L.K. Advani proved yet once again, why he is the Chanakya. As a leader, and the prime minister of this country, I have my reservations against him. But, as a politician and a strategist, yesterday he delivered what could possibly be a crucial blow to the government by calling the Prime Minister to a televised national debate. When Manmohan Singh lashed out against Advani 3 days back, I was surprised and impressed. Yesterday, it was Advani’s turn to impress me.
In an era where political leadership is seeing a global transformation across the world, the educated masses have been hoping for an American style of presidential debate in India. With the PMO refusing Advani’s challenge, the repurcussions, I believe, will be felt as the campaigning progresses, and clearly, Advani has won this round. By inviting Manmohan Singh for an open debate, he has taken responded to Manmohan’s accusations without adding any further mudslinging, character assasination and yet dwelving on his strength, oratory. I am sure that Advani threw open this challenge only because he was 100% sure the Congress would go on the back foot. By squashing his challenge, the Congress has lost out on an opportunity to confuse Advani, and to make a stand that Manmohan Singh can defend himself in an hour of need, and most importantly, convince the educated voters that not only do we have an educated prime minister, but also an assertive one.
In my opinion, the Congress could have emerged more victorious from a national debate. Agreed that in any national debate, the ruling party is always on the defensive as it is easy to highlight their failures from the previous term. Congress could not have dwelved on NDA’s failures as it is too far back into history. That said, I am sure that this was the ideal platform for Manmohan Singh to outline his successes, use numbers to substantiate them, and share his vision for the next 5 years. In a national debate, Advani could not have involved in mudslinging, as this could drive away educated voters. Also, since the debate would have been moderated, both the national parties would have to answer questions relevant to the voters.
Whether the Congress did not trust their PM candidate to stand Advani’s verbose skills or they did not carry out enough reforms to face the electorate, or they realised that their manifesto is more populist than reformatory, this was their one chance to clear the mess they are spiralling towards. And they missed it. Not that the BJP is in any lesser mess. But if at all anything, the centre will be decided by the regional parties, the third front, and the fourth front.
The Indian Election Tamasha is like a James Hadley Chase thriller! No one knows the end… but we all know how we reach the end… In a rather ugly manner!
P.S. If there were to be a national debate in India, it reiterates my belief that post poll alliances must be banned. We must have alliances and PM candidates declared before the elections. If the third front takes itself seriously, they must have a leader capable enough to talk ’sense’ on national TV. Not build statues of herself, create a mess in the name of law and order and extort loot money from the working class. More abt the post-poll alliances, later. :)
P.P.S. If there can be the Bihar-UP Secular front (HAHAHAHAHA), then why can't the educated independents contesting across the country come together and form the 5th front? :) Food for thought...
Comments
because without her consent, he will not be able to say anything there...
But yes, this would have been him moment, if he would have taken up the dare. His first and the last chance ever to come out of being a puppet of his madam.
As for Advani, he is a smart politician. Like all of us, he too knows the real worth of Mr.Singh. He has been a journalist in the past, and even the information and broadcasting minister in the Jan Sangha govt.
He appears so very ease with the media, especially if you see his interviews.
he played his cards not only well, but also with some what dignified manner. For mudslinging can never come to end. And only a mature and experienced politician can handle this so well.
To be honest, I am sure none of us see a majority this election. It is going to be a joke. Raw, naked and brutal exposure of the human lust for power. That is what this election is going to stand for. But as far as 2014 is concerned, Congress might be ready.
That said, you gotta give credit to Advani. Chanakya indeed! :)
Her shrewdness, comes from the fact that she enjoys absolute authority on our country, minus any kind of responsibility or accountability
And it is less of her shrewdness but more of our foolishness and shame.
Tanya
The challenge of contemporary politics is satisfying your allies, and building for the future. The BJP, despite giving good governance in all its states, has not managed to change its communal politics. Every time the BJP (can be extended to the other NDA allies like Shiv Sena) is not in power, it is responsible for communal riots in India.
Unfortunate for a party that has a consistent track record of good governance, that it can only think of coming to power by dividing the nation.
Frankly, I think it is time Sonia took over as PM, and have Manmohan as deputy PM and finance minister. She shrewd, as you sadi, and has built up a moderate mass appeal. I think having a woman, and a foreigner, at the helm might actually help India's image now. Sonia can at least be a lot tougher and meaner as PM than Manmohan, who has the force of a falling feather.