Instances of the Congress and BJP agreeing on anything are too rare. So, everyone was shocked when BJP chief ministers, especially when Gujarat CM Narendra Modi praised the Home Minister for impeccable handling of internal security. It shows to some extent a maturing of the Indian polity.
We are so used to the opposition parties protesting government policies just for the sake of it. Right after the Mumbai tragedy, the BJP lashed out at the UPA government and tried to make it a poll issue. This did not sell right for the BJP with voters. Terrorism is worldwide the biggest threat today. No party can afford to play politics on securing the country against possible terror attacks. Therefore it was a pleasant surprise that both the Congress and BJP seem to have realized that the country expects the political class to tackle the danger of terrorism unitedly.
Anyway it is time that our political parties realize what it means to be in the opposition and how to play the role responsibly. The culture of parties indiscriminately going hammer and tongs at the governing party should be finished. In a mature democracy, the opposition must play a constructive role. The opposition to keep the government on its toes they must talk of prices of essential commodities but on issues such as national security and terrorism, the government and opposition must work together. So, one was so impressed and relieved at this new development. How long it lasts let see.
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One has been hearing of one man one post. So a reshuffle of the cabinet and A.I.C.C everyone is anxiously waiting for. But speculation about AICC reshuffle is quiet now with all in the Congress lobbying for Cabinet berths at the Centre as UPA-II will complete its first year in May. And as usual the back biting and leg pulling has started full on.
But now the mood at AICC headquarters here is not for a change. No one wants to disturb the process of organizational elections. Also, the party’s victory in the Maharashtra and Haryana Assembly polls has delayed the reshuffle. The “one man, one post” even as half dozen Union Ministers are still General Secretaries.
Rahul as a charismatic leader has made Congress party “feel good”. The one role everyone longs for in the Congress is to strengthen the hands of the young leader. Rahul, Congressmen feel has revived the Congress in Uttar Pradesh, made the party number one in Maharashtra and will now concentrate in Bihar. In Tamil Nadu and West Bengal Congress is bringing talent and youth into the party. Also Rahul’s taming of Bal Thackeray has gone well with all Congress men.
Lobbying for Cabinet berths in the Congress is interesting now because those in the second line in the ruling party want to prove their mettle by becoming ministers. Youngsters feel that the Prime Minister and the Congress Chief can create a space for a second rung in the Cabinet by giving other assignments to the senior ministers. The lobbying could become intense once the biennial elections to the Rajya Sabha are over. As many Union Ministers term will get over too.
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Sharad Pawar is at the receiving end from all political parties including the Congress on the price rise issue. Pawar personally went to call on his old friend Shiv Sena Chief Bal Thackeray and this visit has put the Congress on guard. Though Pawar claims that he went to request Bal Thackeray to control his forces when the Cricket matches will take place in Mumbai. But surprisingly, Pawar did not take his Home Minister, Patil with him for this visit. Wonder what comes first for Pawar Cricket or price rise.
The relationship between Pawar and Congress is rocky. R.R.Patil as state home Minister is cozying up to the Congress. He specially went to watch My Name is Khan at a multiplex in Mumbai and even stood in line and bought a Rs 350 ticket. The Shiv Sena in its 40 years of existence has never been so badly hit as now with Raj Thackeray out and Shah Rukh having the support of Congress. These Shiv Sainiks had been left red faced and also the fear of the Mumbaikers of the Shiv Sena is over it seems. With Pawar being pressurized for wearing too many hats and not concentrating on the Agricultural department one wonders if he went there for support and for what?
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