Making The Right Choice In The World’s Biggest Election

Making The Right Choice In The World’s Biggest Election.

(Written in free verse)

Today, India is a polarized nation. 

Several narratives exist, 

True or false.

Not knowing which is which.

The Right .vs. the Left. 

The BJP .vs. the Congress. 

Development .vs. Stagnation.

Hindutva. vs. Secularism.

Facts and falshoods,

Truths and accusations, 

It sometimes feels like,

living in an Alternative Reality.

Choose any narrative, 

you name it, you have it.

Nothing has been left out in this war,

for winning hearts and minds.

There are two sides, 

pitted against each other,

with carefully chosen issues to,

resonate with a gullible nation

And they are both,

trying their best,

to drag the nation,

into their chosen narrative.

Yes, it looks like many,

have decided their position. 

They seem to know what they want,

or what they have been told to want.

It's not just a nation divided, 

but friends are divided, 

neighbors are divided,

and families are divided. 

Being on the right side is now,

a debate for the breakfast table, 

strong opinions of family members,

on why their side is the right side.

But what if you are a centrist? 

What if you don't believe in either? 

or you don't agree with the ideology 

of either party? 

What if you want more than what's available,

and less of what’s on offer,

What if your choice is,

not available on the menu? 

If so then, how should you choose?

It's definitely an option to vote,

a third choice, a fourth or a fifth.

It's also an option to not choose, 

and just stay home. 

You could spoil your ballot paper, 

be counted as a voter,

but not counted,

in anybody’s camp. 

You need to remember that,

your vote is your voice. 

Your right of choice,

for your choice of right.

If many choose the third, 

it's a way of giving signal,

to the political establishment,

they haven't earned your vote. 

It's a signal to new politicians,

that there is enough support for,

a new third, with potential,

to capture your aspirations. 

That third side, 

if it doesn't yet exist, 

can be given birth,

by you exercising your vote.

If you don’t do something,

this circus will continue,

until either they are gone,

or you are, whichever first.

Don’t waste your vote. 

Choose your new side. 

Perhaps choose two oppositions,

Just choose wisely.