Arun Bhatia is contesting the 2009 Lok Sabha Elections from Pune City

RESCUE INDIA FROM CORRUPTION

PREPARE NOW FOR THE NEXT PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS

In 2004, Bhatia, having retired from the IAS (Civil Service), stood as an Independent candidate from Pune and received over 60,000 votes.

For an Independent without the support of any faction this was an achievement at the national level. Most so-called Independents are break away candidates from major political parties.

Many supporters did not vote. Over 8 lakh (52%) of the registered voters did not vote. These silent supporters now see their potential strength and realize we can cut into the system. When they meet they just say two words, "next time". Yes, we can defeat the mafia next time. See the link: "2004 Election Lessons and Audit Report of the Contributions".

The losers are those who do nothing, not those who are defeated. This is the time for anger. A time to commit yourself to good candidates. Not corrupt parties. Enough of analysis and pontification. Somebody has to enter the fray. Support those who do. So do become angry.

Perceptive Indians realize that unless we improve our governance the democratic world will not respect us. Outsiders wonder how Indians function and eat their breakfast like normal people in the midst of deprivation and corruption. Therefore when we vote for honesty it gives us a personality that the civilized world understands.

Our aim was simple. To empower Arun as an MP to organize a citizens’ movement in Pune to change urban governance and the city. One person can easily do this. Arun has been exposing corruption and was transferred 26 times in as many years of service! Reform was to be initiated not through parliament but through citizen participation and judicial intervention.