The much awaited results of the elections in Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Kerala, Assam and Puducherry are a mixed bag — of factors of anti-incumbency and incumbency, and a reward for performance, peace and harmony.
H.P. Murali,
Bangalore
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Indian politics has witnessed a paradigm shift at the provincial level whereas national politics has moved away from being a dynastic political culture to one of coalition politics. The results also indicate that the voter has matured from being gullible and helpless to becoming a force pushing for change and development. The forthcoming general elections in 2014 are going to be on the same lines where parties should redraw their strategies by understanding the mood of the voter.
Syed Khaja,
New Delhi
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The average voter has been watching the performance of these State governments like an eagle. He/she is aware of the good, the bad and the ugly in politics. Corruption and anti-people policies have been the major decisive factors. We need to salute the voter for his/her discrimination, judgment and maturity.
J.P. Reddy,
Nalgonda
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The national parties appear to be lagging behind in gaining the confidence of the electorate.
Jetling Yellosa,
Nizamabad
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The noticeable trend is that people want a change for the better. Throughout the country, they want essential commodities to be provided at affordable rates, improvements in transportation and communication, better medical and educational facilities, a reduction in crime, punishing the guilty as quickly as possible, and, in short, making India a better, safer place. Communal parties should take their cue from the election results and join the national stream rather than holding onto parochial ideologies and agenda.
Harischandra Parshuram,
Mumbai
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West Bengal voted with emotion while Tamil Nadu did so with the veneer of a studied poise. In both States, the push for ‘change' has been massive. In Tamil Nadu, the lesson is that one should not take people for granted on the issue of corruption. In Assam, it has been a victory for maturity and dexterity. Younger leaders should learn that politics requires seasoning and arduous efforts. Battles are not won by good intentions alone.
Pure ideology operating from politburos without ground level corrections will not guarantee perennial success. The content and shape of politics in India, particularly the regional variety, are extremely sensitive to actual progress recorded on socio-economic parameters. In this age of instant information, the perceptions of people can no longer be moulded by political rhetoric alone. Politicians would do well to develop a respect, if not fear, for a rapidly maturing electorate.
R. Narayanan,
Ghaziabad
