Measurable Change

The Plan of Action meet held at the Captain Gopinath’s campaign port on the 20th of April saw his promise of the Citizen’s Committee take shape. The meeting set down a paved path of journey for the coming days and made clear that definite steps would be taken and not talks weaved around to blind us.

The talk of tackling corruption was one of Captain Gopinath’s POA from the beginning. The concept, I agree, is a noble one. But I had always wondered how it could be tackled. Hearing him talk gave me some grounding to this query. Captain Gopinath talked about the political bureaucracy and the inane division of power that existed within. He spoke of how decisions were made by politicians based on their own discretion and not one that followed a judiciary law. I completely agree with this statement and d feel that this is what gives way for corruption in our system. He proposes to start a process of change in this power allocation in the parliament.

I liked the idea of the committee being formed by people who have made their mark in the society in terms of contribution. The fact that all decision making is done in true democratic fashion gave me hope that this would be a real representative platform for the people.

Another snippet of interest is his idea for passing a bill, which if he is elected an MP he could, of proposing the concept of introducing a presidential government, like the American system of governance over the Westminster system that still existed. This had possibilities of taking on a new system of governance for India that could probably prove to be more effective for its one billion boom of population. Captain also touched upon the other relevant issue of creating jobs in Bangalore and to be honest, this is one area I have feel he could excel at. He has already created a huge job forum with all his business ventures. He talked about how he could use his database to make this possible faster.

The common factor I think that is responsible for the huge following and blind trust that a lot of people place on Captain Gopinath is the fact that he has showed us what he can deliver. He hasn’t made any impossible promises. He talks a language that rings true with the need of the hour. On the whole, the press meet was meaningful and answered a lot of the questions that were floating around.

Captain Gopinath's POA

How many of you attended the meet? View videos of the meet at YouTube. Please feel free to share your comments and ideas.

Citizen’s Committee

I had heard Captain Gopinath talk about forming a Citizen’s Committee, a platform that will genuinely represent the frustrations and aspirations of people and deliver real time results. I took in the whole thing with a pinch of salt and assumed that this idea would never see the light of day and would get shelved like all the promises political leaders make do.

Bangalore's first Citizen Committee addressed by Capt.Gopinath

I was taken aback when I read about the Citizen’s Committee formation meet. I went for the meet armed with questions I am sure everybody had about the committee, its functionality and its structure. The forum was christened KITES – Knitting Indians Together for an Empowered Society. The meet was held to address some of the key concerns and questions of people regarding the forum.

1. Can ordinary people participate? How will the forum entice them to?
2. What will be the issues?
3. How will the issues and decisions make a difference at a political level?
4. Who will lead the committee?

These were some of the concerns I was looking at also and they were all addressed.

The committee would comprise of people from all walks of life. This wasn’t going to be one of those forums that included people who were just in the ‘who is who’ list. Business people, IT people, Advocates, Agriculturalist, Home-makers; the member list would be wide and represent people across all pockets, communities, caste and creed.

The issues that would be dealt with will range from local to state to national to global concerns and not limit itself to just a corner. In order to deal with such a huge framework of concerns the committee will have pockets of people tackling different sorts of issues; a proper division of labor.

Captain Gopinath was very clear when he said that this committee would be a decision support system for him to effectively represent the citizens. So there would not be just one leader, but it would function in a way where there would be multiple leaders so that all points of views are fairly represented.

The advantage of KITES would be that if elected, the Captain would be able to put forth Bills that are formed based on people’s concerns and issues at a government level. Another point that was raised that I found interesting was that people’s interest would only be caught if the issues dealt with are ones close to their hearts. And with such a wide range of members, a lot of issues would be covered. The Captain also made it clear that there would be a lot of people not on the committee, but who also needed a chance of being represented accurately. For this, the committee would reach out and find out the issues of these people and voice them at meetings.

The basic structure and functioning of the committee got established here at the meet. I understood the Captain’s point when he said that the actual functioning of it was still steps away, but at least the process was underway. Also visit his website www.votecaptaingopi.com for more details on the Citizen’s Committee.

People, this is a wonderful opportunity for all of us. We really need to step up and make sure it runs the way we want it. What are your thoughts and comments on it?

There is a Plan of Action meet being held at the Captain’s Campaign Office at 6 Pm today to put into place and strengthen the structure of the committee further. More questions will be answered there today regarding the committee.

THE CHOICES ON THE PLATE

This election has seen very interesting dimensions in terms of candidates. We have the usual flavors in terms of parties; Ananth Kumar for BJP, Krishna Byre Gowda for Congress and Prof K E Radhakrishna for JD-S. Refreshingly, we also have an independent knight championing a cause for change, Captain Gopinath.

