I borrowed the subject line from one of Stephen King's novels. So, why this? You will understand at the end of this mail.
Indian Elections 2009.
From the early 90s, India has seen more of coalition governments. In my opinion, coalition governments are one of the trajectories of a true democracy. It gives the regional state governments more power at the center.
But am not here to talk about that.
Back till the 90s, India had a two party system fighting out at the center. The regional parties used to support one of the parties' candidates. Later, it changed to the regional parties entering into pre-poll alliances with the center parties and fielding their own candidates (first with a small percentage and then growing into large percentages). This has been the story all along till this year.
Now there is a new game in place.
No regional party wants a truck with the center parties just yet. And vice versa. The idea is to go it alone in the elections (with their own promises and manifestos). Get as many seats as possible. Then, post-polls, look at which center party has the largest number (or which alliance can fetch the largest number) and start talks with them for forming the government. Believe me....this is the jackpot of all ideas with so many benefits.
One, there is no incumbency factor. Even if a party was in an alliance with the erstwhile ruling party, they can say that they are not there in that now alliance and all along they have been vehemently opposing it from within. If you carefully listen, verbage such as moralilty, conscience, back stabbing, etc. will figure in their speech. Ohh....its just the cream whipped up your ****....:)
Two, there are a string of loose alliances formed now. But no party is committing to stay in the alliance post-polls! How is this great idea?.....:) Wonder of sorts, all the parties seem to like this idea. When I think over it, it seems to make sense in this manner - When I walk into a store to buy something, will I be acceptable with money or without money in there? With money, of course. Now, do the store people worry how I get the money?....:)....does it make sense now? Same pinch.
Three, the parties are now going to kindle a lot of passion and get the votes. But don't be surprised if they realign with the same parties they would have foul mouthed before the elections. Can you go and wipe out your vote then? nopes, I don't think so.
Four, whom will the people vote for or against? They don't know if some X regional party is going to support Y or Z center party after the polls. This must be the only elections where the people are the confused lot going to vote to some party believing that
Hmm.....sometimes, the twists in a horror movie are far less, I guess. Oh boy....I can't just wait for this roller coaster ride. Being one of the common man, am going to sit back; read the papers; listen to speeches; argue over tea with friends; make a decision; cast my vote and.....wait for the fun to start....maybe to be fooled.
All in the game. But wait...
Same sh*t....Different Game.
