Will there be a reshuffle of portfolios in the Central cabinet? Will there be a concerted effort to change the existing status quo on all things important, such as a radical change of general secretaries and senior office-bearers in the Congress as well as important secretaries in the government, many of whom are on ‘extension’, thereby disallowing other individuals to rise and occupy the high table of decision-making? Will those passing the civil service examinations always have to forego their right to reach the top of their careers because of this terrible reality of ‘extensions’? Is the government of India going to return to the rules of the book and restore some credibility in appointments and in the operation of norms that might ensure better governance?
It is clear that the situation on the ground in many states is spiralling out of control for the Congress. In Tamil Nadu, the slow and ponderous movement of the Congress, as it reacts and responds to rapidly changing realities, has diluted its position vis-à-vis the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, permitting Karunanidhi and his sons and daughters to gain an upper hand. The impression is that the party is confused and without a clear plan of action. In Andhra Pradesh, Jaganmohan Reddy has stolen a march over the ruling party and will gain ground on an emotive plea. The Congress has lost the state. Karnataka does not have a ‘face’ that represents the party. And it is believed that Kerala is disturbed by the scams linked with the United Progressive Alliance and the Congress, and will be wary of a partnership with the latter. There is an aversion to corruption, particularly in states that are looking out and beyond, emerging as independent economic powers within the Union of India. Therefore, finely calibrated political timing is essential if the Congress wants to turn the tide in its favour in the southern states.
Fresh start
In politics, a change in perceptions lead to a change in trends. At this point of time, it appears as though the Congress is losing its headstart rather fast and is complacent because it feels that the Opposition, as it stands today, will not be in a position to replace it. Nothing could be further from the truth, as history has shown time and again. Within the party, the blame for recent losses is being placed on the younger leadership led by Rahul Gandhi. A silent anti-next-generation campaign is snaking its way through the corridors of the party office and onto the streets beyond. The calculation is that the high command, in its quiet dignity, will not react or put an immediate and definite end to this double-talking betrayal. However, times have changed, perceptions and aspirations too have changed, and this old trick of stabbing peers and fellow travellers in the back may not work much longer. This kind of political corruption will start getting exposed and the players will soon find themselves tied up in knots. It is only a question of time.
To set a fresh and more credible standard, the government needs to cease the service of all top officers who are on extension, and bring in the next batch of officers in an effort to stem the rot. Checks and balances need to be restored, integrity of purpose needs to get precedence over other issues to ensure that the process of cleansing gets underway. Timetables need to be created and rigid accountability needs to kick in immediately. The corrective must begin within the Congress and the UPA government, starting from the top. This is imperative if faith and trust in the larger ruling class is to be re-ignited.
The awaited reshuffle could be the first step in the right direction, if done with a serious intent to change the prevailing status quo. It could well be a damp squib though.
