This refers to the editorial, “Third-Fronters in a bind” (June 14).
The talk of a Third Front is again catching the fancy of lesser parties. Where was the ‘Front' in 1999 when an ascendant BJP heading the NDA, went on to win a massive mandate, or for that matter when the Congress-led UPA2 scored handsomely. The Front manifests itself as and when both the major national parties are seen to be on an electoral backfoot, as in the current scenario. The Front is basically a medley of opportunistic regional parties looking for national space on the strength of bigger parties. Once the electoral race picks up pace and a credible picture emerges, the Front will unwind and its members will pick options to suit their political aspirations.
Should both the BJP and the Congress fare badly, the Front will re-assemble itself to a governing entity, only to crumble later. This has happened before, and will recur, should the electorate shy away from a decisive choice. Fronts as these push back the nation, both in terms of the quality of politics and economic well-being.