UPA's in poll mode, speaks the aam aadmi language

UPA’S POLL VAULT: Ministers like Chidambaram (left) and Kamal Nath have begun announcing sops.

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New Delhi: Even the poster-boys of reforms speak the aam aadmi language when they can sight mid-term polls.

So, don't be surprised if Union Commerce Minister Kamal Nath, a man who has been popularising the SEZ, suddenly warns that a growth of 9.2 per cent doesn't mean much to the teeming millions till the benefits reach each and every one of them.

“If this growth story has to be sustainable then it has to reach all the towns and villages of the country. The course of growth has to change to include everybody,” says Nath.

Sounds a bit like the Left language. But in election time political parties go by the single common denominator of populism. Nath has also urged banks to fund rural business ventures and reduce rural indebtedness.

Even Finance Minister P Chidambaram is not being his tight-fisted self. He launched three populist health insurance and pension schemes. And the revenue conscious minister increased wheat-procurement prices by Rs 250 per quintal at the latest Cabinet meet.

He also announced Rs 50 per quintal bonus for paddy procurement. His farmers' package is obviously aimed at the vast rural electorate.

“Last year wheat was Rs 750 plus Rs 100 which was given as a bonus. In 2007-08, it will be Rs 1,000,” says Chidambaram.

Clearly the UPA government is in election mode. And despite India Incorporations success stories, the UPA is slowly waking up to the fact that unless growth is inclusive, the aam aadmi will not be impressed.