A vibrant democracy needs a constructive, responsible and strong opposition. Both in the centre and almost all of the states' deficiency of an alternative political party capable to offer electorate a viable alternative is the serious problem in India today.
The Congress party has secured the highest number of seats (80) in Gujarat Assembly since 1985. It appears to be a good beginning but it is still not certain that new leader of the congress Party Rahul Gandhi is up to the mark (in a separate article Hasmukh Vasava has explained the need for the Congress Party especially Rahul Gandhi to rise to the occasion).
If a thin majority in the state election is not a great achievement for the BJP then equally the Congress tally is totally inadequate in view of the incumbency factor going over 32 years in Gujarat. Several myths have also been exposed in the Gujarat election.
First, Patidar factor has in a way proved to be a hype. The experts will analyse in more details in the coming weeks. But it appears that only 6-8 percent of Patels in Patidar dominated constituencies in Saurasthra have swung to the Congress party.
This is remarkable that in South and North Gujarat even in the rural areas with large
number of Patel dominated seats, Congress could not make a noteworthy mark.
Second, development boggy. Slogans like 'vikaas gando thayo chhe' (the development claim is humbug) has not swayed the voters all over Gujarat, a clarion call by Rahul Gandhi. There are umpteen evidences of incremental developments during BJP rule.
Third, GST- Rahul Gandhi and the Congress party’s campaign depended a lot on GST and Demonetisation, the gigantic and risky reforms of Modi led BJP government at the centre. Surat, Ahmedabad and Vadodara are well established business centres not only of Gujarat but from an all India perspective. Both the reforms were of huge concern to trading and manufacturing sectors. How come BJP won with thumping majority in these areas?
By and large the voters accepted if not welcomed the reforms. Finance Minister Arun Jaitley made special efforts to communicate with the businesses, went to Surat twice and listened to their grievances, made necessary and timely adjustments in the GST regime. On this point Congress aimed at the wrong target and failed miserably.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is renowned for his ears glued to the common man\s concerns. I strongly believe that he will be more focussed on the following issues:
The government both at the centre and state level should be non-discriminatory and able to provide equal opportunities to all. His famous slogan 'Sabka saath sabka vikas' have been put into practice very vigorously in last 3.5 years all over India.
In Gujarat the fact that Kutch and Bharuch districts with a larger proportion of Muslims have developed proportionately faster than other districts, is an evidence of his commitment to 'Sab ka saath sab ka vikaas'.
Since he became the PM, he has involved several capable Muslims in the BJP, as well as the Governmentt and various services like foreign services, administration and security service. For a capable person, Narendra Modi has never brought faith into consideration.
I believe that in the coming months and years, BJP will reciprocate with the increasing trust and support of Muslim voters in welcoming more State Assembly members as well as MPs. That is a correct thing to do as well.
Reform, Perform and Transform
This cardinal criteria of the Modi is in action and not mere words. The Prime Minister has not hesitated to take bold courageous and imaginative initiatiaves to revamp the machinery of the government at all levels. The Gujarat electorate especially from the farming constituencies have made sure the policy makers are aware of their needs.
BJP and especially Modi have clear thoughts and a track record which gives every one hope and confidence of a corruption free administration which is accountable, efficient and transparent. After all these were the deficiencies of the 10 year UPA rule by a decent and capable Dr Manmohan Singh who was compelled by the Congress Party leader to surrender to the regional satraps for survival of the government.
PM Modi has a stronger power base and is renowned for his conviction politics. Caste and communal politics have no place in a democracy and the haves have to keep in the frame the aspirations and the needs of the have nots and especially that of Schedule Castes, Schedule Tribes as well as religious minorities.
In the next 18 months or so, PM Modi and BJP are expected to perform their pledges and I am very confident that their achievements will speak for themselves.
- CB
