By: Nehal Gandhi

Oh no! Please spare me of this Chunav news! This is a typical attitude I had begun to develop ever since the election fever got onto the country via media coverage over the last couple of months. However, here I am, actually penning an article on the not-so-interesting subject – Elections.
What has prompted me is - ‘Chunav Chaupaal’ – a series of dialogues that are being hosted by Zee News in various parts of the country. I was taking part as a diligent audience for this show in Mumbai and sharing the mike (its besides the point that I did not opine) with several eminent personalities from the industry, contestants from the political arena (but of course!) and the Bollywood (fashionable!).

One can say that till this point I was actually mocking at these people, who were about to be court-marshalled with both, personal and non-personal questions about the past, the present and the future of our country. It then struck me that whenever we people mock at these individuals and their party (politics and mandates) – and we say we have every right and reason to - we are commenting on half of a functioning democracy. The other half actually comprises us! Rubbing shoulders with people from different walks of life has made me realise the essence of such a process, which is entirely ‘people-oriented’ and ‘people-governed’. Hence if more people were for such people, there`d be a lot less people to worry about and a lot more people who care.
It would be beyond me to doubt the calibre of our leaders. This I write because of the ‘feel good factor’ that has been the talk of the town! I write also because the country has made waves, nationally and internationally with their ‘Shining’ campaign. Yet statistics show that it is mind numbing to see the ease with which these politicians have changed parties and shed principles. It is then the task of us citizens to choose those people who will decide the destiny of this nation. The automatic reaction of many of those seated for this show was to decline to have anything to do with the elections – They are all equally bad. This was the common refrain of most of us individuals (assuming all as potential voters). And there is little argument that can be offered to the contrary especially when comments were made on bagful of scams – from Tel to Telgi, and Telecom to Tehelka. Yet, this country requires a government. The fact that it is elected democratically is what makes it ‘by the people’ without which we have no right to expect it to be ‘for the people’. When we cast our vote, we reaffirm our rights as a citizen. It is well known that politicians make promises, which are seldom kept. This was highlighted during the Chaupaal, when series of questions on corruption, governance, poverty, economy, religion and, of course, the whole issue about ‘the feel good factor’. Interesting answers were given to some, while diplomatic approach was adopted to address the others. There was a lot of blame-game taking place too and why not, especially when that is the only way to defend oneself.
Again, if we notice from these individuals’ viewpoint, it would be useful to examine that if we do not keep up to voting then what gives us the right to demand that these parties fulfill their promises? Never mind if the ultimate winner wasn’t for the person for whom we voted.
I don`t have much experience as a voter myself. It is a right I am yet to exercise. It is said that elections are the means by which people express their aspirations for a better life through better governance. But if we are not part of this process then we are surely part of the problem.


A friend recently was talking about the forthcoming elections and happened to mention: “I am a big fan of Govinda. I think I shall vote for his party.” The only reply I could give to that was: “Since Salman is not supporting any party, I am not sure whom to vote.”

After all, isn’t it that every country has the Government it deserves?