Meaning of the verdict

HARI JAISINGH

GUIDED by their earthy common sense the people have their own way of settling scores at the hustings-sometimes selectively, sometimes half-heartedly and occasionally decisively. Seen in this light, the 2002 verdict in the Assembly elections in Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Manipur and Uttaranchal is a mixed fare. This is but natural. For, the poll issues in different states have varied along with local factors. So have been political alliances and equations, though some national level parties and leaders were very much in the thick of this battle of the ballot. To that extent, the poll results in UP and Uttaranchal are bound to have a fallout on the BJP's political standing at the Centre.

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To say this is not to suggest that there is a threat to the NDA government in New Delhi. All the same, the message to the BJP leadership is clear and candid. It has fared badly and will, therefore, have to do some soul-searching, quickly learn from its mistakes and improve its house-keeping. It is, of course, sad to see ascendency of khichri politics in UP. This means the state will see horse-trading and naked display of money power to form a government at Lucknow. This is bad news for the electorate in UP. In sharp contrast to the BJP, the Congress has done well in Uttaranchal and Punjab.

The Congress win in Punjab, though on expected lines, is certainly not a positive vote in its favour. It is a negative vote, reflecting mainly the electorate's reservation on the way the SAD-BJP government managed state affairs. Therefore, the Congress has to look beyond feeling elated at the victory. It will have to earn the people's goodwill by providing good governance. It also cannot overlook the fact that even without power Mr Parkash Singh Badal continues to be the tallest leader in the state.

The task ahead is formidable. How the Congress will face harsh ground realities is difficult to say. The state's coffers are virtually empty. The overall financial situation is messy. Rail freights, coal bills, etc. have remained unpaid. The Congress brand of poll-eve populism will make the job for the newcomers all the more difficult. Mr Badal's government had the advantage of managing funds for its survival from the Centre. Whether the NDA government in New Delhi will be equally considerate remains to be seen.

The only silver lining in Punjab's economy is the people's enterprising spirit and their ability to rough it out in adverse conditions. Much will, however, depend on the path the Akali-BJP politics adopts in Punjab. Akalis generally take to confrontationist politics whenever they are out of power.

Though Punjab has done reasonably well on the farm front, it will have to quickly work out a new blueprint and prepare the state and its forward-looking farmers to meet the challenges in the post-WTO regime. Time is the essence of progress. Equally vital is the unity of purpose and action. The Congress has once again got an opportunity to prove itself. The choice before the party leadership is crystal-clear: behave, perform or perish! Equally important will be the ability of the Congress to curb corruption, find new avenues for development and create jobs for educated unemployed youth.

Nothing can be more shameful than to see the toppers of universities become victims of "operators" for petty jobs. There has to be fairplay in the system and the youths of Punjab will have to be treated with dignity and respect they deserve. Herein lies the test for the new government. It will be judged on its performance and not on mere promises on the basis of which many of its legislators have won the present election. If the Congress fails to deliver the goods, it will be thrown in the dustbin of history much sooner than expected.