The Constrained Genius

 https://www.financialexpress.com/opinion/manmohan-singh-the-constrained-genius/3701578/

Manmohan Singh – The Constrained Genius

Born on September 26, 1932, Singh's journey from an academic economist to becoming India's Prime Minister was marked by significant achievements, and some notable controversies too.

As Dr Manmohan Singh, went gently into the good night at the age of 92, he leaves behind a complex legacy as both an economist and a statesman who played pivotal roles in shaping India’s economic landscape. Born on September 26, 1932, Singh’s journey from an academic economist to becoming India’s Prime Minister was marked by significant achievements, and some notable controversies too.

Manmohan Singh’s most celebrated contribution to India was his role in the 1991 economic liberalisation. As Finance Minister under Prime Minister PV Narasimha Rao, he was the chief architect behind the reforms that ended what was known as the ‘license raj’, brought down import tariffs, and opened the Indian economy to global markets, setting the stage for India’s economic growth spurt in the subsequent decades. His policies were not merely about economic deregulation but they were also aimed at integrating India into the global economy, which he did with a blend of brilliance and humility, often described as speaking less and achieving more.  During his tenure as Prime Minister for a decade from 2004, Singh’s government continued this legacy. His administration introduced landmark social welfare initiatives like the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), which aimed at alleviating rural poverty by ensuring 100 days of employment per year to rural households, and the Right to Education Act, which made education a fundamental right for children aged 6 to 14. His government also navigated the 2008 global financial crisis with relatively little damage to the Indian economy, showcasing his capability to manage crises with stability.

He championed the Right to Information Act, a landmark initiative aimed at fostering transparency and empowering citizens. Ironically, this commitment to openness also unveiled several corruption allegations that his government had to face during its second term, highlighting the complex interplay between accountability and political challenges. 

Singh’s foreign policy, particularly the India-US Civil Nuclear Agreement, was a significant diplomatic achievement.  It marked a new era in India’s foreign relations and opened up avenues for civilian nuclear cooperation. His diplomatic finesse was often praised for maintaining India’s strategic autonomy while forging stronger international relations.

In spite of these significant accomplishments, Manmohan Singh’s tenure was, in a way, marred by perceptions of his being a “puppet” of the Nehru-Gandhi family, particularly due to Sonia Gandhi’s role within the Congress party as its president. Many of his critics argued that her office worked as a dual power centre that diluted his authority, leading to policy paralysis, as was especially evident during the second term of the United Progressive Alliance. This perception was buttressed by books from former aides like Sanjaya Baru, who highlighted the constraints under which the Prime Minister operated.  In his book, “The Accidental Prime Minister – The Making and Unmaking of Manmohan Singh, Mr Baru quotes Singh as explaining to him that, “There cannot be two centres of power. That creates confusion. I have to accept that the party president is the centre of power. The government is answerable to the party.”  This dynamic, he claims, did severely limit Singh’s autonomy in decision-making.

A series of scams, including the 2G spectrum scandal, Commonwealth Games corruption, and coal block allocations, further dented his image, giving fuel to a narrative of corruption and ineptitude under his watch. The opposition, headed by the BJP, managed to effectively leverage print, television, and social media to megaphone these allegations, bolstered by till-then-unheard-of fantastic figures churned out by the then Comptroller and Auditor General, Vinod Rai. Notably, Rai, who rose to prominence during this turbulent period, later enjoyed multiple high-profile positions during the NDA’s rule following the ouster of Singh’s government in the 2014 general elections.

Since Manmohan’s departure from power, the narrative around the Indian economy and its health has shifted. Under subsequent NDA rule, the economy has seen periods of high volatility, often driven by anomalous headline-grabbing policy decisions rather than the steady, reform-driven approach that Singh embodied. His era was characterized by robust GDP growth, averaging around 8.5% for most of his tenure (notably, without any allegations of data suppression or manipulation), but post-Singh, India has faced criticisms for economic policy decisions that seem more reactive to political cycles than to long-term economic strategy. The Indian Rupee has depreciated significantly, reaching an all-time low, which has sparked debates on economic management, inflation control, and export competitiveness. This shift from a time of economic reform and stability to one where the economy is often discussed in terms of immediate political gains or losses reflects a departure from the disciplined economic governance Manmohan Singh was known for. The economic policies under subsequent governments have faced criticism for lacking the depth and foresight that characterised Singh’s approach, leading to, what has become, a less predictable economic landscape.

Manmohan Singh’s legacy will remain one of profound economic transformation juxtaposed with political controversies. His tenure saw India emerge as a significant player in global economics, yet it ended with criticisms over governance and autonomy. His death marks the end of an era where economic policy was driven by a statesman known for his intellect and integrity, and a somewhat silent yet impactful leadership style. His contributions to the Indian economy can never be undermined and will be long remembered, even as the country navigates new economic realities in his absence.

 https://www.financialexpress.com/opinion/the-leadership-vacuum-in-congress-a-crisis-india-cannot-afford/3697226/

The Leadership Vacuum in Congress: A Crisis India Cannot Afford

Under Modi's rule, India faces a decline in economic, social, and democratic health, with BJP's dominance partly due to the Congress Party's leadership crisis and the weakening of opposition.

