Political Dynamics in Coalition Government Formations

The elections are over, the results are out and the Dance of Democracy has entered a new phase – we could call this as democratic aerobics danced to the musical orchestra of the Congress with the baton in the hands of coalition partners – result a confused exercise to musical disharmony. With the DMK and Trinamul Congress – both pre-election allies of the UPA demanding their pound of flesh the dance has now entered a crucial phase – either we have a single conductor for the symphony and a single choreographer to ensure the dance has rhythm and musical synchronicity.

What we are now seeing is something which has been the bane of Indian politics since the era of Indian politics began. The DMK with its handful of seats is seeking cabinet and state ministries which its numbers do not warrant. The DMK has got too money MP’s who are relatives of Mr. Karunanidhi – and Karunanidhi being the good family patriarch that he is wants to see all his relatives happy – to hell with coalition dynamics. Similarly the Trinamul with its 20 seats has asked for key ministries and got what they wanted – at least they have not thrown a tantrum as in the past. We have the NCP, RJD and various assorted parties waiting in the wings – they can’t do much now as they have received a tight slap from the electorate – but their penchant for mischief at a later stage cannot be denied.

One cannot escape the fact that coalitions have come to stay in Indian politics. The need of the day is to set in place laws – guidelines will not work for our acrobatic politicians – which will ensure that pre-election allies are not allowed to change their stand post elections – and if they do, such parties should have severe strictures placed against them. I know that this sounds a bit undemocratic – but if we have a law in place which takes care of all the angles, then why not, it will then definitely be democratic and the law will be passed by Parliament by going through due process!

I am sure the UPA will work out solutions to it’s problems but hopefully the Congress will not bend over backwards to keep everyone happy – the Congress should now show it’s minor coalition partner who is the Boss, but at the same time be flexible and reasonable enough to satisfy all the stake holders. The Congress should definitely not cave in to the blackmail of the DMK or any other ally – because if they do so now, they will be considered weak and will be subject to bullying for the next five years. I for one have not voted for instability – and instability is what we will get if Congress caves in to the brinkmanship on display by the DMK.

The DMK should take what is offered and be happy that they will be contributing to building a nation in the next five years. Let’s hope that sense prevails all round and I hope we have a team in place which will take India forward to occupy its rightful place in World history!