Well, it definitely is a valid query, given that NDA government had attempted something similar earlier, UPA must have ideally proponed the election to this year (2008). But somehow given the situation UPA feels it’s not ready yet.
There are several reasons indeed; the facts are for all to see. Firstly, there is no serious wave to really pounce upon and cache at this time. In fact, in India (except for West Bengal and Tamil Nadu) anti-incumbency plays a key role. But, off late even this has taken a serious beating. After the coalition mantra started post Congresses dismal performance in 1989, anti-incumbency has been overcome (at least to a certain extent) with unholy alliances with the so-called “common” manifesto.
Secondly, UPA is still grappling with the serious inflation dynamics. The prices of common commodities are soaring and not amount of policies are able to cull the inflation from touching an unprecedented rate of 8%! In fact I read today that the petroleum ministry is vouching for 10/- hike in petrol prices and 5/- for diesel. I am sure UPA will not agree to such a steep hike, but nevertheless it cannot run away from this problem, given that crude oil is trading at $135 a barrel.
Given these problems at hand, UPA would not want to commit suicide by attempting to pre-pone the general election.
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As India braces itself to vote for a new government in 2009, I try to catch up with the election fervor and report my views and opinions on the candidature, constituencies, parties, slogans, money, booze, etc etc and all the masala that is the part of the festivities called “India Votes 2009”.
1 comment:
One other reason Aditya: When the NDA tried in '04 it failed miserably right? Moreover, with an increasingly educated electorate, you would find that voters may punish you for what they perceive to be needless spending, especially during times of high inflation.
Personally, it is shaping up to be a very interesting year indeed. We are almost one year out from the elections of 2009 and recent results, should have armchair political analysts like us very much interested in what the situation may be
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