[Marxism] The 2009 Indian Elections

["Politicus E." <epoliticus@xxxxxxxxx>]

Since the non-Indian commentariat has started propagandizing, it is
perhaps now appropriate for a brief comment on the election outcome.
First, allow me to especially urge U.S.-based comrades to be skeptical
of various announcements in the media concerning the outcome.  For
example, N.P.R. announced on Saturday morning (eastern standard time)
that the Congress-led coalition has marched to a clear victory, but
alas this claim is simply false.  Although we should await an official
announcement, there continues to be uncertainty about the share of the
Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (U.P.A.).  At this juncture
it appears, and I must emphasize caution at this point, that the
Congress-led coalition will be unable to form a government without the
support of one of the smaller parties.  The period of horsetrading has
thus commenced.
     Secondly, it is my view that this election will be remembered
mainly for one reason, viz., the demise of the CPI(M).  Although
caution suggests that we ought to await the official announcement, one
might claim that the CPI(M) has been its own gravedigger.  For
instance, initial estimates suggest that the CPI(M)-led coalition has
lost between 33 and 37 seats.  It also appears that the CPI(M) has
lost West Bengal, a state that has been their ward since the 1977 if
memory serves me.  And what did they expect after their party's
killing of a large number of the tribal population?
     Finally, I am working on a tally to determine the performance of
the comrades from CPI(ML) Liberation, but I do not yet have their
numbers.  If any comrade is aware what percentage of their 82
candidates won, please do share.

Detailed, but preliminary results can be found at
http://www.ndtv.com/elections/.

epoliticus

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