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Can Tharoor be a PM alternative for Congress?

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Can Tharoor be a PM alternative for Congress?

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]An online petition on these lines might have set the cat among the Congress coterie mice

~By Meha Mathur[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]The election results for the Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand assemblies have cemented Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s stature as the tallest national leader and at the same time eclipsed all other leaders.

None can come close to him in mass following, even opposition leaders concede. So much so that National Conference leader Omar Abdullah tweeted: “In a nutshell there is no leader today with a pan-India acceptability who can take on Modi and the BJP in 2019. At this rate we might as well forget 2019 and start planning/hoping for 2024,”

And Congress stalwart P Chidambaram admitted: “The elections today have clearly established that the most dominant political figure in India is Prime Minister Modi. And he has a pan-India appeal.” For this, he has been rebuked by the top Congress leadership.

Now that Rahul Gandhi has clearly failed to garner votes for his party – the victory in Punjab was more a result of the personal charisma of Captain Amarinder Singh, and had little to do with the Nehru-Gandhi family — the desperation to find a viable competitor to Modi is gaining ground. And a petition on Change.org—an online petition portal, mobilising opinion globally on social, developmental and political issues—is a step in that direction. With more than 10,000 signatures already, this petition wants Congress MP from Thiruvananthapuram, Shashi Tharoor, to be Congress’ prime ministerial face for the 2019 elections.

The petition, addressed to President Indian National Congress, All India Congress Committee and the UPA, states: “In another two years’ time India, the largest democracy of the world will face another national election. Success of a democratic country requires a strong public interest-based opposition led by a visionary leader capable of Prime Ministership…

“Dr Shashi Tharoor is a man well qualified, with deep knowledge of international and national issues, who can connect with the people of India and with world leaders. We nominate Dr Shashi Tharoor to be the Prime Ministerial candidate of UPA in the run up to 2019.

“In best interest of the World’s Largest Democracy and to rejuvenate the opposition,” says the petitioner, hailing from Thiruvanthapuram, identifying himself as just Paul.

Among the positives that the petition lists are:

  • After retirement, he (Tharoor) chose to serve India and joined Indian politics; did not choose (the) UK/US citizenship option available since he was born in United Kingdom and worked in UN@NYC for long.
  • He chose to be elected by the people, not the soft entry option through Rajya Sabha
  • Initiated development activities in his first 5-year term as MP that won wide acclaim
  • Won again in 2014 against the anti-incumbent wave lashing the country.
  • Available throughout the year to his constituents in Thiruvananthapuram

This says a lot about Tharoor’s credentials.  The erudite and suave UN official first came to light when he wrote The Great Indian Novel in 1989, in which he had drawn parallels between The Mahabharata and the Independence Movement and early years of Independent India. In the novel, he had ripped apart the Gandhi-Nehru legacy, likening Bhishma to Mahatma Gandhi, Dhritarashtra to Nehru and Duryodhana to Indira Gandhi.

He contested for the post of UN Secretary General in 2006, but lost to Ban Ki-moon. He then ventured into Indian politics, and was surprisingly lapped up by the Congress despite the scathing novel. He contested and won from the parliamentary constituency of Thiruvananthapuram in the 2009 Lok Sabha elections.

He endeared himself to the Twitterati and ruffled quite a few feathers with his tweets during his stint in the Ministry of External Affairs.

The Congress leader has been mired in controversy following the death of his wife Sunanda Pushkar in suspicious circumstances in January 2014, but has still kept himself afloat, winning his Thiruvananthapuram seat even in the otherwise disastrous Lok Sabha elections in 2014.

Earlier, in 2010, he had to step down as Minister of State for External Affairs following a cricket (IPL) scandal—he was working as an advisor to a cricket consortium in which his wife Sunanda Pushkar had the main stake.

Despite the political and personal setbacks, Tharoor has held his ground in academic and intellectual circles. His arguments at the Oxford Union debate in 2015, wherein he argued that Britain owes India an apology for mercilessly exploiting the colony for 200 years, and the follow-up book that he wrote An Era of Darkness, in which he elaborated his argument, have caught attention of social media globally.

The question is, is he a match for Modi? Would his erudition add anything to his charisma, vis-a-vis the ordinary Indian? Well, in terms of statesmanship, definitely. An urbane, articulate politician, with a global appeal, he definitely makes the cut. His addresses are well reasoned, well researched, factually sound, and, at the same time, carry an emotional appeal. His understanding of historical and political processes lends to his inclusive approach, in contrast to the divisive approach of Modi.

But the statesmanship and erudition might still not make him a match for Modi, who has his ears and nose to the ground, who has a grand vision for country, even if it’s problematic as far as social cohesion and environmental implications are concerned. Modi has specifically focused on big infrastructure projects, down to the small details; job generation, skills development, and the voter has bought that vision. His comment on “Harvard versus hard work” has appealed to the common sensibilities.

