All not lost for Congress if it heeds Captain’s warning
he shabby manner in which the national leadership of the Congress Party — such as it is — has dealt with its party organisation and government in Punjab is a matter of concern for the country. Such bizarre goings-on in the foremost Opposition party, even when it is too weak in Lok Sabha to gain the status of Leader of the Opposition for its nominee, is far from being an advertisement for the state of Indian democracy.
Democracies are known for the quality of governance they offer their citizens, and also for the internal health of their political opposition. If the Congress Party, which has held the reins of office for decades and is now in the Opposition, were to continue doing the things it did in Punjab recently, it is hard to see how it can win the confidence of the people even in states in which it has some presence still left — such as Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Uttarakhand, in each of which there seems trouble brewing.
In Punjab, after the virtual retirement of Akali Dal leader Parkash Singh Badal from active day-to-day politics, it is hard to think of any leader of any party who can hold a candle to Captain Amarinder Singh in stature and administrative or political experience. Indeed, “Captain”, as he is called, is among the most senior leaders of the country. After he was ejected through machinations sponsored by the Congress central leadership, Mr Singh has spoken some home truths. The leadership flunkeys are too busy savouring their self-importance to take note, but it is to be hoped that the leadership does, and course-corrects before all is lost.
Mr Singh has announced that he would do what it takes to ensure that PCC chief Navjot Singh Sidhu does not become CM (after the upcoming Punjab election). This is a stinging indictment of the political preferences of the national leadership who have, through their action, underlined their inexplicable preference for Mr Sidhu. In practical terms this may mean Captain may work for Congress’ defeat. The unfolding of a fascinating political scenario seems to be in the offing in one of the few states where the Congress still has its base intact.
The recently toppled chief minister has spoken of the “inexperience” of the Gandhi siblings. However, on another occasion not long ago, Captain Amarinder has praised the bumbling duo for their maturity. His opinion in this regard does not offer a clue as to their mettle, or the lack of it. But the former CM is spot on when he ticks off the aides and “advisors” of the siblings.
The most important of them, who is from Kerala, is known to be out of his depth even in his home state. So, what accounts for his elevation? This is as baffling a question as the exalting of Mr Sidhu by the younger Gandhis, especially Priyanka Vadra. It is the machinations of this lot that led the Congress to announce a meeting of the legislature party in Punjab without notifying Mr Singh who was CM. On the national scale, this is akin to holding a Congress Working Committee meeting behind the back of interim president Sonia Gandhi. That would be disgraceful, no matter what the faults of the leader.
Rahul Gandhi has no formal position now except as MP. Why did he meddle in Punjab? Priyanka is general secretary in charge of UP. What gave her the unwritten authority to make decisions with respect to Punjab? Evidently, Mrs Gandhi’s children have been emboldened by her progeny-love. If all this does not change in quick order, the writing is on the wall.
The former CM is spot on when he ticks off the aides and ‘advisors’ of the siblings. The most important of them, who is from Kerala, is known to be out of his depth even in his home state.