2G scam verdict: Political effect may be felt till 2019 elections
ET Bureau|
Updated: Dec 22, 2017, 08.19 AM IST
NEW DELHI: National politics, still parsing the Gujarat verdict, was once again roiled, by the 2G verdict this time, and the fallout may extend all the way to 2019 general elections.
BJP, which rode to power in 2014 in part on the back of an anti-corruption campaign targeting Congress and which may be on the lookout for new allies in the 2019 campaign, insisted the 2G story wasn't over since appeals to higher courts will be filed. And according to party insiders, DMK, one way or the other, is now a crucial part of the party's 2019 plans.
Congress insiders argued the party can now campaign in coming elections "without the corruption" baggage. They also claimed BJP has lost a major poll issue and that Congress' "credibility" will now be "enhanced".
Both parties will keep an eye on the progress of the appeal against the trial court verdict, which may be in full swing as 2019 campaign season gathers momentum.
DMK's newly acquired state of being free of the 2G stain and its Lok Sabha chances against a fractured AIADMK make the party a good candidate for non-formal alliance, BJP leaders said. They said BJP may want a scenario where DMK and Congress don't team up in Tamil Nadu.
DMK, most likely to receive courtship offers from both BJP and Congress, will also now make Kanimozhi its "face" in Delhi, party leaders said. They also said any national alliance calls will be taken close to general elections. The party has been known to switch allies depending on its reading of the voter mood.
BJP, which rode to power in 2014 in part on the back of an anti-corruption campaign targeting Congress and which may be on the lookout for new allies in the 2019 campaign, insisted the 2G story wasn't over since appeals to higher courts will be filed. And according to party insiders, DMK, one way or the other, is now a crucial part of the party's 2019 plans.
Congress insiders argued the party can now campaign in coming elections "without the corruption" baggage. They also claimed BJP has lost a major poll issue and that Congress' "credibility" will now be "enhanced".
Both parties will keep an eye on the progress of the appeal against the trial court verdict, which may be in full swing as 2019 campaign season gathers momentum.
DMK's newly acquired state of being free of the 2G stain and its Lok Sabha chances against a fractured AIADMK make the party a good candidate for non-formal alliance, BJP leaders said. They said BJP may want a scenario where DMK and Congress don't team up in Tamil Nadu.
DMK, most likely to receive courtship offers from both BJP and Congress, will also now make Kanimozhi its "face" in Delhi, party leaders said. They also said any national alliance calls will be taken close to general elections. The party has been known to switch allies depending on its reading of the voter mood.
