The UPA government in a tight bind
- Hueiyen Lanpao Editorial :: September 29 2011 -

The present United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government led by Dr Manmohan Singh after completing a full term in office came back to power having emerged winner in the general election to the 15th Lok Sabha.

For Dr Manmohan Singh heading the government for the 2nd time after a full five year term was a personal landmark, for, he became only the second Prime Minister after Jawaharlal Nehru to do so.

The first term of the Manmohan Singh led UPA government was marked by many significant achievements. The RTI act and NREGS act, two of the most empowering acts ever passed by the Indian Parliament, were enacted in this period.

The Indo -US nuclear deal also materialized in the same term, though it was not received with the same unanimity across the political spectrum as in the case of the two acts mentioned.

In fact, the left parties withdrew from the UPA alliance over this deal. The economy did fairy well, even weathering the economic recession of 2008.

Although, there are many areas on which the UPA government can be faulted - it's pronounced tilt towards the US, neo liberal policies which gave a distinct advantage to the corporate sector, the neglect of agricultural sector, the widening income gap etc. But, overall, on balance, the positives seem to outweigh the negatives and was hence returned to power sans the left parties.

With the opposition parties not in a position to pose a serious threat, everyone thought it would be a smooth sailing for the UPA II.

But it was not to be. Now in the middle of its 2nd term, the UPA government is really in a bind, boxed in by a series of scams and scandals.

First the 2G scam broke out, the Commonwealth Wealth Games scandal followed, then the Lokpal bill controversy, it's a virtual deluge of scams, scandals and controversies. The 2G scam has already consumed A Raja, the former Telecom Minister and M K Kanimozi, daughter of Karunanidhi.

But the latest revelation of a note from Pronob Mukherjee to the PMO stating that Chidambaram as the then Finance Minister when the telecom scam unfolded could have over ruled A Raja, is proving much more damaging to the Congress.

This note episode can be read as a manifestation of the rivalry between two of the most influential members of the Dr Manmohan Singh cabinet.

But more importantly, this has opened questions about the propriety, if not the criminality of Chidambaram’s conduct. The opposition, the BJP primarily has latched on to this, demanding an investigation against Chidambaram's role in the 2G scam.

Some BJP leaders like Yashwant Sinha even going to the extend of saying that Chidambaram's place is in the same cell as A Raja. The Congress party is really feeling the heat and is doing everything in its power to hold off this attack. It is reported that Sonia Gandhi has given instruction to close ranks behind Chidambaram and defend him.

This new twist to the 2G tale, coming as it is, immediately after the mishandling of the Anna Hazare led movement against corruption, has really put the congress on its back foot.

The signals emanating from the Congress camp does not inspire any confidence while the BJP, as is to be expected, is leaving no stone unturned to take advantage of the tight situation the Congress has found itself in.

If opposition parties, particularly the BJP, manage to keep up the pressure and if their campaign finds a resonance with the public, then the UPA II government or more precisely the Congress, even if it last out its full term, might find it tough going in the next general election.