The poll pundits have been proved wrong, predictions have failed and people of India have given a clear mandate to UPA. It clearly indicates that India stands for progress, stability, rule of law and non-communal polity.
There were indications that even the Third Front might come to power; so weak were the prospects of Congress-led UPA. But the results have stunned everyone.
BJP, which has influence all over the country, was very careful not to show its true colours. But the people know its narrow-minded and communal agenda. They have rejected it once again. Its ideology and influence cannot be easily written off. Muslims were determined that it should not be given another chance to sow poison and enact the Gujarats. They were concerned that BJP’s coming to power may lengthen the shadows of discrimination under which they have been suffering since independence. They, in spite of their differences, were determined that they would vote for those persons and parties which may defeat the communal party. They should be congratulated that they have succeeded in their objective. They have saved the country from the danger of falling into the trap of hatred and Fascism of worst kind.
Muslims have played a significant role in shaping the results. Take the case of the largest state, UP. Samajwadi Party (SP) was their choice in the last election. But they shifted their votes from SP only because of its supremo’s wooing of Kalyan Singh, who had supervised the demolition of Babri Masjid. Congress is greatly benefited from this and has made a comeback.
Left parties did not give anything to West Bengal Muslims for their solid support in the past. In spite of being more than one fourth of population they are in the most wretched condition. The Left took their support for granted. This time they shifted their support and the Left is left with only 15 seats in West Bengal, down from 35.
Now the Congress-led UPA is in a position of strength to shape the destiny of the country for the next five years. It should stick to principles of good governance and overall progress of all sections and all parts of the country. It should suppress with an iron hand all communal and divisive forces. It should adopt a no-nonsense policy towards hate-mongers, and should devise a well defined strategy of uplifting the poor, the downtrodden, the marginalised and the Muslims.
Muslims have suffered economically, educationally and socially a lot even when Congress was at the helm of affairs. They expect a fair deal from the new dispensation. At the same time they should unite and fight for their rights as equal citizens, who deserve a dignified life with benefits of development which have been largely denied to them.
We wish Godspeed to the new government in a period of progress and development for all with dignity and justice.