Dismal Voting in Mumbai

Today, in the third phase of General Elections 2009 and the last phase in Maharashtra, Mumbai recorded only about 45 per cent of voting. Only seen in large numbers were the celebrities, politicians and the Bollywood stars. And why not, they will only be grateful for the bonus doses of publicity.

There was total apathy from the common man. Maybe because of the fact that their problems remain always. Or maybe because of the soaring mercury. Or maybe because of the casualness of the Mumbaikars who like to plan weekends with this extra holiday on account of election.

But the terror trauma of 26/11 may be the real dampener too.

Most urban places of Maharashtra had poor turnouts and moderate polling in the rest. Many other states of India too recorded pathetic turnouts. This may really be ominous in terms of the possibility of a hung parliament.

Indian democracy at the crossroads?

Over to Super Over Cricket!

Cricket lovers get into frenzy as more and more fours and sixes are hit. Cricket traders aim at delivering the maximum packages of fours and sixes to maximize their revenues.

Thanks to IPL-2 the super over rule is full of exciting possibilities.

Just think of the scenario. Every team is given one over to set a target for the opposite team. This can be called a super over. The team, always stocked with 11 players whatever the overs given, will go all out to hit maximum number of fours and sixes in those six balls barring no balls and wide balls. With six balls the target can be as high as 36. The opposite team will again go desperate to attain that target.

Benefits are astounding. A whole championship can be played in just one day saving precious time and optimizing money spent or earned. Super ads can be fitted in between every ball—at least five slots for each innings of one super over. Even test matches are possible in this format. Four innings of one super over each. An ideal day out with high voltage entertainment. Rains can no longer be a spoilsport because as per the D/L method one ball each can decide the match. There will definitely be time for playing one ball, no?

Cricket lovers are happy, cricket traders are happy. What more you want!

Election Heat!

Second phase of India’s General Election is over. Voting is still around only 55 per cent with some places in urban Maharashtra recording a pathetic 40 per cent and thereabouts.

General Election 2009, devoid of issues and waves, is not able to generate the heat and the momentum so far. The only heat palpable is generated by nature reflected in rising mercury in the range of 40 degree Celsius plus in most places. Experts are saying that this unbearable heat is acting as a clear dampener for prospective voters.

If Indian democracy can be stopped by mere heat God help us!