“The liberty of a democracy is not safe if the people tolerated the growth of private power to a point where it becomes stronger than the democratic state itself. That in its essence is fascism: ownership of government by an individual, by a group, or any controlling private power.”
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I think elections this time around is lack luster as the voting percentages indicate. Severe heat is a problem. I think issues are non substantive and downright trivial. I think college or university elections are fought on more substantive issues. It’s a real disappointment. Firstly the elections have to be fought fair and square, secondly the ombudsmen and regulators like election commission have to be free to exercise their rights and thirdly media needs to be non partisan. Some of the self congratulatory channels amplify trivial comments by non actors. Who is Mr. Pitroda? have suggestion for his comments – stand upside down – white hair would become black and try it again – black beard will become white then he can carry on national integration exercise. And on other side, the great man is waiting to pounce on every comment and add to reflected glory ” He is a great man, he must be a great man”…all in third person.
I guess the opposition alliance is much more civil and putting a good fight in this time around. It needs to cut out irrelevant actors from opening their mouth. I would rate opposition much more responsible in this elections. It might not be enough but it’s a good start. It has found a good campaigner in Priyanka Gandhi. I also think Rahul Gandhi not contesting from Amethi is a fair move, why fall into establishment narrative (trap)? If I were opposition bloc, would focus on cadres and hold on to them. They are much more important than votes. They have a multiplier effect. Same is true of any organisation – employees are more important than customers or markets. This is my point of view and belief. Of course customers and votes ( here) are important they are a consequence of committed employees ( cadres here) effort. It’s a second order consequence.
I think BJP win’s because of its cadres and booth management. It’s organizationally and ideologically tighter and that helps. I respect ideological organisations though one’s belief may be different. Cadre based parties have something to hold on to in all situations and mostly adversity. If BJP wins, which think they will this time around (with a lesser mandate suspect) they must be much more gracious and accommodating of others’s positions. Everyone is not your adversary. I would request prime minister to move away from divisive narrative as accomplishments are many to showcase. Right Sir. Time to let go ” mangalsutra”…
The real issues are jobs, price rise, water scarcity, electricity, education, poverty and empowerment of women. I have been volunteering in corporation schools for seven years – understand primary education and teachers vacancies not being filled and value of mid day meals. Education is very important and public and corporation schools should be first focus. Many children will lapse into poverty if we are not careful. Where is the safety of women and girl child? where elected parliamentarians are accused of mass rape? where girl’s are murdered in colleges? we need a broad gender sensitization campaign and protection for girl child? Put that Revanna behind bars immediately! Ditto Brij Bhushan singh!? set an example!
I think economy is on a good footing although its a jobless growth. State has a role to play in job creation – fill all government vacancies.Secondly don’t just give double promotion to some technocrats and identify a diverse talent base. Thirdly all you political strategists who come on television and defend the indefensible. All you pollsters who do some kind randomized controlled trial is it? Or is it market survey ? are you free to opinionate?
The only people whom respect are reporters who go out in the heat and talk to people. Those views are the ones that matter. I think Mausami Singh (India today) is a good political reporter. As for studio anchors with data and flow charts – you may sound clever but do you really know people’s pulse…?
I would say well played Opposition so far. The establishment if you win, which you will because of a popular prime minister and targeted welfare schemes. Please be gracious.
In the end we are all one. We are a billion plus.
Sincerely, Suresh ( Sir third person mein bolu..)
neverlamentcasually 
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