To Vote Or Not to Vote?

“I DON’T think it's necessary to vote.”

“Whats the point? Everyones corrupt annnyways!”

“How will my ONE VOTE make a difference?”

“Jaaney dey yaar, anyways nothing is going to change.”
“Lite ley – Take it easy”

“Arey main to vaise bhi US ja raha/rahi hoon!”

“I’m not interested in politics”

If any of the above applies to you… WAKE UP! Like seriously, WAKE UP!!

We may or may not be interested in politics but can we deny that corruption, greed, violence and religious divide through politics aren’t affecting our daily lives?

Switch on the television or pick up a newspaper and we see everyday, news about politicians throwing hate speeches at each other, creating a rift between religions in the name of secularism, sitting on road “Shows” (read politically – “dharnas”) just to make some noise and be in the news, lectures on “bharatiyata” and values of India and so on… While we may or may not be entertained by these events, one thing that clearly stands out is the intensity and the desperation with which the elections are being fought this time.

Political parties are leaving no stone unturned to make sure they woo the people of this country to vote in their favor. Thanks to the voluntary efforts of ‘Volunteer for a Better India (VBI)’ and other initiatives by NGOs, lakhs of new voters have been registered this year. Unlike before, political parties know that they can no longer afford to underestimate the POWER OF VOTING of each individual.

The good news is – THEY know of your power.

The question is – What are YOU going to do with that power?

People especially youth, all over India have woken up. They are taking lead in creating a better future for themselves and for their country. They are not only exercising their individual right to vote, but are also inspiring others to vote.

Okay, cut the gyan. Just tell me “What happens if I vote? What difference will my ONE VOTE make?”

Let’s see what happens if you don’t vote. Well… If you don’t vote then the Government won’t work for you. It’s as simple as that! If you don’t vote, you don’t exist for the Government, and then naturally when price rise, corruption, violence and lack of jobs affect you, you lose the right to complaint as well because well... You didn’t vote in the first place.

If you don’t vote, you’re telling the Government in loud and clear silence, that you’re okay with whatever is happening in the country, you don’t care and that they can continue to plunder us and our loved ones for as long as they wish.

But, if YOU vote, and vote wisely, then YOU open up an opportunity for change in the country. You stand up for the country, for your loved ones and for yourself. You stand up against corruption, greed, violence and religious divide. And in doing so, you inspire others to stand up for a better India.

So VOTE. Vote for a good and stable government. If you think everyone is corrupt, vote for the least corrupt national party. Vote for a leader who is experienced, has a good vision for the country and is focused on development and empowerment. Enough mockery has been made of people’s sentiments in the name of secularism.

Vote. Vote for change. Vote for a better India.

Jai Hind!