End of a era for congress in AP state politics

The Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Dr. Yeduguri Sandinti Rajasekhara Reddy is no more. This is a death that is being condoled across the state. The loss transcends boundaries of state, party, region, religion, sex, age.

When every political party was sure of coming to power including newly constituted ones, the confidence displayed by Dr. YSR Reddy was seen as part of the same chest beating. But he did manage to convince the Congress central leadership into having a major say in getting the party to fight out the elections without the support of any other party.

I never took time to appreciate the good things that he may have done to the state. But now that he is gone, I think it is time to give him his due. It must not be without reason that the congress performed so well in the state this time. The rich returns of MPs to parliament was a bonus along with the party retaining power in the state.

He managed to squash all opposition, and put an end to the infighting that had been infecting the state congress. With the promise of development, the Telangana movement is now but a whisper that KCR dare not speak out loud on. The TDP went into this elections underestimating the work done by Dr. Reddy.

Now the fight to find a successor would start, and there is every chance that the congress would return to the days of infighting and devoid of a strong leader every Tom, Dick and Harry would want a piece of the pie.

Overall, it is the end of a era for congress in AP state politics. The late CM had studied medicine and earned the title of doctor though he was not practicing medicine. He stands out as one the few well educated persons in politics. May the soul of Dr. Yeduguri Sandinti Rajasekhara Reddy rest in peace.

Coalition Governament

Election season is almost over, and with results expected shortly, its time for all political parties put up their best behaviour, treat anyone that has a chance of making it into the lower house of the parliament with smile and respect. Who knows what tomorrow holds in store for the political parties. Keeping the doors open, and drop virual invitations to all to come and join the coalition to form a governament even before the results are announced is the in thing. This is inline with bollywood releases where the posters providing sneak preview of the actors contains tags like super hit, music bumper hit and what not.

Anyone heard of counting chickens before they hatch ??

The regional parties are going to have a gala time in the bargain. And if any of the regional parties have 30 MPs to show off, then they are better than the single largest party in the coalition. Talk of the strength of a chain being that of the weakest link. So what if the regional party hates the single largest party and fights it tooth and nail in the state, they would definitely see value in keeping state and national politics separate.

Welcome to the era of coalition governaments in India. Now the focus is going to shift from being proactive and tackling issues of national importance to trying to hold the flock together. The effort needed to do this with each of the members pulling in orthogonal directions would make any leader an inspirational figure for MBA students.

For the sake of a stable governament that can last the full term, I hope to see a single party getting enough seats to form a governament on its own, or at best a coalition of not more than 2 parties. (remember 3 is croud).

Added after Election results have been declared :

Some of the supreme politicians have got a drubbing, and have managed to become a member of some house only because of their uncanny thinking and contesting from multiple constituencies. I am happy by atleast some part.

And yes, the mandate itself - on first thoughts its a good mandate, with enough strength to last a full term, the governaments should not feel pulled down trying to hold its flock together, and at the same time, its not a run away lead which can cause them to do whatever they like.

Indian Elections

The world's largest democracy is now working to elect members to its next parliament, and finding the person who would be the Prime Minister would start once the results are out.

Before I go ahead with my thoughts, I proudly state that I cast valid votes on 2 EVMs this time. Yes, 2 machines, and both should have been counted. The index finger on my left hand was marked once, and I was allowed to vote for the Andhra Assembly and the Indian Parliament.

And the Tata tea's Jaago Re ad did play its part in me ensuring that I voted, and also ensure that my parents voted too.

I will not mention who I voted for, but yes, there were somethings that got me concerned when I was standing in the queue, waiting for my turn to vote. The attitude of the politicians. Now this is not a new topic. I am talking of the way they waste public money (our money). Many of the so called public servants file nominations from multiple constituencies, and guess what - if they get elected from multiple places, they resign from all but one, forcing re elections for those places.

And guess who pays for that money ? - We the people -. Personally I pay IT by the lakhs, and I cannot endure it being wasted on re elections of all. Now who should really be made to pay for this ? And yes, I would much rather have my tax money spent on waiving off loans for deserving farmers, better infrastructure for the country, modernising the armed forces etc or even for that matter a very politically motivated scheme like transfer of money to the needy than allowing these politicians to force re elections as though it were their jagir.

If a politician resigns from a constituency, should there be polls held immediately there ? Why can't the runner up be declared winner. How about a rule that no politician who forces mid term elections in his constituency should not be allowed to contest again for that term ? Now who would bell the cat and bring in such changes to the system ? Is the GenX of Indian politics listening ?

I can see so may politicians lining up to contest from multiple constituencies. I pray that they all loose the elections from all the places they contest, and dont even get their deposit. Ain't it clear that they do not have the confidence of winning, so they are resorting to these tactics. And how would they win unless they show their worthiness to the public.

Overall, I am looking forward to a stable governament at the center. I wish they concentrate on providing transparent governance, focussing on the essential needs of the nation.