Vote India : Qualifications or Religion?

India goes on polls at the dawn of 16th April in 15 states and 2 union territories(124 constituencies) with a total electorate of 14.31 crores. The 15th Lok Sabha polls are touted to be one of the most interesting and taut elections in the history of Indian democracy. There are innumerable reasons and criteria like infrastructure, water/power, terrorism, foreign relations, jobs, inflation etc., on the basis which the Indian public can choose their MP, Prime Minister and the party/alliance.

But, one other criterion which has been effectively used to their advantage by most of the political parties in the previous elections is asking people to vote on the basis of caste/religion. So, the obvious question which comes to mind is --- Will India vote on the basis of a candidate's experience, qualifications, commitment, honesty or on the basis of his/her religion or caste?

BJP's rise to power in the 13th Lok Sabha is an apt example of people voting on the basis of religion. Remember the 'Jai Jai Siya Ram' slogan and the false promises to build the temple at the Babri Masjid demolition site. Not to forget that Congress's faliure at various fronts, and people wanting a change and forseeing a good leader in A.B. Vajpayee were other important reasons, but BJP's claim to be the pro-Hindutva party was one of the most prominent and probably still is.

The upsurge of other political parites such as Samajwadi Party (SP), Rashtriya Janta Dal (RJD), and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) in the states of UP & Bihar, clearly indicates how caste/religion still has so much dominance on Indian Voter's mind. All these political parties as they boast, work for the uplifment of the dalits and other backward castes. But, if that is the case then why do most of the people from UP and Bihar in particular, still migrate to other states looking for employment. Can't these parties even after being in power for so many years generate employment for the people in their own state? If not for casteism, these Mayawatis and Mulayam Singhs could never dream of leading a state or nation.

The attempt of a few political parties to use the caste/religion trump card in the 15th LS elections is clearly noticeable in the 'hate speeches' and the allegations of supporting a particular religion resulting in a softer stance on terrorism. Terrorism has been given a religious twist, which in reality is a global virus infecting the whole world despite of its caste, culture, or religion. If at all terrorism were religion and/or region centric, we would not have seen any bombings and killings in Pakistan.

It's very critical that every Indian understands the importance of his/her vote and voting for the right person. We must not elect a candidate based on his/her religion, caste or creed, but on the basis of his integrity and committment towards India and Indians. It doesn't matter which party he/she belongs to, what matters is he/she determined to work against corruption, criminals, nepotism, favouritism, and works towards our progress as a society and country. We don't want fanatics and criminals at the helm, but we want leaders with an aggressive and positive attitude who work towards the ultimate goal of development of India as a free society and full democracy. We can't let the self-serving politicians fragment India on the basis of religion/caste.

Every Indian voter must excercise his/her right to vote because its not just our constitutional right but our DUTY. In these elections, together we all should stand and make sure that we elect the right people to power, as this will lead to the creation of a deeply embedded Indian society and will take us a step closer to make INDIA SHINING !!

Vote and Motivate Others to Vote

- Kartavya Jain