Of the Citizens.....For the Citizens

The approaching Assembly elections bring to mind how a number of independent candidates at the Parliamentary elections in April 2009 were greeted like a breath of fresh air in the jaded stifling Indian political atmosphere. They were all educated, charming, charismatic people professionals in various fields and would have been the ideal choice of a disgruntled populace frustrated with the existing crop of leaders. But, despite the wise political moves and accurate sound bytes they failed to reach the mark. So now, in retrospect we ask ourselves- Would they have been successful if they happened to be consensus candidates of the citizens of their constituencies?

But for the present, the news that a consensus candidate has been elected by the citizens of the Andheri constituency in Mumbai to contest the Maharashtra Assmebly elections on 13 October 2009 has been greeted with much hope and exhilaration, not only in this constituency but all over Mumbai. It marks a new beginning and a fillip to the citizens' struggle for good governance.

With the electoral victory of Adolf D'Souza, the consensus candidate from Juhu in the BMC elections of 2007, the first step had been taken. Now there is hope that the first tiny step will turn into a giant leap if more citizens group and NGOs follow the initiative taken by the valiant citizens of this suburb. The citizens of Mumbai take this opportunity to congratulate the Jagrut Nagrik Manch, the platform on which, Hansel D'Souza, a popular figure on the cityscape was systematically and publicly hand-picked from among a group of eminent men and women.

Though the whole State of Maharashtra is going to the polls to elect its representatives, for Mumbaikars it is imperative to elect one of their own with love and concern for the city and its people. Mumbai at present is witnessing some dark developments in the legalizing of latest slums leading to the erection of more, citizens being denied the use of public open spaces which are being handed over to private players, the law-enforcing agency being converted into the private army of those in power. It is considered the prerogative of the government to ignore the sentiments of the citizens on these issues though they impact their lives deeply. It is a nightmare to helplessly sit and watch with horror as our beloved city is turning into a garbage dump and a cluster of slums. One sea-link, a few fly-overs, glitzy malls and multiplexes or statues in the sea fail to address or arrest the rot, the underbelly of Mumbai.

Hansel D'Souza needs no introduction in the Catholic circles, but it is the fact that a dedicated activist with a proven love for this city has been chosen to contest the election, is a cause for celebration. Caste and creed is not the criteria for choosing the right candidate, but commitment and hard work is. The fact that he is unanimously elected by the enlightened citizens of his constituency seems to indicate that he fits the bill perfectly.  Media reports speak of his qualifications and lengthy track record in glowing terms raising hopes that a new future is in the making. He has been relentlessly working to maintain the suburb of Juhu for the past 15 years and in the course of his work has reached out to many novice activists throughout the city supporting and channelizing their efforts in the right direction.

By promising to be transparent in his dealings and accountable to the electorate through an advisory committee, this citizen candidate has set a precedent, an alien concept in the corrupt world of Indian politics. Glimpses of his earnest desire to "get the job done" evident in his promise, make Mumbaikars believe that our days of chasing the elusive authorities to carry out the duties assigned to them, are over! Enjoying a clean and green city, breathing pure air and commuting swiftly in comfort may not be that distant  a dream any longer!

Therefore the citizens hankering for a say in the policy making that affects the city should take up this issue seriously and ensure the victory of this People's candidate. What drove him to it is an eye-opener to all of us- "I am sick of doing work which is supposed to be done by SOMEONE ELSE....." Aren't we all?