Verdict

The verdict of 2009 General Elections shows that Indian voters have really come of age. The message is clear that they can no longer be taken for a ride as some politicians have long assumed. During the past two months of 'election season', it was well evident from the internet-chat-rooms and message-boards that many voters, particularly the youth, were not happy with many of our politicians. They are fed up with the old-fashioned politics of machiavellian-tricks and chanakya-tantras. The need of the time is a politics of honesty, integrity, transparency and accountability.
The ascendance of Rahul Gandhi gives them a renewed hope. He was instrumental in the resurgance of Congress party in the North and among the youth. He energized his cadres, giving them a new vitality and getting rid off the old complacency.But there are a few critics who highlights his inexperience,naivity and even shyness as a drawback in politics. Another group who blames it on 'dynastic-politics'. But infact, when it comes to areas that concerns with power - ie. business & politics - dynastic succession is a blessing. And it is Rahul's naivity and shyness that sets him apart and makes him particularly appealing to the youth. They thinks that he is one of them.
Another hallmark of this election was the drubbing of Left and Rightwing parties.With their aging leaders, these parties were unable to keep track with the changes of the times. They are still clinging to their out-dated ideologies, which has originated in Europe where they themselves have discarded it.They failed to realise that in this 21-st century, even a child is well aware of his/her rights and hates talking down to. On the other hand, Gandhian ideals and principles are increasingly gaining acceptance world wide.