Who won the Semi-Final??

Amidst all the confusion and anarchy related to the terror attacks, many Indians took part in the biggest show of strength that can be given against everything that is wrong in India. 6 states voted for the election and rejection of their leaders. Results of 5 of these states have come and claims, counter-claims on who won the semi-final ( with main Lok Sabha elections being the final), what led to defeat of certain party in certain state, fate of losing leaders is being speculated. I will also join the bandwagon and try to dissect these results in the form that i see them. It is quite possible that my views may be based on wrong assumptions but this is what i make of the results.

According to me, the biggest gainer in this election has been India and its belief in democracy. At a time when terrorists are trying hard to create fear among us, we have shown them that we still believe that deomcracy is the way to go. People braved terrorists and Naxals' call for boycott and took part in large numbers (the voting percentage in all states was in the region of 60-70%, which though not extra-ordinary but still is higher than usual). Also, what is worth noting is that the split verdict (3-2 in favor of Congress) means that there was no strong national issue which guided people to vote in large numbers. Now, i would discuss each state one by one.

Firstly, our capital state of Delhi. Here, Sheila Dikshit led govt. swept back to power for third term. What can be the reason, for the public to vote back to power a govt., which was instrumental in demolishing and sealing a sizeable part of Delhi? The only reason i can see is that people have faith in the working of the govt. and in Sheila Dikshit. They are sure that she can lead Delhi effectively during the poster event of Delhi, CWG2010. In the past 10 years, Delhi has also transformed, like the rest of India, from the archaic capital of the Moghuls and many other rulers to the swanky yet classy capital of an emerging superpower. Rarely, are govts in India able to get re-elected and not many can claim to do so three times in a row. This can be done either due to lack of opposition (BJP in Delhi may be in disarray but it is not defunct) or misuse of govt. machinery (which i doubt can be a big factor nowadays considering the media scrutiny and the great conduct of EC) or through sheer development. I think the victory in Delhi is a strong message to all leaders that there is no magical formula to success other than work.

Next comes Madhya Pradesh. Here also, the incumbent govt. which was accused of having indulged in much corruption was re-elected by the people. MP is one of the most backward state of India and to buck the anti-incumbency in such a state is really difficult. Here, Shivraj had to fight not only Congress but also a rejuvenated BSP and a fiery Uma Bharti. Both of them had sections of society who sympathasised with them and hence could have been a spoiler. But Shivraj not only won the election but got a resounding 2/3rd majority (well almost). Elections in MP have largely been fought over the same issues of Bijli, Sadak and Paani for many years and to win in such a situation means that some development must have taken place, forcing the populace to overlook the corruption charges levelled against the govt.

Third state was Chattisgarh. The biggest battle here was between Naxals and India here. The large voting in Naxal infested areas and BJP's resounding win in those constitutencies were a big blow to Naxals. I don't know whether Salwa Judum is right or not. But these results have shown what the locals affected by Naxal violence think of Salwa Judum. I consider this win for Raman Singh as a referendum on his policy of Salwa Judum and now all questions regarding it should end.

Now, i will discuss Rajasthan, the only one of the big states where incumbent govt. was defeated. Why did the Raje govt. fail to achieve what Sheila Dikshit, Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Raman Singh achieved? The reason behind this can only be inaction. At a time when public is facing drought, if Chief Minister is busy in some havan or posing as Goddess, then it is not something that people will tolerate anymore. Also, it seems that the public of Rajasthan has not forgotten how she allowed some men to take not only Rajasthan but all of India hostage by blocking the all-important Mumbai-Delhi route. She created a problem and then wished to reap political benefits by solving it. But luckily public has become wiser ansd shown her the door.

The last of the results were of Congress's return to power in Mizoram. I don't have much idea about the reasons for the MNF's defeat there but it seems it had to do with rampant corruption prevalent there.

We are still awaiting results of J&K. But already the high voting percentage has proved once again that Kashmir valley is an integral part of India and Kashmiris look towards India as their own country. Their was great apprehension about whether Kashmiris will take part in the elections given the fact that terrorists and separatists like Hurriyat ( same as terrorists only in my eyes), who claim to be the real voice of Kashmiris had asked for boycott of the elections. The temperatures were also on high because of the economic blockade of Kashmir by the people of Jammu some time back. But this voting has shown Hurriyat, terrorists, Pakistan and the whole world that whatever problem is their between Jammu and Kashmir is an internal matter of India and no matter what they all say and do, Kashmiris regard themselves as INDIANS.

I would like to sign off with the belief that my deductions are true because these deductions are based on the hope that Indian voter has matured and has decided his leader on the basis of their work or lack of it. I can't remember the last time 3 out of 4 incumbent govt were voted back to power and i hope it is because these three states have seen development and stability.

JAI HIND!!!