Modi: The Winner!

Election results have already crowned Modi as the un-disputed king of many Indian hearts. He mesmerized everyone with his oratory skills, logical references during discussion, being impartial to religion, caste and society; and being focused solely on one agenda of development and good governance. It was his efforts, which mobilized and energized all the BJP and Sangh workers to work tirelessly. As a result, lotus (BJP’s election symbol) bloomed all across India.

Modi is a 63 years old, but he exhibited energy, thought process, and alignment of one in young India brigade. He always wanted people from all across the country to come to Gujarat, and get employed. He wants women to be empowered; and has nominated a women as the next chief minister of Gujarat. While he is always suggestive of his own religion, he always talked about “Sabka Saath, Sabkaa Vikaas’. He has seemed to be a forward thinker, and looked promising to majority of Indians.

Modi & Gujarat riots: Not Again!

It has been very unfair to hold him responsible for Gujarat riots. What happened in Gujarat during 2002 riots was condemnable. It should not have happened. However, claiming that it happened under Modi’s supervision is an improper statement, particularly when many investigative agencies have not been able to convict him. It can very well be debated on how effectively he handled the overall situation, whether he utilized the available resources optimally; whether he orchestrated his managerial skills perfectly or not.  I have seen many leaders crumpling under pressure, and not able to perform during challenging situations. However, let us not use that as an excuse; and allow the investigations on Gujarat riots to conclude. Political parties using Gujarat riots as an option to counter Modi is understood; however so-called intellectuals continue to harp on that episode, and speak viciously against a man is overdone. Hoping that a right sense will prevail, and they will use common sense, and be judicious when presenting their analysis going forward.

Modi & Path ahead

I had predicted 200-220 seats for BJP party, however public have provided a huge platform to Modi and BJP by giving them the majority. There are expectations from the new government, to take India forward, fulfill dreams of poor, villagers, farmers and each and every one.

Modi will have to be at his best, and deliver similar results as done in Gujarat. He and his team will have to put India back onto economic and social development path; and bring glory to the country.

India has voted

So, India has voted…A phenomenal journey comes to an end…It was magnificent in its own sense, the entire process…It was long, exhausting but spirited…Salute the hard work done by everyone involved.

Politicians and general public had to endure tremendous stress during the process. All the political parties formulated their strategies, executed it, controlled it, and did course correction time to time. Although it was not that public had not made up their mind; however they had to re-evaluate their decisions, and change it several times during the course. At the end, they voted for only one individual, only one party.

It was monumental, I wished the duration of the elections were not that long; however we need to consider the complexities of conducting elections in India. Such a diverse demography, varying climatic conditions all across, and different level of sensitivities required a full-proof preparation, and hats off to election commission to smoothly execute the show.

And, now results are eagerly awaited.

Trend of this election: Modi bashing

While Mr Modi & BJP were gung-ho in assuming or anticipating that there is a Modi wave all across the country, opposition or not so opposition’s political strategy centered on Modi. Normally, elections are run against the sitting government; however this time the major dimension was “Modi” in this election. It was like, all the other non-BJP or non-NDA parties assumed that Modi or BJP is going to win this election; and their strategy was to minimize the margin of the win.

On Modi’s defense, it was unfair for him to receive so much abuse, personal jibes and criticism. It was unilateral attack on him. Many of the national and foreign intellectuals termed him un-democratic, autocratic, and non-human too. However, this man kept himself composed, and retaliated not with words, but with strategies carefully constructed; and created space in hearts of public. He proved that lotus can bloom in the mud. So much animosity against him helped consolidate the support of general public for him. Hence, this election very much became Modi Vs The others.

My predictions

Let me present my best guesstimates about what we will hear on May 16^th. Almost every pre-poll survey has shown BJP as the biggest gainers. I would follow the trend too. Assuming that bull-whip effect has come to play towards the end, BJP should win somewhere between 200 to 220 seats; making it the single largest party for this term. It should be followed by 100-120 seats for Congress. I am not predicting a gigantic loss for Congress as they have a loyal vote-share in few pockets of the country. AAP would not be able to repeat the Delhi charisma in geenral elections, and would settle for 5-6 seats. BJP should be able to form this government with the help of its coalition partners under NDA umbrella; if needed stretching the help from other smaller parties.

Now, let us wait; and see what happens on 16^th.

India Votes!

Core of Democracy: People!

