Karnataka Win - Not a reason to celebrate for Congress

Congress has all the reasons to celebrate its mammoth win over BJP in Karnataka, but at the same time the party should be cautious for the next general elections. The win is not because of the faith people have in Congress but because of the anti-incumbency factor. People dethroned the existing Government immersed in corruption by electing the next available alternative. Formation of KJP also has contributed to some extent.

Though this is commonly seen phenomenon in state elections, the results of Karnataka poll provide significant insights into peoples voting behavior. The Common masses are growing intelligent, thanks to technology and NGOs. They are choosing whom to vote in a more scientific manner. In such situation it is most important for Congress to treat the current poll results as a warning and work towards enhancing their governance in center to do well  in the upcoming National elections.

It is well known fact that UPA government in known to be a scandalous government. 2G Spectrum Scam, Common Wealth Games Scam, ISRO Scam, Coal Gate SCAM, Adarsh Housing Scam and UP Military Land Scam are just a very few to name that cost our nation approximately 6 lakh Crore Rupees. The money lost in scams, if used properly would have irradiated poverty across the nation and turned India into a developed country with world class infrastructure, education, health, electricity, Food, Defense systems, Scientific research technology, and overall economy at par with developed nations such as United states, United kingdom, China etc.

Apart from scams, the crime rate during UPA reign is at its peak. According to National Crime Record Bureau (NCRB) annual report, the crime rates under the UPA regimes have increased by 27.60%. Crimes have exponentially increased, especially against women and children. People in the country feel unsafe and unsecured. Police are of little help. Moreover, people are afraid of approaching them because of the complexities and complications involved. Nirbhaya Rape case, Dadar Rape case, 6 Year child rape case, Molestation of a minor girl in school bus are a recent few to name. Atrocities against women is a common headline now a days.

The growing unrest among the citizens of our nation may create a problem for Congress to win majority in the upcoming national elections. What happened in Karnataka Polls might repeat at National level. It is time for Congress not to celebrate but to review its position in the ensuing general elections in 2014. In order to secure its vote bank, Congress has to come out with a strategy to rebuild its image as an effective Government for the people. During this stipulated time period it is better to have a small two point focused agenda: Anti-Corruption and crime rate reduction. It is easier said than done.

The current situation is alarming. Statistics suggest that most of public money is eaten in scams. On top of that imposing additional taxes such as Local Duty Tax, Sales taxes on cigarettes etc. to generate revenue adds to the fury of people. Anti-Corruption has to be the first and foremost single point agenda to stop illegal laundering of public money and improve revenue reserves. Again, it is not easy but it is not impossible either. A transparent system, a clear process and proper ownership has to be defined for all transactions. E Governance, E Auctioning etc. are some methods that can be put in place. Stricter laws against corruption such as immediate suspension of members found guilty, confiscation of their properties, faster and immediate legal actions, have to be passed. Every Government transaction has to be available transparently for public viewing and review. There should be an independent governing body that audits impartially. In a nut shell, a stricter Anti-Corruption bill has to be put in place.

People should be afraid of committing crimes, especially against women. Stricter laws and punishments should be imposed. Though the Government drafted a bill for crimes against women, the bill needs further review to make it more effective. Fast track courts is a good initiative. Increase in police presence will help in reducing crime. Making police more approachable irrespective of their jurisdiction and stricter action against arrogant, violent and corrupt police personnel will regain public confidence. Technologies such as video surveillance, Call Tracking, GPS systems etc. will be handy in checking and curbing crime. All necessary steps should be taken to ensure public safety.

It is testing time for the Government and if it wants to continue in power it must at least show some willingness in curbing corruption and crime rate in India.