Now that the preparations for 16th Lok Sabha elections in April-May 2014 are underway, the online media is heating up with news about politics. My Facebook feed and twitter feed are abuzz with news and opinion on politics.
Clearly the stage is set but the sentiment that is echoed is that there really is “no choice”. Who are the players?
1. Narendra Modi – he has become the obvious choice for those who feel that a change is needed in the country and the Congress offers no solid alternative. Hence, it is better to go with a leader who has proven his worth with his governance as Chief Minister in Gujarat. However, his strong religious leanings, his role in Godhra riots (although he has been acquitted by the court) leads to concerns. Is he really the right leader?
2. Rahul Gandhi – although its not declared as yet, he is clearly being seen as Congress party’s choice to lead the elections. Although the Gandhi name, which provides him instant recognition and a prominent space in Indian politics, he has failed to exude his charm and carve his own identity. While his youth gives him an edge, he comes across as an adolescent who is confused about the political issues that face the country. And his infamous interview with Arnab Goswami on Times Now, killed any hope about his impending political career. He clearly doesn’t seem to be the right choice to lead a nation which requires hard decisions.
3. Arvind Kejriwal – an activist turned politician, who appears to be really concerned about the nation’s future. His is the story of giving up riches and adopting a life on the streets. His main concern is not to lead the nation but to right the wrongs. However, the concerns about him is that he is too new and not experienced enough to play politics. While he led his party to victory in the Delhi elections, his short tenure doesn’t give enough evidence of what he can do when in power. Although his strategy to relinquish the control that comes with power and be recognized as people’s leader, who acts in accordance with people’s wants shows his naivety. And obviously, just a couple of years old, his party doesn’t seem to have enough traction to form a national level party.
Who will be the next prime minister of India? The concerns will remain and hopefully one choice will emerge of the many choices that are in the fray. But what is really positive is that politics remains the center of public discourse as the nation finds its leader and there are questions for which we need answers.