Congress plans a ‘proactive’ image

The option — suggested by some senior party leaders — is not to be ‘‘reactive’’ all the time to whatever the Government does, but also be ‘‘proactive’’.

Salman Khursheed, a minister in the Narasimha Rao government, says: ‘‘When Rajiv Gandhi was in Opposition, he had a clear programme charted out on what the Congress would do it it returns to power. That is how the Rao government was able to launch its liberalisation package within a fortnight of taking over.’’

In the past, the Congress has always reserved its most stringent criticism for the sectors of Defence, Education and Agriculture. Starting from Tehelka to the recent CAG report, Congress has highlighted the lapses in preparedness, procurement and other areas of Defence. Though endowed, as it is, with a wealth of experience, the Congress has not even once suggested an alternative plan of action on any of the issues it has emphasised.

Another former union minister Kamal Nath points out: ‘‘We would advise when asked, but the Government has never thought it fit to ask the Congress before taking a decision.’’ He also feels that the Congress’ criticism is directed only against the ‘‘government’s incompetence’’ and is not compulsive. ‘‘If the Government were to ask us what other options are available, the party would provide the alternatives,’’ he said.

Whatever the party’s thinking, the face of the Congress remains rapidly reactionary. The man who does most of the talking for the party, chief spokesperson Jaipal Reddy says, ‘‘Opposition parties giving sector-wise opinion is possible where there is a system of a shadow cabinet.’’ ‘‘But here, even the real cabinet does not stick to its portfolios for long,’’ he adds.