The Fight for vote-banks and a falling out of Friends!
Coalitions born out of political expediency are becoming the norm today – born out of fig leaf type reasoning like ‘secular front’. I’ve discussed this in an earlier blog! But the fig leaf nature of these coalitions is becoming increasingly clear as the battle for vote-banks start heating up and conflicts hitherto concealed start bubbling up to the surface!
In two way fights like between the Communists and Congress in Kerala and West Bengal, this paradox is still not that obvious and while there is opposition, it’s still a bit of a civilized opposition! This is probably because there isn’t a vote-bank conflict of the type that’s being played out in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Jharkhand.
In these three states in particular, the UPA ‘allies’ or onetime partners Congress on one side and SP, RJD, LJP on the other are fighting in 3/4 way fights – and are in a clear race for the minority and other caste votes in these states. What is the consequence of this?
That circus started a few days ago - Lalu Yadav of the RJD accused the Congress of being responsible for Babri Masjid which ‘dismayed’ the Congress according to its spokesperson. The increasingly political Prime Minister responded by saying ‘it’s your friend Kalyan Singh who was responsible for this’. A few hours later and at another venue, the Congress President Sonia Gandhi launched an attack on the Samajwadi Party describing it as unreliable. And so the race for the minority vote is officially on and ‘allies’ are falling out and scrapping out there in the open for all to see!
And as if the cup of embarrassment wasn’t already overflowing, DMK leader and Congress ally announced that Prabhakaran, the chief of the banned terrorist organization LTTE was his friend! And given that the LTTE was responsible for the assassination of Rajiv Gandhi, it obviously didn’t go down too well with Congress!
And through all this they remain political allies! So the question that begs to be asked, Can Parties that are in competition for the same political space be a part of the same coalition? Is it sustainable ?
16 Responses to “The Fight for vote-banks and a falling out of Friends!”
Leave a Reply
Aravindan on April 21st, 2009
Dear Mr.Rajeev,
I have found your well written articles very interesting. As someone striving to stem the rot in our political system, I wish your efforts bear fruits for the Countrymen to enjoy.
While you have covered most recent developments in Political circles, I bring to your kind notice, one recent trend among unscrupulous politicians that’s somehow missed your attention.
Needless to say, any election costs a huge sum of money which is borne by taxpayers. Given this fact, we note some crafty politicians (to ensure perpetual hold on their seats) contest from more than one constituency. God forbid if they win from more than one constituency, they have no choice but to relinquish all but the one (s)he prefers to retain. Thus, forcing another bye-election and attendant cost.
Since this is a cause of concern, may I request you humbly to take this issue at relevant forum to bring an end to such blatant abuse of taxpayer’s money.
Thanks and Best Regards,
Aravindan
Ammu on April 21st, 2009
Ever since the collapse of one part rule in the country(there has never before any party than can be called an opposition to INC before 1983), there have been an ever increasing number of regional parties in all states. Tamilnadu had been the only state where regional parties existed before 1983. Even the so called national parties have lost ground and have been reduced to the level of regional parties e. None of these parties have a national agenda. They group as per convenience at the end of the parliament elections to find if they have enough muscle to control the largest party to ensure that their fancy poll promises are kept & get the maximum number of ministerial berths.
Like I shared in my earlier posting, we should amend the constitution for the direct election of the leader to head the parliament. The so elected leader will choose his/ her cabinet from the elected members of the house across party lines based on some rational based on the party representation in the house. It will ensure the best & talented from all parties work for & in building a strong nation. This will lead to a government where everyone is in the ruling side as well as opposition. It will be the bound duty of all parties to ensure that there is overall development of the country. There will be no scope for blame game & mudslinging when they face the next election, the good work done by their members will be the only approach for them to seek vote for re-election. Even if there has been any failure on the part of the government in meeting the people’s aspirations, no party can shrug its responsibility as they were part of the government. At the least it will ensure there is only one election in five years, as the cost for a replay of the whole action before the end of the term, is a huge burden for the taxpayer.
I hope such a change will happen in this country & only then will there be overall development, fruits of which will reach the nook & corner of the vast country
kedar on April 21st, 2009
hi mr.rajeev, though slightly out of context, one thing i wanted to express to you is regarding the crass and relentless demolition of trees in blore, especially in lalbagh and soon to be affected nanda road in jayanagar. replanting saplings elsewhere will not erase the fact the blore will not be the garden city anymore. development and growth is needed but it needs to happen responsibly. blore needs metro to aid the crumbling infrastructure and traffic but this certainly is not the way. what legacy are we leaving behind for the generations to come?
Vinay on April 22nd, 2009
Logic says that this option of cohabiting and competing will not sustain. But then, politicians are beyond logic. The same Lalu Prasad who praised the PM and super-PM (Sonia G) for the nuclear deal, now calls their party as unreliable. Similarly, the BJP and BJD who were friends and partners (in crime?) till recent, are now blaming each other for the problems in Orissa. Only one thing motivates all of them. The desire to stay in power and reap benefits for themselves and their kith and kin.
