Implicit in Devangshu Datta's column "Repeating the mistake of 1984" (Viewpoint, April 19) is the advice that Indian voters should vote solely for the "moral values" of contending parties. If we look at the voting pattern of previous years, we find that voters give precedence to critical issues such as national security, constitutional authority, honest leadership and good governance. Jawaharlal Nehru went down in public esteem after defeat in the 1962 war with China and his party struggled to retain power in the 1967 elections. Indira Gandhi lost power and her seat in 1977 as a punishment for the flagrant violation of Constitution in imposing internal emergency in 1975 - this despite her spectacular win in the preceding elections. Rajiv Gandhi lost to V P Singh - who was seen as more clean - in 1989. Narendra Modi has been winning elections in Gujarat on the strength of good governance and development despite the scars of the 2002 riots.
This, however, does not mean that voters do not worry about "moral values". The clamour for corruption-free government imbibes it. But when they are beset with a host of life-changing issues, they have to prioritise in accordance with their concerns such as unemployment and inflation also.
Besides, they have to grope for better alternatives. In 1985, there was no challenger to the Congress, but in 2014 the choice is between good and inefficient governance.
Letters can be mailed, faxed or e-mailed to:
The Editor, Business Standard
Nehru House, 4 Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg
New Delhi 110 002
Fax: (011) 23720201
E-mail: letters@bsmail.in
All letters must have a postal address and telephone number
This, however, does not mean that voters do not worry about "moral values". The clamour for corruption-free government imbibes it. But when they are beset with a host of life-changing issues, they have to prioritise in accordance with their concerns such as unemployment and inflation also.
Besides, they have to grope for better alternatives. In 1985, there was no challenger to the Congress, but in 2014 the choice is between good and inefficient governance.
Y G Chouksey Pune
Letters can be mailed, faxed or e-mailed to:
The Editor, Business Standard
Nehru House, 4 Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg
New Delhi 110 002
Fax: (011) 23720201
E-mail: letters@bsmail.in
All letters must have a postal address and telephone number