The assembly elections 2012 returned the third consecutive decisive mandate in Uttra Pradesh. Mayawati's Bahujan Samaj Party had been voted into power with simple majority in 2002 and 2007, while this year the voters have given Mulayam Singh Yadav's Samajwadi Party the power to rule on its own.

The era of political combines like BSP-BJP alliance of the mid '90s seems to have passed. Uttar Pradesh is voting for a single party and wishing away elections for a full term. It almost seems like that the state is choosing the risk of misgovernance than the uncertainty of an aliiance of convenience. The two primary national parties — BJP and Congress — have been relegated to the fringes.

Earlier, the voter would choose the right candidate and in the process create a hung assembly or a fragile alliance. Since the last decade, it seems like the voters are siding with a single party that is seen as the best option.

Does this succesive run of decisive mandate in the state suggest that the eara of coalition is over in the state? Post your thoughts.