How should we see the rise of BJP?
The ‘Modi Wave’ that was set in India during the 2014 General Elections continues to make an impact even after more than 2 years. Or at least, that is what the recent election results show. Now that BJP stormed into Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand with resounding majorities, and managed to take Goa and Manipur, they hold government, alone or along with allies. In as many as 15 states across the country. The other side of the coin shows the Indian National Congress continuing their struggle despite holding onto Punjab. So how should we look at this?
From the outset, the picture looks clear. The saffron flag spreading across the country shows the people’s trust in the Central Government and the belief that this BJP-led government will be able to fulfil their biggest election promise- bringing in development to the country. Having the same party controlling the Central and a very large part of the State governments does make the federal functioning smooth. This, in turn, leads to better governance and efficient running of the country. I am here to tell you the other side of the story.
While the UPA held power at the centre, they were constantly kept in check by the then opposition, BJP. They held a strong opposition in both houses of the Parliament and also controlled half a dozen states. The scenario now is quite different. BJP has monopolised the Lok Sabha. By taking control in Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand, they are close to making the numbers in the Rajya Sabha. The UPA is in it’s lowest ever representation in the Lok Sabha. Though having better numbers in the Rajya Sabha, the opposition remains divided. When it comes to the states, the Indian National Congress has Chief Ministers in 6 states (this 6 includes Puducherry, Meghalaya and Mizoram which hold less significance in the national view compared to states like Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat that BJP holds).
India is a country strongly rooted in its democratic ideology. For a democracy to function effectively there has to be a strong opposition. It is perfectly right to say that “the presence of a government with a brute majority, is the end of democracy.” The NDA government can act on their policies without proper checks and balances of their power. The opposition in place is one that poses no threat whatsoever and can clearly be neglected. This is something unprecedented in the history of India and is sure to leave a mark on the history of our country.
The BJP finding positive results towards their “Congress-mukth Bharath” campaign is not one to be celebrated but to be seen with caution. The lack of an able leader to lead the INC is a matter of great concern. The failure of the INC to form the government in both Manipur and Goa despite being the single largest party point towards the same. Rahul Gandhi has time and again failed to revive the Congress. It is high time that he should move to let someone else take over. This is important not just for the Congress but for the democratic principles of this great country as well.
{Article by- Anand Nandakumar
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