A Few Good Men

Indian democracy has survived crises greater than this, but that was probably when popular faith in the system was not at such a low. That is why the drama of the past 72 hours and the decision late last evening mark a defining moment in our political history and, mercifully, it won’t embarrass our future generations. It might, in fact, wipe out some of the humiliation that the unholy alliances, betrayals, defections, assembly-hall violence, an outrageously unconstitutional decision driven not even by expediency but by blackmail and the subsequent waffling heaped on this nation. It should cheer a people trapped in the “nothing is right with the system” mindset for if there is anything it demonstrates, it is that the system, howsoever faulty, works. Not only has this system of checks and balances struck back defying such fractured polity and low political morality, it has also, in 50 years, nurtured — at least in some hearts — a commitment to democracy that transcends political interests and insecurities.

It is not a moment, also, to discuss the politics of the issue. In parliamentary democracy, the logic of numbers is irrefutable. Which is what keeps this 14-party alliance where no participant individually commands even the quorum in the House, in power. By the same logic, irrespective of what the coalition or its props think of the BJP’s political ideology or methods, there was no justification for dismissing the Kalyan Singh government after it had proved its majority. If the BJP indulged in a game of smash-and-grab that would have embarrassed Mrs Gandhi in her worst phase, it is something the voters should have sat in judgement on – in the general elections that cannot be too far away – and not motley political rivals burning with pique.

The moral high ground was for the United Front’s to take on Tuesday. Now it has merely redeemed itself a bit by displaying the moral courage to admit, and rectify a mistake. This does involve political risks. Sitaram Kesri may pull the plug tomorrow. Or, emboldened by its success in Uttar Pradesh, the BJP may move in for the kill, splitting a demoralised Congress at the Centre. But, for some people in the UF, particularly Prime Minister I K Gujral, what is important is not that they should be able to keep themselves in power for ever – it is not going to happen anyway – but to return to the opposition benches at the end of this short innings with their personal honour intact. They have to thank President Narayanan for nudging them into doing the right thing.

Let us, in these bewildering times, not overlook the gains from this crisis. After a long string of indecisive and often partisan incumbents who blighted the office of the President we now have someone with the courage and stature to employ his exceptional powers under the Constitution to protect it. We have also seen signs of genuinely collective decision-making where one man’s word does not carry the day — who knows these may be the first stirrings of a coalition culture. So take a break from cursing our venal politicians, diminishing institutions and fading traditions. Today they have somehow contrived to pull us out of a grave moral and constitutional crisis. What is more, they have set a benchmark that will discourage a repeat of the Tuesday night madness in the years to come.