Letters: Centre versus the state

This refers to the editorial "Lessons from two states" (October 20). Although a national party would like to establish itself at the state level so that its effectiveness in governance will be strengthened, coalition governments have proved unstable, indecisive and less effective. Model democracies around the world reveal that a democracy can flourish with two strong national parties with their virtual "shadow" Cabinet for informed debate in legislatures. Unless the parties are strong enough to marshal long-term resources in terms of political leadership, governance expertise, resourceful bureaucracy, and also have the requisite international perspectives and goals for the nation, they cannot successfully run the central government.

State governments, however, belong to a different league. Parties with local flavours could do the job well, as seen in India. But regional parties cannot be strong at the Centre. Even if regional parties function jointly, they can neither be effective nor sustainable. The uniqueness of India lies in strong local parties in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and special groups with local flavours in some states. In the case of Shiv Sena and the Bharatiya Janata Party, they have the benefit of working together in Maharashtra. So, the national party and a regional party forming a coalition government should augur well.

K U Mada Mumbai

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