Ruthless Congress and Magnanimous BJP – Dealings with Pakistan
In many an informal discussions that happen post dinner, especially between neutral or right wingers, people feel that after the 1971 war, Indira should have closed the Kashmir issue, once and for all. And this argument persisted till Kargil happened. In fact, as the leader of Bharatiya Jan Sangh, Vajpayee had raised this question on Simla agreement immediately after the war and six years later, though he was not answered. Since then, some of the debaters argue that Vajpayee should have done the thing that was missed by Indira, while others feel the situation in 99 was not as conducive as it was in 1971, in favour of India. Anyway, the issue remained open.
Though there was some drama, mystery and suspense around the Simla agreement, because India refused the request of Bhutto till the one-to-one meeting between Bhutto and Indira happened – and Indira Gandhi signed the agreement. Shimla agreement was considered as a goodwill gesture towards people of Pakistan, by Indira, despite being proven a wasted opportunity. On the other hand, Vajpayee had tried to send the Pakistani army back into their barracks. And, IAF was operating with a condition that it would not cross LOC. Plainly, Kargil war was fought on Indian soil, where in 1971 war had yielded large tracts of Pakistan land to India that was returned post agreement.
The comparison was made only to high light one crucial difference between Congress and BJP. BJP never had the killer instinct that was displayed by the Congress leadership, be it Indira or Rajiv or even Sonia. We better not talk about Sanjay Gandhi and PV Narasimha Rao, who were pioneers in this art, though their way of implementation was totally opposite.
Ruthless Congress and Magnanimous BJP – Bofors wasn’t probed
When Indira had lost elections after emergency, she could have been tried for the atrocities committed during emergency. However, the government of Morarji Desai had indulged in self-destructive games, Indira was back with a bang. Then came the longest political saga that was played in the Indian political history – the Bofors. ¬The shrilling campaign of VP Singh coupled with the charismatic NT Rama Rao’s mega gatherings could dethrone Rajiv, but again VP Singh emulated Morarji Desai. VP Singh was busy with each and everything except pursuing the one issue that made him the prime minister – the Bofors case. By the time PV Narasinha Rao retired in 1996, he ensured Bofors case could never be won in courts, courtesy his loyalty to Rajiv Gandhi?
Atal Bihari Vajpayee run the government for full term without any progress in the Bofors case and his successor gave a quiet burial to the case. One may wonder, why this case was not pursued by VP Singh and AB Vajpayee so that it could have a logical conclusion!
Ruthless Congress and Magnanimous BJP – Crushing the opponent under soles
On the other hand, Indira Gandhi put many a leaders behind bars without blinking an eyelid. PV Narasimha Rao ensured Sonia Gandhi remained in the dark and incommunicado, as long as he ruled. It is anybody’s guess what would have happened to the Gandhi clan, had Congress won the elections in 1996. Later, when Narasimha Rao retired, his protégé Sitaram Kesri was almost kicked out by Sonia Gandhi. And Sonia ensured the dead Narasimha Rao would not be accorded state burial in the capital. See, how nicely they avenge!
Ruthless Congress and Magnanimous BJP – The ranks and cadres
On the other hand, Vajpayee could not admonish Narendra Modi, except remarking in public and talk about Raj Dharma. Not only that, BJP leaders didn’t have the ability to envisage potential future threats. LK Advani inadvertently stalled any action against Narendra Modi, creating his future opponent! Just the opposite way the Congress Company identifies future threats. Congress had started targeting Narendra Modi, since 2012. Advani woke up lately, when he lost the second consecutive election in which he was projected as prime ministerial candidate. By then, it was late and Modi simply pushed his way to the top. {What an irony that BJP, projected as a cadre based party had to acknowledge the power of cadre, which Modi was busy in cultivating over years! And the party that ushered the country into democratic era became another dynasty!}
Ruthless Congress and Magnanimous BJP – The Political intelligence of Congress
Somehow, the political intelligence of congress party works well. Yeah, years of experience in manipulating the opposition teaches a bit or two. The way CBI was used to keep Mulayam and Mayawati under check was marvellous. And Congress simply shows the rule book, whenever questioned validating their misdemeanours through constitutional clauses. But, they ensure potential threats are eliminated, they were taught by none other than the original Bapu of all politicians, Mr Gandhi, by pushing aside none other than the original Netaji, Mr Bose. Ever since, the clan has successfully cleared its path from all potential threats, whether it was Morarji Desai or Sanjay Gandhi (if the rumours are true!), Sharad Pawar, Pranab Mukherjee etc.
Ruthless Congress and Magnanimous BJP – Learn from Congress
Learn from your opposition – this is what is needed for BJP. But, it seems none is observing, let alone learning and practising. Even the “chhappan inch chaatiwala” was no match to congress in finishing off the opposition. Even after two years, with both central and state governments in his control, nothing was proven against the National Damaad. Given the extraordinary speed at which our judiciary acts, even if BJP manages to file a charge sheet in 2017, by the time the case comes for hearing, there would be Congress government under the dictatorship of our Indian Einstein. Not a single case, whether it is 2G or the coal or any other one had come to a conclusion by proving malpractice in the court of law. And, unlike it was for Modi, for Congress, exoneration by the court was a victory.
Ruthless Congress and Magnanimous BJP – get on the offensive Now!
From the way the current government was twisting and turning to get GST passed (as if this is the only thing on earth that is needed for the country), it appears Modi will complete his five years tenure without proving a single case of corruption. One can understand if Arvind Kejriwal is silent on the corruption by congress, but why BJP? BJP has everything to lose if they could not prove anything on the corruption cases. In fact, despite multiple pleas by A Raja, Manmohan Singh was not even called to depose! Same with the pleas of Madhu Koda. Even the state governments where monumental corruption charges were raised against Congress are not doing much. BJP started ruling Maharashtra almost one and half years back, yet no significant action on the irrigation scam, except some Deepavali crackers making noise in front of Chhagan Bhujbal’s palace. Same situation is prevailing in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, where the monumental exploits of corruption during the defamed Raja Sekhara Reddy’s tenure had already became part of folklore. And chief ministers of theses two states were busy in promoting their sons.
Ruthless Congress and Magnanimous BJP – Congress is gaining foot again!
Congress is the only national party, that exists in India, despite it governs states or not. All other parties, including BJP are alternatives to Congress. Even with 44 seats, Congress remained the main opposition party. And in India, voters don’t remember the good deeds, but whatever happens in the six months before elections. Else, Narasimha Rao and Vajpayee would not have lost elections. By losing Delhi and Bihar, BJP already spoiled chances of gaining majority in the Rajya Sabha. If it continues its losing streak, post 2019, India would be the second country in the world whose leader has lower IQ than the national average – second only to the great Geroge Bush, who could not spell potato!
And, it is more important for the BJP to concentrate on the legal battles. Even the one man army Subramanian Swamy damaged Congress more than the entire BJP machinery put together. His cases, apart, as more skeletons have started tumbling out of the congress closet, it is time for BJP to shift gears and cruise, by dedicating a separate team for this purpose. But, given the internal politics of BJP, this may be easier said than done.
May be the team of BJP should watch on weekends the Hollywood classic on Italian Mafia – The God Father!
Remember the decait Zakira, played by Mukesh Tiwari in ‘China Gate’ saying ‘Bahaduri to tum log laoge – par kaminapan kahan se laoge?’ If one has to win, he shall master the strongest trait of the oppositon and in this case BJP should develop and nurture – killer instinct.