If Tharoor has an international standing, thanks to his long years with the UN, Modi has captured international imagination notches higher and has also ingratiated himself to the world leaders on the strength of economic hardsell, after facing years of boycott.

The murky murder case of Sunanda Pushkar also hangs like an albatross around Tharoor’s neck. Strangely for a person of secular credentials, Tharoor had lapped up the first opportunity to praise Modi as an “avatar of modernity” in June 2014, soon after Modi had taken over as PM. What was the hurry, we wonder. Modi, in turn, showered praise on Tharoor in 2015, following his Oxford speech. So far, it’s congenial. But will the bonhomie remain if the demand for Tharoor as PM candidate gains strength?

Of course, he has openly criticised the communal stance of Modi at several points of time. When the assembly election results were announced, Tharoor commented: “When a ruling party in a state has not even one member from a substantial minority, that to my mind is injustice.”

The biggest stumbling block in Tharoor’s ascendency will be the party high command’s approach, in all likelihood. It’s a tired leadership with a lackadaisical Rahul-Priyanka duo hitting the campaign trail each time (mother Sonia being unwell), but Congress has become so entrenched in family leadership that no leader can raise doubts on leadership. There have been outsiders no doubt. The family did allow Manmohan Singh to run the show, but it was Sonia who continued to wield final authority.

Now, even if the family is willing to open the gates to outsiders again, will Tharoor be able to break the queue? Or will the baton pass on to the more hardened Chidambaram?[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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RJD slams PM Modi over his unfulfilled promise to revive Bihar sugar mills

She sarcastically asked, “Why did he not fulfill his own promise? Has he developed diabetes?”

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The RJD on Saturday slammed Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his unfulfilled promise to revive sugar mills in Bihar and wondered whether the Prime Minister has given up on his promise because of diabetes.

RJD MP Misa Bharti humorously remarked on PM Modi’s unfulfilled commitment to enjoy tea sweetened with sugar from Bihar’s sugar mills, which have remained inactive for many years.

Bharti, the eldest daughter of RJD leader Lalu Prasad, asserted that the sugar industry in Bihar has not been revived so far and questioned whether Modi had abandoned his promise due to diabetes.

“The PM is enjoying his third consecutive term in office and has not fulfilled any of the promises he made before ascending to power,” she stated, emphasising her disappointment as a resident of Bihar who recalls Modi’s grand declarations about revitalizing the state’s sugar mills.

She sarcastically asked, “Why did he not fulfill his own promise? Has he developed diabetes?”

Responding to media inquiries, Bharti also dismissed the concept of “One nation one poll” as a “shigoofa” (gimmick) from the Modi government, arguing that they struggle to conduct elections in four states simultaneously, let alone nationwide.

Her comment referenced the Assembly elections in Maharashtra and Jharkhand occurring after recent elections in Haryana and Jammu and Kashmir.

Affiliated with the INDIA coalition, Bharti expressed confidence in the alliance’s success in upcoming Assembly elections and by-polls. Additionally, she condemned derogatory comments made by Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Arvind Sawant against a candidate from Eknath Shinde’s faction, asserting that “no offensive remarks should be made about a woman, even if she is a rival.”

Furthermore, she criticised inflammatory statements from Union Minister Giriraj Singh during the Hindu Swabhiman Yatra, saying it is “appalling” that a Union Minister could incite violence without facing repercussions.

Bharti also raised concerns about the BJP’s silence regarding a new political outfit formed by former Union Minister RCP Singh, who had transitioned to the BJP after being ousted from Nitish Kumar’s JD(U).

She took issue with Prashant Kishor, the Jan Suraaj founder, for making commitments that he never asked BJP and Nitish Kumar to fulfill while he was managing their campaign.

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India condemns Canada’s allegations against Amit Shah, calls it baseless

“Such irresponsible actions will have serious consequences for bilateral ties,” said the MEA.

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India on Saturday condemned the recent allegations made by the Canadian government against Amit Shah that he was purportedly involved in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, calling it absurd and baseless.

Addressing a press conference, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that India had summoned the Canadian High Commissioner yesterday to protest in the strongest terms for the references made to the Union Home Minister of India before the Committee by Canada’s Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister David Morrison.

On Tuesday, Morrison claimed that Shah orchestrated a campaign of violence, intimidation, and intelligence-gathering aimed at Sikh separatists on Canadian soil. He informed members of Canada’s national security committee in Parliament that he had confirmed Shah’s name to The Washington Post, which was the first to report the allegations. However, Morrison did not provide details on how Canada became aware of Shah’s alleged involvement.

Jaiswal said the revelation that high Canadian officials deliberately leak unfounded insinuations to the international media as part of a conscious strategy to discredit India and influence other nations only confirms the view that the government of India has long held about the current Canadian government’s political agenda and behavioural pattern.

“Such irresponsible actions will have serious consequences for bilateral ties,” said the MEA.

