Why are elections suddenly important?

I don’t know if it has anything to do with the mushrooming of news channels or the sudden urge to exercise their political franchise, but elections are more of a talking point this year – which may not be so good for politicians, who have thrived on keeping a certain section of the populace at home on election day. It was seen as infra dig to vote – but there is the realisation that we are being governed by people whom we do not really know, or trust.

Jaago re pioneered the concept of the voting among young people but there is a momentum building among independents, marginalised constituets and the middle class that their voice is not being heard. That they will continue to be on the fringes until they dive in to the rough and tumble of Indian politics if they have to change the way the country is run. Towards that end, Manmohan Singh represents the voice of reason – a man admired as much for his intellect as his ability to hold his own among leaders around the world.

It will be good to see a leader emerge from the middle class – and see if it makes a difference to the way our country is run.