And for a Friday after the Elections Results of the world’s largest democracy, some thoughts….. some musings…..
India has demonstrated why she is considered the most successful world’s largest democracy. Almost twice the population of US, voted in this election. Statistics are staggering. 650 million Indians from ages 18 to 103 voted over a 6 weeks period in 7 phases, in a most peaceful and organised manner. Electronic voting machines backed by VVPAT machines (Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail), 1.05 million polling booths; each booth caters to a maximum of 1500 people within walking distance from the voter’s homes, some polling booths inside thick jungles of Nagaland and some on the highest mountain ranges in the Himalayas. Election Commission of India, drawing on its wide Constitutional powers, had drafted 15 million Govt. Employees all over the country. More than 4 lakh vehicles, 1700 air sorties and 135 trains moved security personnel in a well coordinated way. Finally thanks to the country’s enormous Tech power, the ECI declared results for the 543 Lok Sabha seats across the country in just one day. Hats off to all those who made this possible.
Proof of the pudding is in the final outcome. A peaceful transition to a new regime. Yes, PM Modi has been selected to lead the country by the winning NDA (National Democratic Alliance). But Modi 3.0 will symbolise continuity with change. That’s the astonishing capability of the Indian voter and of the Indian system. In a master stroke, the voter has voted back Mr. Modi as PM but as an alliance, keeping his party at a mammoth tally of 240 MPs, but gets the right to govern the country only with the support of 52 other members from many different political outfits. India’s plurality and diversity on display. Not much will change in the Economic, Defense, External affairs or Internal Security. The policy directions of the country will remain the same. The quick rebound of the stock markets stands testimony. But at the Societal and Political levels, lots will change, with federalism to the fore.
This election has further strengthened India’s position in the World as a stable fast growing dependable democracy. Let’s all bask in the optimism, the rightful way, the sustainable way, the SEEGOS way.