Bangalore: Remember this time last year? Karnataka was getting ready for the assembly polls, 20 months before schedule. After the collapse of two successive weak-kneed coalition governments. Bangaloreans had upped the ante. Their needs had been ignored. The city's infrastructure had crumbled. Development had slowed down. Protests by vexed citizens fell on deaf ears. There was all-round disillusionment.
Some enlightened groups decided to act. They started a campaign to make people aware of their rights. Make them realize the power of their vote. Decide on the candidate who can deliver. Discuss issues. And then go out and vote. Vote in large numbers. Vote against insensitive and corrupt candidates. Vote for stability. The campaign caught on. `Please vote' posters appeared all over the city. Some read: "YOU are the reason why we are ashamed of ourselves; do vote without fail, and for the right candidate." Another read: "By not voting you are choosing a wrong candidate."
Everyone thought that Bangalore will register an unprecedented turnout. Sadly, when polling day arrived, most voters, particularly the well-educated, well-heeled and an often-whining lot, were missing. Voter turnout was just around 50 per cent. Some just didn't bother to vote. Some others, along with families, had taken off to cooler places to beat the hot summer. They returned from their holidays to start whining again. In fact, other voters of Karnataka showed more enterprise.
Why do we need to vote in large numbers? Because we need a government that is able and stable. One which focusses on governance and development. Protects citizens against crime and terror. Which has ministers who deliver and take care of their constituencies. To put such a team at the helm, we need to elect sincere and hard-working candidates. We need to show the door to those who thrive on money and muscle-power. We need to throw out corrupt and criminal elements.
Hopefully, better sense will prevail this time, as the country goes to polls to elect a new Lok Sabha. Let us Bangaloreans not repeat the lethargy that we showed during last year's assembly elections. Let us lead by example, go out in large numbers to vote, and choose candidates worthy of sitting in Parliament. Those who have the ability to fight for the cause of the state. Those who will spend their time and energy on the uplift of the constituencies they represent. Not those who enjoy the perks that come on becoming an MP, but fail to open their mouths in parliament.
Last year, we at The Times of India led a highly successful Lead India campaign to create awareness among people to choose young, bright, educated and proactive representatives to the state legislature and Parliament. This year, we have gone further ahead and launched a campaign, Lead India '09, to stir the nation's conscience into not only overhauling the calibre of the leaders we elect, but also make our voice count. Vote, like everything, depends upon it. Because it does. Change begins with your vote.
The campaign has already caught on. Many groups have come forward to lend their helping hand. Buck up, Bangaloreans! Go out and register yourself first as a voter. And then show your might on the polling day. It's now or after five years.
PARTING SHOT
Ask them about
bijli and pani
Power cuts and water woes are back. Year after after we face them. Will we ever get to wish them away? Shouldn't we as taxpayers grill candidates, who come up to us with folded hands to seek our vote, and extract a commitment from them? And take them to task if the situation doesn't improve. Let's not remain silent victims.
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