terra firma

Thus spake the Indian populi

Again, it is time for awe and respect at the manner at which the whole election process was conducted and gone through! For the nay sayers – get a life!

The UPA is about to form the government. People are already clamouring for one person or the other for important portfolios. The young turks are making their pitch too. Rahul Gandhi’s performance is being touted as “coming of age in the Indian politics”.

P Chidambaram got a scare at Sivaganga – its a tricky situation. With the Taliban knocking on India’s doors on the western front and the imbroglio in JK, was India in a position to influence Sri Lanka in its efforts to wipe out terrorism from their soil? Really, no. I am not condoning the genocide that has occured in Sri Lanka in the name of the fight against terror, and I strongly resent and oppose the manner in which Sri Lanka is going about this issue, but I feel, Congress could not take a strong stance at the hustings because of its broader outlook and look at the bigger picture unlike regional parties that have a different bed mate every weekend. Hence, because of his high profile, PC was meant to get blasted in Tamil Nadu and he almost lost – the reason I am writing so much about this issue is the narrorw mindedness that seems to have been cultivated and nurtured by the regional parties. How can intelligent people become so narrow minded? There are o major issues for Tamil Nadu at the moment – the GDP is good, industry is functioning well, people have an ability to earn a decent living – really no cause for concern.

PC was thrust into the Home Ministry in the aftermath of the Mumbai atrocities and what a job he did! Almost an uneventful run leading to the elections, and this is how capable persons get rewarded. How is security within the country less important than poking one’s nose into another country’s affairs? After 30+ years of terrorism, I think the common tamil in Sri Lanka is the best person to decide whether they want to stand by a terrorist like V Prabhakaran or fight for their rights in a peaceful and democratic fashion.

The second issue that I wanted to write about was whether Rahul Gandhi really deserves the accolades being showered on him for INC’s performance in the elections? I am not sure. Not being there and not having my ears close to the ground has affected my ability to judge him very well – I really did not pay much attention to him or his activities.

Sonia Gandhi has been a surprise package – I was opposed to her Prime Ministership, wondering whether India needed another foreigner to tell them how to govern themselves, that too within 60 years of gaining independence? However, I am starting to appreciate and respect her for her brand of politics. There is a sense of sincerity about her mode of functioning. I know she is keeping the seat warm for Rahul, but in times when we say weekend, nay overnight, is a long time in politics, she has declared that MM Singh will be the PM for this term. If she is willing to wait out an entire term to install either herself or Rahul Gandhi as PM of India (things which she can achieve within seconds), you got to respect this lady – whatever may be the game plan.

Perhaps, this brand of politics is what is fresh about the UPA this time round, and that which blew the winds out of the NDA sails. A brand that the likes of Lalu and Paswan better learn and follow.