It is election time in India and the political scene is nicely setup now. Being an avid follower of politics in India and world at large, I thought it will be prudent to actually take sides in this election and decide which party and person is better to rule India at this time.
Although India is a parliamentary form of democracy as opposed to USA which is a presidential form of democracy, recently political parties have started the practice of announcing their chief ministerial or prime ministerial candidates. BJP specially has been doing this consistently in state and central elections.
So here is my opinion on some of the candidates that are in the fray.
1. L K Advani
He has been the strong man of BJP and for long the think tank of the BJP. The duo of Atal ji and Advani has shaped the BJP and Jan Sangh earlier and taken the party to this level. Although, I have had several ideological differences with the BJP as a party, but I feel, Advani is the best person to lead our contry. His ideas and ideals are very praiseworthy and he has shown tremendous amount of credibility and commitment to the national cause. He is a true democrat at heart and a man who has been in politics for more than 5 decades, and has been in opposition for most of his political career. This itself prooves that he is not in politics for power and truly believes in "nation first" approach in his politics. At the same time he has performed reasonably well when NDA was in power for 6 years. His performance as home minister and later as deputy PM was very good and he did a lot of things, which if given more time would have succeeded. No mention of Advani would be complete, unless one talks about his controversial speech about Jinnah in Pakistan. He was misunderstood by his own people, but ultimately was vindicated, when the party and the so called pariwar accepted him as the PM candidate. I have immense respect for him for not backing out and maintaining his views.
2. Manmohan Singn
Manmohan Singh is probably the first non-political PM of India. He first came into limelight for his role in the 90's when he opened the Indian economy under the mandate given to him by the then PM Narsimha Rao. What he did then was the best thing that has ever happened to India. The events then really showed the country and world how a crisis can be turned into an opportunity and ultimately a reward for generations to reap. When he was elected as the PM (after Sonia bowed out of the race), the idea was that he will handle the governance part and Sonia Gandhi will handle the political component of the Central Govt. As it turned out, it is not possible to separate out the two. As happened in the case of nuclear deal, the PM was the only person pushing for the deal. For that I give credit to him. However, this govt under him has like other Congress govts, not done enough to tackle terrorism. The way Mumbai attacks were handled, left many questions unanswered. The biggest problem I see in Manmohan Singh is communication with public at large. I have never seen him interact with the media and convey his thoughts clearly. In today's world of internet and over communication, how can Manmohan Singh get away with such abysmal level of comunication? I don't think, in the end it has helped his govt or his personal image. He seems to be a bureaucrat/academician trapped in the political ramblings and looks totally out of place and out of touch with ground reality. He probably is a VERY good minister for finance, but can not lead the country.
3. Narendra Modi
Narendra Modi, another political heavyweight from Gujrat BJP is known for his "moditva" which I like to call as "macho hiindutva". Although he has done a lot of development work for the state of Gujrat and has turned the state into a engine of nationa's economic development, but how can we overlook the immoral acts that were done under his govt in the post Godhra riots? Specially, as till today, he has not shown the kind of remorse as is expected for a Chief minister of a state where the minorities were badly crushed and killed in what was proclaimed to be an act of state sponsored terrorism? So till he comes out clean on Godhra and is willing to take all the stakeholders (minority or majority) together and provides demonstrable justice to the people who were directly impacted in the riots, he will always find it impossible to be able to gain support of the entire country. To be a PM, he needs to be acceptable by larger sections of the society. So Mr Modi, for this reason alone, I would not support your PM claim at this point of time.
4. Rahul Gandhi
Rahul Gnadhi has a tremendous advantage (unfairly) because he has a Gandhi surname to use and hence has a lot of political capital associated with him by default. However, I don't think, he is even close to being ready for being the PM of this country. There are a lot of tests yet for him and he needs to demonstrate his capability, maturity and even understanding of the problems being faced by the country and what his thoughts are on the same. So Mr Rahul Gandhi, its time to get hands dirty and learn the realpolitik and the reality of the Indian state.
5. Pranab Mukharjee
He is probably the dark horse to be the PM in my opinion. He is the man who I feel is the only politician in Congress who has a vision, grasp, breadth, understanding of issues faced by the country today nationally as well as internationally. Unlike Manmohan Singh, he is a real politician as well and has been the savior of this govt politically. He was the person who was talking to the left during the entire time and has known to have good contacts across the political spectrum of India. Even Advani recently hailed Pranab da and praised him for his role. Internationally, he is the most visible face of India today. He has talked straight and in stern fashion with Pakistan and tried to convey the anger, frustration and disappointment of 1 billion Indian people in his conversations with diplomats and world leaders. If Congress comes to power this time, I really feel, he should be made the PM instead of Mr Manmohan Singh.
