A Knotty Affair : Election 2014

The prospect of witnessing a fiercely fought general election in 2014 between two largest political outfits with Modi and Rahul at their respective helms, had been considerably dampened with the drubbing of congress in the recently concluded assembly elections held across four states. The reluctance of congress in apportioning the blame of defeat to its would be knight had many pundits seething in exasperation and suggesting that revival of party fortune could come about only if Rahul takes a backseat and the likes of Scindia and Pilot are thrust ahead as campaign managers. Atleast, this way one would know where the accountability lies. Humbly accepting the verdict, Rahul again threw the hat in the ring by announcing an impending restructuring in the party, stressed on establishing a connect with masses the Kejriwal way and promised unimaginable slew of measures to put his party back in reckoning. No matter how incredulous this may sound, the palpable exuberance of the nation to ascertain who shall triumph when these two political honchos lock horns, has once again rekindled. This has been stoked by reports that Congress could probably anoint Rahul as Prime Ministerial candidate in the AICC meet scheduled on 17 January, 2014.

Dubbed as having a finger on the pulse of masses through his sojourns across the length and breadth of rural India, knowing their problems like the back of his hand and heir apparent to self proclaimed pro-poor party, Rahul has repeated failed to win over their allegiance especially after 2009 despite rolling out flagship programs like MGNREGS, Food security bill etc. The most predictable reason offered for poll debacles in U.P. and other states is attributed to lack of organizational structure and need to build up strong cadres. Well, If Rahul being the chairperson of Youth congress for several years could not fill up the structural vacuum and mobilize his cadres in such long span, the party overhaul he wishes to implement just four months prior to election 2014 certainly seems a tall task and not without further widening of fissures between young blood and old vanguards.

 

Unfortunately, congress has lost ground in few southern pockets that once were its strongholds for taking a call on contentious issues. Andhra pradesh, which for years had been a congress bastion would prove very difficult to redeem owing to bifurcation of the state and emergence of rival faction YSR congress which enjoys immense sway in the coastal region of Andhra and expected to leave congress way behind in electoral fray. On other hand, in Tamilnadu, DMK has decided not to get into a pre-poll alliance with Congress after facing rather tumultuous experience at their hands in 2G scam with Raja and Kanimozhi landing behind bars. Others who walked away from the coalition include TMC and MIM, further reducing the choice for congress in scouting partners for support and with anti-incumbency being a huge factor this time around, a comprehensive rout seems imminent.

While the expediency and volte-face in approach adopted by initiating dialogue with Anna or requesting different party's for extending support in passing Lokpal bill is appreciable, the skeptics see it as too little too late. Rahul certainly is attempting an image makeover by voicing opinion notably on supreme court ruling on Gay rights, trashing ordinance for protecting convicted MPs and MLAs from disqualification etc. But, the critics never for a moment cease to forget his disposition of maintaining stoic silence on issues of national/international importance, reticence to media interactions and not giving an insight into his mind . Though he could still cover his tracks gradually in coming months, the most discomfiting and loaded baggage of corruption that UPA-2 is leaving behind wouldn't be easy to shrug off from public memory. The long list of scams(2G, Commonwealth, Coal Gate, Aadarsh etc) resulting in huge loses to state's exchequer, are so deeply entrenched that nation seems in all likelihood made up its mind to bequeth power to BJP.

This assumption would be too far fetched since their road to forming a government is not sans glitches either. Securing an absolute majority without a strong presence in southern states and hindi heartland of U.P. which sends largest number of MP's to parliament is virtually impossible. Stiching post poll alliances for BJP shall be a litmus test as they stand alienated by Nitish's JDU to whom rally around a polarizing figure and PM nominee like Modi is now untenable. Other regional forces harping on secular credentials wouldn't associate with right wing plank having a seemingly divisive agenda. Barring AIADMK and TDP, there is no inkling of a slant towards BJP from other formations. Thus, cobbling up requisite numbers to stake claim will be an uphill task unless the Messiah of development and torch bearer of progress for middle classes, manages 180 plus seats on his own steam. Attempt to realign with Yadurrapa's party who was made to quit on charges of corruption, an issue they have been Chastising Congress for, smacks of dual standards on principles that they themselves find hard to hold onto.

