Arjun (A) — Prabho! I am sorry, I could not meet you during Diwali; nor could I return your calls. I was so busy!
Shrikrishna (S) — What kept you so busy – even after your extended tax-deadline? I thought, you would be relaxing during Diwali.
A — Actually, I have a few assignments of transfer pricing. Most meaningless exercise! Nothing but deceiving oneself.
S — It may be true. But having accepted the work, one should do justice to it.
A — That is manageable. Actually, my main engrossment was our Institute’s elections.
S — Are you contesting? Nobody told me.
A — No, no… that’s not my cup of tea. I would prefer to remain away from politics. I have many other worthwhile things to do.
S — Good. But then what are you busy with? Where are you running?
A — My friend is standing for Central Council. Poor fellow, he lost his deposit last time even in WIRC elections. Why is he attempting Central Council – God alone knows.
S — But didn’t you advise him?
A — They don’t listen to such advice. I think, even there, there is some dirty politics or some ulterior motive which I will never be able to understand. And he is insisting that I should run along with him everywhere! Including outstation. I have to do it out of courtesy.
S — He must be spending quite a lot! Printing of brochures, posting them, etc. – a massive exercise. And expensive too!
A — Most important is, it is wasteful. And about our members – so called voters – the less said the better!
S — Why? Are they not interested?
A — Interested? Most indifferent. As good as illiterate.
S — Don’t tell me! Very strange!
A — Many of them don’t even know what is Central Council and what is Regional Council. They don’t even know what is the term of the Council. Many believe that the election is directly for the post of President.
S — Do they at least know who is the President?
A — I am doubtful about that also. You will be shocked that during the last election, the percentage of invalid votes was also high.
S — That means they don’t even know how to vote. But you circulate all instructions. Don’t you?
A — Of course, yes. But who bothers? They just throw all such letters into dust-bins! Many in industry are least concerned about Institute. They don’t even take membership.
S — What do these Council members gain?
A — Very few are sincere and dedicated. They don’t have personal agenda. But many of them do it just for publicity, position, public relations. The fact is that they have time and money to spend.
S — That means there is not much difference between our public body elections and your professional elections!
A — You said it! Many candidates spend so lavishly on publicity. Real talented people cannot afford it. They either remain away from the whole activity; or very few good people win it purely on merit. But the situation is worsening.
S — A nd what about their preferences? Do they vote judiciously?
A — Ha! Ha! Ha! – They go by caste, community, language and all such factors that exist in general polls.
S — Oh! That’s very sad.
A — I ndeed, disgusting. All those who have never met you before, suddenly develop so much affection! And they abuse the electronic media – cell-phones, whatsapp, facebook, email! One gets mad. And in that process, even good communications of genuine candidates are overlooked.
S — There should be greater regulation and close monitoring. Printing and stationery is a national waste! I think, we should discuss issues of ethics pertaining to such candidates and representatives.
A — I agree. But now it is too late! We will do it later. Bye. I need to go on my friend’s campaign. Remember, his serial number is 25. Do tell your devotees who are CAs. Please!
Om shanti !!!!!
Note
The above dialogue is intended to reflect the harsh reality of our Institute’s elections. It’s high time that we, particularly the voters, rethink about the whole process of election.
