Basantji,
As you said earlier this is the cost we have to pay for our democracy.
I believe there was a sure shot plan for early General election after the very soft & populist budget but ever since the budget the % rise in weekly inflation nos. were dramatically on rise & somehow become daily headlines on TV Channels & News Papers. (may be some one's motive not to allow Congress to take advantage)
Late decision on fuel price hike is mainly due to the Karnataka & General Election. Now there is a very less chance of General Election in near term they have no other alternative but to raise fuel price.
On other hand in the time of uncertainty on Crude Price & availability of Crude when Nuclear Technology is going to Must for fueling the growth of INDIA, all the parties are heading in different directions.
BJP's leaders are the happiest persons at the moment. Every Friday is like Diwali for them. This is the Darkest sides of our Democratic system.
Disclaimer: I am not following any Political Party