The Perception of Happiness Among Common Citizens: A Comparative Analysis of Congress and BJP Governments

When discussing the happiness of common people under different Indian governments, the discourse often revolves around the contrast between the Congress and BJP administrations. This article aims to explore the potential reasons behind the perception that common citizens are more satisfied under the Congress government, despite the prevailing challenges and criticisms. We will delve into economic policies, corruption, and long-term vs. short-term governance strategies.

The Economic State Under Congress and BJP Governments

While the Congress and BJP governments each have their unique approaches, it is crucial to examine the socio-economic state of India under their respective mandates. The Congress government, often criticized for inflation and corruption, faced significant challenges with the implementation of various schemes and projects. For instance, the ambitious efforts to provide gas cylinders to households were often left hanging, with a dilemma arising over the distribution of 9-cylinder versus 12-cylinder supplies. Additionally, there were widespread allegations of corruption, where so-called schemes meant for the poor often benefited middlemen, who are typically associated with Congress.

Challenges of Corruption and Economic Policies

The prevalent levels of black money and the flourishing parallel economy under the Congress rule brought about a sense of disillusionment among the common people. Corruption was endemic, and communities that had once relied on government support found themselves financially strained. The validity of statements such as 'honesty was mocked at' cannot be understated in this context. Moreover, the lack of power supply to many remote villages highlighted the woeful inadequacies of the government's infrastructure policies.

Short-term Expectations vs. Long-term Prospects

It is argued that the common people felt a temporary sense of contentment under the Congress government because of their continuous wins in elections, often achieving two consecutive terms or more. However, the policies were predominantly short-term, focused on immediate relief and populist measures rather than long-term strategic planning. In contrast, the BJP's policies, while sometimes criticized for being too focused on long-term prospects, often took time to bear fruit. This often left the common man feeling that the sacrifice of immediate benefits for the sake of future gains did not justify the short-term discomfort.

Many in India feel that they are being robbed by politicians, and this feeling is heightened by both the Congress and BJP governments. However, the perception that Congress is a government for the people can persist for a while due to the populist measures, albeit overshadowed by the long-term benefits that BJP policies aim to bring. The fact that BJP policies might have contributed to Congress winning elections by exposing the flaws of previous administrations further complicates the narrative.

The Impact on Business and Employment

Interestingly, some business magnates who benefited from the black money economy found a temporary respite under the Congress regime. However, the present government's aggressive measures, such as Income Tax Raids and CBI Raids, have shown a significant shift in the business climate. The abrupt changes under Congress, coupled with the increased frequency of petrol and diesel price hikes, created a chaotic and uncertain environment for the common person.

Despite the initial skepticism, there were aspects of the Congress rule that the common people appreciated. The focus on employment, especially for small and medium enterprises, and the camaraderie among communities were notable. There was a significant warmth and inclusivity, which made life more comfortable for many under the Congress government.

Conclusion

While the perception of happiness among common people is subjective and heavily influenced by the socio-economic conditions, it is evident that both the Congress and BJP governments have their own set of challenges. The short-term populist measures of the Congress, while effective in the immediate term, might have alienated the common man with long-term implications. Conversely, the BJP's focus on long-term growth and stability, while sometimes met with resistance, ultimately seeks to address the root causes of the nation's socio-economic issues.