[The Big Picture] Scotland Vote : What does it imply?

Summary:
Why they demanded Independence ?

• It is said that working class in particular demanded independence and upper class was quite happy with the united system.

• Growth of nationalism and assertion of identity politics has led to the demands for smaller states wanting to rule themselves.

• Many Scotts felt that they are being suppressed by the British. In the past Scotts along with British have suppressed many countries

• English too are demanding some special privileges since they form a bigger part of the kingdom.

• There is no colonial relationship between Scotland and England unlike between England and Ireland

• There is an ideological difference between conservative English and Scottish people since the neo liberal policies of Tony Blair.

Why they voted against ?

• With 55% voting against the independence Scotland will continue to remain with United Kingdom.

• As Richer people have greater links with England in particular and Europe in general. Hence business people had many questions like which currency would be used and how would they set up a central bank? This necessitated them to vote against the independence in referendum.

• Rise of English nationalism can be seen along with the Scottish vote.

• Many Scots felt that there should not be differentiated identity between scots and British. And hence voted against.

• European Union has brought Europeans together and decimated regional identities and aspirations.

• Scottish people are afraid of losing welfare measures like free university education and national health services and hence most of them voted against the independence.

• Joining hands together and making economy more effective has won finally.

• Economic interests played role in retaining the unity.

What Next ?

• Prime Minister David Cameron who had made several promises to the people of Scotland to avoid the divide has before him the tough task of walking the talk.

• UK is going to devolve the powers at the regional level in a way that has never done before.

• Realignment of administrative system takes place. The UK will no longer experience the centralised tendency.

Does this process hold good for India?

• The process of nation making or unmaking has been attempted in a democratic way for the first time without any violence. There is lot to learn for India from this. This was a democratic referendum.

Souce : RajyaSabha TV