Mumbai – 26/11
Pune – 13/02
What next.
Twitter and its users in India came into its own following the terror attacks in Mumbai on 26th Nov 2008. The tweeple tweeted, raved, ranted, lit candles and were even able to organize, if I may say, a peaceful gathering of all Mumbaikars at the Gateway of India within a week of 26/11 happening.
The reaction to this outrage felt by the average Mumbaikars was that there was a change of guard in the state of Maharashtra. The Chief Minister & the Deputy Chief Minister were replaced. Even the Union Home Minister of India was replaced. People squarely laid the blame on the politicians this time round.
Come Lok Sabha Election time, we had a few high profile independent candidates. Ms Meera Sanyal, country head of ABN Amro bank and Dr Mona Shah, a consultant eye surgeon stood for the Mumbai South Lok Sabha seat (site of the 26/11 terror attacks) and their candidature did somewhat create a mild scare in the existing dispensation. Unfortunately, the experiment failed miserably. Both the candidates lost their deposit.
Come the 2009 assembly elections, the Cong-NCP combine is voted back to power. Terror or Security is not a major issue, sons of the soil is. The booted are back in the corridors of power. Ex-CM Deshmukh is a Union Cabinet minister, R.R. Patil is back as state home minister. We have come back a full circle.
High profile individuals (Meera Sanyal) or non-mainstream political parties (Professional Party of India) have not created the desired impact. Middle class participation in the political process has to take place.
A good opportunity is being created by Mr. Rahul Gandhi, Gen Secretary of the Indian National Congress. The youth (18 – 35 years) are being wooed to join the Indian Youth Congress (IYC) and are also being encouraged to participate in organization elections, either by standing for positions, or by voting for people standing for various positions.
It’s an opportunity not to be missed. Please grab it with both hands!
-@R113
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