Laloo/Sonia/Mulayam/Rabri/Pawar???

Today I found myself asking this question. Who is standing for elections in my hometown? And that brought me to my next question. Why dont I know much about the elections in India? And then followed the saga of questions...

How many of us have never cared about the elections? Why was I so bothered and mattered with the American Elections but not so much concerned about the one thats going in my own country? How have I exercised my right to vote and rightfully so? Why do we just blindly say that I support the Congress or I support the Sena or I support the BJP and so no matter what I'll vote for their candidate?

I have done exactly that in the last 2 times I have voted. I didnt care who the candidate was, I looked at the party and voted. Actually since the time I have been eligible to vote, I have voted 2 times out of 3. First time I voted for a young independent educated candidate who I thought is the glimpse of the future of politics in the country. I was greatly wrong. I can see that poor kid would not have survived the Indian Politic Scenario now. He would not have been able to achieve one bit of the promises he had made. But, and a very strong But, he was educated, idealistic, had the right idea, the right direction and he personified what that one half of me that is hidden inside would have done. Taken a stand and acted on the sad state of affairs in the country. he had the courage to do so. And for that I voted for him. I dont remember his name now, and I'm not sure if he is still in the politic scenario, and even if he is, I am definitely not sure whether his determination and strongwill would not succumbed to the political aspect of the wrong in Indian government. The second time, taking a cue from the failure of my first vote, I decided to vote for a party, thereby increasing the chances of my vote actually causing a change. My vote did cause the change. The party that I voted for did win. Or rather the candidate that represented the party that I felt had the matching ideals to my demands won.

Any change? Nope. Nada. Zilch. Life stayed the same. It didnt matter whether it was an orange flag besides the tricolor or whether it was congress flag or whether it was the blue flag. Government still performed the same.

The last elections I wasnt even in India. And I followed that closely trying to urge my mother to vote for the right party. But she is of the older generation, and easily convinced by some of the political agenda around.

Why did I care which party she voted for? What did it matter? Indian elections are really nothing but about a handful few that rule the party that rolls out their plans to attack certain issues, which never even come up to the table for discussion once the party wins. The Indian elections are not where I have a choice in saying who would be my Prime Minister. or who would be my President. Because I have no authority on selecting either. Absolutely none whatsoever. The Prime Minister is appointed by the party that wins the majority of the votes. The President is appointed by an election in the Parliament.

The main reason of my post for today is this. To all fellow Indians who have the opportunity to vote and elect their representative. Please research each candidate thoroughly. Dont vote because the candidate belongs to your party of choice. Vote because the candidate is absolutely the best choice for the development of your constituency.

For more information go to:
Googles tool to your constituency:
http://www.google.co.in/intl/en/landing/loksabha2009/
ADR's website to checkout more info about your candidate:
http://www.nationalelectionwatch.org/
Phone Number to dial to know more about your candidates:
1-800-110-440
or even better... volunteer to work for ADR or any such organization that educates people.
and another good thing you can do... spread the word.

Be wise!