Poll Vault

A world between these two

Mumbai does not care. Dismal voting. Now what?

Now what? You tell me. I did not cast my precious vote. Someone will say that I can therefore not criticise the government, or the local corporator. I can. If I pay my taxes, don't throw garbage in the street, don't clog drains, don't incite people to anti-social activities. I can and I will.

The local corporator may not be the one you vote for, and s/he is not going to be answerable. They might change alliances anytime.

I strongly object to those who have been promoting a 'no vote'. Go to the polling booth, ink your finger and then say you will not cast your vote. The polling officers will have to accept your signature and register your 'protest'.

We have seen many such Anna Hazare type protests, and they are meant for those who can afford to talk of organic food and such tosh. It is sanguine, although it tries to pass as commitment.

It is a waste of time for the election officials, it is a financial strain because paper and ink are wasted. It is as good or bad as voting for an independent candidate.

Which brings me to the idea of 'privacy' of choice. It appears to contradict the process of 'assembly'. If people voted en masse with a specific ideology/manifesto in mind, then it would be active participation. I am beginning to respect those who vote for freebies because they are not insufferably voicing their rights. They seem more selfish than politicians, who are often upfront about their ruthless ambitions and even their lies. You can see through them.

How do people vote?

The poor with their helplessness.

The middle class with the belief that their version of right and wrong are supreme.

The very rich by calculating who will give them the best deals and pass their lolly dreams.

Therefore, voting is all about getting returns.

And it is only one part of democracy. The whole of India waits in long queues for every little thing. No one applauds them for standing for hours to get their rations, their buses and trains, their seats in schools and colleges, and water dripping into dirty buckets from slowly drying taps.

Those who went to the booths should now accept whatever be the verdict and stop cribbing.

I have retained my right to rant. I am the alpha satvik voter.