Parties you may like...

Several small parties have been floated around which boast of educated Indians taking the plunge in active politics. From Meera Sanyal, a renowned banker and the Indian head of ABN Amro bank to Dr. Jayaprakash Narayan, popularly known as JP, they all have walked the talk. Bharat Votes presents a profile of such parties who represent the educated middle class Indians.

PPI – Professionals Party of India

The Professionals Party of India is a small political party set up in India in 2007. It was registered with the Election Commission of India in 2008 and starting receiving international attention in the aftermath of the 2008 Mumbai attacks. Its main support is from India's middle class and its stated aim is "improving the Quality of Life of every Indian". It plans to stand 12-15 candidates in the 2009 general election. 


Website Address - http://www.ppi.net.in




 

Lok Satta

Lok Satta party is a political party in India founded by Dr. Jayaprakash Narayan. It was launched on October 2nd, 2006 by the Lok Satta voluntary organization. Lok Satta organization has been actively involved in bringing about several political reforms in Andhra Pradesh over the nine years of its existence. The party has opted for the whistle symbol for the 2009 elections. 

Website Address - http://www.loksatta.org

Jago Party

The aim of Jago Party is to build a new India free from terrorism, discrimination, reservation, corruption, crime, delay in justice and government inefficiency. Jago Party believes in unleashing the power of private enterprise of the people of India and it believes in confining the functions of the government to the minimum. Jago Party was launched by a group of small businessmen, engineers, civil service officers and social activists. The founder of the party is Deepak Mittal, a businessman from Hyderabad, who is now going to contest Lok Sabha elections in 2009. 

Website Address - http://jago.in

Disclaimer: The parties highlighted here are chosen based on their gaining popularity among citizens and media coverage. In case more such parties gain prominence or you know of a party that deserves recognition, please contact me .

WHY TO VOTE?

Abraham Lincoln stated that “a ballot is stronger than a bullet”. Do we, as a matter of fact being part of the democracy, believe in such perspective or we just ignore it (or tend to do so)? Here is the outlining for the major concerns that every Indian voter has while voting for a party or a candidate.

Ø  Can your single vote make a difference?

The one common outcome of every elections (assembly or parliament) held in India is that there are an unhealthy number of non-voting citizens. Reason being, the belief in these voters, who actually are left as non-voters, that their vote does not change the fate of an election. However, a single vote of yours & the vote of all like minded voters like “YOU” can really change the outcome of an election. Mathematically, the numbers can play game – one person like “YOU” multiplies with thousands similar to YOU. The vote share of the winner and the loser of an election do get affected by all such similar “YOUS”. An absolute majority may turn up as a simple minority, and who knows, perhaps even a minority. Henceforth, in a broader spectrum, your vote and votes from other electorates like YOU can become pivotal in the development of our nation.

The essence of the said is one “SINGLE” vote of yours could be seemingly successful in changing the political system governing you.

Ø  What if “you” find that the running candidates/parties are undeserving?

There are a few candidates in the foray in every election. You can of course go for an option of voting his/her rival, if you feel that a particular candidate is personally incompetent. Of course the strength of a political party and is also tested, along with the candidate’s competence. “YOU” can definitely vote for the party that appeals to you the most, if you find that all the candidates are incompetent. After voting for the candidate due to his/her party's stature, later on if “you” find that he/she did not live up to your expectations, in the forthcoming elections “you” would vote for the rival party. This would make the political party rethink its process of choosing a candidate and hopefully it would field a more appealing candidate in the future. This brings accountability among political leaders and the political parties.

Sometimes, it is argued that there are circumstances when all the candidates/parties are unworthy to be elected as people's representatives. Well, the Election Commission gives reasonably a great solution to it. Our constitution has provided a means out of this regrettably common situation. It is a modified Article 49-O. If we all as people decide that no party/candidate is worth a stay in political office, through an “amended” Article 49-O, we could be entitled to have a re- election. During this re-election, the parties/candidates would be forced to field better agendas, better solutions etc. so that they have a chance to represent us. Unfortunately, currently the Central Government has refused to amend the article.

Thus, in a way, the political parties and the candidates liable for all sorts of projects that they initiated for your cause, are actually pushed away by “YOU” as an elector. In essence, political parties are made to do what generally they tend to forget, i.e. being politically accountable.

So, we the People of India (yes people like “you”) should all pledge to vote during the forthcoming general/state elections and bring about an era for our country combating & eliminating political bigotry, corruption and ineptness. An age that we can proudly say to the world; we the People of India through our democratic duty have brought about a remarkable change to India that is solely responsible for our esteemed nation surpassing all and becoming the shining glory of the world. Yes, undoubtly we can make the 21^st century, India’s century.
Do VOTE and Do Wear the Mark. Jai Hind!

Do You Know ?

