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BJP discovers harsh realities difficult to overcome

By Brij Bhardwaj. Dated: 7/27/2014 10:49:16 PM

After being out of power for a period of ten years, it was not going to be easy for BJP leadership to mould itself into a party which has to govern and produce results instead of being a party in opposition which could indulge in fault finding without any compulsion to offer alternatives or solutions for the problems facing the nation. Thus it was no surprise that Modi and his colleagues have gone slow on their rhetoric and are now suggesting that it will take time to get results and they should be judged on completion of their term only.
The slogan "Acchhe Din Ayenge" has been put on the backburner and instead they are preparing people for a bitter dose as the task of turning around the economy is not easy. They had no alternative but to continue the policies of the previous Government and keep on hiking the price of petroleum products to reduce the fiscal deficit. Prices of essential items particularly food items and vegetables continue to rise. The worries on this score are continuing to grow because of poor rainfall leading to fears of drought hitting some vulnerable States in North and Western India.
On the foreign policy front also BJP could offer no easy solution and has decided to continue policy of holding talks with Pakistan even though violations on the line of control in Jammu and Kashmir continues and has given up its slogan that "Biryani diplomacy" could not continue while Pakistan continues to violate line of control in Jammu and Kashmir leading to casualties. Only change is declaration by the Defence Minister that India will respond firmly to any violation by Pakistan.
Even the budget presented by new Government had to follow the established lines that is no cut in welfare schemes or subsidy. The only change was token allocations for their pet schemes like building of new cities or for generating employment. The only exception was allocation of Rs 200 crores for building a statue of Sardar Patel. Allocations for defence remain marginal and future of big ticket schemes like purchase of new planes for Indian Air Force remain doubtful.
Power situation has not improved and many plants are running with supplies of coal for few days only in their stocks. Big promises made by political parties before poll in States like Andhra and Telengana are becoming difficult to implement. The new Government is keen to implement some fiscal reforms in Insurance and Banking sectors, but it will not be easy as RSS with its Swadeshi agenda has been opposed to such reforms in the past.
The new Government has no problem with numbers in Lok Sabha but it has not prevented allies like Shiv Sena from creating problems or demanding a bigger share. Its allies in Haryana and Maharashtra, two States which are likely to hold elections to Sate Assemblies soon are proving to be troublesome. The troubles in States has made BJP reluctant to dissolve State Assembly in Delhi and is looking for alternative like encouraging defections to build a majority in State Assembly to install a Government.
There is no clear threat to BJP led Government yet as Modi magic continues to be dominant and Congress party, the main opposition party is yet to put its house in order or play role of an effective opposition. Revolts in States like Maharashtra, Haryana and Assam where Congress is in power has made the task of reviving the fortunes of the Congress party difficult. As such one can say that honeymoon period for the new Government is not over yet, but it has become aware of the problems facing them. A reality check in early days should help them to mould their approach soaked in ground reality instead of day dreaming.
A big mandate for a political party is a blessing as Government does not have to wait for a nod from allies on every major move, but it also makes them open to fault lines as it alone has to shoulder responsibility for its failures. So far the corporate houses have expressed full confidence in the ability of Modi Government with stock markets touching new heights, but they remain fickle and could desert them at first sign of trouble. The concessions sought by Corporate world remain formidable and Government may soon realise that there are no free lunches and support of such elements has a price tag.
— [IFS]