Is Delhi better than Mumbai? - A Daily Download

Is Delhi better than Mumbai?

Sukumar Ranganathan - Thursday, May 07, 2009 6:36 PM

 

That's my finger. I voted today -- the choice was quite simple really; I simply voted for the candidate who took the trouble to meet me and tell me what he plans to do if elected -- and, according to the Election Commission, so did one out of two Delhi-ites.

That number is much higher than the 41-44% turnout seen in Mumbai, despite the general perception that the terror attacks of November would see the city's residents turn out in huge numbers and vote. In 2004, the turnout in Mumbai was 47%, almost the same as in Delhi that year. 

What this means is that voter turnout in Delhi has gone up since 2004. 

I moved to this city almost 12 years ago. It isn't my favourite city in the world but it has become home and I have always felt that it doesn't  get a fair deal -- especially  from residents of Mumbai and Bangalore. For the record, voter turnout in Bangalore this year was 51%, down from 62% in 2004. Oops!

I know, merely voting in an election doesn't mean you know how to interact  with women or what right-of-way means, but surely, it does count for something?

So, while Mumbai might have flipped India a bird, Delhi has let its finger do the talking. 

 

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5 Comment

From Pankaj

May 7, 2009 10:27 PM
Voting means that you at least care about the future of your city, you care about who is going to run the city, and who is deciding the future of your city. Delhities have proved it that they do care about the future of their city.

From Karan

May 9, 2009 12:45 PM
Not really. People can bring out change by doing good for society rather than just voting. You can be a criminal who votes or be someone like Ratan Tata who doesn't vote. As Yogesh Chabria says that most politicians just want people to be poor and uneducated. Instead better to do something for society rather than just having a black dot on your finger.

From M K Jain

May 10, 2009 11:00 AM
In case no single party is able to form the government, which is, it appears, very likely, whatever promises any candidate has made will be of no much use. It will be the new agenda, which may or even may not be implemented. Nitish Katara's mother has rightly pointed out that no party has paid due attention to security of the people at large. It is the fundamental right of the people to live, which, in fact, has not been given due attention by any politician.

From Charu

May 12, 2009 4:12 PM
You're right Sukumar...Delhi doesn't quite know how to treat it's women, but it is much more aware of it's political rights and duties. I was in Delhi for the weekend from Mumbai and voted with my parents. Despite the heat, the polling booths were full of people and the general air was of optimism and hope. I wish there were more young people though! Still, it was gratifying to see democracy in action - fully equipped polling booths located close to voter homes, helpful paramilitary personnel and the media campaigns that, for a change, espoused a useful cause. I really think everyone cynical about democracy should get out there and cast their franchise instead of complaining so much. It is an eye opener!

From Deepak

May 14, 2009 8:29 AM
Hi All, yes delhi is more better & more safer than mumbai. Regards, Deepak Sachdeva.

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