The clout of wisdom consists in the inevitability of the course suggested by it. Any reluctance to accept such a course is proof of impotent obduracy alone. But on the other hand, if one were to follow the dictates of wisdom, several decisions which were declared untenable by hindsight would have been obvious in the beginning itself.
Recognition of this reality is the hallmark of the decision of the Congress president Mr Narasimha Rao to align with AIADMK for the forthcoming elections to Lok Sabha and Tamilnadu Assembly. Of course, the decision making process has been rendered arduous by reservations of persons which stemmed merely from ego rather than facts. Their stern refusal to recognize the simple truth that a leader who has not let down the national interest and above all, commands mass support, deserves to be befriended and respected in preference to another leader who has sinned against that interest and has been rightly sidelined by the people. The folly of the TNCC leaders lay in their projection of DMK as a ‘better’ alternative than the AIADMK, an argument which failed to make even a dent in Narasimha Rao’s decision making process. Had they stuck to their ‘original’ stand of going it alone, there would have atleast been a semblance of dignity and pride though Narasimha Rao’s decision would have still been the same. By suggesting such a course, they all stood exposed and Narasimha Rao was easily able to see through their stout facade, which only hid a bundle of ego and minds refusing to see reality. It is sincerely hoped that this ego will soon evaporate in the heat and din of electioneering, which is the immediate and only concern of all.
There are no angels and devils in politics: neither are there permanent friends and foes, given the constantly changing political scenario. But there are choices between popular leaders, who can deliver the goods and those who are on their way out indulging merely in the rhetoric of cliff hangers. Mere accusations do not establish guilt. If that were the case, half the population would be in jail. Relying on canards is evidence of impotence. Indeed that is what characteristics the critics of MS Jayalalitha.
Tamilnadu has a stable government, a competent administration and has, of late, been attracting giant western companies to invest and do business here. It is a duly, democratically elected government which has run its full course and will certainly continue so for several more years with equal vigour. In contrast, the Congress has suffered severe erosion of its clout in this State which was one of its impregnable fortress in the distant past of pre 1967 decades. If it is not to be fully wiped out in the Lok Sabha and also to regain some of the vast ground it has lost, it has to align with a party, that is appropriately more popular and trustworthy.
The AIADMK is therefore the obvious choice. In taking this decision Narasimha Rao has done full justice to the interests of the Congress party. And in delaying his decision he has also paid due respect and shown concern to the sentiments of the TNCC leaders. But time having run out, he could not delay any longer.
The DMK, which the Congress president could not choose as an ally can be expected to go to town picturising every leader of the Congress as devil incarnate and lampooning the Congress president as a hero developing cold feet at the battle front. The vitriolic rhetoric will surely develop casteist overtones. But the people of Tamilnadu are unlikely to be impressed as the famed story of the fox and sour grapes is still fresh in their memory. After all the doormat with a welcome sign for the Congress at the DMK office was removed only yesterday!
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