Salute to Democracy

SALUTE TO DEMOCRACY



There has been a complete turnaround of public faith on Congress & its

allies in the recently concluded Indian Election 2004. The ruling BJP has

generously conceded defeat and prime minister Vajpayee has resigned.



The largest democracy on earth is massive in every scale. There were more

than 700,000 polling stations across the 2,973,190 sq km landmass and

ofcourse millions of voters among total population of 1,065,070,607 (2004

est.). It's amazing that India has managed the election well and with the

introduction of electronic voting system, the whole process become more

transparent, quick and trouble free.



It has become evident that the Indians opted for secularism. The ruling BJP

was confident to win with the facts that they have achieved the phenomenal

GDP growth (above 10%) in last quarter and ice of the relationship with

Pakistan has been breaking. But the people showed that they want the growth

not only in some private sectors and higher-middle class Indians but spread

across the whole population. Significant improvements in the aspects of

poverty, malnutrition, education are still needed among a large portion of

population.



The fact is that BJP conceded defeat rather graciously and without hues &

cries and bloodshed, they have furthered the growth and democracy in India.

As Vajpayee has said:



" BJP has lost but India has won."



Certainly, Vajpayee should be remembered for his contributions in this

enormous transtion of power.

And we, in Bangladesh hope that our political leaders learn from this so

that we can show political maturity and expect this to be replicated in our

country.



For more indepth analysis of the Indian Election, read Jivha.