talk

To begin with, the UPA (United Progressive Alliance- formed by the Indian National Congress and its allies) had rallied to win resoundingly in 2009 because of two important factors. First, the BJP (Bharatiya Jantha Party) had made a mess of things with shady management if not propagation of the Gujarat riots (2006) coupled with blatant corruption during its tenure. Second, India’s people were tired of a government that preached an extremist Hindu stance excluding minorities’ like- Muslims and Christians, chastising them for practicing and preaching their beliefs.

In 2009, relief came in the form of the UPA. Headed by a cast of veteran leaders and fresh young faces the UPA’s campaign promised change for the better. Least to say, they won and took over office. So, post 2009 where does India stand? Touted to be the next political and financial superpower has the UPA been able to stick to its guns, implement reforms and turn India into a well oiled machine? Just as its predecessor, the UPA didn’t land on a bed of roses. It started with coping with the Mumbai terrorist attacks, followed by the burst of the economic bubble and last but not the least insurgent attacks in Bangalore and Eastern India.

As an Indian, I was right in the thick of things when the BJP mismanaged and allegedly even orchestrated the Hindu versus Muslim Gujarat riots. Having never felt or taught to fell animosity towards other religions, I was irked to see my country falling apart right in front of my eyes even as the government watched on. So, when the UPA government took over in 2009, I saw a change minus the religious extremism. However, having reviewed the UPA’s “formation” i.e. alliances, it seems like there is a rising discontent. Because of the power, money and political futures at stake many of the smaller political parties in this alliance have begun to make demands to the INC in forms of- money and official positions within the government in return for securing votes for the upcoming 2010 elections.

So, while structurally sound I feel the INC has to make sure the UPA stays focused on taking steps to achieve objectives and setting up a long term plan for improvement in areas such as trade, armed forces, infrastructure etc. However, plans without the ability to make gutsy decisions can slow progress down. And this I feel, after reviewing the UPA’s work over the last year has been their Achilles heel. The UPA therefore needs to build inside out. First, get all their allies on the same page. Impossible? Difficult? Maybe, but a united front goes a long way in making sound political decisions. Second, making gutsy calls even if it goes against the norms of past political common sense and the so called expert advice is okay. Euripides the Greek philosopher once said, “Nothing is permanent except CHANGE.” With India’s face changing from a third world dumping ground to that of a developing powerhouse; “change” is essential. And lastly, the heart of the organization (Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and his ministers) must use their vast knowledge and political prowess to initiate positive change.

So three years down the line would I rather have the UPA or BJP at the helm? Frankly, given the present trend India is too progressive to go back to dealing with petty religious riots and such (a.k.a the BJP’s stance). Which is why it is essential for the UPA to remain in power not only for this term but possibly a second term too in order to implement fresh policies at a rapid pace, steam rolling India’s progress forward.