General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: The Indian Election of 2014 (informed ramblings) [View all]Dawson Leery
(19,348 posts)Her vote buying scams have hurt the Congress Party and tied Manmohan Singh's hands on matters of social policy and economic policy.
India has a massive bureaucracy (left over from the days of British rule) that needs to be streamlined. Without Sonia, Singh could have done for India what Bob Hawke did for Australia. Modernize the country while balancing the market with the needs of the working class.
If the NDA does not win an outright majority, he will not be able to shift too far to the right as they will have to cut a deal with one of the minor parties to attain 272+ seats.
edit: I am not sure it is fair to compare Modi to Reagan. Where Modi wants manufacturing and technology in India, Reagan changed the tax and trade laws to favor outsourcing. Also, Modi wants bullet trains and universal education (a goal shared by the major parties on both sides).
My concern about Modi is social policy, that he will give preference to Hindus over all others. He has also come out against rights for gays.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia_pacific/indias-likely-new-leader-narendra-modi-promises-economic-success-can-he-deliver/2014/05/14/d27864ac-daca-11e3-8009-71de85b9c527_story.html