Article 49-O
Every Indian for the past few years has received emails or has been apprised of article 49-0 in the Conduct of Election rules under Representation of People's Act.
The actual article in our constitution is as follows:
“49-O. Elector deciding not to vote.-If an elector, after his electoral roll number has been duly entered in the register of voters in Form-17A and has put his signature or thumb impression thereon as required under sub-rule (1) of rule 49L, decided not to record his vote, a remark to this effect shall be made against the said entry in Form 17A by the presiding officer and the signature or thumb impression of the elector shall be obtained against such remark.”
Basically, simplifying the law jargon, it states when an elector exercises his/her right to Article 49-0, he or she basically has to be against the principle of the “secret” ballot. The elector has to reveal his/her name on Form 17-A and let the election officer know that he/she is refraining from voting for any of the fielded candidates.

Myths about 49-O

The common myth about this provision was basically that if there are a significant number of electors invoking article 49-0 in a particular constituency then that constituency was entitled for an automatic re-poll. However, this interpretation of the article is completely incorrect. The main reason for Article 49-0 being included into our constitution was to avoid election fraud. The authors of the election rule book brought about this measure to avoid wrong doers casting a vote using your name. However, the whole idea of “what happens if” there are a majority of people revoking their votes due to ineptness of the standing candidates was overlooked.
Hence, as the article stands currently if all the electors decided to invoke the article but one, the candidate getting the lone elector vote would win the election. Though, this seems to be incredulous, this is the true representation of the Article 49-0.

So now what?

There have been several PIL(s) requesting the constitution be amended to allow the elector to reject all fielded candidates and if these specific electors are in majority give them a re-election for that particular constituency. The Election commission itself has requested the central government to amend the article and add “none of the above” in the ballot paper thus protecting the elector’s identity and also sending a message to the political fraternity that enough is enough. The central government as expected has refused to amend article.
What the elector needs to do?
The only way, the elector can make these politicians (that the electors deem unfit for office) understand that they represent the people and not their own vested interests is by going out on voting day and exercising Article 49-0 in mass numbers. By not voting at all, you are giving these politicians a sense of security, that they are actually elected by us. It is time we send a message in bulk that we need a change in leadership and a change in direction for our esteemed nation.


SO GO OUT AND VOTE, INVOKE ARTICLE 49-0 IF YOU HAVE TO, BUT VOTE.

Stop Criticizing, Start Voting

“Freedom”- one of life’s most cherished thing. We have always been demanding for ‘The freedom to live & lead our life the way we want, the freedom to express ourselves to our fullest potential’. Only a few people across the world have this privilege of being called as – LIVING IN FREEDOM. And I guess the citizens of India can look upon themselves as being blessed to have this privilege. Otherwise, there are many in this world living in greed of being freed. This privilege to us did not came so easily, no, not at all. Rather, it has been the result of selfless sacrifices endured by our nation’s forefathers.  “ALAS!” This sad reaction is quite natural & obvious when I notice people (of India especially) taking this freedom of their just for granted. Isn’t it a painful pinch? This in fact, is actually true of the middle class & even the youths who for whatsoever reason seem to exhibit a lot of apathy when it comes to the Electoral process. Aren’t they aware that they are the part & parcel of this world’s largest democracy. It is of course a truth that India, in this era has taken great strides in the field of science & technology & is globally viewed as one of the leading emerging economies of the world. Besides, it is now officially ‘Nuclear Power’ & has even launched a rocket of its caliber to the moon. Yet, while the general standard of living has gone up the same cannot be said of the quality of life. Though people today may have the purchasing power to buy the latest electronic gadgets & the trendy-branded clothes, their lives have not changed much. The infrastructure is bad & getting worse, it takes the average person hours to reach anywhere (as people say). Even with the inflation rates lowering down every week, Hikes in prices of basic essential commodities has made them unaffordable for lot many people. Not to mention that people no longer feel safe as was proven by 26/11 terrorist attacks. The solution to this that the youth & the middle class seem to resort to is – Criticizing the government for its inefficiency. What right do we have to criticize the government or the leaders for their inaction when we – who represent the most educated segments of the population, are doing nothing about it? We are as much to blame for this anarchy by our irresponsible behavior. Are the middle class and the youth truly happy with the way things are? Don’t you think that change is needed to help make India one of the leading nations of the world? India is the largest democracy in the world by virtue of which the people have the ability to change all that is bad and steer the country in the right direction to make it one of the greatest nations in the world. However, this will not happen if all we do is complain about it without taking action. If you want things to change then you should effect that change. As Mahatma Gandhi said “You must be the change you wish to see in the world.” Be that change; get involved in the democratic process. Get out and vote because this is not only your privilege but also your absolute responsibility and duty. You owe that to the forefathers who selflessly sacrificed their lives for the freedom we are enjoying today. Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “The way to mend the bad world is to create the right world.” Help create that right world by casting your vote. Make the election a great middle class and youth movement like the Americans did in electing Obama. Remember every vote counts – make your vote count as well!