3rd March

Beyond Bengal

The article analyses the present situation of alliances in Bengal especially the one between Congress and Trinamul that would be a substantial damage to the Left front in the state for the coming LS elections.

Congress-Trinamul alliance can prove to be decisive for Left front prospects in the state since till date Left front won in West Bengal because of divided opposition. With Congress and Trinamul votes consolidate now, they have very less chance to win. Add to that the land controversy which has already strengthened the anti-Left sentiments in the state which would certainly be cashed-in by Mamta Banerjee. However, her anti-CPM politics could be a problem for Congress if they want to seek support of Left Front at the center and any compromise with LF would ire Mamta. But the chances are remote since this time the LF is expected to be far weaker in LS. 

However, the present priority for Congress is to have seat adjustments with allies in as many states as possible. However, Congress is against any pre-poll arrangement since they might have to give up some seats to the allies outside the latter’s stronghold. Congress doesn’t rule out post-poll settlements and thus remains open. Congress-Trinamul alliance is not an exception to that. 

Running Out of Time 

The article cautions the Delhi government with respect to its preparation for the 2010 Commonwealth Games and expresses apprehension that the complacency may cost dear to the nation at large.

The parliamentary committee has slammed Delhi government for its lethargy in the organization of Commonwealth Games. However, the sports minister, M S Gill compares it with a typical Indian wedding where most of the things do get completed at the last moment. However, this is a very risky assumption when the prestige of the nation is at stake. And with extravaganza at the Beijing Olympics and the Melbourne Commonwealth Games lastly, the expectations are already high. Even a single flaw in the execution of the games or infrastructure facilities could damage our reputation. The attitude of govt and the sports minister reflects the attitude of country towards the infrastructure development in the country as a whole. Cumulative costs of 519 infrastructure projects have increased by 13.4% of which 258 are already behind the schedule.

With Commonwealth boxing championships already pushed behind from Dec 2009 and VP of International Swimming Federation criticizing the organizers for poor swimming facilities, it is inevitable for govt now to walk the talk. If the lassitude is not shed off, this wedding might have to be called off.