Yesterday- the 16th Feb'2012- was election day in Mumbai- the economical capital of India. It was the day when the fate of the nations richest municipal board was going to be decided for the next 5 years.
For a city which has lately been wounded and diseased on account of various corrupt and violence ridden inflictions, this day was more crucial than any other election day so far.
The angst ridden citizenry of this throbbing metropolis was to come out to vote and make its presence felt; so that the elected representatives would remain conscious of the seriousness of the city's governance during their term in office.
However, all hope was crushed and the battle lost as a meager 45 % of Mumbai turned out to cast their vote.
Thus..."55% of Mumbai chose to gave up their right to express any sort of discomfort or protest against the governing body for the next 5 years!!"
No wonder then, much before the results could be announced, there was a smirk on many politicians' and political worker's face for 55% of the city had just earned for itself a 'right to be ignored' for the next 5 years!!
'Coz how will these 55% enlightened souls who did not vote because they found no candidate worth the effort, make demands or express discontent towards these very candidates later??
Would that not be hypocritical or mere indulgence of such people who consider themselves far too arrogant to get involved in the city they are part of?
Because of their indifference yesterday- 55% of the city will have no face and thus no voice to as much as a grunt on the condition of roads, the water supply and sanitation, transport and communication etc of Mumbai!!
For, there is a system that allows citizens to voice protests and question their leaders. That system is called- Democracy. By choosing to stay away from the defining step of this system (voting), these citizens of Mumbai have chosen to deny themselves all the rights and privileges the system provides.
As such the remaining 45% who took the time and effort to know their candidate and then visit the polling booths to cast their vote should know this at all times that- the next time you begin accusing the politicians for being corrupt and indifferent... remind yourself of the voting day when even before the politicians could... your fellow citizens had already failed you!
Even before the so called corrupt politicians could... your fellow citizens had already abandoned you!
For a city which has lately been wounded and diseased on account of various corrupt and violence ridden inflictions, this day was more crucial than any other election day so far.The angst ridden citizenry of this throbbing metropolis was to come out to vote and make its presence felt; so that the elected representatives would remain conscious of the seriousness of the city's governance during their term in office.
However, all hope was crushed and the battle lost as a meager 45 % of Mumbai turned out to cast their vote.
Thus..."55% of Mumbai chose to gave up their right to express any sort of discomfort or protest against the governing body for the next 5 years!!"
No wonder then, much before the results could be announced, there was a smirk on many politicians' and political worker's face for 55% of the city had just earned for itself a 'right to be ignored' for the next 5 years!!
'Coz how will these 55% enlightened souls who did not vote because they found no candidate worth the effort, make demands or express discontent towards these very candidates later??
Would that not be hypocritical or mere indulgence of such people who consider themselves far too arrogant to get involved in the city they are part of?
Because of their indifference yesterday- 55% of the city will have no face and thus no voice to as much as a grunt on the condition of roads, the water supply and sanitation, transport and communication etc of Mumbai!!For, there is a system that allows citizens to voice protests and question their leaders. That system is called- Democracy. By choosing to stay away from the defining step of this system (voting), these citizens of Mumbai have chosen to deny themselves all the rights and privileges the system provides.
As such the remaining 45% who took the time and effort to know their candidate and then visit the polling booths to cast their vote should know this at all times that- the next time you begin accusing the politicians for being corrupt and indifferent... remind yourself of the voting day when even before the politicians could... your fellow citizens had already failed you!
Even before the so called corrupt politicians could... your fellow citizens had already abandoned you!