So, again; we have an election around the corner… I simply love the enthusiasm in general public in India with every election. There is always an excitement and eagerness all around; whether it is general elections, assembly elections or ward elections.

Whether you meet a Paanwaala (small shopkeeper), or a cab driver, or a businessman, or a farmer in his yard; they all will talk about n number of problems that they have…Roads are not yet constructed, there are potholes during rainy seasons, there is water scarcity, there is no electricity, there is corruption, there is mafiaraj, and what not! However, as soon as you talk about the candidates or parties, they will tell you their preference quite emphatically. 60-70% of eligible population takes the pain to visit the pole booth (mind me, in villages; they need to travel miles), stand in the queue for hours; and vote for their favorite candidate or party.

On the D-day, apart from the candidates, and parties, the anxiety in general public is noticeable…I get gooses in my stomach too. It is like watching cricket match on television, hearing commentary on radio, people asking for frequent updates. And, then if your favorite wins, you celebrate, enjoy, share sweets. And, if your favorite does not win, you have a dim face, and justify various reasons for the loss.

Core of any democracy is its people. And, if we remain interested in voting, and inclined to drive our own future; our democracy will continue to thrive. Our Belief in the democratic values and system is what makes us unique. Leave aside the lone emergency period; we have managed to run our show on our own. We, Indians are very much into it; and want to run our system democratically.

Youth is more involved

I attribute success of any major action within a society to its youth. Old guard can be responsible for drafting, and penning the plan, but it is youth; who needs to execute to ensure success. By nature, Indian youth has always been involved into the elections process, and have been the vocal forces in their respective families, and decision makers about which candidate or party needs to win from a specific seat. Election Candidates are driving their election strategies around youth, and wanting to mobilize as much youth as possible behind them. Having support from youth is like winning the half battle.

There are a few exceptions reported about youth’s ignorance; however 60-70% voting is technically not possible unless young blood comes out and votes.

Election Commission – Efficient and Credible

Election Commission of India has time and again proved to be an important pillar of Indian democracy. It is remarkable the way they handle their job so efficiently, and ensure transparency and impartiality across the nation in all forms of election. It is not easy to handle the elections with such a huge population, and the challenges faced by such a ranging diversity of geography and demography in India…Kudos to this group, that elections are handled smoothly, and most credible way possible.

This group is respected by all the political parties, and individuals. Once the results are out, political parties accept the results whole-heartedly with nobody crying of foul.

Media playing a crucial role

In last ten years, I would say; the face of media has changed. The way, films portrays what’s happening in the society, the media or news channels should represent the society, arrange themselves based on the need of the society, and reach to the roots of the society. Regional news channels have been able to penetrate into the bottom of the society…Our, so called intellectuals appearing on English news channels may find it cheap news telling; however the changed face has helped public become more aware of happenings all around the nation, and the world.

Media is helping people to build and change a perception about candidates and party. It is definitely influencing people by providing or hiding information. But, the self-regulation imposed by Media in India is so strong, that it helps bring transparency, authenticity; and thus each media house wants to have impeccable credibility. Media is playing an extremely important role in Indian democracy, and in a way assisting Election Commission to conduct free and fair elections.

So, what am I doing?

I cannot vote myself, since I am away being in USA. I wished to have an online voting possibility. Howsoever never the less, I am excited to vote during the next election whenever I return back.

Requesting you all to exercise this right - visit your polling booth; and ‘Vote’.

Marriage: A Human Trait!

I consider, Marriage as the beautiful thing to happen in the world. It is a concept, which establishes humanity in true sense.

Obviously, the very fact, that each culture, religion embraces man as one arm, and women as the other; it indicates the very (right) existence of commonality between all kinds of humans cutting across races. And, then there is marriage…All across the world, it exists…it is an accepted phenomena, well defined process…rituals, and traditions being part of it…It is celebrated in some or other fashion…It is a moment which brings joy to both the sides of families!

Then, what is beyond explanation is the hate of one man for the other men…of one religion for other…of one caste for other…of one society for another…of one culture towards the other…Obviously there are explanations, and there are justifications for this to happen too. Root cause is the ability of few individuals to manipulate the truth, and present it in other forms. The other cause is the presence of those (in abundance) who accept these manipulations AS IT IS, and follow them blindly.

Multiple forms of civilization should coexists together…One with power should embrace the other with greater humility, and one with lesser influence should live with pride, and respecting the existence of other. Isn’t it possible?