Essays

Introduction. General Elections were suddenly announced by Shri Rajiv Gandhi the former Prime Minister of India in the month Of October, 1989. It was a calculated step. The charges of corruption and all sorts of scandals were daily bringing a bad name to the ruling party. Therefore, the ruling party wanted to lake the opposition parties by surprise. The opposition parties were still busy holding dialogues for the so -called opposition unity when the General Elections were announced by Shri Rajiv Gandhi. The elections to some of the state Assemblies were also announced simultaneously. The dales For the Election were to be 22nd, 24th and 26th of November, 1989. The Election Commissioner of India made elaborate Arrangements for the conduct of peaceful elections.

Preparations. After the work of filing of nominations, canvassing started by the contesting candidates in their respective constituencies. The entire country was in the grip of mad electioneering for about twenty days. The Congress (I) had an edge over the other disorganized Parties since it had its disposal substantial resources and well-knit organization. Moreover, the party had already prepared itself when the elections were announced whereas other political parties were still Feeling complacent and were expecting the elections to be held in early 1990. Some of the national parties that had fielded its candidates in the elections were Congress (I) Junta Dal, Bhatia Junta Party, Communist Party of India (Marxist), Communist Party of India, AlADMK. Bahujan Samaj Party, Congress-S and forward Block. There was quite a large number of independent candidates who did not have affiliation to any political party.

Canvassing. By and large the polling was peaceful, but Comported to the earlier General Election, The violence in the present elections was of greater magnitude some of the prominent leaders Including Dr. Sanjay Singh were injured in the election violence. Much before the counting began, the election analysis’s started making their guess about the possible outcome of the final figure. Everybody was sure that the Congress (I) would manage the largest number of Seals. But they were not sure whether it would be able to get Overwhelming majority like the one it had got in the elections of IWM. Elections in four constituencies were countermanded due to the death of the contesting candidates. Elections were held for 525 Lok Sabha Scats. The Congress (I) managed to get 193, the Junta Dal secured 141,the BJP got8S,CPM 32, CPI 12, AIADMK 11, and independents and others the rest of the seats. Some of the Congress (I) stalwarts like Buta Singh, Natwar Singh, Rajesh pilot, Balram Jakhar and K.K. Teary got defected in the elections. Repelling was ordered in some of the constituencies where incidence of booth-capturing or rigging was reported by the candidates. The Congress (I) met with a complete rout in the Northern Slates. But performance in the Southern Slates like Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka was surprisingly much better than it was expected. The National front, B.J.P and Leftists went in for seat adjustments and hence their performance in the elections showed a marked improvement. The Congress (I), however, came out to be the largest single party in the Parliament.

Conclusion. The last general election was in fad a vote for a Change. People of India have been reeling under the corrupt Congress Government. Prices of essential reeling had gone beyond the reach of common man. The opposition parties, though were disunited, still remained a ray of hope for the common man. Therefore, the people, by and large voted out the ruling party whether at the Centre or at the States where elections were held. In this Election the people of India have shown that they cannot he taken for granted by any political party. If any party may be the ruling one, is unable to deliver goods. The people can dethrone; it when their turn Come in decides things. In spite of widespread illiteracy the Indian People have shown sagacity in using their right to vote. They have shown their deep concern about the much talked scandals in deference Deals, The election results arc a pointer towards people's urge for a cleaner and better government. The National Front Government Which has come to hold the reins of administration with the support of BJP and CPI (M), must show the kind of performance which the  people of India have expected of them as seen in their election Decisions.