July 21st and 22nd - A trust vote for the Government Of India - A supposed debate on the nuclear deal - The government survives - The nuclear deal progresses - Dr. Manmohan Singh has a new image - New leaders created - But Leadership became a complete mockery.
There probably weren't any doubts that the nuclear deal will go through, irrespective of the fate of this government. The deal was just a matter of time, specifically after 'president in waiting' - Obama, made it clear that he had no intentions of any changes in the agreement. I cannot help but wonder, what then was the purpose of this special session in the parliament?
Supposedly there was to be a debate on the nuclear deal, on the issues relating to energy security and on the safeguards needed to protect India. I would assume all these issues are of great (greatest) importance and relevance to us. The issue, in fact, was so important that it was good enough for some to topple the government and good enough for some to forget all prior rivalry and join the government. It was so important that is was good enough to get people out of jail to write the laws of this country. It was good enough to nominate a new candidate for the top job. Yet, there was not one speaker out of 542 parliamentarians accountable for 1 billion Indians, who spoke about it. Amazing!
The leader of the opposition, Mr. Advani, one would have thought be very keen on the issue, after all he still heads the single largest party in the parliament. He is a prime ministerial candidate for elections in less than 150 days from now. And a great leader of his Mr. Vajpayee, is creditably responsible for these developments. However BJP is evidently undecided on sharing credit with the Congress, on sharing a win with the government. The confused bunch chose rather to have all or nothing. What followed in his speech, with his attacks on the prime minister personally, is proof to their undecidedness and unwillingness to take a stand. Hardly inspiring from a leader of his caliber. On the contrary, quite disgusting. Why would, you as a leader, or as an organization that represents the maximum number of Indians, not take a stand? Not once on days prior or post the trust vote has any member from the BJP answered a simple question, which is - Do you want the nuclear deal - Yes or No?
The drama preventing the prime minister to speak, with carrying and grossly displaying bundles of cash, for me personally, is testimony to one simple fact. This debate was not about nuclear deal. This, for our great leaders was an opportunistic endeavor. An opportunity for some to make quick cash, for some to get airports named, for some to get ministries, for some to favor corporate loyalties, for some to promote ambitions of holding the highest office. Deal or no deal, how does it matter. It's not even an issue. Leadership!!!
Sadly enough, the debate never happened. The debate was not even needed. It had already been decided before the parliament opened its doors on July 21st. This debate was decided on the basis of 'who' had more to offer to the other side, who had more to lure the people to vote with them or abstain, who had more ammunition to expose the opportunistic greed in our elected leaders. Have no doubt that givers and takers were on both sides. Post 22nd drama is now only a case of sour grapes.
What is even more appalling than all of the above - is a television program I was watching on July 22nd, post the trust vote. A few people from different political parties made a statement in unanimity - "At least there are only 20 out of 540 people who are corrupt." How disgusting! For the sake of statistics 20 people in parliament means 4 crore Indians. Only 4 crore Indians are corrupt, lets celebrate! Wow!
Leadership, in my mind, is the ability to inspire and guide people through compelling and articulate vision for a better future. Not one speaker in our parliament on the day had the vision or the inspiration. They only had personal agendas. Not one inspiring speech. With the exception of Omar Abdullah - none. Yes, Lalu Prasad Yadav was funny and a nice break, at best. L.K. Advani, we have already mentioned. The prime minister of the country (not of any party) was not even allowed to make his point. However reading what he had to say is at best, pay-back. The leaders of the left parties seemed to be looking more for issues, probably realizing they have lost the current one. Rahul Gandhi with his speech, "I am an Indian..." - straight out of Bollywood. Of course he'll learn the finer techniques but anyways..
Where was the debate? Where were the great speeches of the past, like those of Nehru or even Vajpayee? Where IS the leadership? Where is the vision? Where is the inspiration? Did any of us feel inspired on this day of historical relevance to collaborate with any leader for the future he or she envisages for you and me? Does any of us remotely want to emulate our parliamentarians who buy and sell 'issues'? There are three possible leaders named for the future, Manmohan Singh, Advani and Mayawati - Do you feel like choosing any of them?
Yes people are being held accountable. They are expelled from parties. Even the speaker isn't spared - for being a speaker. What a complete BS. What really needs to be held accountable is the absurdity called leadership in our democratic parliament of India.
And the leadership isn't there, which is quite evident. Why, then, are we electing it?