SubscriberWrites: Opposition must dispel ‘no alternative’ anxiety of citizens with a successful coalition

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So why do people still fall into the “there is no alternative” (TINA) trap? If indeed बहुरत्ने वसुंधरा, then TINA is surely a misunderstanding of reality, the reason behind which could be something like the following:

While a person of strong character is serving as PM, it is difficult for the average citizen to imagine another person occupying that same chair; his or her mind becomes conditioned in that way. Also, another contender’s qualities might not yet have been tested by fire. A citizen might therefore simply sigh and mutter, “Better a known face than an unknown one”.

 As individuals, Narendra Modi and Rahul Gandhi are as different as two individuals can be – in their background, core values, vision, working styles, oratory …. and so on. Except for concern for the well-being of our country, they share very little. Both are said to practice meditation; but that still does not amount to much.

Rahul Gandhi seems at present hesitant to announce openly that he is a challenger for the position of PM. Attempts at opposition unity may in fact flounder in the absence of such an open announcement. The onus is on him and other senior opposition leaders to resolve this issue in an effective manner. In the largest democracy on the planet, they must build a successful coalition to dispel the TINA concern from people’s minds.

Some thoughts addressing that issue:

1. In a PM, qualities of the heart, vision, honesty, consensus building and fairness are the most important qualities. There is no evidence that Rahul Gandhi lacks these qualities.

Building consensus amongst highly talented people with different views – as in the Union Cabinet – is a key requirement of team-building. The PM must choose between well-reasoned policy options, listen to experts with different views, but also have an ear to the ground. The word “leadership” takes on a different meaning at the level of the Union Cabinet, and humility becomes a great asset. Firmness works, but not obstinacy.

The central idea should be: “Bring your talent to the table – but not your ego, your shopping list, your prejudices or your narrow loyalties based on caste, region or party”.

One person cannot do the incredibly onerous work of serving our huge and complex country. The PM’s role is like that of a highly talented conductor of a highly talented orchestra. There is no reason why Rahul Gandhi cannot interpret that role in a way which is entirely different from how Narendra Modi at present interprets it.

2. As coalition PM, Rahul Gandhi should aim at almost total separation from party affairs, which others can look after. If there is a dispute within a state unit of the party, the PM need not get involved. He is deputed by the party to the Union Government, assured that party matters will not intrude upon his precious time.
   
   3. Imagination, teamwork, concern for the country, effective management, give-and-take – all these can be brought to bear on the problem of building a better country. Rahul Gandhi can remain above the fray, clear-sighted, fair, tough when necessary, persistent, resolute. There is no evidence that he lacks these basic qualities. Sure, he has not yet been tested by fire. But in fact it is the entire coalition team which would be tested – not only the primus inter pares.

4. One imagines a new slogan such as INDIA FIRST, पहले भारत, accompanying a photograph of Rahul Gandhi flanked by key leaders in the coalition – say Didi, Sharad Pawar, Yashwant Sinha, Akhilesh Yadav, M. K. Stalin … The country is invited to vote for the team, which takes up the tough challenge, openly and boldly, of serving our beloved country.

5. Rahul Gandhi lacks experience, an essential guide in the appointment of key supporting members of the union team: ministers, senior executives and advisors. A healthy convention for the coalition would be to make all such key appointments only with the consent of all the key leaders of the coalition. These key members should work as a strongly knit team, with unified voice, so that mischievous elements do not exploit differences.

This is doable. Healthy democracy in the country requires a credible alternative. The opposition must rise to the challenge. They must dispel the TINA anxiety of the average citizen, proving once again that the country has the requisite talent aplenty. That is true leadership. 

Also read: SubscriberWrites: India’s ‘system’ has failed but illusion of leadership lingers

These pieces are being published as they have been received – they have not been edited/fact-checked by ThePrint. 

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