Barack Obama emerged victorious in race for the White House defeating Republican John McCain in a keenly contested and keenly watched elections as decisions and policies of US President effects vast majority of countries in the world.

The charisma and resilience of Obama has influenced quite a few in recent months and he is seen as someone who can really take tough decisions in this recession period and at the same time work for the people who have elected him. He’s seen as someone who is very much clear about what he’s out to achieve, whether its economic policies or military issues.

The other day there was a debate on one of news channel about ‘Is India Capable of Producing Obama in 21st Century’? Well till today there are very few politicians in India who really are leaders by true means and have set an example for people to follow their ideology.

I really doubt that in current political scenario where National Parties ( Congress, BJP) have lost significant ground and with emergence of regional parties, whether even a leader of magnitude of Obama can implement his policies and take country to road of progress and prosperity.

It is very easy to criticize others but very rarely we appreciate policies of , for instance Manmohan Singh. We look for an Obama outside but when we have an Economist and intellectual person like Manmohan Singh in charge as PM, we don’t appreciate his efforts.

With Left as a coalition partner for majority of term and so many regional parties as UPA constituents, its close to impossible to implement populist policies which benefit people on the ground.

In a country where opposition has to criticize government policies, whatever it may be, how is development possible? It’s same whether Congress lead UPA is in opposition or BJP lead NDA. National parties have a responsibility to lead nation on path of development but both parties are often so much involved in criticizing each other, that they forget the responsibilities they have towards the country. Even if parties fulfill 80% of electoral promises, it will do wonders for the country.

Regional parties threat of pulling support over petty issues don’t help either. Every party thinks of its political interest keeping country prosperity on the back burner. How John McCain addressed American people after the poll results and promised full support to Obama just signifies what USA means to them.

Rather then looking for Obama’s in the country, Election Commission should streamline the political system and political parties should play their part by weeding out corruption and make sure they keep their selfish motives behind and once we do that we have enough leaders who can fare better than Obama.

There’s need for a greater awareness at grass root level( i.e. villages which are still too distant from prosperity). There’s need to provide proper education so that they can contribute to nation development. There’s need to take stern steps to control population which in turn leads to poverty and illiteracy.

Not only that, economic policies won’t make much of an impact if its doesn’t reach rural India. Industrial development will make little difference if Agriculture sector is neglected. All these issues is just tip of iceberg. Each of us are aware of these problems (we read about it in school in class I) but no one wants to take initiative. Voting day is taken today as a day when one can relax and be at home. Every citizen has a part to play in country’s development as well as downfall. Which path to choose is our choice.