Assert or Perish

via Raja published on November 9, 2005

The inherent contradictions in the Congress-led ruling United Democratic Front in Kerala and the consequent parting of ways by Karunakaran-led group, gave victory to CPM-led LDF in the recently-held elections to the urban bodies and panchayats in Kerala  on a platter.

 

The Left Front has emerged as the largest group with the five corporations and 12 out of 14 district panchayat councils to its kitty. The Left Front, with the tacit backing of the Karunakaran-led Democratic Indira Congress, secured majority in 689 out of 999 gram panchayats. UDF could cobble up majority in only two district panchayats, 12 municipalities, 25 block panchayats and 222 gram panchayats.
 

The BJP hitherto in the wilderness, as far as elections are concerned, could this time put up a brave face to become the single largest party in Palakad municipality with 17 seats. The LDF and UDF got 16 seats each. The BJP emerged as the single largest party in Kasargod and Kuthuparamba municipalities and bagged four panchayats in Kasargod district.

The poll results have underlined the need for a third alternative. The state, hitherto was forced to move from Left to Right like a pendulum, without any other option. Though the much hyped third alternative is still elusive, the results have given enough hints for both predominant players to behave or people may throw up a third alternative. <!–
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The party has improved its vote share from 38.45 percent in the 2004 Lok Sabha elections to 40.38 percent this time is no solace for Congress. Congress could but only better their position from the drastic blow it received at the hustings then.  n
 

For the BJP-led NDA had won 12.12 percent of votes in the 2004 elections. But the lone NDA member from Kerala, PC Thomas, ditched NDA for greener pastures and landed in the LDF net.

 

The powerful Christian lobby working with multi-pronged tentacles know where the wind blows. Now that the NDA lost power in Centre, and the outfit no way near victory in the state, it has planned its future well in advance. n

 

Now they realise that their interests will be better served by aligning with the LDF.

 
Muslims under the banner of Muslim League continue to protect their interests. And, with both fronts vying each other
in appeasing these groups, they need not worry about safeguarding their interests.

 

What the results portent to Hindus in Kerala?

 

It is sad that the hope of a much talked about NSS-SNDP tie up could not be reflected at the hustings. Being the predominant communities, they could have taken lead in formulating a political platform and a commanding position for Hindus in the Kerala political scene. They could have formed the nucleus for a gravitating force of all the pro-Hindu groups. That did not materialise. This helped all political players to poach on the disunited Hindus. n

 

Will ever Hindus learn lessons? Even now, about 60 percent of the Kerala population is Hindus. Still, they are being marginalised. In the fields of politics, education, economy, culture and employment they lost the clout they once had. n

 

 Every time, during election time, people walk Riight and Left and
ignore the reality. Hindus as a force fail to capitalise the opportunity to mould their own future. Instead, they also fall into the trap set by willy politicians.n”,1]
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The party has improved its vote share from 38.45 percent in the 2004 Lok Sabha elections to 40.38 percent this time is no solace for Congress. Congress could but only better their position from the drastic blow it received at the hustings then. 
 

For the BJP-led NDA had won 12.12 percent of votes in the 2004 elections. But the lone NDA member from Kerala, PC Thomas, ditched NDA for greener pastures and landed in the LDF net.

 

The powerful Christian lobby working with multi-pronged tentacles know where the wind blows. Now that the NDA lost power in Centre, and the outfit no way near victory in the state, it has planned its future well in advance.

 

Now they realise that their interests will be better served by aligning with the LDF.

Muslims under the banner of Muslim League continue to protect their interests. And, with both fronts vying each other in appeasing these groups, they need not worry about safeguarding their interests.

 

What the results portent to Hindus in Kerala?

 

It is sad that the hope of a much talked about NSS-SNDP tie up could not be reflected at the hustings. Being the predominant communities, they could have taken lead in formulating a political platform and a commanding position for Hindus in the Kerala political scene. They could have formed the nucleus for a gravitating force of all the pro-Hindu groups. That did not materialise. This helped all political players to poach on the disunited Hindus.

 

Will ever Hindus learn lessons? Even now, about 60 percent of the Kerala population is Hindus. Still, they are being marginalised. In the fields of politics, education, economy, culture and employment they lost the clout they once had.

 

 Every time, during election time, people walk Riight and Left and ignore the reality. Hindus as a force fail to capitalise the opportunity to mould their own future. Instead, they also fall into the trap set by willy politicians. <!–
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Unless Hindus conduct a stocktaking now, it will be too late. `Sentiments’ of all other religions, except Hindus, are taken care of. It would be wise to do introspection and analyse the losses Hindus  suffered in various fields. Assessing the  real strength is vital for the forward march. n

 

The civic polls do not reflect Hindu strength. It should be the endeavour of all denominations of Hindus to see that their strength is reflected in the political field.

 

If Hindus learn lesson from civic polls, it will be good for them in the general elections next time. Unless they wake up and assert, they will be heading for a sure catastrophe.