Dated: 07 May 2009
Advisory to “Vote” was the last Weapon We Had
Dear Friends
1. There have been lot of comments on the Advisory issued to vote and support BJP/NDA in the Lok Sabha Polls. Both positive and negative comments have been received. While everyone has the right to his/her views, yet where interests of whole segment of society is affected, the individuals should go alongwith the Majority.
2. In the instant case injustice against the Defence Forces is a stark reality. Successive Govts have lowered our status, izzat and emoluments for the past 62 years. The Nation was governed by the Congress/UPA for 52 years. 6th Pay Commission did the biggest harm. The serving Chiefs represented twice but till date, demands put up by them and serious anomalies have not been addressed. The demands of ESM were not even looked at, leave alone considering them. At this stage, constituting another committee of secretaries on OROP is yet another ploy to mislead the ESM.
3. Our demand of OROP was unceremoniously rejected by the UPA Govt giving no valid reasons and on unethical and flimisy grounds On the other hand BJP has accepted our demands and has included it in their manifesto to implement OROPs within 100 days.
4. When all other methods had failed to make the Govt respond to our genuine demands, we decided to use the “Vote” as a weapon to achieve our aim. To make this weapon effective, it has to be used unitedly, otherwise it would yield no results. It was with this aim that an Advisory was issued. Friends under the circumstances what is wrong if we suggest to our Defence personnel to Vote unitedly and show our “Power of Vote” to get our interests looked after? It should be acceptable to all of us being legitimate democratic right. If we have to exercise our vote, we must be politically conscious of the system to enable us to vote efficiently, effectively and decisively. By doing so the Defence Personnel do not become politically aligned. It cannot be called politicisation of Defence Personnel. Even if it is so, the Govt has forced it upon us. We are only being politically wise. However, it needs to be understood that while casting your vote, if you find that particular candidate is not worthy enough or is a criminal, corrupt, dishonest etc, you may use your discretion in that case.
5. If we want to be heard and if we want justice to be given to us, then there is no other way which will work (Atleast for now based on our Indian scenario) but to be United and with “one voice” demanding justice. Defence Services will have to become strong segment of society to get justice in the democratic process.
6. So please evaluate the Advisory in the light of above and you will notice that it is only the interest of Defence Personnel which has guided us to issue such an Advisory as ONE TIME TESTING. Had the UPA Govt accepted our demands, there would not have been any necessity to issue such an Advisory. We are becoming only wiser to survive in our democratic society.
7. Friends let us stop commenting on the Advisory and Unite. Let us Vote effectively, Unitedly, and decisively in favour of the party which has committed in writing to grant OROP within 100 days.
With regards,
Jai Hind
Yours Sincerely,
Maj Gen (Retd) Satbir Singh, SM
Vice Chairman Indian ESM Movement
Mobile: 9312404269, 0124-4110570
Email: satbirsm@yahoo.com
