Left and Right blasted, Centre standing tall
The general elections 2009 brought its own expectations, enchantments, disillusions, and uncertainty. The citizens of the largest democracy had many issues in mind while they decide what best suits there future. Some were responsible enough to utilise the opportunity of making decisions for themselves and the entire nation while others preferred to be 'Pappu' enjoying the spicy political news presented in form of raw entertainment (a feat only our media can achieve) from a distance.
With Election Commission banning exit polls during elections, the analysts and political parties gauged aam aadmi's mind by media reports about daily changing political formations, out of blue statements of netas, verbal duels, and the various permutation and combinations of factors(caste, religion, charismatic leaders and plethora of other local issues) leading to victory or defeat.
This all seemed to be even more fascinating at moments as compared to India's first love Cricket(IPL).
In a country with majority of population having the right to adult franchise being youth, the majority of candidates were well above retirement age. It should come as no surprise that a democracy whose motto is 'Satyamev Jayate' offers a choice of leaders from the from all hues and colors - corrupt, opportunist, communal, selfish, criminal, and illiterate. After all, its a free economy, consumer should have choices.
As is the case with IPL, people do not know until the last few minutes as to which team is going to win, no one could tell with surety who is going to come in power. Nevertheless, the exit polls after the elections predicted a hung assembly with the UPA taking a slight lead. But the complexities of elections are too difficult to understand even for ace mathematicians. A little swing in vote percentage can change the whole story. With NDA trying to gain allies, it seemed that the fight to gain power at the centre would go long after the elections are over.
Finally the day arrived. People watched, glued to the TV, as the trends and results kept changing faster than electronic meters on the News Channels. Not a surprise, meter and voting machines are both electronic !
Within two hours, it was clear that UPA was leading and by afternoon it had become known that the margin of victory was significant. While L K Advani's dream of becoming a PM were quashed, Congress got a sigh of relief with its exceptionally good performance. It came as a life-saver for Dr Manmohan Singh who became the second after J L Nehru to retain office for the second term. Left's bastions were conquered. Congress was able to destroy the hegemony of Left parties in West Bengal and Kerala with the help of local allies. The decision of going all alone in UP and Bihar helped Congress as it gained a significant 21 seats in UP. Rahul Gandhi, as usual was cheered by the party leaders who saw him as the PM. They calmed down only after one of the most influential ladies, Sonia Gandhi declared Manmohan Singh would remain the PM choice. BSP's desire of becoming the kingmaker and Mayawati's dreams for getting the Delhi throne did not come true at least in these elections. The Third Front vanished as quickly as it was formed. Influential Regional Satraps in the two mainstream parties helped improve their party's tally.
It became clear that the Left and the Right have got blasted while the Centre stand tall ....
The implications : Indian Corporate sector hailed the victory as a mandate for development and a stable government; L K Advani wished to resign as the Leader of the BJP; Congress dreams of revival as the young scion Rahul Gandhi aims to bring intra-party democracy.
A time of celebrations for those who won. A time of introspection for those who lost. A time of expectations for people of India who look forward to the new government ...
But the path ahead is not laden with roses. There are problems in our neighbouring countries. India will have to deal very cautiously and proactively even as China tries to extend its sphere of influence. The recession is not a thing of the past. Internal security, naxalism are issues to be addressed. Farmers are still committing suicide. A large number of people still live below poverty line. Crimes have been increasing year-by-year. Development, prosperity and harmony will not be easy to achieve but it is what the billion strong country expects.
Finally a word on China and India. We see China growing at a faster pace than India. China would be happy about it. But they should remember that we have achieved this growth in spite of an uncaring government. If we had a government with strong political will and development as main agenda, one can wonder what India's progress would be.
I think now is the time.
With Election Commission banning exit polls during elections, the analysts and political parties gauged aam aadmi's mind by media reports about daily changing political formations, out of blue statements of netas, verbal duels, and the various permutation and combinations of factors(caste, religion, charismatic leaders and plethora of other local issues) leading to victory or defeat.
This all seemed to be even more fascinating at moments as compared to India's first love Cricket(IPL).
In a country with majority of population having the right to adult franchise being youth, the majority of candidates were well above retirement age. It should come as no surprise that a democracy whose motto is 'Satyamev Jayate' offers a choice of leaders from the from all hues and colors - corrupt, opportunist, communal, selfish, criminal, and illiterate. After all, its a free economy, consumer should have choices.
As is the case with IPL, people do not know until the last few minutes as to which team is going to win, no one could tell with surety who is going to come in power. Nevertheless, the exit polls after the elections predicted a hung assembly with the UPA taking a slight lead. But the complexities of elections are too difficult to understand even for ace mathematicians. A little swing in vote percentage can change the whole story. With NDA trying to gain allies, it seemed that the fight to gain power at the centre would go long after the elections are over.
Finally the day arrived. People watched, glued to the TV, as the trends and results kept changing faster than electronic meters on the News Channels. Not a surprise, meter and voting machines are both electronic !
Within two hours, it was clear that UPA was leading and by afternoon it had become known that the margin of victory was significant. While L K Advani's dream of becoming a PM were quashed, Congress got a sigh of relief with its exceptionally good performance. It came as a life-saver for Dr Manmohan Singh who became the second after J L Nehru to retain office for the second term. Left's bastions were conquered. Congress was able to destroy the hegemony of Left parties in West Bengal and Kerala with the help of local allies. The decision of going all alone in UP and Bihar helped Congress as it gained a significant 21 seats in UP. Rahul Gandhi, as usual was cheered by the party leaders who saw him as the PM. They calmed down only after one of the most influential ladies, Sonia Gandhi declared Manmohan Singh would remain the PM choice. BSP's desire of becoming the kingmaker and Mayawati's dreams for getting the Delhi throne did not come true at least in these elections. The Third Front vanished as quickly as it was formed. Influential Regional Satraps in the two mainstream parties helped improve their party's tally.It became clear that the Left and the Right have got blasted while the Centre stand tall ....
The implications : Indian Corporate sector hailed the victory as a mandate for development and a stable government; L K Advani wished to resign as the Leader of the BJP; Congress dreams of revival as the young scion Rahul Gandhi aims to bring intra-party democracy.
A time of celebrations for those who won. A time of introspection for those who lost. A time of expectations for people of India who look forward to the new government ...
But the path ahead is not laden with roses. There are problems in our neighbouring countries. India will have to deal very cautiously and proactively even as China tries to extend its sphere of influence. The recession is not a thing of the past. Internal security, naxalism are issues to be addressed. Farmers are still committing suicide. A large number of people still live below poverty line. Crimes have been increasing year-by-year. Development, prosperity and harmony will not be easy to achieve but it is what the billion strong country expects.
Finally a word on China and India. We see China growing at a faster pace than India. China would be happy about it. But they should remember that we have achieved this growth in spite of an uncaring government. If we had a government with strong political will and development as main agenda, one can wonder what India's progress would be.
I think now is the time.
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