Let's be political about it and let's be
politically correct about it.
And let's be politically straightforward
about it.
And being politically straightforward in
this country means it needs a strong government and a strong opposition - if we
go by the legislative politics and political developments of the day.
Now there is a strong government, led by
Narendra Modi - the National Democratic Alliance government led by the Bhartiya
Janata Party (BJP). The BJP led government won the majority on its own, first
time in 30 years - since 1984, when Rajiv Gandhi stormed to the Parliament winning
404 of the seats - riding high on the sympathy wave after Indira Gandhi's
assassination.
But there is no strong opposition. And
there are no strong opposition leaders - to the stature of Narendra Modi -
except very few - who can challenge Narendra Modi nationally.
And Rahul Gandhi after his recent
sabbatical stands first among them.
For the time-being, he looks charged, has
an agenda, and is pursuing it.
If we take different news reports in
consideration, his latest sabbatical was of around two months. The world was
talking about it but came to know about it officially on a Monday (February 23)
when the Budget session of the Parliament began. On April 16, he returned.
Reports say many things about his
sabbatical - including introspection and meditation (that included Vipassana as
well).
He made news headlines during his around
two-months long sabbatical. He was seen as a reluctant politician with a string
of electoral failures since 2010. The aura of 'seriousness' around him was on
the wane. But his leave of absence, shrouded in mystery, made for daily news elements.
And the good things is - his return and he
himself are making for even more news elements.
And that is good for Indian politics. He is
taking on the government. His politics looks like having a future now. He is
speaking and interacting regularly.
Hope this streak is there to stay with an active
and aggressive Rahul Gandhi.
Indian politics of the day badly needs a
strong opposition and opposition leader and Rahul Gandhi can lead here. One-sided
numbers of political opposition in Rajya Sabha would be of little advantage to
the country until there are voices, both in Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha, that
raise issues in a constructive way and are ready to fight back.
And the government is taking serious note
of Rahul Gandhi now, readings of the political developments of the day tell us.
©/IPR: Santosh Chaubey - http://severallyalone.blogspot.com/