Gautam Nandi on April 22nd, 2009
But Rajeev what is the solution to this serious problem? Are we to accept this is helpless citizens while the circus goes on?
Chandra on April 22nd, 2009
Rajeev,
Interesting idea but what to do! people who are always fooled by election after election, speech after speech, etc.
Millions of parents use to say at least things will change for our children in the rural area!
But they are honest, they leave it to unknown ideals.
Our great politicians are in long love with The Great Indian Socialist Darkness! This particular term I use often now after reading the White Tiger book which I consider as one of great Indian Economic History book.
I enjoy your posts
Chandra
PoweredByATP on April 22nd, 2009
In democracy, we get the government we deserve. Yes this statement is harsh, but it is REALITY.
Although India is a democracy, it is not functioning democracy. Most of the electorate is uneducated and easily duped by the politicians who dawn “khakhi” every 5 years to get their votes. For the democracy to function properly, the people needs to be educated, so they can understand that what happens in Delhi has impact in Ahmedabad or Banglore or some tiny town in UP. We are all interconnected and we can ONLY BE AS STRONG AS OUR WEAKEST LINK. The political parties exploit these uneducated voters; hence, the rise of the regional party who are only interested in local goal eventhough that goal may be detrimental to the country as whole.
To rid this situation, we first need to move away from personality driven politics to policy driven politics where we do not discuss Modi but discuss what ideas he represents. Politicians will have to stop the appeasement game. And I am certain that they will not do that and that is where we come, active citizens, come in. We need to hold these politicians accountable for their promise and their actions. We have to convince our neighbors about our convictions or else the great cause of INDIA WILL BE LOST FOREVER
Tarun Lewis on April 22nd, 2009
Dear Mr. Rajeev,
I am glad to see that you are one of the few politicians who have tried to make an effort to woo Urban voters by creating blogs like these. Though I do not live in Bangalore, my Grandfather was the first IPS officer from Karnataka, and would have been delighted with the work you are doing.
Karnataka hasn’t seen a stable government for a long time. As you have rightly pointed out, the Centre has had it’s fair share of bumpy rides. There is no inclusive decision making among allies, because of matters of Ego, and in the case of Karnataka, distrust. It remains to be seen if this changes. I hope this time that voters get more aware of people from their constituencies and hold them more accountable!
Kartavya on April 22nd, 2009
Rajeev,
I think Indian politics is all about coalition today,thanks to casteism. All these political parties may seem to be at logger-heads before elections, but once the elections will be over, we will see our dear netas shaking hands and hugging in front of the cameras. Most of them are power hungry, and so they will find umpteen reasons to support a party they are probably bashing now.
The solution, I think mostly lies in the hands of Indian voters. We should and must vote to bring a single party in power be it Congress or BJP.
Uber Bored on April 23rd, 2009
Rajeev,
Today I went to Vote with a really confused mind. I voted for KBG purely because of anti-incumbency than anything else.
As a voter, am happy with the way bangalore has been shaping up. The flyovers will do good and the metro would be great.. I wish they would find better alternatives than cutting trees… planting saplings in Shimoga and Karwar is not helping bangalore getting its green cover back.
I have zero faith in politicians and feel that most of what is happening in terms of development, esp in bangalore, is “in spite” of politicians rather than “because” of them. Given that, how do I know Ananth or Krishna are going to do what they are promising?
and the whole caste based voting is something that irks me. I honestly feel that our news channels magnify this issue into a big deal when they should be shouting it down.
How do we move towards politics that is based on welfare of the people rather than on power, greed, religion and caste????
Sarva Jano Sukino Bavanthu..
lowtechgal on April 23rd, 2009
Rajeev,
It is nice to see well read and articulate people, like yourself, in their forties take an active role in politics. It is time to get the young blood, with progressive thinking into the scene.
It is heartening to see efforts such as this to keep the channels of communication between the leaders and the citizens open. As a nation, we do not lack talent. It is the determination and the complacent attitude that we need to shake people out of.
It is good to see you, RK Mishra and a few others using the tradtional web but please keep in mind that the web in its present state is not what reaches the people of India. It is the mobile phones that have a far greater reach. You got to plan, groom starting today - for the next election! Campaings and movements do not happen overnight. They need constant care and attention.
The political leaders have to take a step back and start listening to the voters and not just constently be talking ‘at’ them.
I would like to invite you to try out another medium - the mobile phone with a rich multimedia, social environment- that would motivate and make it easier for the youth to participate more and take active interest in shaping the nation. Do try RockeTalk.
RockeTalk has been running a series on Scene Change India with the young and rapidly growing user-base and I’m happy to report that people want to participate; they come up with great arguments, ideas and show great leadership qualities!
Along with running things on main RockeTalk, RockeTalk also provided a customized version for AKConnent (Ananth Kumar Connect). Hopefully BJP leaders in Ananth Kumar’s camp will actually leverage the power of the platform.
