The world goes on not because of strife but because of synthesis and cooperation. The world is created and continues not because of the conflict between 'Purush' and 'Prakriti' but because of their inter-dependence. Hence all actions should be discussed and analysed not on the basis of class struggle and class antagonism but on the basis of interdependence, complementariness and mutual cooperation.
– Pt Deendayal Upadhyay, in his thoughts on POLITICS IN INDIA
Immediately after the astonishing result of Delhi assembly elections, people have started attributing it to the failure of Modi government and to issues like secularism. Already devastated, forces like Lalu Prasad Yadav and M Karunanidhi have found some media space after a long time. But in settling political scores, we have missed a very important point on economic front. While the latest IMF global forecast predicts that the GDP growth rate in the country will be above that of China in 2016, a report by Standard Chartered, the global financial services major, has forecasted that the Indian economy is expected to clock 7.7 per cent growth under the new series of statistical boost to GDP. Common man may not understand the dynamics of economic indicators but one need not be an economist to understand that wealth cannot be distributed unless it is created. And it will not be wrong to say that the politics of freebies propagated by APP and likes have the potential to scuttle this growth story.
Indian economy was in shambles when Modi government took over. Through performance oriented governance and reformist measures, the new government has provided economic stability and growth to the economy. The government has not only taken the brave step of partial dismantling of subsidies but has also brought transparency and efficiency in policy making. Even the banking sector has been helped to become vibrant and responsive to the market needs. All this has helped regain the confidence of foreign investors in India’s economic development. The best part is that the nationalist government did this without compromising the core interests in the WTO negotiations and contributed in reviving India’s growth story.
Political pundits may be happy interpreting Delhi’s voting pattern, especially by government servants, reflecting their anger against Modi government’s measures pertaining to administrative discipline. Modi government is doing what the socialist regime forgot to perform. Somebody had to take the corrective steps which Modi is taking without considerations of managing vote banks. One has to realise, it is the efficient human resource that generates economic resources. Infact, if India’s growth story has to continue, it is essential that this demographic advantage be encashed.
The fear is with Kejriwal pushing for his freebies agenda and adopting confrontationist politics, all other parties will follow and replicate the model. While espousing the cause of anti-BJPism, it will be convenient for them to blame center for everything. By creating pressure such forces in turn may force the Centre also to go for populist measures. If it happens, this will be detrimental to government’s development agenda and larger national interest.
Let the centrality of electoral gains and losses settle down. Kejriwal and his supporters may relish the fruits of this ‘scary’ victory. In the process, we should not miss the mark made by Modi government on economic front. And also remain cautious of proponents of freebies and not give them a free hand to kill India’s growth story.
