Happy Election Day?

Not only is historian and cricket lover Ramachandra Guha my kind of moderate liberal, he is also the clearest explainer of Indian politics to the uninitiated of whom I am aware. In the April 20th issue of Outlook magazine (a real hit among IDB bloggers), Guha states in his essay "The Past and Future of Indian Elections" that "a wise and far-seeing" central government is required to develop solutions for the 5 paramount issues of "health, education, environment, the economy and foreign affairs." I will quote the paragraph following this claim in full:

If one reads the newspapers of the past weeks and months, one finds that these policies are hardly discussed. Print and cyberspace alike are obsessed with which party is negotiating what kind of alliance, and with whom. Or they are speculating on the question of Kaun Banega Pradhan Mantri. And yet, feasible and effective policies in the sectors I have identified are vital to the long-term interests of India and Indians. However, in an era of multi-party coalition governments, one can be certain that we will not get them. Political negotiations will be resolutely focused on the short-term, with smaller parties asking for the most remunerative ministries in exchange for support to the ruling government. The prime minister's own working day will chiefly be taken up with massaging the egos of his fellow ministers, or of his own party members who have not yet found a place in the Union cabinet.

Dismal stuff, but Guha is optimistic that the rising educated middle class will and the urbanization of India will lead to fewer regional, religious and caste based parties, and as a result, an increase in long-term vision from national parties.

If you enjoy this article, you may want to check out Guha's epic history of post independence India. It reads like a casual and endearing college textbook.

Hat tip to Emmerich Davies for convincing me to spend a well worth it 25 rupees on Outlook.