Congress Must Not Waste This Mandate!
by RK Misra
I was happy to see the possibility of a stable government which is essential to provide a clear direction to our country in these times of economic uncertainty. Though my party has taken a beating in this election, but I was happy nonetheless and hoped that Congress will use this mandate to push forward the economic and inclusive development agenda, given that they will not have worry about the left and opportunistic allies.
However, the drama which unfolded prior to and during government formation is worrying me. DMK washed their dirty family linen in public and shamelessly jockeyed for ministerial births for family members. They also made brazen attempts to include inefficient ministers who had serious corruption allegations against them. Balu and Raja were amongst the worst performing ministers in the previous government. National Highway program was brought to a halt under inefficient Balu and Raja gave away GSM spectrum causing huge revenue loss to the exchequer.
I had hoped that Mr. Manmohan Singh will not relent to pressure tactics of DMK and will keep such non-performers out of the cabinet, but that wasn’t to be. Raja is back with a bang in the same ministry. We all can only hope that PM will make him perform this time around.
Another disturbing aspect of this cabinet is it’s dynastic nature. One in every 4 minister comes from a political family and has been accommodated to placate the father, uncle or mother. Nothing wrong in having capable MPs as ministers who happen to come from political families, but making them ministers because they come from political families certainly does not augur well for efficiency and accountability.
One family inclusion, which I am happy about, is young Agatha Sangma, daughter of NCP leader and ex-speaker Mr. P Sangma. A 28 year old becoming a minister is a good first step towards inducting young and energetic MPS into the government. As MoS in Rural Development Ministry, I sincerly hope that she performs well. I would like her pay special attention to the development of the North East and set a good example for other young MPs who aspire to become ministers.
Arjun Singh and Shivraj Patil’s exclusion are certainly worth mentioning and PM must be congratulated for doing the right thing.
We hope that HRD Ministry under Kapil Sibbal will bring about fundamental change in the mindset of HRD ministry mandarins. Access and Quality continue to be the major challenges as far as Primary Education is concerned. In higher education, we have been trying to maintain the quality by controlling the supply side, which is counter intuitive in this era of open and competitive economy. Hope Foreign Universities are allowed entry to India and are encouraged to offer quality education given that huge number of our bright students struggle to go abroad for education putting tremendous financial strain to their parents.
Another area of concern has been stalled infrastructure projects. Under Kamalnath, we hope that this sector get required policy direction and time-bound delivery of infrastructure projects is ensured.
Finance ministry has got an able administrator and hopefully they will be able to push ahead with pending reforms given that left will no longer be breathing down their neck.
Judicial reforms, police reforms and internal security overhaul are other areas of concern.
Overall, Dr Singh has done a reasonable job of picking his ministers and now we look forward to results. First 100 days will give a fairly good idea on where they are headed. Lets hope they deliver and don’t disappoint the electorate who have voted for a stable and performing government.
Comments
8 Responses to “Congress Must Not Waste This Mandate!”
I just hope the government does something worthwile this time for the country.
I as a student see the party as an epitome of corruption and vote bank politics. The introduction of reservations for the SC/ST categories in professional colleges marked the height to which the government could play its game.
Lets hope they play it clean for a change, and think of India as a country not as a fragmented piece of land.
I have high respect for Dr. MMS and am hopeful that his honesty and capability would perhaps give better results this time.
Why BJP is silent on the plight of Tamils in Srilanka?According to Times of UK Srilankan army has massacred 30000 Tamil Civilians this year alone.This genocide of Tamils should not be ignored.Srilankan government should be held accountable and the displaced Tamils have to be rehabilitated immediately
I dont believe this, you blame the opposition party for this. What is the ruling party supposed to do? Sit idle and watch the show? How can you argue so illogically? Just because you voted for congress that doesnt mean that you start attacking BJP on the failures of the UPA government.
Incidentall, why am I seeing so many enemies of BJP(EoB) on this site?
Dear MJ,
I am not blaming BJP.I am asking them to take up the cause of Tamils so that they are rehabilitated at the earliest.Else the Srilankan government which has UPA’s tacit support will ensure that the Tamils will suffer further.Most of the displaced Tamils are of Indian origin hence there should be more concern
Last but not the least I am definitely not a enemy of BJP.Infact I am a true friend of BJP
This is has become a bullshit website , no action just columns , I think real BJP supporters should not visit this site anymore..we should plan a real Friends of BJP …this guys are hell bent on destroying it…
Kiran.
Why should India or BJP support to srilankan tamil nations, will agree that give equality to Srilankan tamils….
If tommor Pakistani’s support in the same way to J&K muslims seperatists. Will you agree for this.
India should not disturd or enter the inner-matters of others countries.
Dear Navaneeth,
We have to show the same interest as we are showing in the racist attacks on Indians in Australia we can’t say it is a internal matter of Australia.We have to condemn the brutality whether it happens in Australia or Srilanka.Latest is Hindus and Sikhs in Pakistan are being forced to pay additional taxes in Pakistan for their safety we have to condemn that too.
India being the big brother in South Asia should not keep quiet and ignore the genocide in Srilanka there has to be Tamil rehabilitation and peace has to be restored.BJP should make sure the ungrateful UPA will take interest in the the rehabilitation process.This is a great opportunity to BJP for making a mark in TN and they should work sincerely for the restoration and upliftment of Tamils in Srilanka which will surely create a goodwill for BJP in Tamilnadu
And yes this is what exactly all the neighbours hate about us, our big brother attitude. Yes we will help in rebuilding and rehabilitating these poor souls but no body should sponsor terrorism on any soil.