India is being deprived of a sound opposition, something essential for democracy. For now, this may not matter much as the ruling coalition does not command a majority in the Upper House of Parliament. This will, however, change over time. It is then that a strong and informed opposition will be necessary. It is time the opposition learns to take baby steps. The first step for any party/parties that has/have received a historic drubbing is to understand the reasons for defeat. Then comes the task of regaining political space. Don’t oppose the government for its policies—after all that was the reason why the NDA was voted in with a thumping majority; oppose it for shortcomings in performance. Don’t oppose for the sake of opposition; oppose on principle.
Posted on: Mon, 03 Nov 2014 11:28:39 +0000