Voter remains in two minds
By P.P.S. Gill
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH: Since the Adampur byelection in November, 1998, the political scene in Punjab has changed. Mr Parkash Singh Badal and Mr Gurcharan Singh Tohra have parted ways.

The chipped away faction include a section of Sikh clergy. “This split has caused damage to the domain of governance and brought the state in direct conflict with Akal Takht”, says Prof P.S. Verma of Panjab University.

Prof Verma’s paper, “political dynamics of a byelection,” analyses factors at play and examines how different political parties have forged new alignments since the Adampur poll. In the process, “competitive religiosity” has emerged, largely due to the split in the Akali leadership.

Not surprising then that Mr Tohra and his allies are harping on the theme that “people have revolted against one family rule and feudal oligarchy,” explains Prof. Verma. Mr Parkash Singh Badal has changed the theme of campaigning. He is seeking votes in the name of Mr Atal Behari Vajpayee.

“For any ago-industrial and sauce-economic development, money is a must and it comes from the Centre. To have a friendly government at the Centre, thus, is imperative. So vote for Mr Vajpayee, who is the best bet for Punjab,” he argues.

It is now clear the SAD chief is depending on the BJP for victory, seeking votes in the name of Mr Vajpayee.The urban voter is by and large for Mr Vajpayee, but is somewhat “allergic” to the SAD-BJP candidates or government.

The voter remains in two minds, despite the populist economic policies of the government.Voting for the SAD-BJP candidates would mean indirectly, albeit grudgingly, supporting the government and its policies.

Elected representatives have failed to perform their duties. They have distanced themselves from the constituents particularly, party workers, who have all along yearned for a say in state affairs. The people want to be heard.

This has further aggravated internal squabbles. This has made the task of Mr Badal arduous. He has to pacify workers and voters.The voters, field reports indicate, have not forgotten or forgiven the government for the way panchayat and municipal elections were conducted.

They also grudge lack of government aid during failure of paddy and cotton due to natural calamities. Despite huge losses and promises of relief, no money came from the Centre. The performance of sitting MPs is another factor being weighed by the voters.

However, this does not mean there is a pro-Congress tilt. The Congress remains faction-ridden. When cross-campaigning, overtly and covertly, is on, cross-voting cannot be ruled out.

At stake is the prestige and political future of key players — Mr Parkash Singh Badal, Mr Gurcharan Singh Tohra and Capt Amarinder Singh. While open campaigning ends on September 3 (when Mr Vajpayee visits Punjab), polling is scheduled for September 5.