Why should Mumbai vote?

Elections 2009 are just around the corner. Year 2008, has experienced a catastrophe of events. But the most fateful of all has been the Mumbai terror attack. 26/11 is a day in the Indian history which none will forget.

Mumbai is a resilient city which tackles terror in a fearless manner. But with the upcoming elections, I wonder who should the Mumbaikars vote for and why? Should it vote for Raj Thackerey who had sought shelter when his Mumbai was attacked? Or should Mumbai vote for the politicians who commented, “Ladies with lipstick come out to protest”?

Raj Thackerey’s constant hatred and attacks on North Indians suggests that he does not need any Non-Marathi vote. Or is it the other way round? After all why should a Non-Marathi vote for the Marathi Government? I wonder how on earth the Shiv Sena will get courage to ask Non-Marathi people to vote for them.

Politicians are smart players. They are very well conversant with the games they play. Votes are something they live on and will not mind stooping down to any level for the same.

The sad part is that violence on communal grounds is increasing day by day. Varun Gandhi seems to be following Raj Thackerey’s dirty footsteps. If Raj can’t stand Non-Maharashtrians, Varun on the other hand gives speeches on communal divide. Are we going back to the era of ‘Divide and Rule’?

There are many first time voters this election, but our politicians have indeed disappointed all of us. Voting is a right, which I believe; each one of us is entitled to. But we are left with no options other than fulfilling this duty of ours. Blaming the opposition, finding out loopholes in their tenure and finding faults is all what party’s are very good at.

Each party has its own manifesto which comprises a number of promises – fake ones of course. In a recent television debate, I witnessed candidates from the BJP, Congress and the Shiv Sena fighting their way out and blaming each other for showing false dreams to the public. They hardly understand that actions speak louder than words.

Elections 2009 will also pass as the rest of the elections have gone. If change has to come, we the people of India have to strive for it. Being a Mumbaikar myself, it is indeed sad to see Mumbai being tortured in a ruthless manner.