The Importance of Being Left
T he massive Indian General Election is halfway through. The five-phased Lok Sabha polls, which commenced on April 16, are entering the fourth phase on Thursday. The last and fifth phase of polls will be on May 13. With just ten days left for the results, it’s still unclear about the party or coalition that will come to power at the Centre. Borrowing Bollywood Badshah Shah Rukh Khan dialogue “picture abhi bhi baki hai,” which simply means the action is not concluded, it will be continued till the ballots are counted on May 16. The ruling Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA), which looked confident enough to form next government, is losing its ground with all top leaders calling for post-poll alliance with the Left parties. Congress plunged into pessimism when its key allies Railway Minister Laloo Prasad Yadav-led Rashtriya Janata Dal and Steel Minister Ram Vilas Paswan-led Lok Janasakthi Party deserted UPA. It was a heavy blow that shook the grand ol