Congress party’s inability to declare its leader in the Lok Sabha even after the first session has begun shows its leadership is still in deep freeze after elections. It can’t remain paralysed because its president, Rahul Gandhi, refuses to lead. Senior leaders must step in to spare Congress more ridicule.
Modi appeal to MPs a welcome move, but onus to run Parliament smoothly lies with BJP
PM Narendra Modi’s conciliatory appeal to MPs to forget ‘paksh’ and ‘vipaksh’ in Parliament in the national interest is welcome for a full-majority government. Opposition parties have got the people’s verdict on their disruptive tactics in Parliament. But the onus to carry everyone along lies primarily with the ruling BJP.
Wife tells me, You are too impulsive, fell in love with the first pretty girl you met. So to do justice to this column, went through the entire list – with photographs – of the newly elected Congress MPs. Dr Shashi Tharoor is one possibility, provided his legal issues are not a constraint. There is Shri Manish Tiwari, articulate, but not much more. One way or another, the only person who fits the bill is Shri Rahul Gandhi. Not fair to abandon the party at a moment of crisis. 2. It will be a good training for him. Study the issues that come to Parliament in the form of legislation and questions, also those that need to be raised on behalf of ordinary citizens. Take Wayanad more seriously than Amethi. Travel regularly, extensively in the constituency. To understand the issues of a single constituency is to have better understanding of the country and its governance. 3. Network with opposition leaders, starting with the DMK and the TMC. Without them, the Congress cannot return to power in a hundred years.
Respecting the people’s mandate applies to all. Not just the federal government in Delhi but the state governments in Madhya Pradesh and Karnataka as well. 2. As a student of public affairs, I have felt that this unceasing quest for political dominion comes at a price. If the mandate of 2014 did not deliver on its promise, part of the reason lies in devoting too much energy to expanding the geographical footprint. Viewed objectively, what do state governments in Assam and Tripura add up to, as compared to all the great achievements that lay within the grasp of a national government with a decisive majority. 3. A similar challenge / opportunity has arisen with the renewed mandate of 2019. Bengal’s election is still two years away. Stir the pot too vigorously and lay any prospect of cooperative federalism to rest. Let the record of this administration be etched in modern Indian history in letters of gold.