April 16 marks the first phase of the 2009 election for LS Polls. To me its very special coz its my first vote or my 'kanni' vote. It feels really good. For years, I had this terrible feeling that I never do ny ting for my country. Now I ask - should I?? India is the largest democracy of the world and is making an ass out of it. The subject of politics is too diverse and complex to be analyzed over a blog like this, so I will pass it. In many ways, I am so typical of the new generation of youth - 'the youngistan's. I am not that patriotic ny more - the erstwhile history and geography leasons we learned in our school forgotten long ago. I dont have ny loyalities - every party is a facade. I dont believe in any candidates. The ones who have already been there are all shrewd, tactical, self -serving and f#$&*# morons in one way or another. There are a couple of new guys in the block, but history shows that it wont be long before they are also 'politicized' by our system. But what really put me off was the candidate list in in northern parts of our country. Murders, extortion, vandalizing - all of them are laurels on their political career. Stars used to decorate and show off their stature.

" Hey! You only have 3 murders to ur list. I have 4."

"Oh really, Ok u rightly deserve the candidate post"

The only common thread between all the parties (National or regional) is that when it comes to everything bad abt our democracy, they are all up for it.

I remember yesterday talking to a friend of mine. A passionate loyalist to his party. He was by all means engaged in the election and was canvasing for his favourite candidate. He later confessed to me one thing - When it comes to politics, almost everyone is ignorant. Now thats the only thing I agreed with him that day :).

But still with everything. I feel it is the right and responsibilty of every Indian to vote. If someone wants to change the system, well and good. But till then, go cast your votes. If you dont, they will win any way. It doesnt matter if there is 80% polling or 20%, the election stands and someone wins. The point is, then the choice is left to an even narrow minded group. It is rightly said that:

In many ways, this is 'THE' election for me. No only being my first, I am also very intrested to know what lies ahead, I hope I dont have to think abt visas and immigration. I have done what I think is , my part in this election. I know every candidate in my constituency (Atleast the importent ones). I know most of the candidates in the state, their chances, their party agendas, the virtues and vice (even though most of them are pack of lies). I heard many of their speech and threw up and listened to even more. I have tried to keep the 'national perspective' in the equation, but good god !! The only thing I can say is that the field is wide open. I put myself through lot of canvasing. I called a friend of mine day b4 yesterday to wish him vishu and he canvased me for 45 min (Bloody idiot :D, but then again I like talking politics). But at the end of canvasing, I have not promised to ny one ny ting. Yes!! I have a favourite candidate and I have looked at evrything I could abt him (well not everything....but the general facts). After all this, I was specific not to influnce any one to vote for any party bcoz then I would be veryy much part of the sytem that I loath. I have been an undecided voter even today but knew exactly who to vote when I was in the polling booth. I went and cast my vote in the early hours (the radio warned me of false votes towards the end of voting). I wouldnt say who I voted - not even to God. This is me being an Indian :)

P.S. - Now waiting for 30 days of pure entertainment.

P.P.S - Btw my friend promised he will shave his head off, if his candidate looses. Now thats an example of a promise he cant keep - already a poltitician :D