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There were significant political developments in India in 2004. General elections were held in April–May, along with state elections in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Orissa. The elections, the largest ever held anywhere in the world, were conducted electronically, and results were declared within a few hours after counting began. State elections were also held a few months earlier in Delhi, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan. The political landscape has changed significantly as a result of these elections. At the federal level, the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) led by the Indian National Congress has come to power, supported by the Left Democratic Front (LDF), although the latter has not joined the Government. The UPA plus LDF have a majority – 277 of 543 seats in Parliament. The UPA is also in power in 12 states. The National Democratic Alliance, led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has lost power at the federal level but continues in power in eight states. The LDF and some regional parties are in power in the other nine states.
The UPA and LDF have adopted a National Common Minimum Program emphasizing, among other things, equitable social and economic policies. The architect of India’s economic reforms since 1991, Dr Manmohan Singh, has been appointed as the current Prime Minister. Together with the Finance Minister, the Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission, and the Governor of the Reserve Bank of India, this constitutes a strong team of committed and highly experienced reformers at the helm of economic affairs. This is good for the economy. At the same time, this is also a coalition government with many parties, each with its own agenda. Decision making will, thus, be based on negotiations, compromises, and consensus building within the alliance.
Canadian Prime Minister congratulates Indian Prime Minister
On the 23rd of May 2004, Canadian Prime Minister Mr. Paul Martin issued the following statement on the swearing-in of Dr. Manmohan Singh as India’s Prime Minister: “I wish to extend my warmest congratulations to Dr. Manmohan Singh on his swearing-in as India’s 14th Prime Minister and leader of the world’s largest democracy. Canada and India have enjoyed a long friendship that is built on historic ties and common institutions, and strengthened by the tremendous contribution made by Canadians of Indian origin. Relations with India are a priority for Canada. The relationship was recently invigorated by the Joint Prime Ministerial Statement on ‘Canada and India: Partners for the 21st Century,’ in which both countries made a commitment to strengthen governmental, commercial and civil society links while forging a new partnership. I look forward to working with Prime Minister Singh in continuing to advance this agenda.”
Prime Minister Martin visited India in January 2005.
This publication was released on the occasion.
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