The political impact of the United Progressive Alliance government’s decision to allow foreign direct investment will revolve around the answer to a simple question: what will Mulayam Singh do? The Samajwadi leader is already on record as saying his party — which extends outside support to the UPA — will not back the Congress in Parliament if its allies start deserting. But will he carry out his implied threat if West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who opposes FDI in retail, backs a no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in the winter session? With Mulayam Singh adding his name to the crowd of Prime Ministerial contenders aspiring to succeed Dr. Singh after the next general election, the answer to these questions has become especially difficult. In 1996, the former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister came within a whisker of becoming Prime Minister and was pipped at the post by H.D. Deve Gowda, who himself was second choice to head the United Front Government after Jyoti Basu. In politics, a week is a long time and in the 16 years since Mr. Mulayam Singh’s unsuccessful bid, a whole new crop of potential Prime Ministers from different social segments has emerged, among them Rahul Gandhi, Nitish Kumar, J. Jayalalithaa and Mayawati, not to mention the half-dozen or so wannabes in the Bharatiya Janata Party. Besides, in recent days it has been rather difficult to figure out where exactly the SP leader stands.
Mr. Mulayam Singh’s quicksilver mood changes have seen him, by turns, seek the militant company of Ms. Banerjee, revert to the Congress as its supporter, and float the idea of an ever-elusive Third Front, with himself as leader, of course. Ahead of the recent presidential election, the SP chief joined hands with Ms Banerjee in rejecting Pranab Mukherjee’s name. Though the joint venture was a spectacular failure, the twosome have continued with their on-again, off-again collaboration. One big constraint is that Ms Banerjee and the Third Front are mutually exclusive. She cannot take membership of any front that has the Left parties and without the latter there cannot be a Third Front, which in any case seems very iffy what with no party in any hurry to sign up for it. For the SP to be taken seriously post-election, it would need to win 50-odd Lok Sabha seats from U.P., which is a tall order given the declining popularity of the Akhilesh Yadav government and the bridgeable three percentage point difference in vote share with the Bahujan Samaj Party. Mulayam’s best bet, then, might be to continue to dangle the carrot of support to the Congress, hoping no doubt to extract whatever legal concessions he can for himself and his family.
Keywords: FDI in retail, Commerce Ministry, UPA government, Mulayam Singh
Molayam/ MAMATHA is unfit to be P.M. At this time of coalition they only will sell India to anybody.Both are unfit for the Politics and are there because of bad time of India. After 2013 no politicians can do any they are intending now in looting the wealth of nation.Since this is in force soon 3 millennium born are going to come to vote on line and influence fate of India. We have not got freedom only agreement from British 3400 rules to get expired It is likely to expire soon . Nothing could shake Congress !
If he is to become PM, I would live in middle east than MSY's India.
Mulayam can not do anything against Congress for fear of CBI. it will be a disaster for
nation if he ever becomes PM.
The conclusion of this article is a far fetched one-like what happens if congress offers Mulayam the post of PM instead of Dr manmohan Singh, whodoes not have any political followers.In any case Rahul Gandhi is a failure as a candidate for PM in near future as he is without any firm foot and acceptance from the public.
Then with majority of MPs congress can have a role to play!
MSY should choose a particular side. On one instant he chooses to oppose
every second 'reforms' by the central Govt. but still backing them from
'outside'. If he wants to see himself as a PM candidate he should be
wise enough to do what is right and not act like he did during the
Presidential Elections.
He will not do anything. He will remain friendly with THE CENTRE.
The Hindu is not being fair to Mulayam Singh Yadav. He has always been constructive in the matter of government forming. He has always helped forming coalition governments. Regarding his wanting to become Prime Minister, doesn't he have several times more qualifications to become Prime Minister than that dynastic successor? Media can support any party, but it should not redicule any party or leader.
Having enjoyed all dispensations beneficial to his Party and family, Mulayam Singh can never break out from Congress pergola., still he whispers on corruption that is implanted with the UPA regime just to show off that he will be prepared to be proactive for anti-corruption dogma which will be one of the critical issues during the next general election. Who knows he is just building up his bargaining power and simultaneously ensuring safety to Yadav & family regime in his home state.
Mulayam had not just criticized Congress stating that its image was hit by scams. His prime ministerial ambition was the hidden agenda that schemed against Congress. He couldn't resist depicting the situation wherein even H.D. Deva Gowda could get installed as Prime Minister as if he is far superior to be eligible for the coveted Position. Is he not ashamed for showing rhetoric skills to blame the Congress for the wrong policies and weaknesses of the centre that escalated price of sugar and food grains, as if people of the nation are unaware of the same? Any how the cat is out of the box while he nurses a dream to become the Prime Minister.
All this drama will end soon. Neither will the TMC withdraw support nor Mulayam ever lead a Third Front. The SP will find it increasingly difficult to win 50 seats in the Lok Sabha. These regional Netas live in a dream world. Lalu and Paswan have learnt their lesson. Mulayam,Mamata,Jayalalitha and Mayawathi will soon learn their lessons. All these dreams are as a result of the sleeping Deva Gowda becoming PM. When Mulayam Singh was the Defence Minister he wanted an ADC, not realising that such a provision does not exist, nor will ever exist. Even in the Army only officers of the Arms enjoy such privileges. These foolish Netas should be put in place by the Electoral reform which should prevent regional parties taking part in General Elections. Then the days of coalition governments and coalition dharma will end and our governments will be forced to perform.
In a perfect world, Congress should not bribe Mulayam, but then again, in a perfect world, all politicians would back allowing FDI in multi-brand retail given its clear advantages. I would prefer if FDI in multi-brand retail is allowed even if some sacrifices need to be made on the political front. Such is the world of politics - only through behind the scene deals does anything ever get done. We might not like it, but it is necessary and happens in most democracies.
The editorial 'Multi-brand Mulayam' has splendidly analysed the peculiar situation in which the Sanajwadi Party Chief Mulayam Singh Yadav finds himself after the Union Cabinet took the much-belated decision to allow 51% Foreign Direct Investment in multi-brand retail trading. This move of the government - opposed tooth-and-nail by the Trinamool Chief and key UPA ally Mamata Banerjee - has virtually opened the proverbial Pandora's box. Coupled with the threat of Trinamool withdrawing its support is the uncertainty about the stand the wavering Mulayam Singh-with various unfulfilled ambitions- will take on supporting the UPA. Time alone will tell what is in store. Viewed in this context, the editorial, which has candidly analysed all the pros and cons, assumes great significance.
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