UPA's election mandate was a 'thumps up' signal to the Congress party. However, with the current induction of a total of 79 ministers into the Cabinet* after bowing down to coalition partners for having supported Congress weather tough winds, meant payback time by offering them cabinet berths. It also brought to the fore another aspect of internal party conflict over, who will get repaid for loyalty and, who will aid the majority party in its attempt to maximize its political gains in those states, which will be heading for State Assembly elections in the next five years. This was the main reason that we saw a dramatic change in the Cabinet, where we saw the entry of many un-heard off, first-timer, incompetent regional party members to get cabinet berths simply because of the above-mentioned reasons. They are neither tough taskmasters nor do they have the right experience to carry forward the reform process at the national level, which is essential at this juncture to take the economy leap forward. Only time would say how much Dr. Singh and Mrs. Gandhi can keep "these" ministers under their leash so that their targets (as given in their manifesto) are met and doesn't result in another HRD or Law ministry which was fraught with issues throughout their previous stint. If the Congress has its long-term goals set then it would not want to lose due to lack of performance in the next elections due in 5 years. It would indeed be a case of Perform or Perish!!
* Second highest number of ministers so far after V.P.Singh govt. and marginally lower than the ceiling of a total of 81 ministers who can be part of the cabinet.
Nice start. So your blog kicks off with the second stint of the UPA government, the first time since 1991 that an alliance has retained the power.Not entirely because they were good for the whole stint but also opposition was poor. Hope that this would be the case where accountability is the factor which will decide the performance. It is very strong statement in Indian Politics, but it would be heartening to see if they really put efforts in that direction. I agree with your view, but just had an opinion. Anyway nice going!!!
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