:: Opinion

Indiscretions are denting UPA image

By Arun Nehru

Oct 11 : Political fortunes and public opinion can be quite fickle and are subject to dramatic changes. Sometimes, political leaders and parties are extremely vulnerable even when they are at their peak or when the Opposition momentarily looks weak and scattered, as is the situation today.

This is the time for the Congress Patry and its leaders to take stock of the situation and plan for the future. A series of recent minor "accidents" are proof of their weakening control. This is a sign of trouble. The first episode was the controversy surrounding the three-month stay of external affairs minister S.M. Krishna and minister of state for external affairs Shashi Tharoor at five-star hotels. This was a political mistake that was, sadly, further fuelled by thoughtless remarks. However, the real fault lies with the party that allowed this to continue for almost three months.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Mrs Sonia Gandhi may condone these indiscretions, but, from the Congress’ point of view, this was not the right thing to do. It damaged the "austerity drive" initiated by Mrs Gandhi and now nobody considers it a sincere, positive measure.

The same mistake was repeated by other members of Parliament (MPs). Inspired by Congress general-secretary Rahul Gandhi’s visits to dalit homes in Uttar Pradesh, the states’ Congress leaders embarked on a similar path. But the media coverage was merciless as MPs and some ministers highlighted their brief visits to the poor carrying "excess baggage" (followers, generators, crockery, cutlery et cetera). The objective of spending time with poor families in an effort to understand their issues were totally lost in this display of loyalty.

And now, in the Siliguri Municipal Corporation, the Congress has formed the city civic board with support from West Bengal’s ruling Left Front. This move ignores the ground reality in West Bengal and will invite some retaliation from its national alliance partner Trinamul Congress and Mamata Banerjee. Despite efforts from the Congress to underplay this, genuine doubts will persist in the minds of Trinamul’s cadres and lead to uncertainty about the alliance in the future.

Rajendra Shekhawat, son of President Pratibha Patil, was given a Congress ticket for the Maharashtra Assembly elections. He was given preference over former state minister Sunil Deshmukh, a two-term MLA. This decision makes a mockery of meritocracy and clearly demonstrates that a candidate’s ability is secondary to dynastic politics. The media reflects the public mood and the public sympathy in this case is clearly with the "rebel". Mr Deshmukh may well win the election.

A BIGGER problem for the Congress is that the assets of many of its candidates run into several crores of rupees. Where is all this money coming from? The Andhra Pradesh syndrome and the excessive assets of those in government and their business interests in the state (ministers, MPs, MLAs, including leaders from the Opposition), would put many of our successful businessmen to shame.

Despite the positive image of Dr Singh, Mrs Gandhi and efforts of Rahul Gandhi to create "opportunities" for the younger generation, these "indiscretions" are denting the credibility of the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) and may well become major electoral issues in the near future. The UPA cannot afford to take public opinion for granted. That could prove fatal.

The nexus between builders and authorities for Special Economic Zones (SEZ) has led to public discontent. We have seen its effects in West Bengal (Singur and Nandigram) and Goa where a public revolt resulted in the cancellation of 14 SEZs.

Look at the chaos in Orissa, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. Huge fortunes have been made at the expense of the citizens (urban and rural). This issue has the potential of exploding in the face of the ruling party and those who have benefited from these activities. It is a matter of time before the bubble bursts. Some new leaders might emerge from those who stand with the public, against the government, corrupt businessmen and builders.

The Congress will win Maharashtra and Haryana Assembly elections. But I wonder if the arrogance of power and a weak Opposition will allow the "land grab" syndrome to continue.

Look what has happened to the Communist Party of India (Marxist) in West Bengal and Ms Banerjee’s miraculous win in the 2009 Lok Sabha elections. Identical situations can take place in other places in the country as the housing boom escalates. Farmers — whose lands were forcibly acquired at government rates that are often 10-15 per cent less than the market price — are ready to fight a battle with the government of the day.

The raging controversy over the acquisition of "huge assets" by Karnataka high court chief justice P.D. Dinakaran must also be settled quickly by the Chief Justice of India. Archaic systems and procedures cannot ignore the principal of accountability as checks and balances are essential in a democratic society. The political fraternity must not interfere in this process and there should be no interference from the Central Bureau of Investigation, the Enforcement Directorate or the income tax department. Political battles are best settled by political action and judicial battles are best settled by lawyers and judicial authorities.

The feeling of "excessive" pressure can result in sympathy. However, I wonder if this will happen in Uttar Pradesh with the Bahujan Samaj Party and the Samajwadi Party (CBI reports have changed course in both cases).

Right and wrong is determined by the voting public and not by any wing of the government at the behest of the ruling party. Though the UPA is firmly in control and the Opposition is in the doldrums, the public remains alert to some issues that exist and the media is looking for a new story every day! It is time for caution, reflection and corrective action.

Arun Nehru is a former Union minister