• PAGE ONE
• INDEX
• HOME

Third Front

C. P. Velayudhan Nair, e-mail

With the revival of the idea of a Third Front, mooted by some former Prime Ministers, the average Indian voter may panic. However, riding to their rescue is the unlikely saviour, Mr Mulayam Singh Yadav. He has opposed the Third Front proposal as it would probably align with the Congress(I).

India has witnessed political instability since 1989, and is now glimpsing a period of stability under the leadership of Mr Vajpayee -- a non-Congress(I) Prime Minister -- who has completed 32 months in office. Though there appear to be shortcomings in c ertain areas, there are visible advancements in many others. The apparent shortcomings can only be on account of the Government's coalition status. Under these circumstances, a good politician would be unwilling to set in motion fresh elections on Indian voters.

The proposed Third Front has been tested on the Indian voter more than once. He may not be willing to be tested again. The NDA Government's performance may be evaluated after Mr Vajpayee completes his term in 2004.