Time for BJP to Rethink
Abstract:
The experience with the latest package of reforms has provided further support for my hypothesis that when ruling politicians blame the lack of progress vis-a-vis reforms on missing consensus, that consensus is missing not among people but within the cabinet. Whereas the Indian public today fully appreciates the benefits of reforms, it is politicians who lag.The opposition parties had claimed that the latest package of reforms would damage millions of shopkeepers (FDI in retail), transport workers (diesel price hike) and urban households (subsidised LPG cylinders). Yet, none could translate that supposed harm into sustained anti-reform demonstrations in the public space. EvenMamata Banerjeefound her huffing and puffing going to waste, as her normally attentive Kolkata crowds greeted her with indifference.