Right-wing parties were born for alliances with corporates—they advocate national unity on convenient (nationalist, religious, communitarian, or all of the above) principles, and Progress and Development and Meritocracy; any number of fair-sounding things which equitably build on the existing inequities.
On the other hand, anything that is anti-BJP can be pro-Congress—All are welcome. Feudal if you're into that sort of thing, inclusive as against Gujarat's shining picture of progress, dithering on Kashmir so that you know they're really really thinking it through. And the resulting image of being above all things Liberal is ideal for India Shining.
Once in power, these governments essentially do the same things. But the Congress' image, its 'sign-value' as it were, seems a probable reason for why it's ahead.
In that light, the current flurry of dissent would be excellent for India's democratic image, so long as it can be contained. Not to worry, they're on it—the Lokpal report (not bill) was tabled yesterday, they're trying "all possible means" to get into dialogue with the Maoists, squeaky-clean Kalam is certifying the safety of Kudankulam, Kanimozhi composed poetry in Tihar for a couple of months, and Anna's probably being funded by the BJP.
'Sign-value' is therefore an incredible tool for reformers—the Right to Education Act, or the Women's Reservation Bill. I don't mean to undervalue the policy establishment which no doubt works hard to bring these reforms about regardless of the government. But this provides an immediate impetus, a concrete expression for the ethical ethos hanging in the air, garnering political will to move these things along. It reduces the need for patience in public service, in itself a huge and welcome change.
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