Mumbai: Readers write in to say: 'Vote against the party you don't want to empower' and 'Let's think about our individual and collective role'
'Vote against the party you don't want to empower'
By Shagun Luthra
TO vote or not to vote: This was the question, while my friends and I were at dinner. All of them were convinced that current anger after the attack would die down and things would go back to the way they were, so there's no point in voting. I beg to differ.
There are many reasons to not vote. Problems with the voters' card, no party worth voting for being frontrunners. I agree; getting access to your basic right as a citizen is sometimes an uphill task in this country. We have our issues. But we also have our solutions. A small campaign started by Tata Tea, urging people to wake up and register for voting, has snowballed into a movement that has already registered more than 1,50,129 new voters.
The other argument, about a serious lack of exemplary leadership again, I agree. It's not much fun choosing between the frying pan and the fire. But follow your conviction, and instead of voting for a party you believe in, at least vote against the party you don't want to empower.
About change never coming, I'm sure no one thought it was possible that one day America would have a man of colour as President. Maybe we won't see the effects of our beliefs immediately. Maybe our ideas will simmer for a while, before they culminate into tangible action. But believing is the first step. I believe this country can change maybe not today and maybe not completely. But I'd much rather believe it might, than give up hope completely and let cynicism take over who I am.
We don't give up on love when our relationships fail don't give up on your country when it lets you down.
Put yourself out there. Believe in change. And cast your vote.
'Let's think about our individual and collective role'
By Daniel Francis
As people are in no mood to forgive politicians, we should start thinking of how to use politicians to serve us better.
People should start participating actively in the political process; not voting will deteriorate the state of affairs further. Let's compel all political parties to make citizen groups a part of election manifesto committees.
We need to ask for details on the vague commitments like national security, food for all, electricity in every village, education to all children.
As the drama unfolds about the new Chief Minister of Maharashtra, it is unfortunate that people's sentiments are ignored for political compulsion. Many of us feel that this anguish is short term. I am certain than politicians have diagnosed us with collective amnesia.
But aren't we the same people who rejected Indira Gandhi dictatorial behavior? In the mid seventies when disappointment grew against Indira Gandhi, young men and women (many of them students) shook the foundation of Indira Raj. Of course, we had a leader like JP to lead us and today we do not have anyone credible and trustworthy. But we need to ask for credibility and accountability from the political class.
The Mumbai event was a civilised affair and that reaffirms us being a civilised society. We should now start talking to politicians about our plans for our city, state and country. Students have a major role to play. Let's not forget what happened to Mumbai. Let us now withdraw from political bashing and ponder on what will be our individual and collective role to deal with political hypocrisy through a democratically active arrangement.
Why vote?
By Girish Deshpande
There is growing frustration amongst citizens that the government is not delivering to the expectation. Please bear in mind they are delivering to those who are currently voting. Over the last few years, citizens from the educated class have shown apathy towards the entire election process as they think politics is bad. The elected representatives have taken us for granted and they have started concentrating on 'vote banks'. As a result, today there is little choice for the educated class to identify who to vote.
Professionals Party of India (registered with the Election Commission) will be fielding honest and qualified candidates for Lok Sabha polls so that the required action for change can be brought. The party believes if politics is bad, then it will become worse if we stay away from it. If you vote, you get the government you deserve. If you do not vote, you still get the government you deserve.Please vote to empower; to participate; to bring in change. The only way out for the people? The ballot.
Why pay taxes?
Citizens must be vigilant to find out how tax collected is being spent. Not paying taxes is not the solution but how effectively (with proper accountability to the citizens) it is being used is what we need to find out and act upon.
Girish Deshpande is the Core Group Member & Media Coordinator of the Professionals Party of India
Dear citizens,
The most imporant question is, what can be done so we can once again live in peace? Let us unite and join to formulate a plan which will protect us and our children from future terrorist attacks as we cannot depend on our politicians to protect us. They will only want mileage out of this for the forthcoming elections.
Rajen Patel
'Vote to empower; to participate; to bring in change' Over the last few years, citizens from the educated class have shown apathy towards the entire election process as they think politics is bad. The elected representatives have taken us for granted and they have started concentrating on 'vote banks'.
- Professionals Party of India
