The 2009 elections have again demonstrated the inscrutability of our voters. They have rebuffed the confident predictions of electronic and print media and the exit polls of political parties. Postmortem exercises have begun. Some heads are sure to roll. It seems that the voters did not like the constant charge of weakness levelled against Prime Minister Manmohan Singh whom they regard as a decent person with integrity, who had the strength to successfully negotiate the nuclear deal. The fiery speeches of Varun Gandhi with a strong communal strain—which the BJP initially disapproved of but subsequently endorsed—seemingly impressed the electorate in Pilibhit but alienated many across India, especially the minorities.

The battering the Left received in Kerala and particularly in West Bengal, dispelled the myth of its invincibility. The collapse of the Third Front, which the Left enthusiastically embraced despite the absence of any common ideology between its different constituents, has impaired its credibility, which is sad.

Election results reflect the electorate’s desire for certainty, for stability. The Congress, on account of its numbers, does not have to rely upon undependable supporters from outside nor on dubious coalition partners for effecting necessary economic, social and legal reforms. The distribution of portfolios is causing problems with extravagant demands made by the DMK, particularly for inclusion in the Cabinet of two persons with questionable reputations. It is hoped the PM will not succumb to these pressure tactics. The spectacle of other political parties and leaders jumping on the Congress victory bandwagon is amusing if it were not utterly disgusting.

... contd.