1. Narendra Modi – The Autocrat
Most of
Namo’s pics are in two poses – a V sign or a pointed finger – “Do as I say”.
The era of
chest thumping speeches is here. Having gotten used to Dr. Singh’s lukewarm
leadership and laidback style, suddenly the PM seat is looking hot and coveted.
Mr. Modi is sure pulling all stops to become the PM and raring to go.
Ambition is
partly a good thing and why not? People should want to become the PM of India –
it ought to be a coveted job. Ambition could bring degree of passion to the job
but on the flipside could also lead to over adventurism? Would there be
polarization with state Chiefs. And we don’t know how he would affect the
foreign policy – my guess is not too positively. But he could get the job done
so far as the economy is concerned. With falling Rupee and weakening growth,
that may be a good thing. While on the minorities front, he is defensive post all the criticism, would
he curb the media? I wonder!
Narendra
Modi is a polarizing figure – love him or hate him but you can’t ignore him.
Well, BJP itself is not entirely behind him but would that matter? I think Namo
is a vote puller and if he does get his boys to the finishing line, that is all
that the BJP would care about eventually.
In terms of
leadership style, he would be dictatorial.
2. Rahul Gandhi
– the Democrat
There is a bit of ‘Swadesh’ touch to him, isn't it. He
is most seen with the poor and the downtrodden, trying to awaken a spirit in
them.
The crown
prince, with no trace of neediness to get into the big boots, happy to mingle
with the praja, he is royalty indeed. I
do think his motivation is to serve the people – don’t call me naïve, I really do
believe that. However in terms of political Machiavelli, he would be nowhere but
no worries, Rajmaata Sonia has enough of that. He would better India’s foreign relations, will
work well with the state leaders and would bring a certain youthful charisma
to the job which again after Dr.Singh’s lukewarm presence would be a welcome change.
There, I repeat myself though don’t get me wrong, I do respect Dr.Singh a lot
but still it would be nice to get a
younger more energetic PM who is young minus any rough edges – Rahul fits
that to a tee.
But expect nothing pathbreaking or new as Mrs.
Gandhi will continue to pull all the strings. UPA will do more of the same –
steady and even solid governance with no big surprises – positive or negative.
In terms of
leadership style, Rahul Gandhi will be truly democratic.
3. The Third Front
– “third” – really?
Now this
motley bunch wanting to form some sort of a third front lack any focus or
direction. Coming third will be aspirational for them actually. They are mostly
state parties which have loyalty in their respective regions. Cumulatively they
make up the nebulous ‘others’ and I see no change in that. If at all, as the
battle between Congress and BJP keeps hotting up, I expect the ‘others’ to
shrink a bit this time. That would be a good thing because national elections
ought to be dominated by parties with national presence and not these regional players.
4. Aam Admi
party – the Non starter
While launched
with much fanfare and rallies, winning seats to the parliament is a different
ballgame altogether. They have already been heard grumbling that they do not
have funds to advertise or give freebees to voters (that’s your aam admi) to
reach them. Yes buddies, democracy elections are costly affairs. A lot of
corruption is on account of that alone. So there.
But really
my questions to them are different. What is 'Aam Admi against corruption?' They
have defined it too narrowly as corruption only among the political class. If I may humbly
submit, the Aam admi himself is corrupt. Most of the crime in our society (rapes
murders robberies etc.) is done by the Aam admi. So, the party should broaden
its horizon to bring in a sense of awakening and social responsibility in the
Aam admi. Now that would be truly revolutionary.
Anyhow,
from the 2014 election perspective, a non starter; they don’t count.
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