Opinion Why is Rahul selective in speaking out?
Even if Narendra Modi's vision of development is vague and probably simplistic,it is difficult to vouch for Rahuls.
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If you ask Congressmen about Rahul Gandhis recent outburst against the ordinance on convicted MPs and MLAs,you get the impression that the Congress vice-president,like Sisyphus of Greek mythology,has been condemned to endlessly roll the heavy boulder of the UPA governments omissions and commissions up a steep hill only to see it tumbling down. Here is a young leader who is said to be hamstrung by the burdensome system. And his outburst against the proposed ordinance was his I-want-to-break-free-moment.
However perplexed one might be about the timing and style of breaking free,there was a lurking hope that Rahul may finally intervene to course-correct and get the UPA government to salvage some self-esteem,if not credibility. Subsequent weeks have not justified that hope though. Would he,for instance,ask his ministers to be discreet and not undermine their Prime Minister by publicly opposing his visit to Sri Lanka to attend the CHOGM summit?
Justifying his remarks about the ordinance,Rahul had said,Is there a time to speak the truth? If one chooses the time to speak the truth,it cannot be truth.
Would he spell out where he stands on his party colleagues concern about Tamil sentiments? Or,would he speak out after the PM is forced to make compromises with Indias standing in the comity of nations? For over four weeks,the country is witnessing the sad spectacle of Union Ministers from Seemandhra region boycotting office in protest against the decision to bifurcate Andhra Pradesh. While Rahul has not publicly supported or opposed the decision,would he request the UPA chairperson or the PM to spare any more embarrassment to the government and let the ministers go?
One is probably too optimistic in seeking answers,for Rahul has been selective in expressing his sentiments and acting on his outrage against the system.
He had undertaken to end the role of money,patronage and family in politics (read Congress). Have a look at the list of Congress candidates in the forthcoming assembly elections. From AICC treasurer Motilal Voras son Arun,who lost three consecutive elections,to Ajit Jogis son Amit,it is a long list of those who got party tickets by virtue of patronage or family connections.
No wonder,the electorate have been left to scratch their heads to ascertain what Rahul Gandhi stands for. Even if Narendra Modis vision of development is vague and probably simplistic,it is difficult to vouch for Rahuls.
DK is a senior editor based in Delhi
dk.singh@expressindia.com
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