The latest ?killer virus? that has overwhelmed cell phone users is the wretched tele-marketing done primarily by leading banks. They have access to cell numbers because of payment procedures and are blatantly misusing private numbers. It is so ungracious, unsophisticated and crass. An unacceptable intrusion into individual privacy. Leading banks should have better sense than to rub customers the wrong way with this severe irritation.
One suggestion ? call centres should be advised to tackle the wives of Chairmen during their afternoon siesta or while they are having their luncheon get-togethers and they should first target chairmen while they are on the golf course or standing in a government office corridor waiting to meet the minister! Leave us alone, please. These calls are offensive.
The third exit poll has happened. Up for the BJP but then it was polling in BJP strongholds. It will be down for them next time with Tamilnadu, Kerala and West Bengal. Viewers are bored. This has been a weird election spread over weeks where a state has been divided into pieces, its different regions voting at varying intervals. What impact this kind of insidious pattern has had on an electorate waiting to cast its vote will be analysed later. Heaven knows why they could not do one state at a time. And, why is the counting three days after the final poll? Are we not electronic? Is it not instant? What is the reason for this absurdity? This is more drawn out and worse than a manual count. Everything is odd about this election and if the pattern continues, the exit polls may well be off the mark and the final result may take us all by surprise.
The Election Commission is just not up to scratch. It seems to be more concerned about extending beyond its primary brief into other areas including holding press conferences even on days when there really is not much to report. PR is not its first concern. Most critical is that it maintain and update its voters list. The excuses churned out are representative of an inept organisation. ?Logistical problems?…but that?s the job so, for our sakes, do it like it is meant to be done. Quit giving excuses.
The Commission has faulted terribly on its main function and needs to be put to hard and meticulous work in order to rectify this unacceptable lacuna in our democracy. They need to get going because there may well be a mid-term poll! Secondly, if the voter identity card does not give you the right to vote, why have it at all? I don?t need an ID, my passport will do. Those who need an ID can opt for this one or that. Why go through the cumbersome procedures to get a voter?s ID? It is a mindless waste of time.
The other startling revelation during this election period is about the torn social fabric in our country, the uncivilised behaviour and brute-like actions of citizens across the nation. One wants to hold one?s head in shame while watching images of criminality at the hustings. What has happened to this great culture? Where has the ethos gone? Never has an election been as shameful as this one. There has been such a rapid deterioration in our sensibilities where false charges against innocents have become the norm, where true criminality is easily forgiven, where corruption at all levels and of all description is absorbed by leaders and citizens alike. We accept the mire and wallow in it. From the philosophy of non-violence we have descended to a rampant fear of life and living. There has been a breakdown of civility and all norms of a civilised society. Why the need for a temple when we are intrinsically so disrespectful towards each other?
Juxtaposed to this is the visual evidence of torture meted out to the Iraqis by the United States of America. No difference between the US and Saddam. In fact it is worse ? the holier than thou voice of America, lecturing the world on civil society and democratic freedoms, has emerged as the worst oppressor in our world of today. Just think of the reverse scenario ? armies marching into the US to destroy their scary weapons of mass destruction, of which they have many, and other such horrors that they accuse the rest of indulging in. What unrelenting hypocrisy. It is an embarrassing example of what uni-polar power is all about.
And, where is the voice of India in all of this? Why has it not condemned this international, despicable human assault? Till the 6th of May, there was no statement from our government, no condemnation. We cannot be silent spectators. This is far worse and ominous than the dark ages.
A plea to the Congress ? please keep Jaipal Reddy and Arjun Singh away from the media…they always speak out of turn and blow it, blow away all that is positive. On the 13th of May, the final outcome of the general elections will be established and the horse trading will resume. Poor ancient mother India.