Considering all the factors, I feel, the only person who is ready at this point to be the PM of this country are either Mr Advani or Mr Pranab Mukharjee. Of the two I would support Mr Advani more than Pranab da, simply because Mr Advani needs to be given a chance to complete the tasks that were incomplete in the Vajpayee govt.
I wish my best luck to Advani and wish he wins the Indian elections which should be announced any time now.
Showing posts with label Politics. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Politics. Show all posts
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Monday, November 3, 2008
McCain Vs Obama - My thoughts
This is the first US election which I am observing and follwing so closely. USA being the world's most powerful democracy, this election has world wide implications. The world today is extremely polarized on all issues that matter. Be it the globalization impact, be it the policy to tackle extremism, or closer home be it regional/national chauvinism.
In such a backdrop, this US elections is not a normal election. The stakes are extremely high and the choices are equally tough. There are a number of factors which are influencing this race
1. The Bush Factor - George W Bush is the most hated figure today in the world. This is after 9/11 when the entire nation was with him and also got him elected again to complete the job to catch OBL. Today there is a strong anti incumbancy factor against him in particular and republicans in general because of the way they have handled the war on terror and the Iraq fiasco. Obama has a great advantage in that regard and his campaign has made sure that they keep giving the message that McCain is going to be an extension of Bush-Cheny duo.
2. The Economy - If Bush was a catastrophy for McCain, the economic crisis came as a jolt from the blue to him. The subprime crisis which culminated into the broader economic breakdown, made sure that the anti incumbancy against Bush sore to unimaginable levels. Obama was able to attribute most of the economy blues to republicans. McCain's "maverick reaction" of stopping the campaign and going to Washington did not bore well with the common man as he ended up bailing out the very people who were responsible for the mess. Another negative factor which is working in Obama's favor.
3. The Palin Factor - McCain chose an almost unknown Sarah Palin as his running mate. In the beginning the charming Palin was able to attract a lot of republican mass. She came across as a conservative republican, which McCain was not. But as time went on, it turned out that she was not prepared to be the VP candidate, forget having the presidential mantle. Interview after interview proved that she did not have the knowledge that a good VP candidate must possess. And though Joe Biden also made a number of blunders, the media chose to focus on Palin and her inability to name a newspaper she read, or her linking of economic crisis to "its about job creation". Palin has proved to turn away the independant voters which in a tight race like this are the major attractions for both campaigns. The acerbic nature of her campaign only turned them away from republicans. Yet another negative factor working in Obama's favor.
4. The Iraq War - The war in Iraq might has been a utter disaster throughout. Although the surge helped now, but to go to war against Iraq was a disaster which majority of Americans have absolutely rejected. McCain, obliged by the republican ideology has supported the war in first place and still continues a coercive millatry based foreign policy instead of a "diplomacy based" foreign policy. This has made the world a dangerous place and a extremely polarized place to live in. Obama showed good judgement by opposing the Iraq war and the need to focus on eliminating the apparatus of terrorism in Afghanistan/Pakistan duo. Another factor in Obama's favor.
5. OBAMA Mania - Amid all the negativities, surrounded in the world in general and USA in particular, Obama gives a hope that is simply put audacious. The way he has managed his campaign over the course of almost 2 years is spectacular. He has been able to beat "The race factor" which is such a big issue for Americans. His message of change reflects the state of mind of people today. All through out the campaign he has been consistent in his message of change and has laid out a broad ideology of reaching out to others. His foreign policy approach is also based on using "diplomacy" as a cornerstone of his foriegn policy and not relying solely upon brute millatry force to achieve the strategic goals. He is willing to talk to states like Iran also, which is good because the neo con notion of "Either you are with us or against us" has not worked in last 8 years. In all his public appearances, he has appeared as a calm, cool, composed and presidential by all means. His oratary skills are great, but he has also done well to not shy away from tough questions like his allegiance to his radical pastor Right or his linkage to Bill Ayers etc.
This does not mean, all his ideas are correct or that he will not make mistakes. Considering the enormous challenges, he will most certainly make mistakes. But because of his thought process and ability to reach out to people, even if he makes mistakes, he will be able to accept the mistakes, get over them quickly and get the correct advice from the people around him.
