M A I L B A G

The era of coalition politics

In his article “Rise of the regions: Accommodation is the right answer” (March 19), H.K. Dua has highlighted the crucial role of regional parties in the country. Coalition politics has come to stay. Deputy Prime Minister L.K. Advani was wrong in exhorting the people not to vote for regional parties. For a moment, he forgot that the NDA government could complete its term only because of the unstinted support of many regional parties. Our country is vast with people speaking different languages, following diverse faiths and in unequal stages of development. All this has led to the emergence of regional parties representing the people’s aspirations.

But the question is how to maintain the equilibrium among various contending forces? Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee has played a commendable role by emerging as a consensus leader and a successful coordinator. All the constituent units reposed full faith in Mr Vajpayee’s leadership who listened to every one and demonstrated vision in leading more than 20 parties through consensus.

Prof K.L. BATRA, Yamunanagar

II

Regional parties are calling the shots in most states today, be it Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Bihar, UP, Orissa, Punjab or Haryana. The Congress and the BJP — the two major national parties — are ruling only in a few states. The process of fragmentation of polity started in the sixties but was confined to the states. It is only in the nineties that regional parties came to play a crucial role in government formation at the Centre.

Though most regional parties have been the breakaway factions of major national parties, they were the result of personal egos of their leaders rather than any policy differences. But then, howsoever one may dislike, the BJP and the Congress will have to build bridges of understanding to forge alliance with regional parties. Of course, the real bargaining will start after the elections for cornering the spoils of office.

Brig H.S. SANDHU (retd), Panchkula

III

H.K. Dua has rightly perceived the humiliation of the Congress (which it deserves) as it is banking only on Mrs Sonia Gandhi and did not bother to nurse the roots of the party after Rajiv Gandhi’s assassination. The regional parties cannot be ignored at this juncture. They have tasted power in some states and cannot be easily ousted. The BJP and the Congress do understand this stark reality.

The regional concept may not last long; it may not guarantee political stability. Deputy Prime Minister L.K. Advani’s two-party concept may help voters to exercise their franchise and usher in value-based politics by wiping out the opportunistic elements who make false poll promises.

NACHHATTAR SINGH, Odhan (Haryana)

IV

It would not be possible for both the BJP and the Congress to capture power without the help of regional parties. Parties like the SP, the BSP, the TDP, the SAD, the JD (U), the INLD have all consolidated their position in their respective states considerably. Without their active support, neither the BJP nor the Congress can come to power.

H.K. Dua has rightly pointed out that the Congress cannot widen its appeal so long as it remains dependent on one family. Similarly, the BJP cannot do so until it sincerely gives up its ideological baggage which seeks to exclude chunks of what is essentially a plural society.

SUBASH C. TANEJA, Rohtak

V

H.K. Dua’s article should serve as an eye-opener for major national parties. No party is perfect. Worthy candidates are sidelined by various parties at the central, state and regional level. People generally prefer candidates belonging to their own region — the native candidates being more sensitive towards the regional problems. So, they should start looking for pre-poll alliances with the regional parties to avoid any mess at the eleventh hour. Consequently, “accommodation” is the appropriate mantra to win seats.

SHIRPA HANDA, Ambala City

 

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