 

The growth and development story of Gujrat certainly is Modi's crowning glory, but the hyperbole surrounding it has repeatedly been dismissed as Gujrat was always a flourishing state even under the congress regime. The soaring popularity on social media among the youth, yet another aspect that he gloats about was also busted by the Cobra Post sting exposing Tech companies managing Modi's campaign in exchange for money by creating false identities. The halo around Modi factor hasn't had any profound impact on BJP's performance in Delhi as AAP managed to garner the vote share of congress and formed the government despite being second largest party. Major credit for their stupendous run in Chattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan was ascribed to good governance by incumbent Chief Ministers and anti-establishment vote respectively.

 

Though Modi has been relentless in addressing rallies to make the campaign more aggressive, many opine that he has reached the crescendo pretty early. Does one know Modi's vision for India? Political, economic and social agenda of BJP should form the crux of his discourse and swing the public opinion in their favour, rather than scornful personal barbs. What is most disgraceful is the crass tone he employs in criticizing the opposition and some of its prominent leaders in his nasal twang. Certainly, his demeanour lacks the persona that dignified and graceful Leaders are made of.

 

The ensuing general elections 2014 would baffle the nation in choosing between Rahul - Inexperienced, idealistic enigma who has shunned responsibility all through and owes his candidature for the top job to family legacy and Modi - an authoritarian leader with third tenure under his belt as Chief minister of Gujrat, carrying a blemish of Godhra riots which he cannot wish away and regarded as panacea of all problems facing the country by some sections of society. Neither of them fit the bill for premiership. A fractured mandate with BJP emerging as the single largest party is a distinct possibility. As one congressman put it, Congress could well take their badly bruised image and despicable performance in assembly elections as an opportunity to introspect, revamp their party and rise like a phoenix whenever subsequent opportunity (beyond 2014) presents itself. Perhaps, it is their turn to play constructive opposition and scoff at every instance BJP falters, with a wry smile.

Strong Ethics Alone Can Stem the Political Rot

Scrupulous conscience that refuses to buckle in any circumstances is paramount to a person’s character while traversing a path connected with public life. Sadly, the current state of affairs, reflect a total paradox and erosion of moral values has become a deep rooted menace to eradicate. Across the spectrum, political groups are fraught with individuals who jump onto the bandwagon of politics either clamoring for power or with covert intent of making it a lucrative career option. These misplaced ideals have overshadowed the true essence of being an elected representative which places upon them a mandate of discharging selfless service aligned to aspirations of their constituencies and thereby steering the party agenda ahead. India’s model of multi-party democracy has thrown up numerous factions over the years, mostly having regional identity and few mainstream groups with a pan India presence. Thus, convergence of diverse ideologies in an era of coalition politics is another challenge that has ruffled many a regime.

Ideally, parties with similar leanings and common minimum program that come together to form a power equation should scrape by. But, discord and disagreement over major policy issues between ruling party and their coalition partners keeps government on tenterhooks with a perpetual fear of losing majority. This is a fall out of striking balance to stay afloat both in their regional backyard by pandering to the vote bank and at the centre, though at the expense of country’s detriment. Recent example of this trend in UPA’s second term is Trinamool Congress, having opposed crucial initiatives like FDI in retail, Pension reforms, Lokpal bill etc on domestic front and curtailed the signing of Teesta water treaty with Bangladesh. The Leftist (CPI) too played truant when it came to passage of nuclear bill and withdrew support during the first term.

Apart from anguish of keeping the coalition intact, there is a bigger albatross around the neck to contend with, the principle opposition. Their task, instead of playing constructive role has acquired new dimension of adopting any skewed approach to usurp power. Acting in cahoots with groups having diametrically opposite ideology to scuttle passage of bills, scouting for sticky issues to put the government on the mat, demanding resignation of key cabinet ministers who dig into nefarious designs of their cadres, withholding party views and indulging in double speak on important issues has become the prescribed code of conduct.

Yearning to be back in power is perfectly legitimate but the means of getting there should not be spurious. Shrill pitched anti-government rhetoric can well be replaced by demonstrable good governance in opposition rules states, progress card of development reforms could be brandished, welfare schemes that benefited masses be highlighted among a plethora of issues, to stake a credible claim to power. But to nation’s dismay, elections have become synonymous with slugfest, appeasement of minorities by spiking up reservation percentages to garner votes, playing up communal card over disputed sites and what have you.

