Author: Editorial
Publication: The Pioneer
Date: May 30, 2009
URL: http://www.dailypioneer.com/179515/Blot-on-the-Cabinet.html
Raja not right man for Telecom
The Prime Minister and the Congress were no
doubt under tremendous pressure from the DMK to accommodate in the Cabinet
those of its Ministers in the previous UPA regime who had distinguished themselves
by making a mockery of ministerial probity and violating all rules for reasons
that do not need to be elaborated. While Mr TR Baalu was dropped from the
list of ministerial hopefuls to make space for claimants from the DMK chief's
rather large family, Mr A Raja was more fortunate - not only was his inclusion
made non-negotiable, Mr Karunanidhi insisted that he should be given the Telecommunications
and Information Technology portfolio. The reason for this is not difficult
to seek: Mr Raja brazenly misused his authority to manipulate 2G spectrum
allocation; there is evidence to believe that he did not do so for altruistic
reasons. It is unlikely he was the sole beneficiary of the scam with which
his name has come to be associated. But whatever the DMK's compulsions, the
Prime Minister should have stuck to his guns and insisted on keeping tainted
individuals out of his Council of Ministers; the Congress, given its parliamentary
strength, should have refused to cave in. Strangely, neither the Prime Minister
stood firm nor did the Congress hesitate to capitulate before a belligerent
DMK. Mr Raja is now back at his old job, smugly confident that he can continue
with his shenanigans unchecked and unhindered. Hence, we can expect the loot
to continue over the next five years in a Government presided over by a Prime
Minister who, ironically, is perceived as 'decent' and 'honest' by those who
voted for the Congress. This has nothing to do with 'coalition dharma'; it
is all about pandering to those who do not attach a premium to honesty and
integrity.
Given this reality, only the judiciary can
now ensure that Mr Raja's disdainful attitude towards rectitude does not cause
enormous loss to the public exchequer. He needs to be restrained and made
accountable for his sins omission and commission. After all, what he has indulged
in is more than just tweaking the rules to help a friend in need; he has rewritten
them to the advantage of 'corporates' with questionable credentials. The Prime
Minister may have no other option but to turn a Nelson's eye to the deeds
of his Cabinet colleague, but not so the courts. As much was evident on Friday
when the Delhi High Court, which is hearing a petition alleging irregularities
in the allocation of 2G spectrum, scathingly commented, "We are astounded
that the spectrum was sold like cinema tickets... We find it strange that
the public exchequer and valuable resources were involved and wasted this
way." What prompted this castigation was the Government's inability to
explain in court the non-transparent allocation of spectrum, which also shows
that Mr Raja's actions are indefensible. Or else the Government would not
have faltered in so pathetic a manner.
The Prime Minister deserves to be commended
for his choice of Ministers from the Congress and the distribution of portfolios.
In fact, he has done well to drop certain individuals, including Mr Arjun
Singh, from his team. And, there is nothing to quibble about those who have
been inducted from the Congress's allies, barring, of course, worthies like
Mr Raja who are a disgrace and will in no manner fetch accolades for the UPA
Government. Hopefully, adverse judicial pronouncement on the spectrum scandal
will force the Prime Minister to act decisively - and rid his Cabinet of its
malcontent.
