Elections are considered a lifeline of a functioning Democracy and India witnesses this event (drama?) in the coming weeks. With preparations on-going, it is indeed a war of the parties with hidden agendas as always. Tomorrow marks the beginning of a long-drawn 25-day agenda culminating into a new (hopeful) government in June. So far, the fight has been between The Congress and the BJP but clearly, with the Third Front forging ahead, would be a crucial decision for the country.
Some claim this to be India's first ever digital election campaign. L K Advani has become a blogger we see! With best practices from the 2004 election campaign - remember India Shining and Feel Good Factor? - there are also various initiatives to drive the citizens for an informed, more conscientious decision-making on whom to vote - Tatas with Jaago Re, Idea Cellular with My Idea, Times of India with Lead India and many more. Then there are the likes of Agni and IVote as well. Not sure of whom to vote in your constituency? How about locating your MLA through Empowering India? And to spice things up, Congress has bought the rights of Jai Ho for its campaign visitations.
Some claim this to be India's first ever digital election campaign. L K Advani has become a blogger we see! With best practices from the 2004 election campaign - remember India Shining and Feel Good Factor? - there are also various initiatives to drive the citizens for an informed, more conscientious decision-making on whom to vote - Tatas with Jaago Re, Idea Cellular with My Idea, Times of India with Lead India and many more. Then there are the likes of Agni and IVote as well. Not sure of whom to vote in your constituency? How about locating your MLA through Empowering India? And to spice things up, Congress has bought the rights of Jai Ho for its campaign visitations.
I remember election day as being the day when, for once, it would be fun to 'show the finger' around!
Voting in India has changed over the years and contrary to what people may say - their names not being part of the voter registration - no longer holds true. Pan-India drives have taken place through household surveys to ensure eligible voter is included in the data. And after all, it is also the duty of each individual to ensure his/her name exists in the voter registration. Infact, Google India, in partnership with Hindustan Times and nonprofits including the Liberty Institute, has set up the India Elections Center, to enable voters to confirm their registration status, polling booth. So no more excuses out there! Surprisingly, this time around, majority of the young have entered the political fabric of this system albeit greater apathy exists among several who simply cannot be bothered to go vote. "What difference would a vote make?" is a typical reasoning but seriously, if we do not do our bit, how can we expect any wonders to take place?
Let us not be cynical of the drama that unfolds before us during this election; if we truly want to see India Shining, let us be a part of it. So a humble request to the Indian voter out there -
Go Vote, It Counts!
