"A, B & C of Indian Politics

“A, B & C of Indian Politics”

By

J.L. Gupta

            Elections to the Indian Parliament have been announced. Which party is likely to do well?

The elections to the Legislative assemblies in four states were held recently. If the results are an indication, the three parties that emerge as possible contenders are –

1.                 A – AAP

2.                  B - BJP

3.                  C- CONGRESS

1. AAP -  The party had made its debut in Delhi. The result shows that its members were ‘Able’ to project their ‘Agenda’ and had found an unexpected ‘Acceptability’ with the voters. When asked to form government, the party did not seek anyone’s support. Yet, the Congress, which had performed miserably at the polls volunteered to support. However, the very first legislation introduced by the Government was not passed. The Chief Minister did not attempt to maneuver or muster support. He acted honourably. Resigned and recommended dissolution of the Assembly. During its short tenure, the leader and his party were criticized for their ‘agitational’ approach and called anarchic. The critics forget that peaceful protest was taught by Gandhi whom they call Bapu and whose name they continue to exploit.

We cannot also lose sight of the fact that during the few days of the AAP government, there was evidence of governance. The supply of water in the houses had improved. The dependence on Tankers has become history. At least in certain parts. Still more, there was a visible check on corruption, which was conspicuous by its absence earlier

The party leaders were Accessible; Accountable; Acceptable. No ‘Act’ was passed. Yet, there was action.

It is truly the Peoples’ party.

For the present, AAP should be good as an opposition. It will keep the government on its toes.

2.  B – BJP

             B – Bharatiya; Indian

             J – Janta – People

             P – Party.

            The party got a chance to form government at the Centre. Its performance, particularly in improvement of relations with foreign countries was good. The patriotism of the party and its members can never be doubted. Its protection of national interest can never be suspected. It had reduced the rigor of various draconian laws promulgated during Mrs. Gandhi’s rule and made imposition of national emergency virtually impossible. It has been criticized as being communal. Repeatedly, there is reference to the riots of 2002. Modi, the Prime Ministerial candidate of the party is sought to be blamed. He was described as ‘Maut Ka Saudagar.’

            The criticism is unfair and untenable because:

a.     He has been given a clean chit after thorough probe. The report has been accepted by the court. Congress calls it premature. How& why?

b.     The criticism is not bonafide. It is calculated to cover up the wholly unjustified act of genocide against the Sikhs in 1984;

c.     The ‘Maut Ka Saudagar.’was elected by the people of Gujarat. He defeated his critics thrice and is now giving nightmares to his opponents.

d.     It does not behove Congress, with so many skeletons in its cupboard to criticise anyone.

e.     BJP has done better than its critics in some of the States.

           

 3. C – CONGRESS

C - Corrupt;

            O – Ordinary;

      N – Nationalise – Banks and other national assets.

      G  - Greed & Gloom;

      R - Redundant;

      E – Emergency; Excuse-less;

      Ss’– Scams; scandals; spineless.

The congress was once a party of patriots. It was popular. Then came the fall in values. The dark days of Emergency. Indians were deprived of the right to enforce the fundamental rights by their own government. Now it is outsourcing the responsible jobs (like the PM’s) to the pliable rather than the able. It preferred Smt. P. Patil to a distinguished scientist like Dr. Kalam as the President of India. It has eaten into the vitals of the nation. Today, because of the fall in values, it has reduced itself to a party of parrots. It has been an abject failure in improving the economy; the lot of the poor or the relations with the neighbors.

Even a die-hard congressman shall not be able to justify the failure to resolve the Kashmir problem despite having more than 90,000 Pak soldiers in custody. Failure to fulfill the promises or perform in any sphere stares it in the face. Still, to perpetuate the dynastic rule, the party is projecting Mr. Rahul Gandhi as the Prime-ministerial candidate. Does he know the ABC of anything much less than that of administering India and the Indians?