupid enough to say something like an autocratic rule should come or we should rather go back to Theocracy or Monarchy)

T: Fresh elections would be conceived

I: Then?

T: (with the change in that rebellious expression that I love, combined with a sheepish smile) So we will vote for the better candidate...

I: How will THAT better candidate arrive on the Indian polity scene? If you are contesting the next election, my Vote goes for you - irrespective of the Party!

T: Hmmmmm (Nodding again smiling sheepsihly)

I: Hmmmmm?

The point - ladies and gentlemen - I just proved that by Voting for Nobody or Not Voting, You are just making sure that the Wrong People come to Power again and again and again; and rape and plunder you at their leisure.

BECAUSE the Ideal Right People - which we 'consider' ourselves to Be - are NEVER going to contest the elections in near future. I, for example, have been raised in a set of values which says that "Politics is NOT a career". And its a vehement NO - to my much known plight.

I rather earn my modest income and raise a good family.

I rather look after myself.

I rather look after my parents.

I rather look after my kids.

I rather look after my house.

I rather look after my car.

I rather look after my Bedroom :P

But yaar, I rather look after my Country as well. Nahi Kya?

Yaara, is baar vote karke aao - It will automatically get you Thinking - Who is Better? Just make a decision based on facts and not media hype.

1) Shortlist your choices from a flurry of candidates

2) Visit their websites - Go through their Manifestos (based on your interest and available time).

PLEASE do not visit only ONE PARTY's manifesto - Please also visit other shortlisted parties'

3) Take into account ALL Issues - Prioritize them acc to your own Perspective.

4) Talk to your Colleagues, Friends, family - most importantly - Get your ELDERS' Perspective on the last 10-20-60 years of Governance.

5) AND then make a decision.

6) AND then GO OUT and VOTE!

This will, in turn, motivate you to observe and analyze the Govt's performance in coming 5 years and next time you will make a Better Decision - not only for Lok Sabha but also for Vidhan Sabha and City Corporation as well.

P.S: I wish Rajya Sabha also started polling by Common Man. The PM MMS would not have been forced to answer uncomfortable questions raised at him being not an Elected but a Selected candidate from Rajya Sabha while he presides over the Lok Sabha. How Ironical? :-)