Ballot vs bullet

With the emergence of armed bandits, better call them Maoists, Naxalites, terrorists or mafia who are roaming freely across the country. If what is happening in Lal Garh or has happened in Nandi gram or Singur is an indication then, there are tiny swats everywhere in India where unaccountable actors – state or non state, or both are thumbing there nose at law & making fun of judiciary.

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The very same elements quote constitution or civil liberty that care nothing about them while breaking the same. It is very difficult for me to decide whom to vote, not that it makes a big difference in the lager scheme of things, but I consider myself lucky enough that I can vote. But the fact is that all candidates are commodity desperate to enjoy the perks of power without any accountability. I often think what the use of such a sham is.

People often think that we are not ready for a democracy and let there be dictatorship for a short while. Responsible people take the name of Shri Narendra Gujrat Modi as such a dictator. Others project Rahul Gandhi as future PM as if, but for Gandhi Nehru family there is a famine of talent in India. People used to say after Ms. Gandhi who, but today no one misses her.

Coming back to point I am of firm belief that despite wart & all, democracy & elections have no substitute. We did dethrone the all powerful Mrs. Gas also the Janta Govt. Despite the fragmented mandate, giving pig to my puny politicians and their moments of glory. Those who can not deliver have to lose out muscle & money not withstanding Shri Lalu Prasad is a living testimony to this, so also Mulayam & Mayawati as also the lady from the south.

Emergence of people like Meera & Gopi has given me a hope that all is not lost. The fact that in Kashmir fair elections took place and all the separatist elements bringing the nation to its knees, have been silenced. The fact that yesterday’s advocates of “Ajadi” are participating in the electoral process & despite the call to boycott the poll by the mischievous elements people are casting their votes fearlessly is a huge step. Even if this may be the proverbial straw, I remain a drowning man and even a fire fly is welcome in a dark spooky, cold tunnel.

So till we continue to exercise our franchise, I can see the light at the end of the tunnel & it is not of an incoming train.ye safar bahut hai kathin magar, na udaas ho mere hum safar (The journey is difficult , tortuous & tiring with dangers lurking beyond every bend but the destination is the reward enough).

So I must carry on in my search of a new India, the India of my dreams. I will take thousand births as Columbus to continue with my unfinished journey. Hum us des ke wasi hain jis des main ganga bahti hai I love you India. Ma tujhe salaam! Jai hind! I love democracy. Please do vote with your conscience. We get the leaders we deserve.