Akali-BJP debacle in Punjab - Wages of non-performance and fragmentation

The ruling Akali-BJP combine in Punjab has been reduced to three seats in t he Lok Sabha elections 1999 from its major success in the 1997 assembly and 1998 Lok Sabha elections. Their failure to keep populist promises made dur ing the previous elections brought on a punishing backlash. While largesses offered to rural areas and farmers alienated urban and non-agriculturist v otes, the non-materialisation of such manna angered the disappointed would- be-beneficiaries. Corruption was also an issue; though there was little to choose between the two rivals on that score. It was Congress' edge in organ isational matters which helped them translate the anti-incumbency advantage into votes and seats.