On the reports of a cancelled Diwali celebration, Jaiswal said, “We have seen some reports in this regard. It is unfortunate that the prevailing atmosphere in Canada has reached high levels of intolerance and extremism.”

He also spoke on the reduction in the number of Visas by the Canadian government and said the ministry has been monitoring the well-being of Indian students and professionals who are working in Canada. “Our concern for their safety and security remains strong,” he added.

The Ministry of External Affairs said some of its Consular officials were recently informed by the Canadian government that they have been and continue to be under audio and video surveillance as well as their communications have also been intercepted. “We have formally protested to the Canadian Government as we deem these actions to be a flagrant violation of relevant diplomatic and consular conventions,” the Ministry said.

By citing technicalities, the Canadian government cannot justify the fact that it is indulging in harassment and intimidation, Jaiswal said, adding that India’s diplomatic and consular personnel have already been functioning in an environment of extremism and violence.

He said such action of the Canadian government aggravates the situation and is incompatible with established diplomatic norms and practices.

Regarding the sanction of 19 Indian companies, Jaiswal noted that India has a robust legal and regulatory framework on strategic trade and non-proliferation controls.

India is also a member of three key multilateral non-proliferation export control regimes – the Vasinar Arrangement, the Australia Group and the Missile Technology Control Regime, and has been effectively implementing relevant UNSC sanctions and UNSC Resolution 1540 on non-proliferation, he added.

“Our understanding is that the sanction, transactions and companies are not in violation of Indian laws. Nevertheless, in keeping with India’s established non-proliferation credentials, we are working with all the relevant Indian departments and agencies to sensitize Indian companies on applicable export control provisions and also inform them of new measures being implemented that could impact Indian companies in certain circumstances,” the MEA said.

Regarding deportations from the United States, Jaiswal noted, “We have a consistent dialogue with the United States concerning migration and mobility, aimed at establishing more avenues for legal migration. As part of our ongoing consular arrangements, we have facilitated the movement of individuals who are residing in the United States illegally. This collaboration has been in effect for some time, and we anticipate that through our engagement with the United States on mobility and migration, we can work to deter illegal immigration.”

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Hemant Soren urges PM Modi to clear Jharkhand’s Rs 1.36 lakh crore coal dues

“I would also appeal to my BJP colleagues, especially the MPs, to help Jharkhandis in getting our dues,” Soren posted on X, sharing a copy of a letter to the Prime Minister.

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Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Saturday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah to clear Rs 1.36 lakh crore coal dues to the state.

PM Modi and Shah are scheduled to visit poll-bound Jharkhand. The Prime Minister will address two rallies on November 4 while Shah will address three public meetings on November 3.

In a post on X, Soren said, “The PM and the home minister are coming to Jharkhand. I once again request them with folded hands to clear the outstanding (coal dues) of Rs 1.36 lakh crore to Jharkhandis. This amount is crucial for Jharkhand.” Soren also appealed to BJP MPs to facilitate clearance of the amount.

Soren stressed that the outstanding payments owed by central public sector undertakings, particularly Coal India, are legitimate entitlements of Jharkhand and argued that “the delay in payment is causing irreparable harm to the state’s development.”

“I would also appeal to my BJP colleagues, especially the MPs, to help Jharkhandis in getting our dues,” Soren posted on X, sharing a copy of a letter to the Prime Minister.

In a letter addressed to the Prime Minister, he stated, “I, Hemant Soren, the Chief Minister of Jharkhand, would like to bring to your attention a grave issue that is obstructing the development of our state. Our dues from coal companies amount to Rs 1.36 lakh crore.”

He added that, despite legal provisions and judicial verdicts, coal companies have failed to make any payments. “These issues have been raised at various forums, including your esteemed office, the Finance Ministry, and NITI Aayog, yet the compensation of Rs 1.36 lakh crore remains unpaid,” Soren mentioned.

A recent decision by a nine-judge Supreme Court bench reaffirmed the state’s right to collect its mining and royalty dues. Soren pointed out that the non-payment of these dues is hindering vital socio-economic projects in Jharkhand, which is already an under-developed state.

“Numerous socio-economic development projects are being stalled due to the non-payment of our legitimate claims,” he noted.

Last month, he proposed a direct debit arrangement from Coal India’s account to the state, similar to what was established for the Jharkhand State Electricity Board’s dues to the Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC).

“This continued delay in addressing our rightful demands has compelled me to reach out to you, as this negligence inflicts irreparable damage on Jharkhand and its people. Many social sector initiatives in education, health, women’s and child development, clean drinking water, and last-mile connectivity cannot be implemented due to insufficient funding,” Soren asserted.

He previously accused the central government of being indifferent to the challenges faced by the state, drawing attention to the unequal treatment regarding outstanding dues. The Jharkhand Assembly elections are set to take place in two phases on November 13 and 20, with vote counting scheduled for November 23.

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