Karat turns teacher to young MPs

For CPI(M) General-Secretary Prakash Karat, whose party has regularly been crossing swords with the Congress, the BJP and the Shiv Sena, an ...

For CPI(M) General-Secretary Prakash Karat, whose party has regularly been crossing swords with the Congress, the BJP and the Shiv Sena, an invitation to lunch from young MPs of these parties was perhaps a bit unusual. But the Left leader made sure he played the perfect teacher on the lawns of a sprawling bungalow in Lutyen’s Delhi, the venue.

Karat fielded questions on FDI in retail trade, the Constitution amendment on reservations in private educational institutions, and China as well, from more than a dozen MPs, all eager to get an insight into the Left way of thinking. And with Rahul Gandhi by his side—the Amethi MP went for the lunch straight after the morning session of Parliament—the CPM leader mingled easily for close to two hours with the young Parliamentarians, nearly all of whom are from distinguished political families.

The lunch meeting had been arranged at the house of Milind Deora of the Congress. Among those present were Congressmen Sachin Pilot and Jitin Prasada, Manvendra Singh of the BJP, Suresh Prabhu of the Shiv Sena, Jay Panda of the BJD and Mohammed Salim of the CPM.

Story continues below this ad

Karat’s views were sought on water resources, health, education, pension funds and power. Suresh Prabhu, a former NDA minister, wondered if the CPI(M) would prepare a detailed document on health and education, two issues on which the Left has been very active. The CPI(M) General-Secretary agreed to the suggestion.

As SPG men kept out prying eyes, considering that much of tomorrow’s leadership was gathered there, Karat seemed at ease meeting the young Parliamentarians who now have a young MPs forum, comprising leaders from across the political spectrum. The forum often invites people who have provided leadership in their fields for informal meetings. The meeting with Karat was one. However, the young MPs did not ask Karat any overtly political question.

Why Karat? Given his importance and the fact that he is sought after as much by business leaders who want to do business in India as by Parliamentarians from abroad who are curious to know how a party can support a coalition government and yet criticise it, the CPI(M) leader’s invitation perhaps came a trifle late from MPs keen on learning political dynamics. Of course, that could have something to do with Karat’s busy schedule.

Congress may agree to Tejashwi as CM face to get Bihar alliance back on track

Political Pulse29 min ago

Tejashwi Yadav is set to be the chief ministerial candidate of the Mahagathbandhan alliance, as talks have resolved differences and reduced friendly fights. Though a seat-sharing deal has not been announced, a positive meeting with RJD's leadership has reassured the alliance's unity and focus on bringing change to Bihar.

View all shorts

Live Blog

PHOTOS