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So, corruption and votebank politics are at a pinnacle, ahead of the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, and certain things that could be the outcome of these are a possible delay in the hanging of Ajmal Kasab as well as slow-pedaling probe on the coal block scam, worth a whopping Rs 3.8 lakh crore, with the big fish likely to steer clear of any controversies on the scandal.

Corruption in India has reached such a level that the Indian polity could easily bag the Olympics gold medal if corruption were to be made an event in the coveted Games.

With the general elections round the corner, the wary central government may just think that by hanging Kasab early, it would lose its voters as well as whip up passion in Kashmir (by making a swift move to send Parliament attack accused Afzal Guru to the gallows) and lose a chance to win the polls.

And, where are we headed in the next elections owing to this corruption and self-centred attitude of the Indian politicians?

Going by how things look currently, the Congress party’s chances in the general elections will surely be dented while the BJP is unlikely to prove a lethal contender for the seat of power in Delhi.

The net result: the emergence of a litany of regional parties, both old and new. So, where would these regional parties fit? Say, if the Congress numbers are closest to the majority (although it could perform worse in the polls the next time), the party may tie up with a slew of regional parties and independent candidates.

The emergence of regional parties after Lok Sabha 2014 elections (which could see their presence in a big way) will only help stall decisions and create pandemonium.

For instance, if Ajmal Kasab is not hanged by then, such a decision will assume a political hue with divergent political parties coming up with different opinions and ultimately the government will be draining crores of tax-payers money taking care of India’s worst enemy in recent times.

And at this rate, Afzal Guru’s fate would also hang in the balance.

Moreover, with regional parties throwing their weight around, economic decisions such as foreign direct investment or FDI in retail would also witness a vehement opposition, resulting in no progress on the economic front.

Slow pedaling on FDI would give a negative impression on the country, prompting foreign investors to stay away in a major way and India’s rating as a global investment destination would be whittled down by rating agencies such as Standard and Poor’s and Moody’s.

This will take growth to a new low, the stock markets would be hit, prices would soar as living standards fall, politicians would take to corruption in a big way even as the common man suffers and Guru as well as Kasab could be languishing in jail (may be their hanging will hang in the balance) at the cost of tax-payers’ money.