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Ref” Shekhar Gupta’s Column,11th Jan, 20224 –3 blunders by………..changed Indian Politics.
Brevity cannot be fully understood by the huge and diverse population. Arguments and counter arguments are to be allowed as in a court of law. Lower court, high court and supreme court -in all six lawyers and three judges involved in arguments. To tell an ancient philosophical tenet /doctrine – “Anekantavada” ( Anekaantavaada-many sidedness) – ultimate truth and reality is complex and has multiple aspects ( Ek cheej ke kahin pehlu ho sakte hai) . Therefore, creating a better awareness and understanding to all/ at least majority needs some elaboration.
In olden days there were empires and dynasty rules for different periods of time. The emergence of powerful ideologies, powerful personalities etc can change the course of politics, society and nations. Time is infinite but one’s life span is too limited. Naturally one has limitations to think and act. Further, the way unpredictable natural disasters of varying intensity occur, unpredictable turn of events also occur in the life of individuals, societies and nations.
After independence, it was natural for Nehru to become PM and continue till end. Soon after him his daughter Indira Gandhi did not become PM but she became PM only after the unexpected demise of Lal Bahadur Shastri. Had this not happened??/ Did Indira Gandhi impose emergency? Yes and No. It is an unfortunate consequence of the invalidation of her winning in the elections. Had this not happened?? / Did Indira Gandhi or anyone for that matter had any intention to send military into the Golden temple?? But unfortunately, it so happened. And the consequences were fatal –assassination, communal riots, demand for Khalistan etc. Had the necessity/pressure / lack of timely guidance whatever you may call prevented military being sent into the Golden temple??
Rajiv Gandhi became PM because of the strong sympathy wave that cropped up because of her mother’s assassination. Did Rajiv Gandhi wanted to send military (IPKF) into Sri Lanka? If so when and how? Further, without President’s approval/signature military cannot be sent. Had this not happened? / Sonia Gandhi could have become PM but declined and nominated Manmohan Singh who continued for two terms. (At that time Rahul and Priyanka were just 21 and 20 yrs. But now Rahul is a senior man and Sonia supports).
Though short-lived PMs are discussed the name of Babu Jagjivan Ram is not discussed. He had the chance to become PM and many supported his candidature and many still think he should have become rather than someone else at a certain point of time. Had this happened?
Another man left out needs to be discussed–Pramod Mahajan. He held many important positions both in state and center and was close to Vajpayee, Advani etc. Unfortunately, he was killed by his own brother. Had this not happened?
Over a period of time different terminologies /concepts have been gaining importance –Ghatbandhan, Mahaghatbandhan, Electoral arithmetic, Aaya Ram Gaya Ram, Palturam etc . Naturally course of politics will be different and whosoever can cope up will win.
These pieces are being published as they have been received – they have not been edited/fact-checked by ThePrint.