So the airport meeting raises the old issue yet again. Is there scope for cooperation between the only two national parties India has got? If things go on as they are now, their legislative strength in the Lok Sabha will shrink further after the next election. Together they have been just securing a bare majority in Lok Sabha. Neither is capable of ruling on its own. Multi-party coalitions are expensive not only due to economic populism but also due to dysfunctional passivity in the face of problems as we saw in the case of NDA once the Tehelka scandal broke, and now with the UPA with its multiple problems such as the oil price rise not being passed on, no labour market reforms, indecision on FDI for retail trade, delay on full capital convertibility, rampant corruption in every Gandhi/Nehru Yojana so far devised, and so on.

India and even Bharat deserves better. It could grow at 12 per cent to 15 per cent if it had a government that can deliver. It is up to the Rahul Gandhi generation to assure modern methods of governance which can bring 21st century efficiency to creaking colonial administrative structures. It is up to the Advani generation to see that futile dwelling on pre-Partition quarrels is not just foolish but costly.

Maybe it is a dream to think of a formal coalition. But can we at least have — how to put it — a Common Minimum Understanding between the two parties as to the basics necessary for security, economic growth and efficiency of delivery? Equity will come better from sound economics and efficient delivery than from political reservation schemes or irresponsible subsidies. But that would need a stable majority in Lok Sabha, not necessarily in office together (though that would be perfect) but at least on major policy issues.

... contd.