Inner voice: now lost

In a country where the attachment that political leaders display to their posts is almost mythical, Sonia Gandhi8217;s resignation as MP and chairperson of the National Advisory Council should be commended. But while this move may prove useful in refurbishing her personal aura at a time when her party finds itself singularly bereft of moral standing, it can do nothing more. This is because a lot of water has flowed down the Yamuna since Sonia Gandhi last sought such renunciation.

In May 2004 the Congress, fresh from a famous electoral victory, appeared to be full of conviction. When its leader spoke of her 8220;inner voice8221; it suggested something more than politics. It was possible to imagine a new politics, or at least a new morality. The credible reputation of prime minister-designate, Manmohan Singh, contributed to the general optimism. Twenty-two months down the line, the promise of that moment has all but evaporated. The UPA government8217;s handling of the various crises that came its way displayed a familiar arrogance; an eagerness to rewrite the rulebook to suit its own convenience and interests. Its use of the office of the governor to manipulate government formation in various states; its attempt to try and brazen out the Nanavati Commission findings, so as to save its own ministers, they all revealed a familiar cynicism. And then came the audacious move to adjourn Parliament sine die for the purpose of passing an ordinance to save its own skin. If Sonia Gandhi8217;s resignation gesture today appears strategic, and not at all moral, the party and government have only themselves to blame.

The crisis has, besides, opened the familiar fissure between government and party, and showcased yet again the familiar smoke-and-mirrors trick that the Congress has perfected when it finds itself in a tub of political hotwater: deny, deny, deny. In its desperate attempt at damage limitation, the party ends up insulting the intelligence of the citizen. It would be far more sensible if the Congress government draws the right lessons from the mess it has got into by being opaque and plays it straight for a change. It must understand that its gross attempt at executive overreach can only be corrected by a return to democratic norms. We have seen the abyss, and it is not a pretty sight.