The last 16 years has seen Ananth Kumar in power. The promises have been the same; development, welfare of citizens and so on. What real change have we really seen? People losing jobs, unprecedented communal violence, our women being harassed and attacked…

The young, dynamic Krishna Byre Gowda. I read an interview on him with Mid day dated 8th April’2009. When questioned on the constituency shifts seen he replied,

Don’t you think you are changing constituencies too fast?
Not my fault. I started my political career as an MLA representing Vemagal, in Kolar district, five years ago. Now, it is reserved. I had to move to Byatarayanapura in Bangalore for last year’s assembly elections. The high command chose me to contest Parliamentary polls from Bangalore South, and that’s how you see me here.

(URL: http://www.mid-day.com/poll2009/2009/apr/080409-Krishna-Byre-Gowda-Bangalore-Youth-Party-Candidate-Interview-Elections-Poll-2009-Youth-Power.htm)

It made me sit back and wonder if his candidature is one out of his interest to represent Bangalore South or one simply dealt out to him by the ‘High Command’. Do we really need another disinterested party representative who holds closed shop politics as a party puppet? There is no doubt about the fact that he is young and capable. But is it too early to take on the monumental responsibility?

The JD-S candidate has been pretty below the radar so far. Captain Gopinath is my pick of the lot. Someone who seems to actually want to stand as a People’s representative and who has proved his worth over and over again. It is time for change people. We desperately need someone who will pull us out of this rut of bad governance and take charge. What do you all think? Check the Captain’s website. It has all the details and updates on his activities.

Communal chaos in India

The church attacks were the most shocking news I was faced with in the past few months. India’s pseudo secularism had reared its ugly head amidst us citizens. The incident that started out in Kandhamala in Orissa was seen making its way over the nation. We saw Punjab, Kerala, Karnataka fall victims to its violence. It struck me speechless that people could attack other people in the name of religion. Religion is such a personal belief and how can one be prosecuted in the name of a system, whose basic foundation roots on tolerance and peace? And does it help to have political parties staging their drama over this and using it as a tool just to cash in on more votes? One evil after another and leaders who thrive on the nation’s downfall. When are we allowed a respite?

This is where I strongly believe that choosing a right candidate becomes a responsibility that should be a foremost priority for all of us. Amidst all the regular party offers, there is one person, Captain Gopinath who has taken up the responsibility to start a movement for change. Shouldn’t we giveS him a chance? Do you all feel as I do, that this person could actually lend a voice to all our frustrations? Send me your responses and queries.

The Great Debate

I have been following the TV coverage of all the debates and talks by candidates and parties with avid interest. After having been subjugated to the pantomime of ridiculous mud-slinging and immaturity displayed by national representatives, it was a pleasure to watch the debate between the electoral candidates of the South Bangalore constituency held at Infosys. From the sense of humor they each displayed to their gentlemanly conduct, these were men who gave meaning to the word ‘leaders’.

They each talked about subjects ranging from their mandates to individual contribution to their opinions about each other. I was hooked when it came to topic of what they have achieved so far and what they aim to look into if elected. This is where I feel, the people are given a choice of picking who they want to be represented by. Ananth Kumar spoke about his ten point action plan for Bangalore which to me sounded like a feasible change. Krishna Byregowda elaborated on his vision of a “clean, green and vibrant Bangalore.” Radhakrishna gave his POA regarding promotion of education. Captain Gopinath spoke about the Citizen’s Committee which would take on issues of communalism and corruption. I enjoyed the array of choices offered that was as varied as interesting.

The ‘independent candidate’ Captain Gopinath made a strong and fresh impact. To me, his disassociation with political parties enforced his association with the citizens; a true democratic front. I feel that a Citizen’s Committee addresses the urgency of situations that need immediate decisions. For more details on the debate and the topics discussed take a look at the videos on http://www.youtube.com/user/votecaptaingopi.

The Citizen’s Committee formation will take place tomorrow at the Jain College Auditorium between 4 and 6PM. This could answer queries on its functionality and effectiveness for a lot of us. So I would suggest a quick drop by.

My Dad – A change maker

The first thought that comes to my mind when I think of my father, Captain Gopinath, is that he has always taught us, his daughters, to dream big. But I don’t think anyone else has the drive to make big dreams happen as he does. He changed the way we travelled. Now, I am confident he will change the way we live.

The whole campaigning process has been a challenge to all of us. We have been racing against time. But I believe, that cyber space and media technology has offered us an amazing platform to reach out and connect with the people. We intend to make complete use of this. A website covering all information and updates on him, a facebook account, an orkut account, youtube links showing videos, a flicker page with photos of all his activities, blogs; we are ensuring that the public is harnessed with all the latest information on him. After all, the whole point of this campaigning is for the citizen’s to have complete access to him.

We all need to come together to safeguard our future. In a democratic nation, we are offered the golden spoon of freedom; the freedom to choose what is right and change what is not. So I ask you all to come forward and take part in this vital movement for change. We need each and every one of you to take part and shape this vision of a ‘New India’. I ask you all to go to our website and sign up to volunteer. We need all the talent, time and interest you have to offer. Please write in your comments, ideas and concerns. An ongoing conversation with all of you is what will make all of this vibrant and purposeful. The website link is www.votecaptaingopi.com.  The other links are available in the website. Do take a look at them.

