In the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, it is estimated that around 81.4 cr citizens would vote. Media is raving about  how the largest democracy in the world is exercising its right to vote. Amidst all the hoopla and drama, have you ever wondered if India is really a democracy in the true sense? Is the ability to vote a real indicator of a democratic country?  Unfortunately it is not. It is about making an informed choice on who should represent your constituency. It is about being informed about the intentions and attitude of the contestants and then casting your vote. However, even after 60 plus years since independence, Indian politics and the election will continue to be a caste based racquet game. All politicians volley to dodge important questions and aim for sensationalism through controversies. 

A senior party member of Samajwadi party went on air to mention about the caste and religion of soldiers who died in Kaargil. It would surprise an educated citizen on how medieval our politicians sound and how the political debates being showcased on news channels are utterly disappointing. We merely know the grand plans of big political parties and the list of things they have promised. Doesn’t it matter to know how exactly they plan to achieve these promised plans? India has sadly transgressed into a Machiavellian society where we only care about results not the process. Great governance is equally important and needed rather than promises of passing new bills. Does it matter that a political party will distribute free laptops to the youth in a highly populated state? It wouldn't cover the apathy the same people showed to the riot victims. Democracy is not only about casting votes, it is not about fair counting of these votes too. Democracy is the freedom to ask the right questions. It is about asking pinching and stern questions. The political debate in India sadly is a fish market at its best. It is a cacophony of accusations and counter allegations and character judgements. The ancient politicians use equally ancient tricks in the book to lure the voters. My house help’s entire housing society would vote for a party that has arranged travel and lunch on voting day. This is what it has come down to. The Indian election though impressive in numbers and scale is a sham.  One can go on and on about how the whole system is shameful for lack of a better word but that is not the crucial question at hand. The real deal is about informed choice and the importance of your vote in this election.

There is a large section of the populace who have decided not to vote this year. Their reasons are quite simple. They have no hope in the candidates of their constituency and would rather wait for a messiah who would do something substantial. Would this help India now? Actually not. Casting your vote is not about electing the ‘right’ candidate; it is also about keeping the demons away from power. Voting is also about electing a person who will not abuse the position of power. It is about electing the lesser devil of the lot. In India, where the larger section of society is brain washed or misinformed , most will support caste based/region based politics. As an educated citizen, it is our moral responsibility to stop this. Instead of waiting for the saviour, go and vote to keep the devil away from power. Go Vote! 

P.S: Kindly overlook the poor editing.