272+ @ 2014 Elections

With the country slated for general elections in 2014, political parties are busy gearing themselves for the grand event. The election mode turned on, a move by any major political party is bound to be seen in context of wooing the electorate. Onset of this political atmosphere also brings enough fodder for every responsible citizen of India to get engrossed. This fever can only be expected to rise and become more political in the process of build up to 2014. 

For many years now, Congress and BJP have been the major national level political parties. The others are regional parties. But India being a multiparty country ensures enough strength of the latter, both in terms of number and also the impact on the political landscape. But still the general election in India has always been a battle between the Congress and the BJP. This time around on menu is Mr. Narendra Modi and Mr. Rahul Gandhi. Although their names haven’t yet been declared officially, there is no stopping the media and the social networking sites in breathlessly showcasing the 2014 election as a showdown between the two.

Despite towing his controversial image Narendra Modi is the choice of BJP because of his popularity and his much advertised Gujarat success. On the other hand Rahul Gandhi who is although not that expressive on public forums emerges the best man for Congress. He being a youth icon (somewhat, mainly for his age) and most importantly being the Gandhi scion explains the choice. Supremos of certain regional parties expressing their ambitions of becoming the next PM is frankly  perceived by most as a dream which is least likely to come true. Thus Modi vs. Rahul Gandhi is what most of us are anticipating for. Polls on ‘Who is the better PM?’ or ‘Who will be the next PM?’ are often conducted by media and networking sites. 

But the election is more than just the individual Modi, Rahul battle. The real contest is between their armies (their political parties). The scenario is different from other countries like US where two candidates engage themselves in epic debates to persuade the electorate in voting either of them directly. In India we elect a Member of Parliament from each constituency. This choice is mainly dictated by local issues of the constituency. So because of our decentralized election process the question-who will be the next PM, may not find that much importance at the grassroots (constituencies). A recent poll conducted by a news channel showed NDA getting 158 seats, UPA 132 seats and other political parties getting 253 seats. This is where the collision of coalitions comes in the picture. Both NDA and UPA cannot reach the magical figure of 272 without joining hands with regional parties.

Today’s national politics is heavily commanded by coalitions. Nitish Kumar withdrawing support from NDA on issues with Modi was a big blow. His party JDu willing to support UPA on terms of Centre conferring special status on Bihar will be a big game changer. Recently when Sonia Gandhi tried to intervene in the Durga Shakti Nagpal’s affair, Samajwadi Party threatened to withdraw its support in passing UPA’s Food Bill in the Parliament. Given the importance of the bill for UPA, it’s the coalition that will prove the most decisive. 

The country is currently disarrayed by the Manmohan Singh government. Dissatisfaction is brewing in minds of many people as UPA has failed on many fronts. Comparatively Modi who is more active, communicative and well connected with the public holds an edge. Success of Gujarat development backs him. For many who want actions and commencement of development Modi government might be the best choice. But Modi who is often called a ‘one man army’, someone who doesn’t entertain opposition needs to induct that flexibility for harnessing successful coalitions. His alleged involvement in 2002 Gujarat riots has always proved to be a big blot. It continues to be a major impediment on his way to fulfill his national dreams. Like many people (especially minorities), many political parties might think twice before they support NDA. For them the extra Hindu votes might not be good enough to compensate the loss of Muslim votes. The image of Modi has been blown so much out of proportion that BJP/NDA has become synonymous with Narendra Modi. That is where NDA lands itself in troubled waters. 
For its success BJP can’t allow Modi become something which is more than the party itself. Then only people who are sceptical about Modi can vote for BJP freely. But coming full circle the question remains the same, will Modi’s projection as BJP’s prime ministerial candidate provide that freedom to such people.

Let us all vote and wait for the 2014 general elections to unfold. 

Regardless of what the result will be, Indian electorate as always will try to choose the best from the available alternatives which it thinks will steer the country to further milestones of development.