The BJP and the Congress locking horns over Gujarat seems to be an act borne of desperation. The ruling party wants to hold on to the fort while the Opposition would like to break this hold and get a mandate in its favour. This will help it claim that the government is losing power and the confidence of those who voted it to power. However, in this campaign, the leaders of both parties have done no good to themselves by lowering the standard of their public discourse. The Congress vice-president naming GST as ‘Gabbar Singh Tax’ and the Prime Minster calling the Congress ‘termites’ are both in bad taste. These negative vibes should be avoided. The electorate does not elect individuals but candidates. Hence both parties should highlight what they intend to do for the security and welfare of citizens and avoid mudslinging in public. Both parties also need to know that the electorate of today is wiser than before and will express itself clearly based on present and past performances and the effect on them.
B. Sundar Raman, Coimbatore
