Jai Ho it is, for the Indian voter

The results of the recent elections to India's parliament left in it's wake a massive euphoria reminiscent of the times in the past when the mandate given resulted in absolute majority to the incumbent party. But the possibility of the congress party, which does not have even a simple majority of its own, forming a Government cobbling together an alliance with other parties is rejoiced by not only the entire nation but also the whole world.

Perhaps there are reasons to cheer. The previous 5 years and also periods in the past has shown how not to progress under a coalition arrangement. The pulls and pressures of the constituents were just too much for any right thinking ruling party. This was glaring during the previous govt's term where we saw such things as 'support from outside', issue based support etc. It is strange that such concepts gained currency and stayed in place for full five years. We saw how the left parties were able to have a stranglehold over the Govt and dictated terms. People were fed up of such coalition politics. They therefore took their decision at the hustings and when the incumbent party did shed all that baggage and the crutch they became very happy naturally.

Perhaps people were convinced that the previous Govt has performed well enough with all the handicaps that it had. Farm loan waiver, free electricity and other rural programs has gone very well with the people and that there are very strong hopes that such programs will get even greater fillip with the new Govt.

People are hoping that the incumbent dispensation will provide a stable governance
which is very necessary for economic upliftment. The Congress party with its allies is far more preferable, beyond doubt, than the rag tag coalition of third front. The leaders trying to stitch a third front alliance seem to be having infinite faith in their belief that such an alternative would ultimately get ahead of the national parties. They would have gained more had they concentrated more on winning the faith of people.

To the world a congress led Govt will be welcome. Particularly after its achievement in negotiating the nuclear deal. This govt is known to be pro reform notwithstanding its socialist leanings. This will foster a climate for greater inflow of foreign funds which in turn will contribute to higher growth.

The major opposition the BJP and its allies are in disarray having suffered a big setback. It itself is to be blamed for its poor performance. Its campaign lacked clarity and voters were not impressed with the issues . Internal conflicts took its toll as also its poor track record in terms of an effective and worthwhile opposition in the parliament. In a functioning democracy the role of opposition cannot be overemphasized. It must therefore strive to become a worthy opposition in the parliament .

The Prime Minister in the meantime has made a good beginning with the selection of ministers, in that, non performers have been shown the door. Let us hope the good work continues.