My Prediction
Considering the opposition candidate and his ideology and based on Obama's campaign, his ideology and personal traits, I feel Obama will win by a comfortable majority (if not a land slide). I hope he is able to bring the change tha the talks about. I hope better sense prevails throughout the world and we become less polarized and develop the much required ability to "Agree to Disagree", for that trait alone will ensure better times to come for future generations.
In such a backdrop, this US elections is not a normal election. The stakes are extremely high and the choices are equally tough. There are a number of factors which are influencing this race
1. The Bush Factor - George W Bush is the most hated figure today in the world. This is after 9/11 when the entire nation was with him and also got him elected again to complete the job to catch OBL. Today there is a strong anti incumbancy factor against him in particular and republicans in general because of the way they have handled the war on terror and the Iraq fiasco. Obama has a great advantage in that regard and his campaign has made sure that they keep giving the message that McCain is going to be an extension of Bush-Cheny duo.
2. The Economy - If Bush was a catastrophy for McCain, the economic crisis came as a jolt from the blue to him. The subprime crisis which culminated into the broader economic breakdown, made sure that the anti incumbancy against Bush sore to unimaginable levels. Obama was able to attribute most of the economy blues to republicans. McCain's "maverick reaction" of stopping the campaign and going to Washington did not bore well with the common man as he ended up bailing out the very people who were responsible for the mess. Another negative factor which is working in Obama's favor.
3. The Palin Factor - McCain chose an almost unknown Sarah Palin as his running mate. In the beginning the charming Palin was able to attract a lot of republican mass. She came across as a conservative republican, which McCain was not. But as time went on, it turned out that she was not prepared to be the VP candidate, forget having the presidential mantle. Interview after interview proved that she did not have the knowledge that a good VP candidate must possess. And though Joe Biden also made a number of blunders, the media chose to focus on Palin and her inability to name a newspaper she read, or her linking of economic crisis to "its about job creation". Palin has proved to turn away the independant voters which in a tight race like this are the major attractions for both campaigns. The acerbic nature of her campaign only turned them away from republicans. Yet another negative factor working in Obama's favor.
4. The Iraq War - The war in Iraq might has been a utter disaster throughout. Although the surge helped now, but to go to war against Iraq was a disaster which majority of Americans have absolutely rejected. McCain, obliged by the republican ideology has supported the war in first place and still continues a coercive millatry based foreign policy instead of a "diplomacy based" foreign policy. This has made the world a dangerous place and a extremely polarized place to live in. Obama showed good judgement by opposing the Iraq war and the need to focus on eliminating the apparatus of terrorism in Afghanistan/Pakistan duo. Another factor in Obama's favor.
5. OBAMA Mania - Amid all the negativities, surrounded in the world in general and USA in particular, Obama gives a hope that is simply put audacious. The way he has managed his campaign over the course of almost 2 years is spectacular. He has been able to beat "The race factor" which is such a big issue for Americans. His message of change reflects the state of mind of people today. All through out the campaign he has been consistent in his message of change and has laid out a broad ideology of reaching out to others. His foreign policy approach is also based on using "diplomacy" as a cornerstone of his foriegn policy and not relying solely upon brute millatry force to achieve the strategic goals. He is willing to talk to states like Iran also, which is good because the neo con notion of "Either you are with us or against us" has not worked in last 8 years. In all his public appearances, he has appeared as a calm, cool, composed and presidential by all means. His oratary skills are great, but he has also done well to not shy away from tough questions like his allegiance to his radical pastor Right or his linkage to Bill Ayers etc.
This does not mean, all his ideas are correct or that he will not make mistakes. Considering the enormous challenges, he will most certainly make mistakes. But because of his thought process and ability to reach out to people, even if he makes mistakes, he will be able to accept the mistakes, get over them quickly and get the correct advice from the people around him.
My Prediction
Considering the opposition candidate and his ideology and based on Obama's campaign, his ideology and personal traits, I feel Obama will win by a comfortable majority (if not a land slide). I hope he is able to bring the change tha the talks about. I hope better sense prevails throughout the world and we become less polarized and develop the much required ability to "Agree to Disagree", for that trait alone will ensure better times to come for future generations.
Sunday, July 6, 2008
Chicago Musings - India and the nuclear deal.
As we speak, India is at a possible turning point in her history. We have to make a decision whether we do what is in our best interests or succumb to forces that want india to be in a state of self imposed poverty and lack of access to technology that will thrust us into a bright future for generations to come.
On one hand we have Left, which has a philosophy based on blind animosity towards the capitalistic US, is ready to give away the benefit that India can gain by signing a deal with USA. This kind of an ideology, which is not based on national interests is absolutely abhorable and should be discouraged.
