Wednesday, May 6

Billion Votes Mandate 2009:

Never have the elections in India been so clumsy & unpredictable than they are this year. With so much of political drama, feeling of uncertainty among parties regarding their fate, the Indian Lok Sabha Elections 2009, is no doubt the hottest topic, which has attracted the attention of the Indian masses in general.

Since the day, the Election Commission announced the poll dates, all the major political players’ started taking rigorous efforts to highlight the developmental plans they had undertaken for the people. The future projects they will offer for the betterment of the people were also given top priority. But in all this the most interesting thing that this election has on offer, is not the usual two way tussle between Congress and the BJP. In fact with the numero uno post in sight, two other fronts started their campaign trail and bring their Priministerial candidate in the fray. They are the third front and the fourth front. The CPI led 3rd front led by Mr. Prakash Karat and the so called 4th front which has Railway Minister Lalu Prasad, SP leader Mulayam Singh LJP leader Ram Vilas Paswan. With these parties giving a major fight this time, outcome on 16th May will be really something to watch out for.

The Congress suffered severe setbacks in its initial campaign days when important alliances like that of Health Minister Ramadoss, Railways Minister Lalu Prasad parted ways with the party. The BJP too were in for shock when its long term ally Navin Patnaik left their side. Then there was the Varun Gandhi incident which gave the anti BJP or anti NDA parties, a chance to have a strong attack on their opponents. His severe remarks against the non-Hindu people landed him in jail, only to be out on parole for a few days when he had spent sometime in jail. Then there were some shoe throwing incidents on some of countries top leaders, which continued a phase of uncharacteristic campaigning this time. All these acts were nothing but a sheer example of the enormous anger and resentment the people are having for the current politicians.

Lower voter turnout in the initial phases of this mandate have made this election totally unexpected and one where every party has to keep its fingers crossed and hope for the best.