After extensive research at Oak Labs, we believe we have discovered the secret of success in politics. It revolves around the simple concept of “Us vs Them”. The key to getting a mass following, winning elections and being a popular leader lies in the ability of the politician to clearly define an “Us vs Them” pattern.So throughout history and in all walks of life, the successful politician always has a clear understanding of who ‘Us’ is and who ‘Them’ are. It is the ability of the politician to convey this understanding that decides how successful he or she is. Here are some examples of Us vs Them. Rulers vs Natives, White vs Black, Democracy vs Dictators, Indian Cricket vs Aussie Cricket, Locals vs Migrants, Secular vs Communal, Believers in a Faith vs Non-believers, Underdeveloped vs Developed Countries and so on.

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What’s the difference between the prime minister’s speech on 15th Aug 1947 and 15th Aug 2007? What’s the difference between the president’s and chief minister’s TV addresses in the 80s and those in 2007? The content and the speakers sure have changed, but there have been no changes in the medium of delivery. While technology and presentation mediums have improved dramatically, government and political addresses are still consistently delivered in a dry boring format. In their current form, these speeches would be watched only if the nation is going through some crisis and people are looking for direction from the leader, a la Mussharaf in a troubled Pakistan. However at other times, I wonder how many countrymen would watch for more than a few minutes….

(Cont…Click the scanned article image on the left). Published as part of my column for the Maharashtra Herald that’s published on alternate Saturdays )

An article about how and why city administration should use new age mediums like the internet to communicate with citizens and manage the city.

Also a quick look at the recent PMC scheme about including citizen suggested projects in the city budget for 2007-08.

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The PMC recently invited development project proposals from the public. These projects were to be considered for inclusion in the PMC budget for the year 07-08. I checked the PMC website egovpmc.com for the necessary form, but the site was a disappointment. I later attended a meet on the topic organized by the Grahak Panchayat. The team of enthusiastic oldies volunteering work for the Panchayat provided more information and the requisite form.

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The Congress led by Suresh Kalmadi and the NCP led by Ajit Pawar had both promised the electorate that they would not join hands with each other post elections, as they thought the other party was responsible for the ruin of Pune.

The electorate voted under the impression that they won’t come together post election. However like the stereotypical politicians in Hindi movies, both the Congress and NCP now seem keen on coming together in an attempt to grab power. The same leaders who had indulged in extensive name-calling are now on the verge of forming a coalition. You should soon see statements saying that they have come together “For the development of Pune” or “To keep communal forces at bay” or “Our high-command said so” or some such corny line.

While poiliticians continue to behave in this fashion, one can’t really blame the masses for losing faith in Indian democracy.

Law College Ward No 56

1. Vikas Matkari/Mathkari [BJP] - 2810 votes
2. Sham/Shyam Satpute [Independent] - 932 votes
3. Vaijayanti Patwardhan [Congress] - 652 votes
4. Audumbar Khune [NCP] - 420 votes

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In the 144-member Pune Municipal Corporation, no party could muster absolute majority.

1. Congress managed 35 seats down from 61 in the previous polls.
2. The NCP got 42 seats,which is almost double the number last time.
3. BJP bagged 25 seats
4. Shiv Sena 20 seats
5. Raj Thackeray-led Maharashtra Nirman Sena managed to get 8 seats
6. Independents (14)

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Had called up the number stated on Dr. Vaijayanti Patwardhan’s election leaflet.

Here’s the Q&A with Mr. Sanjiv Patwardhan as regards Congress candidate from Law College Ward, Dr. Vaijayanti Patwardhan’s stand on various local issues -

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egovpmc.com has been updated and it now provides for voter search. It however links to another site called pmcelection.com for the search. PmcElection.com in turn links to a site zpsatara.gov.in if you try to get voter details.

So things are a bit messed up but at least it works. Congratulations to the PMC for e-enabling the voter list.

• EGovPmc.com PMC Election Page
  
• Search Voter List (English)
• Search Voter List (Marathi)

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1st of Feb is poll day for the Pune civic elections. I have been going through manifestos, leaflets and other material provided by candidates in the Law College Ward Pune. However I am still very much a marginal voter.

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Wards 56 & 67 mohalla committee has set up a platform for candidates contesting the pune corporation elections. Each candidate will be given 5 minutes to outline his/her development plans for his/her ward.

• place: kamala nehru park
• date: january 24, 2007
• time: 5:30 p.m

The mohalla committee has a google group at http://groups.google.com/group/5667mc

I wasn’t aware of the existence of such a mohalla committee, but this attempt at providing a common platform for candidates is surely a commendable undertaking.

I hope there’s a good turnout and no fist fights at the meet.