AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi cannot be described as a friend of the BJP, except that his politics opposes Muslims becoming committed votebanks of ‘secular’ parties like the Congress, SP, etc. Even so, his style of politics and oratory, particularly in Parliament, attracts many admirers, from all sections of society. This is borne out by the fact that he has been chosen by the government to lead one of the groups that will take India’s position on Pakistan’s terrorism to other countries. Nobody has objected to that from any party, including the BJP, as his commitment to a secular India run on constitutional principles remains unquestioned.
Similarly, Shashi Tharoor of the Congress has earned the respect of the ruling party enough to be given the same responsibility. Once again, this is because he has earned the respect of most Indians for his balanced and reasonable comments on many political issues, including Operation Sindoor. Amazingly, however, his selection has been opposed by his own party, which should instead have been proud of his being recognised as a patriotic and capable leader. The comments made by Congress apparatchik and Rahul Gandhi’s mentor, Jairam Ramesh indicate how insecure is the party leadership. The tall poppy syndrome is at work, which cannot see anyone ‘outshine’ the Gandhi scion.
It is not as if Shashi Tharoor is, in the present political atmosphere, ideal prime ministerial material. He is too liberal, and free with his opinions. But he is the kind of person who would be of great value to any party as they create an environment for free expression and consultative democracy. Such an ethos would help discover and promote the kind of leader the Congress needs at the present. Unfortunately, that is not what the present leadership desires and will do anything to prevent.
There are a lot of talented people in the country who agree with the ideology the Congress traditionally has represented. They would like to have political careers under the party’s umbrella, but on seeing how leader after leader is summarily removed from the favoured list, they will be greatly discouraged to do so. Even regional parties that are allies of the Congress cannot be happy with such an approach. They would much prefer a person of merit who would provide effective leadership during times of crisis heading the Congress because he or she would be likely a future prime ministerial candidate. Unfortunately, when will the Congress wake up to that reality?
