08-11-2006, 11:14 PM
From today's Asian Age
Congress plays politics of vendetta 8/10/2006 10:23:30 PM
- By Arun Nehru
The Justice R.S. Pathak Authority into the Iraq food-for-oil issue has acted in record time to clear the Congress Party and Sonia Gandhi, but has indicted Natwar Singh. And now we will have three government agencies that will use every method possible to fulfil the political objective and <b>Natwar Singh along with friends and business associates will be targeted and harassed. But they will not be alone, as political support for Natwar Singh and his family is very much there. Of course, the "loyal" media will malign him with speculative stories</b>. I think it will be wise for all concerned to use the high court and the Supreme Court for justice as the politics of vendetta will continue as things become difficult. It is most unfortunate that the Justice Pathak report should have got leaked almost immediately after it was ready and even before the Prime Minister could see it. It seems that someone was rather desperate to get the view across that the Congress was clean and that Natwar Singh was guilty. The attempt was to keep away the Opposition forces from supporting the former foreign minister and keep him isolated. But, clearly, this was poor political management as it disregarded the current political situation where the Third Front is more than a reality.
The Congress and Sonia Gandhi are under pressure as elections approach in Uttar Pradesh, Uttaranchal and Punjab; and there is trouble in all three states. Things are further complicated by the personal agenda Sonia Gandhi has against Mulayam Singh, Amar Singh and the Bachchans. And now Natwar Singh will be added to this list for "special treatment." <b>The politics of vendetta is in full swing and instead of using political skills â which do not exist â government agencies are being used to settle political scores. The CBI, income tax department, Enforcement Directorate are all being used for this purpose. Look at the partisan manner in which the system is working, as "allies" (Lalu Yadav and Mayawati) are being protected</b>. In many cases, the Supreme Court has to intervene to ensure that the cases continue; and on the other hand, look at the treatment meted out to the Samajwadi Party where all its leaders and friends are being subjected to harassment. The same applies to J. Jayalalithaa of the AIADMK â where the CBI has filed a case â and to the TDP leaders. It is clear that this will lead to retribution sooner than later, as political leaders are rarely frightened by these methods.
<b>There are few innocents in politics and Sonia Gandhi is no exception. Justice R.S. Pathak makes no mention of the letter written to Saddam Hussein by Sonia Gandhi</b>, and this only complicates the issue and creates confusion in public mind. Facts are often forgotten and public opinion is formed by impressions, and when confusion exists, then everyone concerned has something to lose. The Volcker issue is more about political propriety, and clearly, Natwar Singh, by writing the three letters has committed an "indiscretion." And if everyone knew about these letters, then he should have resigned on the first day and all this would not have been necessary. The issue is now complicated and caught in a political swirl and it would be difficult to separate fact from fiction. Leaks from ED to select media have little meaning unless backed by facts, and if facts are available then there would be no leaks.
We are moving into a very unfortunate situation and I think it is still not too late to take remedial action. Political battles must be fought in the political arena, and leaders who indulge in vendettas, are by nature insecure and threaten others with their own insecurity. And sadly, over the years, many have suffered as the hunters always become the hunted.
The challenge to the Congress will come from the Opposition, but also from within, unless the leader can lead and deliver electoral gains under adverse circumstances. Sonia Gandhi and Rahul will both have an opportunity to show their political skills in Uttar Pradesh. If they succeed, there will be little challenge to their political future. Numbers determine alliances and governance, and todayâs allies can be tomorrowâs enemies if political longevity is in danger. Coalition politics is never easy, but to indulge in reckless vendettas and petty acts makes survival very difficult. Leaders have to pay the price, while those who recommend harsh and punitive measures, melt away and find "new" leaders to exploit and further their political careers.
Congress plays politics of vendetta 8/10/2006 10:23:30 PM
- By Arun Nehru
The Justice R.S. Pathak Authority into the Iraq food-for-oil issue has acted in record time to clear the Congress Party and Sonia Gandhi, but has indicted Natwar Singh. And now we will have three government agencies that will use every method possible to fulfil the political objective and <b>Natwar Singh along with friends and business associates will be targeted and harassed. But they will not be alone, as political support for Natwar Singh and his family is very much there. Of course, the "loyal" media will malign him with speculative stories</b>. I think it will be wise for all concerned to use the high court and the Supreme Court for justice as the politics of vendetta will continue as things become difficult. It is most unfortunate that the Justice Pathak report should have got leaked almost immediately after it was ready and even before the Prime Minister could see it. It seems that someone was rather desperate to get the view across that the Congress was clean and that Natwar Singh was guilty. The attempt was to keep away the Opposition forces from supporting the former foreign minister and keep him isolated. But, clearly, this was poor political management as it disregarded the current political situation where the Third Front is more than a reality.
The Congress and Sonia Gandhi are under pressure as elections approach in Uttar Pradesh, Uttaranchal and Punjab; and there is trouble in all three states. Things are further complicated by the personal agenda Sonia Gandhi has against Mulayam Singh, Amar Singh and the Bachchans. And now Natwar Singh will be added to this list for "special treatment." <b>The politics of vendetta is in full swing and instead of using political skills â which do not exist â government agencies are being used to settle political scores. The CBI, income tax department, Enforcement Directorate are all being used for this purpose. Look at the partisan manner in which the system is working, as "allies" (Lalu Yadav and Mayawati) are being protected</b>. In many cases, the Supreme Court has to intervene to ensure that the cases continue; and on the other hand, look at the treatment meted out to the Samajwadi Party where all its leaders and friends are being subjected to harassment. The same applies to J. Jayalalithaa of the AIADMK â where the CBI has filed a case â and to the TDP leaders. It is clear that this will lead to retribution sooner than later, as political leaders are rarely frightened by these methods.
<b>There are few innocents in politics and Sonia Gandhi is no exception. Justice R.S. Pathak makes no mention of the letter written to Saddam Hussein by Sonia Gandhi</b>, and this only complicates the issue and creates confusion in public mind. Facts are often forgotten and public opinion is formed by impressions, and when confusion exists, then everyone concerned has something to lose. The Volcker issue is more about political propriety, and clearly, Natwar Singh, by writing the three letters has committed an "indiscretion." And if everyone knew about these letters, then he should have resigned on the first day and all this would not have been necessary. The issue is now complicated and caught in a political swirl and it would be difficult to separate fact from fiction. Leaks from ED to select media have little meaning unless backed by facts, and if facts are available then there would be no leaks.
We are moving into a very unfortunate situation and I think it is still not too late to take remedial action. Political battles must be fought in the political arena, and leaders who indulge in vendettas, are by nature insecure and threaten others with their own insecurity. And sadly, over the years, many have suffered as the hunters always become the hunted.
The challenge to the Congress will come from the Opposition, but also from within, unless the leader can lead and deliver electoral gains under adverse circumstances. Sonia Gandhi and Rahul will both have an opportunity to show their political skills in Uttar Pradesh. If they succeed, there will be little challenge to their political future. Numbers determine alliances and governance, and todayâs allies can be tomorrowâs enemies if political longevity is in danger. Coalition politics is never easy, but to indulge in reckless vendettas and petty acts makes survival very difficult. Leaders have to pay the price, while those who recommend harsh and punitive measures, melt away and find "new" leaders to exploit and further their political careers.