TMC's favouring FDI in poll manifesto a printing mistake?

The two Ms of Indian politics, considered vital for the government's survival or fall, also abide by the culture of double standard. Mamata Banerjee, who pulled out of the UPA government, saying she was committed to the people's welfare and could not allow FDI for it would destroy the local people's livelihood, supported entry of foreign capital in retail trade in her party's election manifesto for the 2009 Lok Sabha election.

Though Banerjee said it was a printing mistake and the party leadership had the document removed from its official website, her double standards were exposed. One of her MPs reportedly defended by saying the manifesto stood true for 2009 and not 2012, but such defence does not stand any chance. Even the Trinamool Congress did not create much fuss on the Coalgate issue, which can be considered a more 'popular' issue than the FDI in retail. What is the reason for such selective stands? And if foreign capital is indeed so bad, then why isn't a loan from the Asian Development Bank which is conditioned on the principle of prudence?

The Samajwadi Party is perhaps the biggest colour-changer in Indian politics. What Mulayam and his party preaches in the morning might turn out to be his subject of attack at sunset. The SP's stand on FDI in retail is confusing to me. Walmart is already operational in Uttar Pradesh and the state's CM Akhilesh Yadav was heard a few days ago that he was not against FDI. But the party chief, Mulayam, warns against the FDI measures every now and then although reiterates the fact that the SP will support the government. And now, Akhilesh is supporting Mulayam's stand, saying FDI will only harm small traders. Mayawati's BSP, on the other hand, will do just what the SP doesn't and vice-versa. Supporting reforms is much less important for Mayawati than cornering Mulayam. The scenario there is just like in Bengal where the TMC and Left engage in a political battle to show who is more pro-people.

Indian Left: Neither here nor there

The Left parties, who are clearly not here nor there, also lack a coherent stand on the ground. Theoretically, the Leftists are against private capital but lost power in West Bengal because of their pursuit of private sector industrialisation in Singur and Nandigram. The impact of those steps has almost wiped out the Left off the political map of the country and they are desperately trying to make a regain their lost ground but may be it is little too late. In Bengal, their place and agenda have been conveniently hijacked by Mamata Banerjee, who opposed both price rise and the strike called last week as a protest.

West's blue-eyed boy also against FDI?

The position taken by Telugu Desam Party chief Chandrababu Naidu against FDI in retail is also difficult to understand, for he was known for his strong pro-west leanings when he was the CM of Andhra Pradesh.

Akali Dal protesting FDI at Punjab's peril?

The Shiromani Akali Dal is against FDI in retail but Punjab has already seen Walmart functioning on its soil and not many are complaining. Even the deputy CM of the state Sukhbir Singh Badal is a die-hard reformist and does not want his state to miss the bus. Walmart is also operational in Madhya Pradesh, a state ruled by the BJP, a party which was more exposed by senior leader Arun Shourie's backing the government on its decision on diesel price hike and FDI in retail.

Dump politicians if required, but not reforms

We, as Indians, are happy to keep ourselves in a state of denial about the reality. Economic reforms are not an option to experiment as and when our 'enlightened' politicians feel and need to be pursued on a consistent basis. Politicians can be dumped but not reforms. We can not allow a Mamata or a Mulayam jeopardise the nation's interest just to serve their own selfish interests and yet continue to brag about, saying they protected the people's interest (by actually deceiving them). Do they don't understand what liberalisation mean or they are afraid to let the market open up for that will threaten their narrow gains?

Indian democracy doesn't just mean elections and coming to government after every five years. There is something more to it and if the people of the nation do not teach those who are creating a logjam everywhere everyday a lesson, it is time we embrace the devil.