I woke up the morning of 20th August only to see full page advertisement by ministries / PSUs / loyal people. Its good to remember those people who have shaped the India. Its our tradition. Then again next morning I came across Rajiv in Shekhar's 'National Interest'!! Puzzled! What's so special in his accidental tenure of Prime-ministership?
Shekhar Gupta has counted only first year and called it as tri-triumph. No problem with that. Its really commendable for India Democracy and Rajiv to achieve peace in those troubled areas, particularly the most successful - Mizoram. But what next? Can Shekhar Gupta or Indian Express have 'that' to critically analyse the following years of Rajiv's tenure. The 'tri-triumph' has faltered itself in a year except Mizoram. Punjab violence continued for next decade. Assam still 'welcoming' illegal migrants'. What kind of triumph it is?
He was reluctant leader and became Prime Minister by accident, having 415 seats!! Still stability of his govt is questionable. 3 Finance Ministers, 6 Foreign Affairs Ministers, 4 Planning commission Deputy Chairman, and many cabinet reshufflements!! With 415 seats he couldn't push Panchayat Raj bill. Some talk about his economic reforms, but just think of P. V. Narsimha Rao. Then think about his major 'achievements' - Shikh riots, Bhopal Gas traged, Bofors, Shahabano - Ayodhya Shilanyas, IPKF in Sri Lanka.
I am always surpised and then saddened about how little sense of history we have. Despite giving such 'incredible' tenure, we name each every second scheme, road, bridge by his name. But from whose pocket?
