Sunday, May 3, 2009

Why don’t we vote...?
Is it the inbuilt in difference towards the politicians or candidates fielded in their respective constituencies or it is the roasting heat we feel these days…?!?
I say that it’s the former one what keeps us from voting .I do consider the latter one but it’s bearable. We have an inbuilt capacity to adjust to any kind of weather be it cold or hot makes a little difference to us. But then, why the indifference? Why such ignorance towards a Fundamental right which lets us to choose our own representatives in this very cosmopolitan city like Mumbai? Why in a population of 10 million people just 45% people come out and vote? Why is it that in spite of so much urging by the media, stars, superstars, EC, etc we do not vote?
The answer to all these questions is with the people of this city. The fractured infrastructure projects, water supply woes, load shedding in the suburbs, etc. We crib and crib and crib about them all the way, all the time. Yes we do, because what’s happening is in front of our eyes and we cannot bear to watch all that even after 62 years of independence. All this, even when the city is a financial hub of this country. All this, even when it needs to grow like other developed cities of the world. The city needs its vitamins, proteins to grow. For example, take Paris, New York, London, Moscow, etc; all these cities have excellent infrastructure, continuous electricity and water supply, proper waste disposal and water recycling facilities. Our city may not be as large as them but at least they can be governed in a better way. We can provide the people with what they really need.
But No! The corrupt crooks that’ve come to power have reduced this city to garbage. They have led to this indifference prevalent in the people today. But, after all this cribbing about,” we don’t get what we need “, we want a solution to all the problems we face. We really do. But, little do we understand that, by not voting, we are weakening this democratic process; this very process we are proud of as the largest democracy in the world. On a lighter note, it’s a festival that we do not celebrate even when get a holiday for it.
I just want to say that, the solution for all our problems is in our hands. All we have to do is come out of our resting dens and vote taking all the problems we face, as an individual in this city, in mind and show that we can really make a difference in polls. Take no amount of speculation whether this candidate can do it or cannot. Check the credentials if there’s some scope of doubt left about that particular candidate. Democracy can only flourish if people come out and vote their heart out. And our vote is the stepping stone for the success of this democracy.
Why do you want to watch MP’s elected just by 40-50% of the citizens of this country and keep cribbing over and over again? As far as I see it has become a vicious cycle of not voting and complaining every single day. It’s like there’s a reaction for every inaction of the state, but, when its time for reaction of the state there’s inaction on the part of the fellow citizens of this country.
When we want change we sincerely have to be the part and parcel of the change we want. We have to be the part of larger sphere of things. We have to vote.

4 comments:

Unknown said...

Dear Kaushal, Hearty congratulations for your endeavor to awaken the citizens in slumber by penning the article. I am glad at your vociferous expression on apparent indifference to vote. The consequence of indifference is “We get the Government, we deserve.” Unfortunately, the common and gentle man perceives the politics as a “dirty” word. The gentle people shudder even a thought of entering into politics, that’s why the goons thrive. But the least every one can do is to caste their vote. I have liked your conclusion “When we want change, we must be part and parcel of the change we want”. Unfortunately, most of the citizens do not understand the immense value of the Voting Rights. I wonder should the “Constitutional Right to Vote” be transformed into “Constitutional Duty to Vote” ? Mukesh Talsania

manisha said...

awakening and expressive...thats what i would call this article. well to start with i myself didn't vote, so obviously i feel ashamed o f myself after reading this!
why i didnt vote may not have many reasons, but why i shoul d vote from now on does have many.

another, it's not as easy as it sounds or you make it sound. it can more be termed as an evolution.....apropos me..cos the change will be gradual.

and another question what are we supposed to do about the manipulations that occur in the backward areas despite every one being aware of the fact...

"But No! The corrupt crooks that’ve come to power have reduced this city to garbage."
exactly....and we are turning a blind eye!

overall...as i said really expressive and vehement!u hve got some great views bout this!

tanuj said...

dude! good strt bt u noe our views dont match on dis one!! u hav u r say i hav mine!!!(as already discussd) but nice way of writing...can b less formal!!!

Trail-stained Fingers said...

Great topic to begin with. I agree that indifference is a crime - however voting cannot be a compulsion. I believed that it should be made mandatory until someone told me that true democracy means freedom to vote, or not vote if you wish to. I feel, not voting out of sheer laziness is the worst ever - where you're not even exercising your will to make a conscious decision. Nevertheless, good thoughts. Keep it going.