Three Political Parties In Indian Elections

1. An event of global significance

The largest democratic exercise on Earth will start in India on 7 April and will last for six weeks. 814 million potential voters will cast their ballots in nine separate tranches. Over 1.4m electronic voting machines will be used across the length and breadth of India, which have put an end to booth capturing. Unlike Pakistan, where almost every political party cries foul, nobody in India suggests that the results are rigged.

2. Where the Congress stands

In the general election this year, the governing Congress party is likely to take a real pasting. In Indian politics, election results are hard to predict (in 2004 and 2008 the BJP – tipped to win – lost both times); yet this year it will not fare well on polling days due to some obvious factors.

The ruling party did not live up to the expectations of the masses. The lame-duck premier constantly ran into difficulties with Sonia Gandhi, the matriarch of Gandhi-Nehru dynasty, in the second term. Resultantly, the party’s policies lacked coherence. The economic growth which Manmohan Singh’s first stint in power established his leadership credentials saw economic downturn in the second term due to the global financial crisis of 2008 and allegations of graft against his team. Also, the wealth generated in the boom years largely went to the elite, whereas the poor broadly endured poverty and privation. The average voter’s frustration with the current government is disheartening the incumbents.

The Congress will likely plump for Rahul Gandhi to attract the general electorate, especially the youth. Yet analysts comfortably predict the scion of Rajiv and Sonia will probably fail to woo the voters. The young politician lacks the charisma of his father and is politically inexperienced. When Rahul should be contacting the grass roots of the population, like his political rival Mr Modi, he is busy overhauling the structure and the inner working of the party.

3. Where the BJP stands

The disillusioned public will now try the BJP for bringing about good governance. Mr Modi who comes from a low caste is playing up his man-of-the-street appeal during the election campaign. The Guardian has eulogized Mr Modi as a hero, “Mr Modi is one of the most polarizing politicians to have walked the India’s political stage for many years.” Modi’s claim – he is the candidate of change – is not missing the target.

The fast-growing clout of Modi is threatening Congress and its underwhelming frontman, Rahul Gandhi.

That is why pollsters are predicting a victory for the BJP. Today’s main opposition party looks set to cobble together a coalition and form a government in mid-May.

4. Where the AAP stands

The popular AAP has roots in the anti-corruption movement which Anna Hazare launched close to three years back. In fact, it is a reaction to India’s political woes. Though the nascent political party has won millions of sympathizers across India and its ideology is likely to shake up the political parties that have dominated Indian politics, presently it is not being considered a viable option. It is not easy to defeat the entrenched political parties and their winning horses whether or not they deliver in power.