THE GREAT INDIAN ELECTIONS

I am sometimes pissed off with the general apathy of the Indian public towards the electoral process. How seriously they underestimate the importance of elections! When I watch the news coverage of the elections, I always see the old and infirm, the poor, the downtrodden, the uneducated, and other "masses" queuing up to cast their vote. Why, oh why are there not many middle class, upper middle class and the rich people? Where are the elite educated brains of India? The intellectuals have largely deserted the ballot box.

Nonetheless, by the sheer magnitude of the whole process, India is witnessing the world's largest ever elections, comprising of nearly 700 million voters. Though the voter turnout was about 50-60% only, the logistics were mind boggling- no wonder it took a month's time to cover all the regions of the world's largest democracy.

Another week or so, and the new leaders of India will be revealed. You cannot but be awed at the whole system, flawed it might be. India is ushering towards a new phase- but with old faces. The same old bunch of crooks, intellectuals, poets, rowdies, and dedicated leaders are recycled over and over again. But change is certain, and we as ordinary citizens hope for effective governance and stability at all times.