India finds itself at a critical juncture. Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s rule, the country has experienced a worrying decline across multiple parameters – economic, social, and geopolitical. The economy is often run on optics and newspaper headlines, masking deeper structural problems. Democratic institutions have been systematically undermined, eroding the nation’s foundational ethos as a vibrant democracy. Yet, the ruling BJP’s dominance is not just a reflection of its own strengths – it is equally a product of the glaring vacuum in the opposition, most notably the Congress Party’s leadership crisis.

A Toothless Opposition

For a democracy to thrive, a robust opposition is essential. The Congress Party, historically the backbone of India’s political system, is uniquely positioned to challenge the BJP, given its national footprint and legacy. However, its current leadership, headed by Rahul Gandhi, has repeatedly failed to inspire confidence or deliver results. Under his stewardship, the party has faced three consecutive general election defeats (by humongous margins) and numerous state-level setbacks. Constituencies and states once considered bastions of Congress have been lost, eroding the party’s credibility as a viable alternative.

The question of “if not Modi, then who?” gains traction largely because of Rahul Gandhi’s perceived incompetence. His inability to articulate a coherent vision for the nation, coupled with a lack of political acumen, has rendered him an easy target for the BJP’s relentless propaganda machine. To many, he symbolises everything that is wrong with the Congress – a party mired in complacency and nepotism, unable to adapt to the rapidly changing political landscape. 

In a democracy, a political leader is only as good as their ability to win elections. On that front, Rahul has been a failure of epic proportions – his trajectory has headed decisively south (pun intended), and he insists on dragging the party down with him!

A Hollow Spectacle!

Prime Minister Modi’s governance style has been characterised by grandstanding and populism, often devoid of substantive policy outcomes. His promises of economic transformation have largely failed to materialize, with key sectors like manufacturing and agriculture struggling. Foreign policy, once a strength for India, has been reduced to photo ops and performative diplomacy. Domestically, social cohesion has been undermined by divisive politics and democratic institutions have been hollowed out under the weight of centralised power.

Yet, Modi remains electorally invincible. This is not because of his achievements but because the opposition has failed to present a credible alternative. His “strongman” image thrives in the absence of a leader capable of challenging his narrative. The Congress leadership, particularly Rahul Gandhi, has inadvertently enabled this dominance by failing to connect with the voters, or craft a compelling narrative, or even organise a strong grassroots movement.

The Stakes for India

The consequences of this leadership vacuum are dire. The BJP’s unchecked power has led to a concentration of wealth and influence in the hands of a few, pushing the nation closer to an oligarchy. Critical issues such as unemployment, inflation, and declining educational standards are swept under the carpet in favour of polarising debates that serve the ruling party’s agenda. In foreign relations, India’s standing has diminished, with neighbouring countries increasingly aligning with rival powers.

The Congress Party remains the only opposition force with the infrastructure and legacy to challenge the BJP on a national scale. Regional parties, while influential in their own domains, lack the reach and resources to take on the BJP’s electoral machinery.

However, the fact remains that for the Congress party to fulfil this role, it must first address the elephant in the room – its leadership crisis.

·        The Congress must recognise that Rahul Gandhi, regardless of any good intentions he may possess, has failed to resonate with the electorate.

·        A leadership change, prioritising merit over dynasty, is not just essential, it seems vital for the party’s very survival. The Congress party desperately needs a leader who can inspire confidence, build alliances, and connect with voters at the grassroots level.

·        The Congress must rebuild its organisational structure, empowering local leaders and decentralising decision-making. A strong, united front at the state level is critical to challenging the BJP’s dominance.

·        The party must articulate a clear, alternative vision for India – one that addresses economic disparities, restores democratic institutions, and promotes social harmony. Vague rhetoric will not suffice; what is  needed and what the electorate demands are specific, actionable plans.

·        Given the BJP’s electoral might, the Congress must work with regional parties to form a united opposition. Collaborative strategies, rather than internal rivalries, are key to countering the BJP juggernaut.

India’s current trajectory – marked by economic stagnation, social discord, and democratic backsliding – is unsustainable. While the BJP bears significant responsibility for this state of affairs, the Congress Party’s leadership crisis is equally to blame. In the absence of a strong opposition, the BJP has been allowed to consolidate power and steer the nation away from its democratic ideals.

For India’s sake, it is imperative that the Congress rises to the occasion. It must recognise the scale of the crisis and undertake bold reforms to reclaim its position as the principal opposition force. The stakes are not just political but existential, not only for them but for the nation’s future itself. Without a credible alternative to Modi’s BJP, India risks losing the essence of what once made it a thriving, pluralistic democracy.