BJP on the other hand is also not doing the right thing by not supporting the deal, which it had masterminded in the first place. The party with a difference is showing the kind of political myopia which is not expected of a nationalist party and is exactly the kind of polity which we as a nation must not support. BJP should take a cue from APJ Abdul Kalam and come out in support of the deal and nation's willingness to place itself on a path to success and greatness that India deserves and is capable of.
The only leader who stands tall amid all this is Dr Manmohan Singh. He has been consistent in his support to the deal and has been the force in making this deal a reality(as it seems). What is really commendable is the fact that he has done this single handedly, when his own party has had an inkling towards sticking to power and succumbing to the left. Congress did not have the courage to call left's bluff. And in doing so, it has made the PM look weak. It is only now when SP has no other option but to support Congress in view of its weakening base in UP, that Congress Party is backing the nuclear deal.
We the people of India deserve a lot more and better from our politicians and hope that some day the polity of our day will be driven by national interests and not clinging to power at any cost. The eternal optimist in me says Amen at the thought !!
On one hand we have Left, which has a philosophy based on blind animosity towards the capitalistic US, is ready to give away the benefit that India can gain by signing a deal with USA. This kind of an ideology, which is not based on national interests is absolutely abhorable and should be discouraged.
BJP on the other hand is also not doing the right thing by not supporting the deal, which it had masterminded in the first place. The party with a difference is showing the kind of political myopia which is not expected of a nationalist party and is exactly the kind of polity which we as a nation must not support. BJP should take a cue from APJ Abdul Kalam and come out in support of the deal and nation's willingness to place itself on a path to success and greatness that India deserves and is capable of.
The only leader who stands tall amid all this is Dr Manmohan Singh. He has been consistent in his support to the deal and has been the force in making this deal a reality(as it seems). What is really commendable is the fact that he has done this single handedly, when his own party has had an inkling towards sticking to power and succumbing to the left. Congress did not have the courage to call left's bluff. And in doing so, it has made the PM look weak. It is only now when SP has no other option but to support Congress in view of its weakening base in UP, that Congress Party is backing the nuclear deal.
We the people of India deserve a lot more and better from our politicians and hope that some day the polity of our day will be driven by national interests and not clinging to power at any cost. The eternal optimist in me says Amen at the thought !!
Tuesday, January 2, 2007
My political compass
The following link helps you find out which side of politics you lie.
http://politicalcompass.org/
I always thought, I was a centrist and without xtreme views on either side of the political/economic divide.
My score on the economic line was a 0 and on the social/religious divide, I got a -2.13. This means, I am more left of centre when it comes to social issues. I found this rating to be quite fair because, we generally have a very "cliched" view of what left and right represent. When it comes to economic policies, I have always been pro market. A market where there are multiple players with a regulator. Such an arrangement leads to the best results for the consumer. But then all organisations have a responsibility and they owe something to the society, and not just to the shareholders !!! Which is why I feel corporates in India should take up "affirmative action" seriously, so as to prevent the government from making laws on reservation.
On the religious front, although we should have a strong sense of nationhood, but being a secular nation, we should not color it with religious colors.
So ideally we need a political party which is right wing, when it comes to economic policies, but centrist when it comes to the religion !! Sadly in India, there is no party which fits my definition of a ideal party. Though NDA was close (except the Gujrat blot that is)
Everybody should try and determine their political compass since in a democracy it is the people who matter (only if they voted) ...
http://politicalcompass.org/
I always thought, I was a centrist and without xtreme views on either side of the political/economic divide.
My score on the economic line was a 0 and on the social/religious divide, I got a -2.13. This means, I am more left of centre when it comes to social issues. I found this rating to be quite fair because, we generally have a very "cliched" view of what left and right represent. When it comes to economic policies, I have always been pro market. A market where there are multiple players with a regulator. Such an arrangement leads to the best results for the consumer. But then all organisations have a responsibility and they owe something to the society, and not just to the shareholders !!! Which is why I feel corporates in India should take up "affirmative action" seriously, so as to prevent the government from making laws on reservation.
On the religious front, although we should have a strong sense of nationhood, but being a secular nation, we should not color it with religious colors.
So ideally we need a political party which is right wing, when it comes to economic policies, but centrist when it comes to the religion !! Sadly in India, there is no party which fits my definition of a ideal party. Though NDA was close (except the Gujrat blot that is)
Everybody should try and determine their political compass since in a democracy it is the people who matter (only if they voted) ...
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