After the longest ever polling schedule lasting over a month the curtains are finally drawn on the theatrics and semantics. What the voter has learnt during this marathon campaign period is that politicians and political parties are not serious about their task. The campaign has been marred by ugly speeches that reveal the death of statesmanship in this country. None of the political parties has crafted out a model of development to be shared with the voters. The BJP came up with its manifesto after several states in Northeast India had already voted. This shows that the BJP could not be bothered with the smaller states. All the tongue lashing and grinding of teeth have happened in the Hindi heartland. Narendra Modi did not waste time visiting those predominantly tribal states like Meghalaya, Mizoram and Nagaland where the BJP either had no contestant or the candidates were not significant. Even Rahul Gandhi campaigned in Garo Hills but quietly passed through the Khasi-Jaintia Hills, meeting only party workers. Sonia Gandhi of course was largely missing from action in this part of the world, barring Assam which has 14 MPs.
As the counting day draws nearer, speculations are rife that the BJP might get the largest number of seats although pollsters refuse to cite any number. Between now and May 16, psephologists will start their predictions on television channels. Another drama awaits the nation as we wait for the final results. The nation wants a government that is decisive and delivers good governance; its people want an India that does not looks wimp and can be walked all over by Pakistan or China. Large numbers of the poverty stricken population await deliverance from their plight. The youth want jobs and entrepreneurial opportunities. Institutions that have suffered great damage in the last ten years of UPA rule need to be rejuvenated with fresh ideas and the mess cleaned up.
Above all, this time people seem to have rejected the idea of ‘dynastic rule.’ For the Nehru-Gandhi family this is a jolt. Amethi and Rae Bareilly are no longer reserved pocket boroughs of the mother-son duo. This time there is a fight in Amethi and people are finding out that they could have a viable choice in Smriti Irani. Perspective on India’s first family are changing. The Rahul Gandhi interview by Times Now much before the launch of the campaign was a dead giveaway that he has nothing to offer the teeming millions in this country. His good intentions have not been wrought in the crucible of ground realities. They remain good intentions only. People are no longer willing to buy Rahul G’s infantile assertions. The electorate has come of age. The rest will play out on May 16.