After General Elections 2009

General Elections 2009 are just over and we are waiting for the results. These are really weird elections due to the sheer amount of uncertainty involved!

My previous posts would tell you I am a passionate Congress supporter. Having said that, I have never had such a low confidence vibe from the whole election phenomenon for Congress. Please do not misunderstand, I yet feel Congress will get there to form the government, but the whole “low confidence vibe” thing is about many a things amiss in the Congress campaign.

BJP’s major issue is “Hindutva” ideologue (for now). Although I am not sure how long that will serve as the main differentiator. The earlier the Congress realizes it, the better!
What is really working for BJP is,

1. the anti-Congress sentiment
2. smaller (compared to Congress) and more professionally run organization (although this may not last after Advani’s exit)
3. their non-existence in confrontation with most regional parties (BJP is almost absent from Kerala, TN, AP, West Bengal, etc.). Whereas Congress is everywhere and hence in opposition with some of the major players in their respective states

Congress has to get its act together on many fronts,

• building professional Organization
  During the campaign I came across many “nay-sayers” calling Congress a privately run firm. I actually think it is time that we need to take a cue from many “privately run” firms and improve on our professionalism and organizational efficiencies.
  I trust Rahul Gandhi has started experimenting on these lines as far as Youth Congress is concerned.
• Another area to explore will be the use of technology
  I personally feel BJP used the technology much more effectively than Congress did. Being an area of my personal interest, this is something I would like to see Congress grow exponentially!
• Delivering on people’s expectations, as incumbent governments at both State and National level. There has to be a trail of VISIBLE success stories to be created around the incumbency! We all have read about Mr. Modi’s success in Gujrat. The obvious answer I have for Mr. Modi’s success is,
  1. Even Hitler was a brilliant administrator, DOESN’T mean we elect a monster. People of Gujrat need to understand the long term damage over their short term greed in choosing Mr. Modi.
  2. The Gujrat success has not been proved to percolate down to the poorest and hence doesn’t read very inclusive.
  Although the point is, it is necessary for Congress governments to perform developmental leaps to shed their SUPPOSED no progress in 60 years. (to whoever says, Congress has not performed, I would like to ask so where did all the “Middle Class” come from, because from what I hear the rich were only getting richer and poor much poorer)

All in all much work to do! Hoping to be a part of this revival!