To Vote or Not: In dilemma after 26/11

I came across Neeraj's blog entry and comments of its readers which I found extremely forthright and pertinent. I am therefore, taking this liberty of posting them with their due mention. I hope it serves the spirit for which I have created my blog: novoteoption.blogspot.com

By Neeraj Agarwal

On Dec 04, 2008 @ http://ibnlive.in.com/blogs/neerajagarwal/

Before I start to pen down my thoughts on 26/11, let me confess that I have never been to Mumbai. I never had an opportunity to have a drink at Leopold's Café, pass by Nariman House or stay at Taj or Oberoi hotel. Therefore, I decide not to comment anything on the spirit of Mumbaikars without knowing the essence of it. But, as a countryman I too felt anguished seeing those horrific images on my television screen.

We all have to move on, this time move on to bring a change. Though we should have began the candle light vigil long back when other cities were attacked by the terrorists earlier this year. Why didn't our Home Minister, Shivraj Patil resigned right then when Bangalore, Assam, Gujarat, Malegaon were all targeted by terrorists? But, it's never too late.

The question is if the resignations of the ministers are going to help. Can we be sure of a complete check on terror now onwards, after the exit of Shivraj Patil, Union Home Minister, R.R. Patil, Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister and Vilas Rao Deshmukh, Maharashtra's CM?

What if another Patil or Deshmukh returns to power? I guess this is why India doesn't have a solution to terror. For a moment, let's say that this UPA government has been weak in fighting terror. Still could the NDA do any better?

We call Manmohan Singh weak but I don't see a dynamic personality in L.K. Advani, BJP's Prime Ministerial Candidate. Will he be strong enough to act hard against terror? Infact, I am surprised that Advani didn't make a comment against Sonia or Singh after 26/11 for his political benefit. Perhaps, he is busy sounding off slogans like 'Mehngi Padi Congress Sarkar' an inescapable phrase splattered all over our newspapers and billboards.

Agree or not, we as citizens can only express anger or light a few candles. Unless, we have right people in the parliament who frame right policies against terror and implement it, we cannot eradicate terror.

In the democracy, I know my vote counts. But, I am not sure if I am going to vote in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Whom should I vote for- Manmohan, Sonia or Advani? It's like letting history repeat itself. Sorry, but I don't see any of our current political leaders capable of stopping the political blame game. I don't see them acting sternly against terror.

Do we need an Obama? I know it's too early to say that Barrack Obama will become a successful US president. But, at least Obama seems to be confident and aggressive unlike our prime ministerial candidates.

Comments:

Posted 2008-12-08 17:10:41 : By mloretalk

It is certainly important that we all vote. We might not have a great choice over whom to vote, but it is always better to select the best among the worst!
They (politicians) are thick-skinned. Blame them or even slap them they will continue to remain the same.
Time has come that a generation actually awakens. The whole system needs a change.
Also, there is no point blaming politicians alone because youngsters(other than those from political families)rarely come forward to contest polls.
It would be novel, if schools to train politicians are introduced, where training is imparted on managerial skills, public address and specialised subjects. From this school, candidates (between age 25-35) should contest polls all over India, so that we have able trained politicians. This will end families controlling power from drawing rooms. More so the training should be so intensive and specialised so that a finance minister continues to hold the same post as long as he is in power and also accountable.
This will certainly bring in a positive development which no politicians will actually vote for! ...</P

Posted 2008-12-08 02:14:35 : By kpjagan

If all but one thing is required to make that all elusive change, he first and foremost initiative that is required would be the electoral reform. Qualification of candidate, age limit..but just wait, first let the voter get an option to choose the right candidate. If he feels no one deserve to be voted what is the option the election commission is giving the voters. Its high time the much talked about none of the above option being given to the voters, if incase one is not satisfied with the set of candidates who stand the election. Now, the next question would the remaining votes would still constitute a majority and so why cant a fixed percentage of votes be made mandatory( that is except the votes being favoured towards none of the above)to make the election a valid one. And that wont do too, and all the candidates who stood in such election where the majority votes haven't been met should be disqualified to stand for as the next set of candidates. Let the process goes on till the time the voters find the right candidate as they feel would be the one to do the job for them the ay it should be done. So long the process of selecting someone is crudely based on the best among the worst, this isn't going to help and the change is not going to come. If change has to come this is the only way to go as for as I am concerned. And lets start a initiative to bring in this change in the election process which would do the world a lot of good. ...</P

Posted 2008-12-06 12:31:04 : By moniqued

Indian Citizens,
The need of the hour is we need to stop our internal fights and unite to fight against the terrorists. We were the ones who voted the politicians to power. Its easy to govern when there is no crisis, but tough to handle a 26/11 like situation. We need to stand by our leaders and let them do their job. We need to see what we as citizens can do help them do their job better. We as educated people have a bigger responsibility in selecting the leaders who will be able to guide us through these difficult times. I can see that all of us are united, lets use that force in a constructive manner.
My heartfelt condolences to the families who lost their loved ones in the mumbai attack. I salute the heroes who saved many lives at the cost of their own. ...

Posted 2008-12-05 18:35:39 : By devanshisahay82

Hi Neeraj,
I agree with your thoughts. Ever since I was 18 Ive always felt pride in my voting rights. 26/11 however has changed things. Lets research article 490 and its impact on polls. The anger on the streets today is nothing less than a revolution. Lets not be scared of the unthinkable. ...</P

Posted 2008-12-05 15:27:24 : By rgmlk

So you don't vote and defeat the purpose of a Democracy? I think this is yet another wake up call for people to actually go out and vote - and know who they're voting for at every level. The first thoughts running through many of our minds when we heard about Mumbai was 'We're becoming Africa'. The ppl of this democracy should be strong enough to NOT let that happen. ...