"India is seen as a soft state allowing corruption, violence and mal-administration to thrive. After decades, major unresolved issues relating to poverty, illiteracy, poor health persist," they said.
"The feeling is growing that if the present trends continue, these could lead to social disorder, and even serious threat to democracy...
"We urge the citizens to exercise their valuable votes with care, to elect a government which will lead us to a new path of rapid development," said the appeal issued by former Cabinet Secretary T S R Subramanian and Ex-CAG Vinod Rai among others.
The upcoming elections provide an opportunity for an alternative approach to development to the people of India, the appeal said.
"The nation needs a strong, able leadership to deal with the challenges facing our polity...
"It is essential that we all facilitate a stable government and bring in leadership with experience, the appeal said urging the citizens to vote wisely," it said.
The group included T S Krishnamurthy, former Chief Election Commissioner, Ved Prakash Marwah, former Governor of Manipur, Mizoram and Jharkhand, senior Supreme Court advocates Fali S Nariman and Soli Sorabjee.
You’ve hit your limit of 5 free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Access to Exclusive Premium Stories Online
Over 30 behind the paywall stories daily, handpicked by our editors for subscribers


Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share


Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor


Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements


Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app