Seeking better choices

An oft repeated phrase amongst the people I have spoken with and the urban educated lot who have been vociferous post the attacks has been that they are keen to vote but where is the choice. Its more like the devil and the deep blue sea.

For years since independence, there have been very few elections where the turnout has been over 60%. Whenever it has been over 60%, mostly there have been sweeps in favour of one or against another. Yes, these are two different things - to vote against and to vote for. This mostly has been when the turnouts have been higher in the urban areas. Needs no further proof that the educated, urban people have the power to influence polity.

But, there have been many when this class has not voted. And like I said before, by not voting you actually vote someone in. Maybe a someone you don't like. Thus, the Indian political platform is full of politicians one may have a strong dislike for. And the class of people to blame are those who can think long term. They have neither taken the discussions out of their comfort zones. Nor did they ever try to influence those who have limited understanding of implications.

Thus when we go public with the fact that there is no choice, it is one we have chosen, by deciding not to influence. So if we are committed to make a change, we will have to commit ourselves over a long term. Make it a habit to vote and inculcate the value of voting in all those we know.

What can we do?

Read, and as I said earlier, think. But also go a step ahead. Also debate and discuss. When you debate and discuss it helps undertsanding perceptions and issues and sometimes helps influence.

Choose. Even if the choice is between the devil and the deep blue sea, still choose. Choose the lesser devil everytime and thus weed out the worst everytime.

Speak out even when it is not election time. Its a democratic country and spoken word is heard. Speak so that the parties know that they will have to put forth a better candidate than their opposing party.

Most important is for us to believe we can, and thus we will be able to influence polity and policy for not just a safer India, but even a more vibrant India or shall I say South Asia.