Friday, May 21, 2004

Three Strikes

The more I think about the current selection of the PM, the more impressed I am with the person who suggested D. Manmohan Singh's name (if it's Sonia's idea, then she has proved herself to be a very shrewd politician indeed). The whole arrangement seems foolproof.
Firstly, the Congress has effectively managed to shut up the BJP. It has derived the party of its most emotive issue. The tiger has been defanged. Strike one.
Secondly, Dr. Manmohan is a man of integrity, respected by everyone across party lines. The businesses also seem to like him as well. His wide experience in politics, coupled with his knowledge of economics will only do good for the country, at least on paper. Strike two.
Thirdly, by choosing Dr. Manmohan as the PM, Sonia has been able to win over the Sikh community's respect and support. The Sikh community had abandoned the Congress after the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, but this present move has them celebrating throughout the land. Strike three.
And the BJP is walking back to the pavilion. But a word of caution: with all things seeming to fall in place, one begins to expect the worst. I am keeping my fingers crossed. I have a lot of hope riding on this.

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