My election experience

I called the Khairatabad Constituency voters (in Jubilee Hills area) in Hyderabad (first phase). It has been a wonderful experience for me personally and made a convert out of me, from being a long-time TDP supporter. I almost felt like I was canvassing door-to-door in the constituency, meeting various folks, listening to some of their issues, their struggles, their appreciation for JP garu, their frustrations, so on and on. I also had the opportunity to talk to some veterans who saw many a party come with a lot of promise only to fool them time and again by working for their own personal gains and greed. At the end of the conversation with some of them, I was made to believe I have them convinced to give Loksatta a chance. Then there were some more who didn't hide their affinity to the traditional parties, and said they appreciate JP's work but they have their candidate finalized already.

I must say the most intriguing analysis of the situation in villages was provided by someone I talked to, who summed up thus: It's very difficult for Loksatta to gain a mass following in our villages. In most of our villages, there are predominantly two groups that fight with each other. Political parties support one or the other group to further their objectives. People have to belong to either of those groups for their survival. Getting associated with Loksatta in such villages doesn't help them - as the details of ground reality are much harsher than the ideology we paint in broadstrokes.

In this context, I must also add the following. Although calling the voters and talking them towards LSP was a good feeling, the greatest satisfaction for me came from talking to some of the contesting LSP candidates themselves. I am completely overtaken with emotions listening to their account of the sorry state of affairs for the common man, especially farmers and their plight; the selfless service they rendered for many years before and since their association with Loksatta. It showed me firsthand what a bunch of humble, good minded, passionate and dedicated candidates LSP has in the fray.

If one of the candidates felt ashamed at his inability to see more success in driving people away from money and liquor enticements thrown by other parties, after many years of service and hard work in that direction - we can understand the humility of these candidates. However, the good thing is they see these elections as just another step in their effort to bring about a change, rather than the only means to effect it. They are all determined to move on with their efforts and each one of them serve as a guiding light for me, in my own conduct henceforth.

Swasti!!