Monday, August 4, 2008

Finally i answer the big question...!!!!

The debate over the motion of trust moved by the honorable Prime Minister,say some fiery debates and sharp exchanges.Democracy was for sale,and angels were born.Elected representatives with 'doubtful' credentials coming to the floor of the house with bundles of cash.No wonder CNN-IBN restrained from airing the 'cash for votes' tapes.My allegiance to a particular political party is well know among my friends.
The debate in parliament was on 'Nuclear Deal',and it was quite disdainful to see none except Rahul Gandhi speaking on the nuclear deal.Nuclear Deal had taken a back seat,and the opposition was using the chance to severly criticise the Government which had done a commendable job on the economic front.I dont intend to make a pro-govt lecture here.
Coming back to the debate,Heated exchanges and disruptions were ruling the roost in parliament until our Honourable Railway Minister,Lalooji,spoke.There were smiles in the air,despite him making scathing attack on the opposition.His sense of humour seemed to ease the parliamentarians,and one of his sentences still rings in my ears.,"even i wish to be PM"(cited while scoffing Mayawati,Mr.LK Advani).
Having being born and brought up in a family of hardcore Congress supporters,i always allegiance to the congress party.The inspirational leadership,and will power of Smt.Indira Gandhi always motivated me.My father used to talk about his meeting with Sanjay Gandhi,the historic speech in parliament made by CM Stephen while Indira Gandhi was jailed,and my mother had told about posing for a photograph with none other than Indira Gandhi(the copy of which, is in the possession of her friend).I had idolized them since my childhood days,and hence i still remain a loyal supporter of the party.
I had contested for college union elections twice and i keep my head held high when i say,i was defeated on both the occasions.I did what i was asked to do,from the party leadership.I had contested as the face saving candidate for my party and in that sense,i did my bit for my party.I have no remorse or repentence.I can't be a full time political activist,owing to multitude of reasons.I never contested for grabbing office.My speech as part of 'meet the candidate' was perhaps one of the greatest lows in my life.I was overawed by the support for the opposition,and it was heart breaking to see many of my friends booing me,and trying to put me off.Indeed my oratory skills on that day was way below par,and i still remember standing in front of a bullying crowd like an idiot.Despite that hiccup, and minimal campaigning ,I was delighted to see the number of votes i had received. Thanks to my dear voters,who voted on a losing cause.I had faced numerous scathing remarks from my friends for contesting a losing cause.I was threatened to withdraw from the election by the opposition camp,who threatened and then even offered me their party ticket in the next elections,"Ticket for withdrawal scam"....:D..If college union elections can see such forms of 'rigging',what could be the situation at the corridors of power.
Politics is a game and democracy in India is for sale,even at the grass root level.
This writeup is dedicated to my dear friends who keep asking me why i contested the elections....

3 comments:

Hari said...

Heh. A politically-charged post! Nice to see your colours on display here. I like posts like these. Viewpoints by intellectuals like you not only add on my current-affairs-appetite but turn out to be good reads, with nice language.

But I beg to differ! Okay, I'm not 'politically-inclined' towards any specific faction, but I would like to point out a few objections against some of your points:

"No wonder CNN-IBN restrained from airing the 'cash for votes' tapes."
You talk about 'restraint'. But it's no big deal. If they didn't want to publicize it, why DID they assist in carrying out that sting operation? Now Rajdeep Sardesai is talking 'morals', and how such a tape could be damaging to the nation's credos. But the damage has already been done by the blatant display of cash in parliament. The fact that Mr Sardesai is acting under pressure from the ruling front is OBVIOUS!

"none except Rahul Gandhi speaking on the nuclear deal."
That's wrong. Pranab Mukherji did speak quite a lot about the Nuclear deal on the first day of the proceedings. But you're true that most trust-vote speeches were veiled election speeches.

"The inspirational leadership,and will power of Smt.Indira Gandhi always motivated me."
Inspirational leadership, bah! How about the lakhs who were oppressed during her 'inspirational' rule in the emergency. Your mom has taken pics with Ms Gandhi eh? Cool. My dad actually saw Mr Rajan being brutally captured by the police after a truly democratic gesture! He is the epitome of all the violence and oppression of those dark months.

Apparently, you haven't read much about the emergency. Please do! ASAP!

As I'd mentioned before, I'd voted for you in that election. I appreciate your having participated in that election against such stiff competition. That was indeed quite a bold effort. A pathetic speaker myself, I can very well guess the tightening screws in your mind while giving that failed speech.

I voted for you not because you were a LOYOLITE. I voted for you because you had the courage to fight what was clearly a lopsided battle and accept gracious defeat! Ever since, I've held you in high regard.
Seriously! :D

"Ticket for withdrawal scam"...."
OMG!! That's a serious issue! Sad that such degenerate politics are being practiced even in our college! :((

I loved this post a LOT! Kudos bro... Great work! :)

Hari said...

Whew!

And that's the LONGEST comment I've ever posted in my three-year blogging history!

Sandeep said...

Pranab Mukherjee was replying to the propaganda by the left,about the IAEA etc,but he never delved into the details.
Guts and sheer will power were Ms.Gandhi's hallmarks.Anyone can take a cue from it.Not many would have the courage to declare emergency in the country,for the worry of vote bank politics.Emergency had its due share of oppression,and hint of dictatorship.Its true i haven't read a lot about emergency,but have heard from people.
I had my share of inhibitions on opting for a politically charged topic.Wasn't sure how ppl would take it...Will try to make more of the same....