An Absurdity Called Leadership In Our Democratic Parliament Of India
July 21st and 22nd - A trust vote for the Government Of India - A supposed debate on the nuclear deal - The government survives - The nuclear deal progresses - Dr. Manmohan Singh has a new image - New leaders created - But Leadership became a complete mockery.
There probably weren't any doubts that the nuclear deal will go through, irrespective of the fate of this government. The deal was just a matter of time, specifically after 'president in waiting' - Obama, made it clear that he had no intentions of any changes in the agreement. I cannot help but wonder, what then was the purpose of this special session in the parliament?
Supposedly there was to be a debate on the nuclear deal, on the issues relating to energy security and on the safeguards needed to protect India. I would assume all these issues are of great (greatest) importance and relevance to us. The issue, in fact, was so important that it was good enough for some to topple the government and good enough for some to forget all prior rivalry and join the government. It was so important that is was good enough to get people out of jail to write the laws of this country. It was good enough to nominate a new candidate for the top job. Yet, there was not one speaker out of 542 parliamentarians accountable for 1 billion Indians, who spoke about it. Amazing!
The leader of the opposition, Mr. Advani, one would have thought be very keen on the issue, after all he still heads the single largest party in the parliament. He is a prime ministerial candidate for elections in less than 150 days from now. And a great leader of his Mr. Vajpayee, is creditably responsible for these developments. However BJP is evidently undecided on sharing credit with the Congress, on sharing a win with the government. The confused bunch chose rather to have all or nothing. What followed in his speech, with his attacks on the prime minister personally, is proof to their undecidedness and unwillingness to take a stand. Hardly inspiring from a leader of his caliber. On the contrary, quite disgusting. Why would, you as a leader, or as an organization that represents the maximum number of Indians, not take a stand? Not once on days prior or post the trust vote has any member from the BJP answered a simple question, which is - Do you want the nuclear deal - Yes or No?
The drama preventing the prime minister to speak, with carrying and grossly displaying bundles of cash, for me personally, is testimony to one simple fact. This debate was not about nuclear deal. This, for our great leaders was an opportunistic endeavor. An opportunity for some to make quick cash, for some to get airports named, for some to get ministries, for some to favor corporate loyalties, for some to promote ambitions of holding the highest office. Deal or no deal, how does it matter. It's not even an issue. Leadership!!!
Sadly enough, the debate never happened. The debate was not even needed. It had already been decided before the parliament opened its doors on July 21st. This debate was decided on the basis of 'who' had more to offer to the other side, who had more to lure the people to vote with them or abstain, who had more ammunition to expose the opportunistic greed in our elected leaders. Have no doubt that givers and takers were on both sides. Post 22nd drama is now only a case of sour grapes.
What is even more appalling than all of the above - is a television program I was watching on July 22nd, post the trust vote. A few people from different political parties made a statement in unanimity - "At least there are only 20 out of 540 people who are corrupt." How disgusting! For the sake of statistics 20 people in parliament means 4 crore Indians. Only 4 crore Indians are corrupt, lets celebrate! Wow!
Leadership, in my mind, is the ability to inspire and guide people through compelling and articulate vision for a better future. Not one speaker in our parliament on the day had the vision or the inspiration. They only had personal agendas. Not one inspiring speech. With the exception of Omar Abdullah - none. Yes, Lalu Prasad Yadav was funny and a nice break, at best. L.K. Advani, we have already mentioned. The prime minister of the country (not of any party) was not even allowed to make his point. However reading what he had to say is at best, pay-back. The leaders of the left parties seemed to be looking more for issues, probably realizing they have lost the current one. Rahul Gandhi with his speech, "I am an Indian..." - straight out of Bollywood. Of course he'll learn the finer techniques but anyways..
Where was the debate? Where were the great speeches of the past, like those of Nehru or even Vajpayee? Where IS the leadership? Where is the vision? Where is the inspiration? Did any of us feel inspired on this day of historical relevance to collaborate with any leader for the future he or she envisages for you and me? Does any of us remotely want to emulate our parliamentarians who buy and sell 'issues'? There are three possible leaders named for the future, Manmohan Singh, Advani and Mayawati - Do you feel like choosing any of them?
Yes people are being held accountable. They are expelled from parties. Even the speaker isn't spared - for being a speaker. What a complete BS. What really needs to be held accountable is the absurdity called leadership in our democratic parliament of India.
And the leadership isn't there, which is quite evident. Why, then, are we electing it?
yours,
Chetan Walia
Chetan, This is very passionate. Don't you feel scared writing like this?
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Thanks Rajan.
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Chetan, have been reading your blog for sometime now! I really enjoy your world view on all subjects and this one took the cake. What is a ‘leadership guru’ if I may call you that, discussing politics for? And then I remembered something Dr Prahlad said in the recent conclave.
Core competency is no longer merely about what a company knows and does but it about its ‘collective intellectual capital’ and how it works it its ‘eco-system’. It is about how a company recognises complimentary strengths in others and synergies to contribute to a larger eco-system. As he said: "If profit is your only motive, you won’t have too many friends."
Works for a country too. We remain conscious, alive to those issues in every context. Are our politicians friends to the notion of taking India to the heights it can reach? After this session, which should have ideally reenergized faith in our government and leaders, I think all of us have MORE doubts!
I think almost everyone, (remember Manmohan Singh’s ‘V’ sign, his calm, confident body language and the fact that BJP, unlike the left, seems to have no real standpoint on the nuclear issue and only wanted to see how many of its ranks wouldn't vote.) knew that UPA would bag the numbers. So what do we have from the special session: horse trading stories being glossed over, the two Shahid Kapoors of Indian politics making pretty speeches, and an entertaining, Harvard-returned Lalu Prasad quoting from Strobe Talbot’s book, not to mention the crass display of bag loads of money (how did they get in there anyway?)
Look forward to your next post!!
Shuchi Mohan
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Hi. Very well articulated. Thanks.
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Dear Chetan Sir,
Read your article with great interest. Yes the future of INDIA looks bleak with some of the leaders mentioned in the article.
What I would like to mention here is that NO credit has been given to our present prime minister Dr. Manmohan Singhji. I believe for the future of India he took the bold step of not bending his back towards the communits who ideology I have never understood.Our prime minister is not for any post or power.He has stood for the welfare of our great country.
today whatever development we have seen we owe our prime minster a lot. Due to party pressure he is not able to take any bold decision.
But please give him his due worth.
give him credit for his bold stand Long live leaders of his caliber.
warm regards,
suresh nair
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Dear Suresh. Thanks for your comments. I understand your point on our prime minister and agree with it too. Will write on it soon. Regards, Chetan.
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Dear Chetan,
What a woderful commentry I salute you for your political analysis the irony is since independance all the focus is on Non issues and Major issues like poverty,corruption,fake medicines, potable water,sewerage system,unemployment ,equal human rights for all including miniorities,are the real issues but the focus is ONLY HOW TO STAY IN POWER..pathetic but true &
no one willing to address the real issues..hopefully one day people like you will become elected to serve the common people.
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Thanks Ikram.. Hopefully one day! Who Knows!
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Dear Chetan,
I don't think you were joking when you said at your intervoew that you are looking at the future prime minister of India.
Well done! Keep up the good work. You might enjoy Barack Obama's "Audacity of Hope" which I left with Bubbles. It is what you and all of us want our leaders to say. As you say it has vision and is compelling.
Lots of love.
Dad
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Thanks Dad. Will start reading it soon.
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