Author: Editorial
Publication: The Pioneer
Date: January 29, 2009
URL: http://www.dailypioneer.com/152932/The-Maya-of-power.html
Second opinion: Ratan Sharga
An age-old adage goes, "There is no kitchen
big enough to accommodate two women". The present political scenario
in the country could not exemplify this any better. For, the two most powerful
people in politics today are UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Uttar Pradesh
Chief Minister Mayawati, who are at loggerheads with each other and cannot
seem to be able to swallow their ideological differences for the sake of development.
The above sentiment was also expressed by
Ms Gandhi last year when she performed the foundation stone laying ceremony
for the Rail Coach Factory in her constituency of Rae Bareli. The much-awaited
railway project, which is also the first of its kind in Uttar Pradesh, had
to bear the brunt of a political tug-of-war between the Congress and the Bahujan
Samaj Party; something that was totally avoidable.
Our leaders must learn something from American
politicians who, after an election, set aside all their ideological differences
and work together for the sake of their nation. It was only a few months ago
that US President Barack Obama was going toe-to-toe with Secretary of State
Hillary Clinton in the Democrat primaries. But as soon as it was decided that
Mr Obama would lead the party in the presidential election, the two set aside
all their differences.
But here in India leaders take everything
personally. Their egos are so big that they cannot make the distinction between
political and personal rivalry. In the long run this is hardly healthy and
in fact detrimental to the development of the nation. Our leaders should remember
that they have been elected to power by the people of this country and, therefore,
it is their duty to work for the welfare of the common man regardless of their
individual political point of views. Thus, it is not unreasonable for the
people to expect the BSP and the Congress to work together in the interest
of the State of Uttar Pradesh, even though the idea might sound outlandish
in the present political climate.
Even if one looks at it from a strictly political
view-point, it makes sense if the two most powerful ladies in Indian politics
work together. Each of them can benefit from the other. When two enemies of
yesteryears, Mr Kalyan Singh and Mr Mulayam Singh Yadav, can join hands, why
can't Ms Mayawati and Ms Sonia Gandhi? If they do come together they will
make an unbeatable combination, not just in Uttar Pradesh but at the national
level as well. Let us hope that the two ladies see reason and prove the old
adage wrong.