We (Indians) got to get the youth involved at all levels. Of course, we need the seasoned politicians to maintain a balance but definitely need the youth to jump in as responsible citizens and exercise their rights and VOTE!
At the end of the day- it is India that matters. Not BJP. Not Congress.
TJ on April 24th, 2009
I think any democracy has “vote banks”. There is nothing wrong with that. If we shift the focus out of India and look at US or UK (other older and more mature democracies) we see vote banks there too. What I am concerned about is that while the vote banks of the castes, poor, minorities and the like are relatively well taken care of there is no one really concerned about the educated, urban, relatively well to do middle/upper/entrpreneurial class. No body cares a hoot about them for the simple reason that there are not enough of them. They are a minority and spread thin acroos the urban/metro cities and towns of India. Yet it is this “minority” that is leading the economic and development charge of India. It is their, work, energy savings and remittances that power the economy.
The recent efforts of the Professionals Party, and Independents like Capt. Gopinath are an effort in this direction….to recognise and address this “vote bank”. The only way that the politics of India can change is if this vote bank acquires a mass and size that makes it paramount to address and impossible to ignore. I guess we are about 15 years away from that. Till then there is no option but to tolerate and more importantly continue to vote against the clowns and jesters of todays political stage
Harish Krishnan on April 24th, 2009
Hi,
We are covering the Social Media Conversations of Indian Elections 09 at http://indianelections.blogadda.com and your blog is featured there amongst the selected few. Keep posting such great stuff :).
Regards
Harish
Varadarajan V.K. on April 25th, 2009
Indeed, a welter of opinions but none except one was retentive to react with a comment. It is that of Ammu’s suggestion of a directlry elected leader to form the Union Conouncil of Ministers across party lines.A la experiment of Obama’s Administration in the US.
I doubt whether electing a Prime Minister directly is possible. Yes,we have to amend the Constituiton but that can only be for adopting a different form of Government– may be Presidential Form of governemnt. TO recall, what has become a blurred memory, a debate raged when the late Indira Gandhi was in power. But this was with the apparent objetive of perpeturation herself and what has come to be known as the `family rule’ in power. Partyless democracy seems impractical, but not impossible if a strong consensus could be gathered around the idea. If the goal is to engender a clean and transparent governance, a debate on an electoral system based on proportional represenation based on common national goals with abiding conviciton in fulfilling the programmes should be started immeidately.In the meantime, with efforts at people’s levels to fight the menace of corruption and divisive caste and communal evils through a grassroot level education campaign against them should be launched.This woudl be an ideal enabling platform to sensitise the people with the need to eschew complexities of religion, caste and communal phenomena and galvanise the benefits of the economic liberalisation to forge ahead to emerge as a strong and respectable nation in all spheres, not just in economic field alone.
the Westerwe should amend the constitution for the direct election of the leader to head the parliament. The so elected leader will choose his/ her cabinet from the elected members of the house across party lines based on some rational based on the party representation in the house. It will ensure the best & talented from all parties work for & in building a strong nation. This will lead to a government where everyone is in the ruling side as well as opposition. It will be the bound duty of all parties to ensure that there is overall development of the country. There will be no scope for blame game & mudslinging when they face the next election, the good work done by their members will be the only approach for them to seek vote for re-election. Even if there has been any failure on the part of the government in meeting the people’s aspirations, no party can shrug its responsibility as they were part of the government. At the least it will ensure there is only one election in five years, as the cost for a replay of the whole action before the end of the term, is a huge burden for the taxpayer.
Arun on April 29th, 2009
As a political system – neither congress nor BJP can effectively do any good for India. Forget the other funny parties –Third front.
As a system of the governance – it has lost its ability to deliver and also give accountable governance to India.
The political parties are happier to live and work in the process as it suits their political needs – money & power.
Indians “Bangalore” turn out being less is not a surprise; a complete Boycott by all segments would have a better and valuable response to our so called NETAS.
My blog clearly a shows cynical view point; but this is what has been shown by 64%of the voters in Bangalore who did not turn up to vote. I am also one of them.
The problem is not with the Political leaders it is with the political process or system.
But who is going to bell the cat (Elephant) and who will have the determination to change it?
I strongly feel it is the business community and the need of bigger markets for more business – it suits all – Voters, Business Community and the political aspirants. Hope some ethics will remain at the end of it.
Varadarajan V.K. on April 29th, 2009
Well, complete boycott only underlines a complete cynicism.One has to make efforts to reform the system by being part of it and by shunning it. Fortunately we have working democracy, if not a mature democracy. If a total botycott were to be practised, then one faces serious constitutional crisis withouth any solution to improve the process of democracy. Better, organise in more intellignet ways by educating the vocal and passive section disenchanged with the political parties. Form a new dispensation– e.g. Green Peace of Germany. Depoliticise the issues, sanitise the citizens of their democratic rights to question and pressure the government to deliver. This is more optimisitc stand than allowing the cancer of misgovernance to worsen by boycotting.