Look, the BMC elections are taking place on the 21st of February. There are 227 seats up for grabs, and 2,275 candidates (Yes, we said 2,275. You read that right). According to the final list, there are 13 political parties battling it out to fill out these seats. The campaign trail so far has seen major events being hosted and considerable promises being made by the Shiv Sena, Congress, BJP, MNS, NCP, BSP, Samajwadi Party, and Hyderabad-based first-timers AIMIM - but you probably knew all this already, so what does it all mean to you?
If you've ever complained about your area's infrastructure, facilities, transport, or open spaces, you've got your answer. Mumbai needs to do better, but in order for that to happen, the city's citizens need to recognize their political power and assert it. After all, do we really need another candidate that proposes those silly no-selfie zones when they can devote that time to creating legislation that allows for better garbage disposal or dividing funds towards well-maintained playgrounds for our children to play in?
The BMC receives one of the largest budgets in the nation, but we can rarely see those funds transpire into real change for our city. If you want to observe those rupees being used to fill up the pothole you always seem to trip over, or aid the city's municipal schools' poorly preserved classrooms, merely complaining about the issue will no longer do. If we, as Mumbaikars, don't uphold our responsibility of acting as agents of change by voting, we cannot expect any real developments to occur.
As the corporation appoints the mayor, deputy mayor, and a number of commissioners, it would be helpful to be aware of each party's manifesto before casting your vote. We get it, that's a lot of drudge work. Who really has time to look through so many pages of mostly-boring policies? But remember - not casting a vote at all could mean another five years of inefficiency and ineffectiveness. I mean, come on, we really don't want another fifteen hundred or so days of e-tendering and road repair scams.
The future belongs to those with voter IDs. So make sure you're registered to vote, tell all your friends, and finally… Vote!
Take-Away: > Election Day is 21st February, 2017. > Voting is a responsibility that ensures the BMC's efficiency. > Voting encourages accountability, rather than apathy and disregard for our city's well-being. > We cannot expect the BMC to run effectively if we don't keep the corporation in check as citizens. > You should be an agent of change and vote!
Boss, Get Out and Vote!
Every vote counts!
Look, the BMC elections are taking place on the 21st of February. There are 227 seats up for grabs, and 2,275 candidates (Yes, we said 2,275. You read that right). According to the final list, there are 13 political parties battling it out to fill out these seats. The campaign trail so far has seen major events being hosted and considerable promises being made by the Shiv Sena, Congress, BJP, MNS, NCP, BSP, Samajwadi Party, and Hyderabad-based first-timers AIMIM - but you probably knew all this already, so what does it all mean to you?
If you've ever complained about your area's infrastructure, facilities, transport, or open spaces, you've got your answer. Mumbai needs to do better, but in order for that to happen, the city's citizens need to recognize their political power and assert it. After all, do we really need another candidate that proposes those silly no-selfie zones when they can devote that time to creating legislation that allows for better garbage disposal or dividing funds towards well-maintained playgrounds for our children to play in?
The BMC receives one of the largest budgets in the nation, but we can rarely see those funds transpire into real change for our city. If you want to observe those rupees being used to fill up the pothole you always seem to trip over, or aid the city's municipal schools' poorly preserved classrooms, merely complaining about the issue will no longer do. If we, as Mumbaikars, don't uphold our responsibility of acting as agents of change by voting, we cannot expect any real developments to occur.
As the corporation appoints the mayor, deputy mayor, and a number of commissioners, it would be helpful to be aware of each party's manifesto before casting your vote. We get it, that's a lot of drudge work. Who really has time to look through so many pages of mostly-boring policies? But remember - not casting a vote at all could mean another five years of inefficiency and ineffectiveness. I mean, come on, we really don't want another fifteen hundred or so days of e-tendering and road repair scams.
The future belongs to those with voter IDs. So make sure you're registered to vote, tell all your friends, and finally… Vote!
Take-Away:
> Election Day is 21st February, 2017.
> Voting is a responsibility that ensures the BMC's efficiency.
> Voting encourages accountability, rather than apathy and disregard for our city's well-being.
> We cannot expect the BMC to run effectively if we don't keep the corporation in check as citizens.
> You should be an agent of change and vote!