Congress preempts Behan Ji's dream

Well, a dalit women becoming the PM of India, still seems to be a distant dream, but congress has surely made a master stroke by appointing Meira Kumar the speaker of Lok Sabha. The first Dalit lady to hold such a position. A master stroke, which will take winds out of the sail of Behen Ji (mayawati), who is still busy sacking people en mass , because, BSP could not sweep lok sabha elections in UP.
We should not also forget that it is Congress which also gave India the First Women President.
Kudos to congress!! a party which is not only paying lip service to women empowerment, but actually working towards it. I am sure in the coming 5 years, the women reservation bill of 33 % reservation in Parliament for women, will see the light of the day.

Congress should not succumb to DMK for "Raja"

Keeping in view the announcement of DMK to give outside support to congress, as their aspirations and demand are not being met by a resurgent congress, which is not ready to be blackmailed by allies.
I am not sure but it is being hinted that DMK is adamant on Raja (the ex telecom minister, known for all the wrong reasons wrt telecom policies), to be inducted in the cabinet, even if he does not get IT. But, Congress, is very much aware of Raja's reputation as a minister, and is not willing to send a wrong signal to people by inducting him under pressure. I believe that Congress should stick by its stance of not inducting raja, and give a strong signal that non-performers will not be tolerated in the new ministry.
DMK is known for its pressure tactics, and has put congress in a bit of back foot, but keeping political alliances in mind, this could be the first litmus test for the congress, in terms of taking a strong stance.
I know its not easy to just ward of allies, in a jiffy , because of arrogance of numbers, as ultimately, congress will need support of numbers and could end up yielding to some other parties demand. But in a changed scenario, congress needs to take a strong stance on Raja and other such ministers who are known for their non-performance and not so good reputation.

Congress should take Laloo at its peril?

I really don't understand the reason congress is even pondering over the future of laloo with UPA? I can see only two viable reasons, congress's sympathy for a beleaguered laloo, who has at times stood for congress or congress wanting to have laoo as an alliance in Bihar, for coming vidhan sabha election. Both the reasons will make congress's any opportunity to rise in Bihar like it did in UP, impossible.
Firstly, the verdict in Bihar is clear, people have outright rejected Laloo and his opportunistic stance. Any party seen standing with laloo in Bihar, would meet the same fate. Secondly, Laloo very conveniently ditched Congress, during elections, with a view to bargain in the government formation. laloo's intent was clear, the fourth front, would be the KING MAKER.
Alas!! people saw through it and summarily rejected the stance.
If congress has even an iota of chance to revive in Bihar, it could be either through fighting it alone, or in alliance with Nitish.
The people of Bihar, if ever would look at alternative to Nitish, they will go for congress and never for laloo.
So making laloo or any of RJD memeber a minister in the UPA formation, would send a wrong signal to people of Bihar, making congress loose on any opportunity to be a potent force in Bihar.

The D-day for democracy: Who will form the government?

Tomorrow India shall awake, to witness the world's largest democracy results leading to probable government formation. Exit polls unanimous shows that there Will be a hung verdict and no party getting absolute majority and this is totally on expected lines. UPA does have an edge over NDA in terms of numbers as per the exit polls and also the alignment of potential allies.
All the parties are in hectic parleys with their potential and existing alliance partners, while the smaller parties taking an ambiguous stance over their preference.
Nitish Kumar has played the "special status to Bihar card" at an opportune moment, to which Congress has immediately agreed in principle. jayalalitha is still to open her cards, whether she will be with third front, UPA or NDA, but her agenda is simple, she wants DMK out of Tamil Nadu. SP-RJD_LJP will in all probabilites side with UPA, as they don't have much options.
It will be quite interesting to wake up tomorrow and see what future holds for India.
As there have been innumerable instances when all the predictions have gone for a toss, and the biggest of political pundits, have not been able to predict the mood and pulse of people.

Nitish Kumar gaining national stature

I am actually elated to see, that the CM of Bihar is being alluded to for all the right reasons. Nitish Kumar, has silently hogged the limelight, be it Rahul Gandhi insinuating about good role Nitsh has played for Bihar's development to Advani accepting that Narendra Modi, did not canvas in Bihar, because of Nitish's request.
Nitish has been consistent in his support to NDA, but, his significance in forming the national government, is being looked on by all major political parties. Nitish's policy has been such, that he can never be an out caste for any party wanting to form government at center. His stance on not bringing the star campaigner of BJP, Narendra modi, so that it does not hurt Muslim sentiments, goes on to reflect, the significant role and power he wields in Bihar and on his alliances.
I am sure that Congress will leave no stone unturned to get his support for government formation if need be, overtures are being already made, be it sacking of Veerapa Moily, from being a congress spokesperson, for his anti Nitish tirade.
Well time will tell, what really comes out of it, but its good to see, that at a national level, someone from Bihar is being talked about for all right reasons!!
A wild guess, can Nitish, be a PM contender??????????????