Not even third-rate front

May 17, 2009 left

The ‘Third Front’ dream has been shattered. With the Left, its fulcrum, itself weakening, the alternative formation came down like a
house of cards even before taking shape.

While the Left’s disgraceful defeat reduced it to political inconsequence, the performance of the other players of the group—TDP and AIADMK—did not reach the expected levels. The AIADMK could not reverse electoral fortunes in Tamil Nadu and the TDP failed to wipe out the Congress in Andhra Pradesh.

Mr Karat and company had hinged their calculations on three factors—neither the Congress nor BJP would get the numbers, NDA’s allies may follow the BJD and disaffection of the UPA’s allies towards the Congress.

The unravelling of Mr Prakash Karat’s aspiration had already begun before the poll verdict was out. The TRS joined the NDA brigade. JD-S leader HD Devegowda’s son Kumaraswamy paid a visit to the Congress headquarters. AIADMK supremo Jayalalithaa had kept her post-poll options open. ..More

Tags: prakash karat