Yesterday I would be among many who was overjoyed by the verdict of Supreme Court. From next assembly election an option " None of the Above" is going to be in Voting machines. That means I as a citizen of India can show my dissent if I am unsatisfied with the candidates in my constituency.
Though there are loopholes in this judgement as there is no clear indication on what will happen if " None of the above" percentage is greater than the percentage got by the winning candidate but still it is beginning well made.
Our politics is criminalized to such an extent that an ordinary citizen cannot aspire to get fair governance in our country. Elections are like 5 year rituals. There are only 2 options before the voter. Either to vote the least evil among the candidates of abstain from voting. A lot of middle class people choose the second option as they feel their votes dont count and whatever they do nothing will change. A sense of betrayal by all parties are heavily felt.
None of the above gives an option to such people who are abstaining to raise their dissent. And I feel every Indian should use it to show dissent. Once we get the results of what percentage of people in each constituency are going for " None of the above" it will pave way for more electoral reforms. So next elections if you have a dissent dont hesitate to show it. You can do it anonymously. Doesnt matter still a wrong person get elected. Doesnt matter percentage of dissent is low. Dont ever think what difference my dissent will make. Remember the proverb " Each drop of water makes the ocean" . Similarly each voice of dissent will count in the long run. Only the voices of dissent can force our politicians to move away from caste and religion based vote bank politics. Only the voices of dissent can make them accountable and do something to improve overall development of our country. Only the voices of dissent can make them afraid of their positions.
So next time in the elections dont abstain. If you dont feel like voting for any party you have the option of choosing " None of the above". Exercise the power thrust in your hands. Let us all together take the first step to get a clean and accountable governance from our leaders.
