After about six weeks of campaign the UK election is over and the people have spoken. One of many possible consequences being discussed is whether Scottish independence is inevitable. The general consensus is it is not inevitable but it is more likely now than before.
The Tories have won the election by inducing fear in the English mind that Scottish National Party would have disproportionate influence on Labour Party if it was elected to form the government. It is a strategy that de-legitimises SNP MPs’ right to take part in British Govt affairs. It has infuriated the Scottish people and they have voted in droves for SNP. The Scots have just voted to stay together in the UK. But to de-legitimise them by the Tories, despite their pre-referendum promise, is most likely to have very serious consequence.
The strategy of fear of SNP is the most dangerous strategy the Tories have played with. Nicola Sturgeon has said that the Smith Commission Report on Scottish Devolution has not gone far enough. Because of Tory strategy and the consequent election result David Cameron will now have to concede more power and privilege to the Scottish Parliament than what he would have otherwise done if he were to preserve the unity of the UK.
By all accounts, especially due to Tory election propaganda and the way the English have voted, the UK is now a divided nation. Only the time will tell how history would judge the Tories and their leader David Cameron. The view that David Cameron could be the last Prime Minister of the UK might prove to be true prediction.
Jatindra Saha
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