I am a proud citizen of a Dysfunctional Democracy and a Banana Republic

My dear fellow citizens of India

Congrats for voting en-masse.  First time, 80% of our voting population wished its lethargy away to line up to vote. I am sad that I was not one amongst that 80% who chose to exercise their franchise.

Apologies to all for not voting in the election last week - not even using my 49(O) option. I also successfully cajoled my wife from voting. While I completely accept that voting in a democracy is a right, I did not find anybody suitable to exercise the right. I did not see a point in going to the poll booth to invalidate my vote by using 49(O). I, in my own way, boycotted the process by not voting.

By the way, I would like if they put ink in the middle finger instead of fore finger. Atleast, I can show my middle finger to all those suckers of reporters who stand outside the poll booths, in the guise of showing the ink.

Why would I not vote? Am I that lazy or irresponsible?  I don't think either would fully explain my decision. A few things that happened before the election may throw better light on the decision.

I hail from Tamil Nadu, a state that has developed due to its forward-thinking politicians who put the society's best interests in front of theirs'. This state is called the cradle of Dravidian parties that triggered the self-respect movement. We have the highest reservation amongst all Indian states. We've strived hard to elevate the lives and status of the down-trodden. While we have a few caste based disturbances, we have never allowed it to destroy the fabric of equality in our state.   All this seems to be distant history, considering the shameful occasions in the recently concluded election.

Firstly, the election promises of all the contesting parties looked like a menu of household items. There were so many free-bies that I am planning to quit my job and enjoy the life with the alms so kindly provided by the kind parties. While I can understand the objective to provide the basic items to the poor, I did not see any justification for the galla menu to distribute freebies to vulnerable voters. It is natural indeed, for a political party to offer goodies but where it gets dangerous is that the voters expect to be paid money for their votes.  The voters seem to have thrown away all inhibitions about selling their votes for money. I heard about stories where people went around fighting and collecting their dues after a day or two of the election.

I truly believe that Dravidian parties have played a major role in stopping the rot caused by caste. However, they seem to have moved away from those lofty ideals and have started playing petty politics to gain power - the power necessary to rule and make money. I don't subscribe to such huge failings of a movement that has a proud heritage behind it. All we have now is a bunch of guys who have court cases for murder, rape and robbery fighting over to get a share of the power that will enable them to make money.

As a country, I think we've accepted corruption as a way of life and are ready to compromise on our democratic values to choose the wrong ones who have no virtues to speak of. I wish the people of my state become more responsible and put more value to their votes. I suppose that would motivate me to goto the polling booth.

So... people, if you want me to vote... Please behave..