Lessons BJP should remember from the 2004 election

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) had no cause to lose the 2004 election. The economy was in cruise mode: growth rate nicely picking up (8%), inflation (4% overall, 2% food), budget deficit (under 4%) and current account (surplus of 2%) all well under control. The India buzz abroad was growing and investments - mostly by foreign institutions - were steadily growing. Most regions, including Naxal-belts, were relatively quiet. India maintained reasonable harmony with all its neighbours and partner nations. This tranquil state, unimaginable now, existed a scant decade ago. As the slogan, much-maligned since then, claimed, India was indeed Shining. Read More