House trained

The political sun is finally shining on the BJP a little, even accounting for that rain cloud called Uma Bharati. Then why is it being so un...

The political sun is finally shining on the BJP a little, even accounting for that rain cloud called Uma Bharati. Then why is it being so unimaginative? More so since its tactics invite substantive charges of double standards? If Sonia Gandhi must resign over Natwar Singh, as the BJP has demanded, it is useful to remember the party leadership8217;s approach to George Fernandes and the Tehelka controversy.

Fernandes resigned from the Cabinet but came back, courtesy the NDA8217;s cavalier announcement that he is innocent. Natwar Singh, it must be pointed out, is unlikely to enjoy such a luxury, in part because Sonia Gandhi8217;s unwillingness to carry along a liability has been made clear.

Atal Bihari Vajpayee was rather less severe on Fernandes. But if the Congress had kept on asking for his resignation then, it would have been accused of silly politics. To silliness, add shrillness. If the BJP keeps bringing the roof down on the House, the agenda of the winter session will not survive the falling debris. That8217;s particularly unfortunate, since the listed business includes such vital reforms as the pension bill. The BJP and the Congress are basically in agreement over this change. The Left8212;no surprise8212;isn8217;t. A smart Opposition strategy would be to indicate legislative help over pension reform if the Congress asks the BJP nicely. That would really put the Congress in a bind8212;get the bill cleared and anger the Left or make reform so Left-friendly that it loses its meaning. Some BJP leaders have said the Congress isn8217;t reciprocating the NDA8217;s gesture of asking for help in crucial bills. If they can prove that charge, that8217;s the line for the BJP to take8212;let Parliament work, and let it work for you.

Perhaps those in the Opposition benches with long and, in some cases, distinguished legislative work records, should take the initiative. For a few of these veterans, this Parliament could be their swansong. Why not cap a fine career with a wonderful gesture? Get Parliament out of its rut and leave an inspirational example, so that when the Natwars or Georges surface again, the House remembers its dignity.