Instability to 'in stability'

I was wondering for last ten days that the newspaper front pages started revolving on issues. The real issues. Corruption. Naxalism. Terrorist threat. Engagement with China. Afghan, US and Nuclear agreements. Did we not have these issues for more than a decade now? Did we not always feel the necessity for these actions? Why suddenly did these issues started occupying headlines these days.

To analyse this, I recollected from past what the headlines used to be like. The late 90s and early 2000's was the NDA era. The headlines were predominantly BJPs doings and more than that defense of the actions. Each action of BJP was subjected through an acid-test of "secularism". Then it also has to pass through the sieve of "national versus regional interests". The first stint of UPA though had less filters but even it had stringent filters. The sieves were in form of "non-capitalist inclinations" and BBB - "Bihar-Bengal Benefits". Kudos to both the lead parties, they could safely pull off a five year stint. They could manage the tight rope walk by safely brushing aside most controversial issues (like communal violence in Gujrat) or ignoring important issues (like disinvestments of PSUs). In this drive with focussed attention on managing the coalition partners they have compromised on the business of government.... resolving issues.

Last six months is a different story altogether. There is no news about imminent threats and that gave enough peace of mind for Congress led coalition to focus on real issues. I now see a good finance bill, a prospective railway budget (including Public Private Partnership deals), focus on internal security, border issues, recognition in security council, bargaining power on nuclear issues, afghanistan and all. This is no Abra-Ca-Dabra. This is all to do with the majority we have given to a group of individuals. I am no great supporter of Congress, but i always felt that if there is a government which can act boldly then it is a fully empowered Congress and Gandhi family. A lot may disagree, arguing government could do much better. I agree Governments can do much more with this kind of power and freedom. But we live in democracy... which is notoriously characterized by snail pace and corruption. So thinking practically if I have to identify on a better alternative to Congress, I can see no option in current day Indian political parties. (i reiterate... forget close alternate; there is no one in fray). BJP has its own internal issues: identity and leadership. BSP and others have no clue what should a government do apart from erecting statues and weaving innovative garlands. So kudos to each one of us... we have brought some sense in governance of the country by moving it from instability to a country basking 'in stability'.