voting

So we are all finally done with exercising our franchise on Saturday, 12th May, and been through the truly exhilarating ballot counting process and the results. A good to time to pause and reflect on the last few weeks and the run up to the assembly elections. My constituency Mahadevapura saw candidates from the top three parties (INC, BJP, JDS), many other smaller parties (APP, Swaraj, et al) and individuals in the fray. We have many issues in the constituency which is home to many IT parks, the world famous frothing Bellandur Lake, the choc-a-bloc outer ring road and a…

What politicians and political parties think of us urban middle/upper middle class peopleThey look at us as apathetic at best and cynical at worst. So they don't feel the need to engage with us because we won't be a part of any political base that they can build on.What we think of politicians and political partiesIneffective at best and corrupt at worst. It doesn't matter who comes to power because nothing will change for the good so what's the point of voting and helping someone amass wealth and commit atrocities.How does this status quo work for usThis status quo doesn't…

It is election season in our state and in our city. Citizens of our state and city are faced with that important question - who to vote for? I am repeatedly asked this question by many Bengalureans wherever they encounter me - be it my morning walk or when I am out for a social occasion or at work.It is not my business to tell you who to vote for but I can certainly help you understand the challenges that we face as a city and state and pose the questions to the person who will represent you in our…

Rajeev Chandrasekhar is an independent MP representing Karnataka and Bangalore Urban in the Rajya Sabha. In April 2012, he was elected unopposed for the second term with the support of the JD(S) and BJP MLAs in the Karnataka Assembly. He is the founder of RC foundation which focuses on primary education for poor children; and has been at the forefront of raising finances and resources for supporting Tsunami-affected people, Kargil war-affected and defence personnel and rehabilitation of children impacted by the tragic burning of school in Kumbakonam in Tamil Nadu. Rajeev Chandrasekhar. File pic. Chandrasekhar has been looking forward to…

Will living in Bengaluru ever be a cup of tea? Or coffee, if you will? Book launch Saturday, 4th August 2012, at 5 pm, Reliance Timeout, Mantri Mall, Malleswaram. R K Misra, member ABIDe, will release the book. Vatsala Dhananjay, well known lawyer, will talk about things to keep in mind while buying property in the city. In the past decade or two, Bengaluru has grown from a quiet, pleasant place to a vibrant and bustling city. Lakhs of new homes have been created, and millions of citizens from all over India have become part of the city's growing economy.…

BANGALORE SOUTH» Report on debate between Bangalore South candidates, organised by Smart Vote and News9» Comparison chart of candidates at myneta.info Ananth Kumar - BJPFour terms as an MP. Served as a Union Minister for Civil Aviation, Tourism and Culture, Youth Affairs and Urban Development. Age: 50 years; Assets: Rs. 122.06 Lakhs; Criminal Record: None since 2004 * Citizen Matters' interview of Ananth Kumar * Click here for detailed profile. Capt Gopinath - IndependentWith an MBA and degrees from the NDA Captain has working life that includes 8 yrs service in the Indian Army, 17 years in Farming & Sericulture,…

While political parties in Bangalore are campaigning for votes, Vote Bengaluru, an initiative by a constellation of city-based NGOs, organised "a dialogue with political parties" on 1 May 2008. Political party candidates were called in to sign a charter put forth by citizens demanding specific responsibilities and accessibility from politicians. B L Shankar, from Indian National Congress at the mike while other candidates look on. The legislative elections of the state are knocking on the door and all parties are getting ready for D-day. At a time when all parties are usually perceived as out to grab votes, this programme…