Look for the Hidden agenda!!
What a scene in India as we prepare for the hustings! Maneka blasts Maya…Maya return fire with more fire! ManMohan Singh replies coolly to the allegations by Advani on his being a “bakri’ PM…then a take off by Advani for a duel which was turned down as none were Knights in ( or sans)Armour…Modi adds to the fuel of calling ManMohan Singh a weakling….Sibal launches into a heavy verbal assault on Advani being anything but a “Lohpurush”… the Three Musketeers from UP/Bihar adding the final icing on the hustings cake, and Arun Shourie voicing that the fake degree holder from UK, Varun Gandhi is well versed whilst Rahul Gandhi is an “innocent Kid”!! and who can set aside a visibly lost Sanjay Dutt at the beck and call of His Master-the one and only Amar Singh!!
And now a look at the manifesto. By the way, a manifesto means a public written declaration of Principles, policies, objectives. I am stating these because I want you all to note that it is a matter of Principles and Policies. Now, what is the general policy of the politicians and the parties on the manifesto itself? We all know that a manifesto is probably concealing more than it is revealing!! The main “agenda” is always the hidden agenda!! No manifesto reveals the hidden agenda and this is the main agenda. As a matter of fact, I am of the belief that the manifesto is designed to conceal the hidden agenda!! It is doctored in such a way so that it may appear as a declaration of policies to compete the others and at the same time reveal nothing of what will actually be done. But when parties spring promises like foodstuff at Rs 2.00/Kg, then we know for sure that the national economy is going for a toss!! Such sops should make the voter more alert. From where will the money come? At what cost will this be subsidized? But the manifesto of the BJP did reveal a lot than they normally do. Firstly, we now know that the Congress was correct in not tying up with the other parties for a pre poll tie up. The more candidates one fields, the more the chances of getting a higher tally in the final analysis. And this is what will give one the clout. That, probably was the reason why Congress allowed Laloo and co to go their way and they are free to contest all the seats in Bihar and UP. BJP has followed suit. Hence, a separate manifesto for the BJP after two elections sans a party manifesto. So, at the end of the day, NO party has any REAL prepoll alliance even if they pretend to have one!! Sharad Pawar proving my point.
I appreciate Amir Khan who has been promoting the idea that one MUST vote. Indeed, yes. This is a very crucial election for modern India. If in this elections we see an unprecedented voting % , we would know that the citizens have understood their responsibility. And this will bode,augur,portend well for modern India. Yes, we must vote intelligently and honestly. We must make it a point to give our best shot. In my earlier posting I had mentioned the need for a deep discussion before voting. I am also aware that money will be splashed all around to “buy” the voter. Many will succumb.But some will not. I am only hoping that those who stand by their Principles and honesty and vote intelligently and purposefully will be higher than ever before.
I would read all the manifestos. After that, delete those promises that look empty and dishonest. The see what is left. Now, I would add my wisdom gathered from past experience. Will this candidate/party work for national unity and progress ? What past does he carry? What potential does does he/she show? What “hidden” agenda could be carried by the candidate/party ?
It is time we vote by our conscience. Let us put a value to our vote. Not in terms on money but in terms of importance, in terms of how it can affect our future directions. This is vital for our future. Indeed, the rural voter may be misled as he is considered gullible and vulnerable. But I get the hunch that the rural voter has just about woken up. And along with the more enlightened urban voter, he will help to turn the tables. Let us ensure that we create a sort of a “voting circle” where we make a group of friends. Each individual takes the responsibility of taking another 10-20 people to vote. If for example we create 100 voting circles in an area and each circle ahs at least 50 members, the we are looking 5,000 members. Each ensuring at least 15 voters then we are talking of about 45,000 voters! See the power of the Voting Circle? And as a bye product, we ensure higher awareness and scrutiny of the candidates
We might just about see many Meera Sanyals, Captain Gopinaths, Mallika Sarabhais in the parliament.
