It appears that the UPA Government led by Congress I is gearing up itself ready for the Lok Sabha Elections may be even mid-term, though the present tenure of the Lok Sabha ends only by 2009.The left parties, particularly the CPI (M),once considered Congress (I) as their bitter enemy reconciled itself and started supporting Congress I when BJP emerged as a national party and had its own fluctuations in the election scenario, though BJP led alliance ruled India for some time.Branding BJP as communal and considering it more dangerous than Congress I, the left parties supported Congress I to form a government after the 2004 Lok Sabaha Elections.But in West Bengal, Kerala and Tripura, the CPM(I) led alliance is the ruling party and considering congress I as their main rival party in the said states.
But the left parties though supporting the Congress I led government from the outside on the basis of a common minimum programme, they have developped some difference of opinion with the Congress I on the issue of Indo-American Nuclear Treaty and vehemently oppose it as it would tantamount to virtually surrendering the Indian sovereignty to US.So the left parties particularly the CPI (M) General Secretary Prakash Karat, have been vociferous and vehement enough to threaten the Congress I Government, it would withdraw support to the Goverment,if India persists and go ahead with the nuclear treaty.But Congress I also has got some reservations over the Hyde Act, but the party is not totally averse to signing the nuclear treaty.To begin with it has also started parleys with IAEA, when left parties were calm especially the CPI(M) government had its own problems in West Bengal, especially Nandigram.
Once the Nandigram problem got receded, again the left parties started threatening the UPA government.No doubt it is sheer blackmailing.It should also be noted that the left parties while attacking the the proposed Indo-US nuclear treaty, had never opened their mouth or even referred to about the similar type of nuclear treaty has been entered into between China and the US.Now the political situation in the US is that if the Republican party(perhaps its nominee Mc Cain)will not win the Presidency and Barrack Obama (let us assume he gets nominated by the Democratic party), they may not pursue the Indo-US Nuclear treaty which was entered into by the Republican party and so the Bush Government in the US has been sending feelers to India and urging the Indian Government to sign the Indo-US Nuclear treaty as early as possible.
Therefore, sensing the urgency, the UPA government led by Congress I may go further to enter into the treaty.In that event sensing the danger of withdrawal of left parties support, Congress I is gearing up for general election.The recent populist railway and finance budgets tabled by the Congress I ministers are an eye opener and an indication of it.The Railway budget announced with 25000 crores surplus, free from fare hike and on the other hand a number of concessions announced in the railway budget to the people like reduction of fares in various categories, concessions to student community,Senior citizens, HIV postive persons, etc,and the introduction of as many as 54 new train services etc are definitely welfare oriented and definitely with an eye on the forthcoming probable mid term poll.Similarly the Finance minister’s budget submitted in the Lok Sabha,as commented upon by a left member as virtual announcement of election.The announcement of waiver of 60,000 crore farm loans in various banks benefiting as much as 4 crore farmers,not only provide some significant relief to the farmers but also has its own impact in the elections.The Central Pay commission report proposed to be released in the month of March, 2008, will have a deep impact among the central government servants.Other concessions extended to the general public and the Senior citizens in raising their incometax ceiling limit will have a significant impact.
Therefore,the show off between UPA government led by the Congress I and the left parties over the yet to be fructified Indo-US Nuclear treaty,actually resulted in benefits to the Indian people.Thanks to the treaty which is yet in the stage of parley only.