My Suffrage Debut

30th April 2009! My finger did the talking as promised as I exercised my franchise, my right to vote for the first time! My vote was sealed in the chips of that electronic voting machine for the first time. My vote will be counted, my voice will be heard, my opinion will matter. Such is the beauty of my nation's democracy! I qualify to cast a vote only on the credentials of turning into an adult just like every other Indian! We are the largest democracy and we are witnessing one of the largest movements of history, the Great Indian General Elections and I am privileged to have played my role successfully.

I may argue that my duty was somewhat tarnished by a small blemish in the voters' list because my name appears twice in the list but the fact remains that my middle finger of my left hand now bears the indelible ink like every other voter in Maharashtra (the index finger in the case of other states). Better than not having your name in the electoral roll.I am also proud that I was a part of that enthusiastic troupe of young first time voters! I had decided to reach the polling booth at 7 am when the polls opened but unfortunately I woke up late but reached the polling centre by 8 am. Excitement and thrill was written all over my face as I lined up in the queue waiting for my turn to vote! And then came the moment of glory as I presented my voter number slip and passport to the polling officer who verified my photograph and crossed my name off the roll indicating that I had come to the polling booth to vote. Then came the turn to ink my finger (my favourite part, I have always dreamt of this moment when the indelible ink would be applied to my finger for the first time). I presented my index finger but was requested to present my middle finger since the State Election Commission had ordered all polling centres across the state to ink the middle finger to avoid confusion due to recent Zilla Parishad elections. I almost performed a jig after getting the line of ink along my nail.

Then came the main act of 'voting' where I went behind the cubicle after attempting to enter the cubicle from the blockaded side! A quick glance at the symbols and a quick pressing of the button and a satisfactory and loud beep. That was all I had to do and I exited the polling centre gleefully.

I wish more voters would have been as excited as me and my friends this time. A poor 40-45% voter turn out is dangerous for a democracy. It spoils the very essence of having an adult suffrage! Shame on you people who didn't vote although your name appeared in the list. You have committed an unpardonable offence of ruining your own future by not making your vote count. Now do not complain and crib and hold candle light vigils for the next 5 years for whatsoever reason because you have simply lost your moral rights to do that. As Mr.Advani rightly says, voting should be made compulsory! All those arguments about we being a free and liberal country are utter nonsense because we exist due to democracy and not voting is like destroying our own foundation. Innumerable men and women laid down their lives so that we could live in this free country and have fair elections. Vote in order to honour their martyrdom. The need to make voting compulsory shouldn't arise because all those peabrains must realise that voting is a holy and patriotic duty but alas our countrymen are experts when it comes to tendering illogical arguments.

May all those who didn't vote although they could have(i.e. their name was included in the list) face severe consequences. I suggest that they must not get their salary for the month. Voting day comes along with a weekend but it won't harm you if you first vote and then travel. As the famous quote from the legends of Shivaji Maharaj goes

"आधी लगीन कोन्ढाण्याचं , मग रायबाचं ."

said Tanaji Malusare who bravely sacrificed his life for his king and land before his son's wedding. There is still time to rectify things. The assembly elections in October! And Mumbai, if you still don't vote in October then it will be disgraceful, an absolute shame. Be proud of yourself and show me the ink mark on your finger in October and I'll personally congratulate you for being a true son of the soil! The voting in my constituency was 46.48% for the Loksabha elections. I am praying for an impossible 84.64% for the Vidhan Sabha.

Till then enjoy the vibrant democracy and remember to convince yourself that ' I WILL VOTE, FOR MY COUNTRY BECAUSE THE COUNTRY COMES FIRST BEFORE EVERYTHING ELSE! I WILL VOTE BECAUSE I AM EMPOWERED TO DO SO AND BECAUSE MY VOTE COUNTS. I WILL VOTE BECAUSE INDIAN DEMOCRACY IS INCOMPLETE WITHOU ME. I WILL VOTE BECAUSE I BELIEVE THAT TRUTH ALONE TRIUMPHS!'