LETS SHIFT TO INDIAN POLITICS

Melroy Fernandes

The initial pre-poll speculations about the US Presidential elections have now evolved into speculations about new policy changes that Barack Obama, the US President-elect, will inject into the existing system. This media hype about what was made out to be the world's most talked about election has contagiously spread far beyond the boundaries of the USA. Besides religiously following this frenzy in the press, radio and television, familiarity with new media had people surfing the internet for information, chatting on-line and even posting their comments on blogspots.

Surprisingly, among the great many of these ardent enthusiasts of US politics (who keenly followed not just the political records, speeches and campaigning of these candidates, but also their personal lives), were Indians. Surprising, because when it comes to elections back home, one wonders if these very people would show as much enthusiasm! There's no scarcity of information (in the media - including the internet) about candidates, their manifestos and track records… but then, who bothers?
"What difference will it make, they are all corrupt", is the ready excuse most people have for not casting their vote. Why is there so much apathy about elections back home even among the educated? Why are people reluctant to vote? Do you vote? We'd like to know your views… so please do post your comments.