Mike Pouraryan
India's Mid-Terms
As the United States gears up for the Mid-terms, India is also gearing up for the Midterms as well. As it stands today, the UPA government of Dr. Singh seems to be in trouble.
About a year ago, Congress and its' allies in the United Progressive Alliance were re-elected after the Mumbai disaster. Yet, right now, recent surveys I reviewed in India Today shows a total lack of trust and confidence in the Prime Minister. What I found shocking was the fact that some even considered the Chief Minister of Gujarat to be Prime Ministerial material. For those who may not remember, muslims were massacred under his watch in Gujarat and he never apologized for it. He then took a tour of Mumbai during the tumulous days of the terrorist attacks and was his usual pompous self. This shows how apathetic the Indian Electorate actually has become.
Despite India's achievements, I continue to be concerned about the rebellion by the Maoists. They are active in 15 of the 31 states in the country. The gap between the rich and the poor is staggering. To me, what the Ambanis are doing in Mumbai is just one small yet profound example of what is wrong with India today. I am not sure whether the Hindu-Centric view of the BJP or the regional parties have the sway necessary over the electorate.
But, all is not lost yet. I have come to respect the Prime Minister because he is a honest, smart man who understands what needs to be done. I also continue to watch in fascination the moves by Rahul Gandhi, son and grandson of Prime Ministers of India. He has already made his mark by making sure that the UPA Government secured a second term. The question I have is this: What would Rahul do?
About a year ago, Congress and its' allies in the United Progressive Alliance were re-elected after the Mumbai disaster. Yet, right now, recent surveys I reviewed in India Today shows a total lack of trust and confidence in the Prime Minister. What I found shocking was the fact that some even considered the Chief Minister of Gujarat to be Prime Ministerial material. For those who may not remember, muslims were massacred under his watch in Gujarat and he never apologized for it. He then took a tour of Mumbai during the tumulous days of the terrorist attacks and was his usual pompous self. This shows how apathetic the Indian Electorate actually has become.
Despite India's achievements, I continue to be concerned about the rebellion by the Maoists. They are active in 15 of the 31 states in the country. The gap between the rich and the poor is staggering. To me, what the Ambanis are doing in Mumbai is just one small yet profound example of what is wrong with India today. I am not sure whether the Hindu-Centric view of the BJP or the regional parties have the sway necessary over the electorate.
But, all is not lost yet. I have come to respect the Prime Minister because he is a honest, smart man who understands what needs to be done. I also continue to watch in fascination the moves by Rahul Gandhi, son and grandson of Prime Ministers of India. He has already made his mark by making sure that the UPA Government secured a second term. The question I have is this: What would Rahul do?
