The Indian general elections are scheduled to be held from 16th April 2009 to 13th May 2009, and the new government would be formed on 2nd June 2009.714 milllion Indians are going to exercise their franchise to decide on the next Indian government.As one of world's largest democracy,the Indian general elections would assume greater importance and the entire world would be anxiously awaiting for the outcome.This is especially so in the context of the turmoils surrounding India's South Asian neighbours.The combined India,Pakistan and Bangladesh got independecne 61 years ago.For most part of the 61 years, Pakistan was ruled by military and the voice of the general public was stifled.Look at the current turmoils.The army chief threatens the democratically elected president on governance.India played a role in the independence of Bangladesh in 1971.But Bangladesh also had its own share of political turmoils and military coups.Bangladesh's father of the nation Mujibur Rehman was killed with in 7 months of assuming office by a group of army officers.The recent revolt by the Bangladesh Rifles says 'all is not well' with Bangladesh also.The three decades old Sri Lankan crisis and the systematic annihilation of an ethnic race has made it almost impossible for the Tamil and Sihala community to remain together in peace, even if a political solution is arrived, at a future date, with in the constitutional frame work of an united Sri Lanka.Another South Asian country Afganistan is troubled by the Talibans and also the US troop presence.
In this context the Indian general elections assume greater significance.By far the Indian general elections are free and fair,considering the enormity of holding such a difficult democratic process,country wide,without much hiccups, is itself a challenging task.Barring the recent controversy,between the CEC and EC,the autonomous body conducting elections in India deserves praise.Ironically,despite so many deiversities the common Indian thread has become strong,after the rise of regional parties in Indian politics.The rise of regional parties have made it almost mandatory to give them a share in the centre's coalition politics.The federal representation has in a way served to boost the regional pride also.The era of coalition politics has forced the main contenders like Congress and BJP to accomodate the regional parties on a quid pro quo basis.This has strengthened the bond between parties.Another fall out of this mutually beneficial arrangement,is the national outlook of these regional parties.Regional parties are forced to accomodate the national political agenda of Parties like Congress and BJP with a view to cling on to power.This has forced many regional parties to put in cold storage many of their essentially chauvnistic and jingoistic agenda.One finds the democracy in India is growing stronger after every general elections.The quid pro quo politics is only making Indian politcal scenario more interesting with each party vying with the other to prove their vote bank strength and thereby increase their bargaining powers, in forging electoral alliances.
Indian electorate should exercise their franchise to elect an accountable government,a government with a mission to uplift the quality of life of all strata of people,a government that respects law,human rights,freedom of its citizens,a government that administers justice with equity and fairness,a government that is committed to tackle terrorism and other extrimist activities. Indian electorates are well informed and would surely use some yardstick to judge each political party and each candidate before casting their valuable franchise.As the noted Political Analyst and satirist Cho Ramaswamy often says,the issue before the Indian electorate is very simple."Choose the lesser evil".
In this context the Indian general elections assume greater significance.By far the Indian general elections are free and fair,considering the enormity of holding such a difficult democratic process,country wide,without much hiccups, is itself a challenging task.Barring the recent controversy,between the CEC and EC,the autonomous body conducting elections in India deserves praise.Ironically,despite so many deiversities the common Indian thread has become strong,after the rise of regional parties in Indian politics.The rise of regional parties have made it almost mandatory to give them a share in the centre's coalition politics.The federal representation has in a way served to boost the regional pride also.The era of coalition politics has forced the main contenders like Congress and BJP to accomodate the regional parties on a quid pro quo basis.This has strengthened the bond between parties.Another fall out of this mutually beneficial arrangement,is the national outlook of these regional parties.Regional parties are forced to accomodate the national political agenda of Parties like Congress and BJP with a view to cling on to power.This has forced many regional parties to put in cold storage many of their essentially chauvnistic and jingoistic agenda.One finds the democracy in India is growing stronger after every general elections.The quid pro quo politics is only making Indian politcal scenario more interesting with each party vying with the other to prove their vote bank strength and thereby increase their bargaining powers, in forging electoral alliances.
Indian electorate should exercise their franchise to elect an accountable government,a government with a mission to uplift the quality of life of all strata of people,a government that respects law,human rights,freedom of its citizens,a government that administers justice with equity and fairness,a government that is committed to tackle terrorism and other extrimist activities. Indian electorates are well informed and would surely use some yardstick to judge each political party and each candidate before casting their valuable franchise.As the noted Political Analyst and satirist Cho Ramaswamy often says,the issue before the Indian electorate is very simple."Choose the lesser evil".
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