Elections and Me!

India is the largest democracy in the world-a government of the people, by the people and for the people....or so they say.Today is the day of our Tamilnadu local body elections and in a few minutes,I'll be off to the polling booth.The last month has witnessed politicians toiling from dawn till dusk rallying,organising party meetings,and basically spending crores of money.Contesting candidates for elections have paid frequent visits to EVERY house in the area I live or simply put, went door to door canvassing.Although certain methods of campaigning are agreeable and justifiable,there were other methods adopted that were completely illegal.

Every election has seen money flow in the way of bribe and this election is no different. Unjustifiable and illegal expenditure in the form of money paid to the poorer sections of the electorate for voting in favour of a particular candidate has assumed alarming proportions.Cash amounts varying from 300-1500 rupees were distributed to woo voters.Funny thing was that there were many people getting money from all the parties!I wonder where all the money came from.Apart from cash, freebies were also given which included towels,shawls,biriyani packets and even alchohol!There were some who adopted weird methods of canvassing.One candidate went literally crying from house to house and begging for votes and a few came in asking to be prayed for,hoping atleast Divine intervention would get them through!...or was it to show off their  religiosity  and thus their honesty?(Ha ha..nice try guys!).The most annoying of all was the loud speaker announcements in autos (obviously every occupant in the auto was paid!).Not one guy who came along came with promises of proper sanitation,waste disposal,street lighting or even proper roads.

It is indeed very difficult to decide who to vote for and I don't think my vote is going to make a huge difference.Is there something I could do to help the country as an individual? Yes.I honestly believe that corruption can be eliminated if we as individuals vow not to accept or give bribes regardless of the consequences rather than blaming it all on the politicians.I cannot change the world but I can sure make a difference in my immediate society and my own sphere of influence.

There is yet another thing I can do.1 Timothy 2 says,"I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness".Shouting fom the rooftops ain't gonna change politicians but a sincere prayer for them can!

Happy voting everyone!