Dinesh Kamath's Editorial 'Ruling parties enjoy advantage in by-elections' that was published in Newsband

Ruling parties enjoy advantage in by-elections

Voters see little point in antagonising their rulers in the by-elections. They are not expected to deviate from the general election trend. In the by-elections to the Lok Sabha, the Bharatiya Janata Party won one each in Madhya Pradesh and Assam, but lost to the Trinamool in West Bengal. The people over there reposed their faith in Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. Was that “people’s revolt” against the demonetisation move of the BJP-led government at the Centre?

Whether due to the demonetisation or the lower stakes in the deferred elections, there was reportedly a reduced flow of currency notes, and a less intense campaign. By-elections are not pointers to how an Assembly or Lok Sabha election will turn out, but vice versa is true. The results may not reflect the mood of the nation but the margin of win or lose may prove the popularity of the government. The elections held are in some states and not in large number of constituencies. Hence, the results have little impact on policy matters

It is doubtful whether Mamata's claim that the victory of TMC candidate is a vote against demonetisation is true. If it were so, why did the BJP increase its vote share?

In advanced democracies (more a Utopian dream) it is said that by-elections afford an opportunity for resentment voting. That means the opposition has a better chance of winning by gaining on the thorns and horns in those on the throne. Our democracies appear to toe the incumbents' line for the constituents are either bought or are being bought. It is more a cash nexus than an expression of enlightened public reaction. The turning of a new leaf requires a mature electorate not a meek set of supplicants who lie prostrate at the feet of the elected by virtue of their dire dependence on the rulers for favours for themselves and for their kith and kin. It is more extended family politics or politricks than desirable democratic practices leading to progressive development as a nation with a vision. Their mission appears to feather individual nests rather than getting their benefits from overall, extensive development that is more national than parochial or rather familial.

Black money is a course for this country but if it becomes an issue of financial crisis then the result could be dangerous. Centre will have to gain support from state government to make this black money mission accomplish.