Budget on the roll, will Cong go for the polls?

CHECKMATE: Experts on CNN-IBN agree that the Union Budget was a good political move.

          

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Keywords: Farmers, Left

“70 per cent of the farmers’ borrowings are from private sources and not nationalised or scheduled banks. As a result by June 30, when the picture actually becomes clear, the euphoria will simply evaporate and the Congress will be forced to rethink its plans,” Mitra added.

However, there is no getting away from the fact that this Budget was a political document. Analysts have pointed out Budgets can never win elections.

In 1979, Charan Singh lost elections even after presenting a highly populist Budget. In 1989, Congress was comprehensively beaten after two successive populist Budgets and in 2004, the BJP-led NDA lost elections after presenting the so-called people's Budget.

“We are not claiming that this Budget is for the purpose to win elections. It is in fact a position that we have taken. We say that elections will be held in proper time after one and a half year,” reiterated Alvi.

If it is not about elections, then why are there no measures in the Budget that spur growth? Why are the industry leaders complaining and why are the stock markets crashing? Why is the Congress simply handing out sops?

“As far as the stock markets are concerned, there are different reasons. It is not in India alone, it is all over the world. Considering overall growth, in the Budget, 15 per cent money is allocated for health and more than 20 per cent is allocated to education. However, the Opposition is not talking about this,” Alvi argued.

Two days after the Budget, Sonia Gandhi has embarked on a tour of states and she is meeting state leaders. Is there a thought behind Congress’ new move?

Defending the Congress stance, Alvi said, “If we will not hold public rallies, then what will we do? We will definitely tell our people what we have done for them in the last four years. Budget is also very important. We have done a lot for farmers, minorities and the poor. For every labourer we have guaranteed Rs 30,000 insurance. It has never happened in the history of this country. We are bound to tell them that we have done so much for them,” Alvi said.

Congress, a formidable force?

Is the Congress led UPA now acquiring a certain hegemonic position within the political landscape? By getting the aam aadmi by its side, it is becoming a formidable force to deal with?

“Firstly, I don’t think anybody in their right minds has ever suggested that the Congress party is a walkover. It is the biggest political party in the country spread across the entire country, ruled almost 45 out of 60 years since Independence. It is thus a formidable force,” Mitra said.

“As far as getting the aam aadmi on board, there is no evidence whatsoever. In 2007 alone, Congress party lost power in Punjab, Uttaranchal, Himachal Pradesh and Gujarat. So, where is the aam aadmi routing for the Congress? After June 30, when the hollowness of the Budget will be revealed to the farmers, the Congress will be compelled to sing a different tune,” Mitra added.

Identity crisis for the Left

With the present state of affairs, is the Left facing an identity crisis? It hates the Congress but it hates the BJP even more. If Congress with this kind of a Budget goes to the people, and comes back with support in greater numbers, will it support the Government then?

“I am little amused with the kind of statements here. Which Budget in this country in all these years has not been political?” Basu asked.

“From where you generate your income and where you spend is essentially a political call,” Basu added.

But Is it not time for the Left to clear its position vis-a-vis the Congress?

“We have made it clear that we have fundamental differences with the Congress and hence we are neither a part of the Government nor the coalition itself,” explained Basu.

“We are thoroughly opposed to the BJP also. We want to evolve a third alternative, which in policy terms will demarcate itself from both the Congress and the BJP. As far as the Budget is concerned, though we feel that there are certain positive steps in the Budget, but overall the FM has lost a huge scope in making the budget an aam aadmi’s Budget,” he said.

Not saying whether the Left is friends or enemies of the Congress party, Basu said, “We are independent political forces.”

Results of the Question of the day: Is it the right time for Congress-led UPA to call a General Election?

Yes: 88 per cent

No: 12 per cent