Milind Deora: Right man in the wrong party

If there is one thing Congress leader Milind Deora has been displaying since the past many months, it is his views which are in stark contrast to the Congress party’s stand. This time around, the fierce and vocal leader has taken to Twitter to explain his views which support the central government’s ‘one nation, one election’ initiative- which has been highly opposed by the Congress party.

In a very detailed post, Deora stated how the simultaneous elections are beneficial for the nation and has supported the idea of a debate for the same. Arguing for ‘one nation one election’, he stated, “We must not forget that until 1967, India conducted simultaneous polls.”

Thereafter, highlighting the many benefits, Deora stated, “I believe that being in continuous election mode is a roadblock to good governance, distracts politicians from addressing real issues and adds populism to the character of governance which is not necessarily a long-term solution to some of the gravest problems Indians face.”

Addressing the opposition’s fear of simultaneous elections somehow favouring or being biased towards BJP, Milind Deora said, “I am yet to see evidence which suggests that if elections to Vidhan Sabhas are held simultaneously with Lok Sabha elections, it will help the party that is in power nationally.”

These arguments are in the backdrop of Congress outrightly refusing to open debate regarding simultaneous elections. PM Modi had met leaders of various political parties, who have at least one member in either house of the parliament on Wednesday to discuss “one nation, one election” initiative. Congress President Rahul Gandhi was among the absentee list which included TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee, DMK’s M K Stalin, TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu, AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal amongst many others. Congress skipped the meeting as the party is inherently opposed to the idea of simultaneous elections. Congress’ reaction to this is, however, expected as after the election results were declared, Rahul Gandhi and mother, Sonia Gandhi had decided to “fight against BJP every single inch,” irrespective of the benefit being accrued to the people. What they probably didn’t expect was a prominent leader from their own cadre supporting the central government’s initiative.

These arguments put forth by Milind Deora clearly show the leader is a clear-headed and intelligent politician who puts the needs of the nation and citizens above those of the party. Where Congress is keen to shut the matter without looking at the benefits being accrued to the country, or even keeping an open mind to discuss them; Milind Deora is looking at the larger picture.

This isn’t the first time Deora has shown contrasting views from that of the party or even expressed his dissatisfaction with the party’s functioning. In 2014, Deora had spoken against an ordinance allowing an MP to continue in his office if he has appealed against a conviction, which was passed by the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government. Moreover, ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, Milind Deora’s dissatisfaction over the party’s functioning had reached such extents that he had even threatened to quit the party. According to him, Congress was fraught with problems in its internal functioning and party leadership, which weren’t paid heed to by Rahul Gandhi. The problems had been sidelined at that point of time and Deora being a loyalist had contested the election from a Congress ticket in South Bombay, which was unsuccessful.

Now, this issue has cropped up and Deora’s unsuitability in the Congress’ cadre is once again evident. This time around, there is no urgency of an election and the matter is of great national importance. It would be absolutely prudent for Deora to switch his alliance and join the disciplined party which matches his views and ideology- BJP.

Being just 43 years in age, Deora has a long political life ahead of him. He sees himself as “a freeman, an Indian, an MP and then a Congressman.” Unfortunately for him, he is currently stuck in the party that is suppressing his independent and nationalistic outlook. Moreover, the party is being a hurdle to his electoral ambitions as it is the Congress tag which had caused him to lose the election this time around. BJP would definitely be a perfect fit for Deora, keeping his ideology and the issues he has against Congress in mind.

BJP is also likely to welcome Milind Deora with open arms; given the leader is a good orator with brilliant political acumen. He has several laurels to add to his name, making him a popular leader, especially among the youth. Adding to that, it is Deora’s views that would make BJP consider him to be an able leader within their party cadre. An inherently nationalistic leader who is outspoken is going to be a perfect fit with BJP.

The old saying “cutting of the nose to spite the face” perfectly describes the mother-son duo’s decision to oppose BJP’s every move. The resolve is going to lead to negative political ramifications for the Congress itself and slowly they will find all their prominent leaders capable of independent thinking, opposing the party’s stand.