There are host of burning issues that need redressing on priority, like improving literacy rate, reduction in prevalence of malnutrition among children where India stands among the highest in the world, alleviation of poverty etc. Fragile ethics and obsession with power politics has culminated in unprecedented corruption. Big ticket swindling in 2G and Commonwealth games, has mired the decision making process at the bureaucratic level owing to fear of being hauled up for even a miniscule act of omission. This upheaval that India has plunged itself in, has pushed real issues into oblivion. It just doesn’t suffice to be counted among most sought after emerging economies and sustaining growth rate of 7-8% in a period of economic gloom the world over.

Progressive vision that embraces social, economic, law and order issues should encapsulate the agenda of any political outfit which in turn lends to well being and welfare of entire nation rather than a particular section of society. That’s the fundamental purpose of politics from layman’s point of view, though it is a relative thought and might have numerous others connotations in present times. The prerequisite to replicate this definition in practice requires quelling the narrow political considerations, looking beyond fulfilling personal agendas through corrupt practices and cleansing of conscience.

The Indian polity has to do some serious soul searching. Unless it realizes social and moral responsibility and reinvigorates itself with a genuine desire to serve its citizens, the fabric of largest democracy runs the risk of being reduced to tatters in the coming years.

Absolute Surrender Down Under

The ongoing series against Australia has reiterated that Indian team deserves to be few notches below the Numero Uno rank, they once briefly held. The last defeat being their seventh consecutive loss on foreign shore in last six months is certainly not an aberration rather an affirmation of the above fact. Any side that aspires to dominate the game in five day format has to have a blend of quality batsmen and bowlers who can adapt to different conditions and surfaces quickly, pile on big totals for their bowlers to bundle out opposition twice in a game. This dexterity for a batsmen comes with an exquisite technique to cope with pace, bounce and spin.

While our bench strength has improved, now that we have atleast couple of names who can try and fit in the slot that exit of Indian batting trio (Sachin, Dravid & Laxman) would create, the breeding ground of these successors still remains the docile wickets that hardly test the ingenuity of a player. The standard of domestic cricket stands exposed when youngsters are blooded into our national team and made to slug it out against fiercely competitive opponents who outperform them in all department of the game. Change in domestic structure alone would not suffice unless the turfs on which our budding talent plays are revamped to create a level playing field for both seamers and leather hunters. There ought to be more overseas fixtures with other cricket playing nations especially for India A and under-19 teams to give them exposure in terms of nature of wickets, climatic conditions and chance to guage the difference in quality of international teams.

The present lot, dubbed as the best available, bereft of any fitness issues and touted as having the best chance of drubbing Australians in their backyard, is completely bewildered and rattled by the Aussie quickies. The top order is clueless in negotiating the lateral movement of the cherry as if they seem to have developed glaring deficiency in technique. For some, the deliveries invariably go past the huge gap between their bat and the pads to dislodge the stumps, others love to fiddle with away swingers to be lapped up in the slip cordon and the rest hardly move their feet to reach out to play the ball and literally swing their willow relying on the eye-hand coordination as if it were a golf stick. The likes of Sachin, Dravid and Laxman who are most accomplished of the lot have all been bowled through the gate on most occasions. They certainly need to tighten their technique and lead by example. Agreed that this trio had amassed tons of runs around the world but reflexes and footwork tends to slowdown with age. Perhaps, the time to hang their boots is just around the corner. Its just not the technique to nit-pick but the temperament that has let down the Indian team as well. Willingness to graft patiently and letting go the bait that is pitched outside the off-stump should be a part of Test batsmen’s armoury. Going into test matches without shrugging limited overs approach, is bound to result in wrapping up of a Test within four days.

Proving their mettle on dusty spinning tracks at home as well as on green tops overseas where the ball wobbles in air and after pitching, can only bring about consistency and give an impetus to reaching the top echelon of Test cricket rankings again. The argument that every cricket playing nation plays to their strength and have the prerogative to prepare wickets suitable to their style, is fine. But, invincibility at home only induces a false notion of being the best and dismal performances abroad, crumbles the team morale thereby making them surrender matches meekly rather than looking to reverse the loosing streak. Media commentators too can contribute a bit in taking the burden off the Indian team by being modest in their expectations instead of going ballistic in sensing victory before the series gets underway.

Thus, the choice between remaining complacent in winning home series convincingly but looking forelorn on away tours and being a formidable team irrespective of opponents they are pitted against on any soil, is for BCCI to make. But, the first option shall tantamount to cheating millions of Indian fans who worship the game and depriving them of seeing their heroes reach absolute glory in Test cricket.