Is an Independent candidate effective?

It has always been a matter of debate and one of the most common questions asked while I have been campaigning. What change can an independent candidate bring? Can he even think of succeeding when he has no party backing and no political influence so to say?

 

There have even been well- meaning posts by independent MP’s like Rajiv Chandrasekhar shedding light on the fact that if there has to be a change it can only be brought about by means of joining or supporting a party.

 

I even came across people who said, “You are a good person captain and we would like to support you, but as you are an independent candidate you won’t win and we don’t want to waste our vote.” Fair enough. I am happy that they are at least sure that they will vote this time and that it is going to be an informed decision. We even put this question for discussion on Twitter and got some interesting responses.

 

 

 See more comments on www.twitter.com/CaptainGopinath

 

Yet I couldn’t shrug the vivid images of people coming up to me and telling me they believe in me. Spontaneously donating money to support the campaign because they believe they want a change. Air deccan had fulfilled their dream of flying and today they believed that a new promise was being made and it will be fulfilled.

 

However, this set me pondering that if being an independent candidate is such a big handicap after all. What is it that I cannot do if I am representing my constituency of Bangalore South as an independent?

 

I think answering what I can do if I win as an independent is far more simpler, considering the other side has already been debated for so long.

 

1. I don’t need political parties backing if I have to use my MP funds effectively.
2. My vision of creating and implementing a Citizen’s Committee can work far more effectively because only the committee and the discussions that would ensue there would guide my decisions to finally vote on crucial matters. I will be coming back to my constituency and my people to understand their thoughts and then vote.
3. I won’t have to listen or be dictated by the so called party ‘High commands’ in Delhi.
4. I won’t be shackled by political dictates which might not always integrate with my ideologies.
5. As I won’t be in power after appeasing a certain community or being backed by a certain lobby I could dedicate far more time/effort and energy in bringing about a constructive change & progress. I won’t have to continue pleasing them once in power as it won’t be them but ‘YOU’ who gave me the power.

I believe individuals with leadership quality create an effective party. A party cannot create effective individuals or leaders. Leaders who believe in transforming and evolving the society and not dividing it based on regional or communal politics.

The choice is yours – Either vote for change or suffer the politics of policies that might rupture the social fabric in the coming decade. But remember this election ‘VoteYouMust’

 

A TRUE LEGACY OF INDIA

This year’s Lok Sabha elections show an interesting selection of candidates standing for our votes. I find Captain Gopinath the clear forerunner in terms of mandate, plan of action and the way he has tapped into the power of mass media to reach out to people. I have taken a look at his website www.captaingopnath.com and it proved itself to be a very informative source, giving regular updates on his schedule, new videos on him, pictures, blogs and so on.

It struck me that the legacy Captain brings in with him is one no other candidate can live up to. His is one that connects him with all sects of the society; the urban educated class, the entrepreneurs, the rural farming class and the youth of today. He has the moral fiber and confidence to stand as an independent candidate and not sell out his principles by joining a party. As a Captain of the Indian Army, he served time defending the fabrics of our nation. As a sericulture expert, he contributed to the farming sector of India and as the founder of Air Deccan his contribution to the common man shone through. One man’s many contributions to our nation. And he still continues to strive to do more for India.

We need to give him a chance to lead us to a new India. What is your say about him? Think he can make it?

A constructive change

Captain Gopinath, an independent candidate for the South Bangalore constituency talks about his plan to form a Citizen’s Committee where people can access him and voice their problems and changes they are looking for in the government. This is quite different as it will see true interaction and decisions that are made by citizens and not far-fetched decisions made by political parties.

As citizens, we need to have details about all the candidates to be able to make a well thought of decision before we cast our vote. I believe that an independent candidate stands a better chance of governing the country effectively than political parties do. We have been faced with one disappointment after another so far. This is an opportunity to change all that. So I throw out the question,’ what do you all think about this and what changes do you see that needs to be made for Bangalore?’.  Chip in your ideas folks.

Riding the bus with Captain Gopi

The videos on the bus ride with the Captain interacting with students were unique. It is so good to see a candidate who is actually walking amongst the people getting feedback instead of someone who seems untouchable. He seems to have a very deep insight into today’s job scene and hope that he delivers his promises as he is undoubtedly capable. We need more candidates like him who are independent and can make decisions based on the importance of the crisis and not be caught up in never ending party conflicts.

I asked myself after watching the videos what the problems were that students faced regarding the system of education and what their fears were about their future job scenario. Could people please start leaving their opinions about this issue and we can get the queries answered by his forum. The video link to the bus ride is http://www.youtube.com/user/votecaptaingopi