Had it in hand, didn't get in mouth
Asian age asks the million dollar question which should have been asked by others also, but for some reason has not yet been asked,
Confusion in Congress: Can quota attract votes?
The answer is simply no, for one appeasing vote bank through quota (or for that matter any populist measure) is mostly self defeating for a political party for the simple reason that competing parties are always there to up the stake. Since money for all this is paid by a minority and because almost everyone (including that minority) believes that others owe them their life, it can only end in disaster (i.e. the current state)
Voting patterns considering that reservations are political non starters (in long term) are determined by group identitification.
For example in my home state UP Mulayam Yadav for most part is supported by Yadavs and Muslims.
Whatever Congress may or may not do, Yadavs will back one of their caste. This holds true for all the castes to various extent whether forward or backward.
In last Bihar assembly elections although Laloo Yadav lost his Yadav base remained intact inspite of a competing yadav in JD(U). Infact considering his inept administration (inept is an understatment) his ability to retain his base is nothing short of impressive.
At present Congress doesn't have any leadership with whom backwards can identify. Further there is not chance of that soon, for the simple reason any popular leader in Congress
will be a direct threat to dynasty.
Congress could learn from V.P. Singh, who despite being the original "Messiah" was not able to reap what he sowed.
Seen in this light, Arun Singh's decision of playing to gallery is puzzling.
PS. The title is translation of one of famous dialogues of Andaaz Apna Apna, the unparalleled repository of wisdom
