The largest democratic excise in the world is again upon us. As we prepare for the General elections,2009 more than ever before the entire political setup is in flux. The largest parties have failed to get their act together and are sown by infighting and unreliable allies. We have a third front who have come together without any common agenda but just ti flex their muscles and make themselves relevant nationally.
India entered the coalition era when the congress lost it's foot hold and the appeal to the grand old party got waned in the popular mind. The first test of the third front was the Janatha Party led Government in the 70's which for the first time ousted the Indira Gandhi led Congress which at the time was resented by the people for the infamous emergency. But that experiment did not last long and the people again returned the Congress to power led by Indira Gandhi. After the death of Indira Gandhi, the mantle of power was taken over by her son, Rajiv Gandhi. Later the experiments of Coalition politics through up leaders like V.P Singh, Chandrashekar, Devi Gouda and I.K Gujral who due to the contradictions of the political parties did not last long as the Prime Ministers.
The political process and evolution by which the contour of Indian history has been significantly changed over the years. Congress which lost it's relevance as a national party and the BJP the principal opposition has to rely on the regional parties to cobble together enough seats to form a government at the centre.Now a small analysis of the three major political forces now entering the battle for the Elections,2009:
CONGRESS
The grand old party of Indian politics with a legacy of 120 years, still relies heavily on the Dynasty to pull them through. Could not ever create a credible leader base which can fight out with out the charisma of the Nehru-Gandhi Dynasty. Going to battle with the anti-incumbency factor weighing heavily against them with many unreliable allies including the NCP sitting in the wall to jump to the other side. Heavily dependant on the kitchen cabinet. The strength is that they have a strong second rung leaders. Banking heavily on Rahul to pull themselves through
BJP
Probably the weakest at the time, dogged by internal rivalry and factionalism, ditched by key allies and dithering on the tracks, hugely counting on the Charisma of Advani to get them the power. Advantage has that they have a strong bank of leaders for the future like Narendra Modi and others who shall ensure the revival of the party. BJP should understand that they are ruling not just Hindus but India as a whole which also includes Christians and Muslims. My choice of the party, the recent Social Policing by affiliated elements has tarnished the image of the party. Should work hard to regain lost support of the middle class.
THIRD FRONT
The reg tag coalition of 10 odd parties with 8 Prime Ministers waiting in the wing, bound to be a non starter from the beginning. Greatest weakness is that no single party has a national base and national agenda, come together just to ex cert the influence nationally which shall not last long. Constituents shall become the king makers of which ever coalition comes to power.
Generally it is predicted that the elections of 2009 will not throw any majority for any party. Political instability is bound to arise but with it will be the evolution of politics in India to a more mature phase.
ASPIRATIONS OF A CITIZEN
The ordinary citizen seeks a Government that is just their cause, bring social order, work for common good of all, is not communally biased and bring security to all. Should take steps to elevate the sufferings of the poor. Sounds too Utopian, but such a day will surely come some day.
As an Indian Citizen, it is our bounden duty to make sure that only the best are elected to the Parliament. Nothing comes in a day. But let us make a beginning. Exercises your vote judiciously and elect only the best.
