Why are 2009 elections so special for you and me?

The much awaited 2009 general elections assume a greater significance and are special in many respects. India in the midst of many challenges and opportunities faces the biggest ever fought elections in April and May. In a road map to the Kalam's vision 2020 and for a smooth transition from a developing nation to a developed nation, in around 8,28,804 polling stations, 715 million voters are going to participate and choose their netas for lok sabha and for legislative assemblies in Andhra Pradesh, Orissa and Sikkim. This makes it 2009 elections not only the biggest ever fought elections in the world but also the biggest and most complicated elections to be managed by Indian election commission.

Recently, I was watching a program on a TV channel. I was surprised to hear on a news channel that 2009 general elections are going to be much more expensive than the recent presidential elections conducted in US. But later I came to know that considering the black money that our netas spend during these elections, the election expenditures are going to over shoot US election budget by a huge amount. Imagine...what can happen to India if our leaders release black money. One of the reputed economist on another channel was saying that the election expenditure is actually going to circulate more money in the economy as a result of which demand in the economy for products and services would be stimulated. Probably that is the reaosn why our netas dont bother too much about economic recession and the elections would take care of that!!

The Y factor is going to play a crucial role in 2009 elections. With 65 per cent of India’s voters being under the age of 35 (including one hundred million first-time voters), the young make up a sizeable chunk of the electorate. 25% of the electorate are fresh electorate and hence, internet campaign has taken birth in 2009 Indian elections. Any website you open, you see Advaniji calling you on to the banner and taking you to his website and inspiring you to vote for him. But we have to wait and see if this innovation brought in by the few IIM grads and techies who make up Advanijis campaign management team would be successful in convincing the young voters to vote for Advaniji.

These elections are also special because there is going to be a tough fight between the grand old man Advani and the most academically qualified Manmohan. This would be a last chance for the 82 year old but the tech savvy Advani to occupy the PM chair for which he waited so long while it would be an election for Manmohan to prove he is a strong leader and is a winnable choice for congress. One factor which 2009 elections cant ignore is the maya factor. It may become king maker or even the king and decide the fate of you, me and all.....Lets not only wait and watch the elections as usually do but let's participate and choose a strong govt for a strong India.

Jai Hind.