Francois states, "Thus, democracy in India has been hijacked. It takes a fortune to be elected. Politicians, elected by and for the people, once they are locked in the ivory tower that is Delhi, forget all about the people."
When in the last 50 years were the politicans in Delhi concerned about the people they represented? Does anyone really believe that Indira, Moraji, Rajiv, et al did much good?
Older people like to talk about the "good old days," of the 1950's. Let's compare 1960 with 2005
Literacy rate: 1960: 20% 2005: 61%
Per capita GDP (in 2005 $PPP) 1960: $800 2005: $3,700
Annual Population Growth Rate: 1960: 2.4% 2005: 1.4%
Average Annual Real GDP Growth Rate: 1950-80: 3.8% 2000-06: 7.0%
