NewDelhi: In his published book “Breaking Boundaries; An Insiders Account,” long time Congress member Manish Shankar Aiyar has shared insights into a pivotal choice made by the UPA government in 2012 which may have reshaped the political scene in India significantly.
The 83 year old politician believes that Pranab Mukherjee should have been chosen as the Prime Minister in 2011 of Manohar Singh becoming the President. A move that Aiyar suggests could have avoided the “ineffectiveness, in governance” experienced during the years of UPA IIs tenure.
During a time when Prime Minister Singh and Congress President Sonia Gandhi were dealing with health problems after coronary bypass surgeries¸ a noticeable lack of leadership was apparent ” according to Aiyars assessment.” This happened alongside increasing difficulties, like the corruption movement led by Anna Hazare that the government found challenging to handle efficiently.”
The book released by Juggernaut also discusses the contentious ‘chai seller’ incident that made waves in the 2014 election season.Aiyar firmly refutes any claim of labeling Narendra Modi as a ‘chai seller’ emphasizing,”It was actually Modi who initially referred to himself using this term.The video capturing my statement can still be found on YouTube.”
When it comes to the leadership change that never took place as mentioned by Aiyar in relation, to the UPA losing the 2014 elections under Mukherjees leadership compared to winning 44 seats suggests that the outcome might have been less severe if a different approach was taken according to details, in Pranabs memoirs where the possibility was discussed but ultimately not pursued for reasons.
The memoir also explores Aiyars beginnings, in politics and his time serving in the Narasimha Rao administration followed by his role as a minister in UPA‐I and eventual decrease, in clout.
Addressing issues of concern is Aiyar as he explains his comments, from 2104 regarding Modis understanding were centered on competence rather, than personal background specifically clarifying that his ‘neech’ comment was misunderstood and he never made any remarks based on caste.
Political experts indicate that Aiyars disclosures offer perspectives on the workings of the Congress party during a significant phase, in Indian political history with a focus, on the 2012 leadership choices.
Dr Rajesh Kumar, an analyst points out that these revelations provide insights, into the decision making dynamics of the UPA administration in its last phase as well as underscoring the significant impact that leadership decisions can have on political parties.
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