Have to admit, this blog had words of praise all along for this gentleman in many a post. But, after almost 8 years in power, is he almost become a baggage too tough to carry for the ruling government? He was the face of liberalisation in the 90's and sure enough, won him lots of praises under a freak-faced Prime Minister and more so, for his economist acumen, among ministers who had least of the calibre to hold posts.
Here was a Oxford-bred economist and former RBI Governor teaching economics to many of his cabinet colleagues and had the spine to move India away from the license raj. An astute leader of the Finance ministry Babus, many senior officials in the North Block, were amazed by this man's deep knowledge in macro-economics. Though not a typical partyman and not recognizable among many of the tall leaders, he was well respected among the high echleons of the government.
And when the Prime Minister's post fell on his lap(some say,it was trust on him by the party ring master), nobody ever thought he will last beyond a year. But, defying all the odds, here was a man spearheading a coalition governement, which had supporting partners numbering in the late teen's. He had a great vision and for once stood for what he felt was best for the country. Indo-US Nuke deal was his brainchild and he wanted it, come what may!!!! People were highly mobilized seeing the Sikh's single minded focus on country's growth and his conviction in people's cause.
Internationally, India's image had a huge turn around and world leaders were amazed at the vast knowledge in world economy possessed by the soft spoken sardar. Its famously rumoured that the present American President, would find a place near this gentleman to get an idea or two during multi-national summits. India's strong growth too, played a huge role in his growing stature. His opinion was much sought after to tide the world over financial crisis in 2008.
Riding high on his huge popularity and sincere thoughts, he became only the second PM to hold office after completing a full 5-year term. Here it was, where things started to go wrong. His famous first 100-day agenda was a big failure. Scams were breaking out of the closet everyday and government was more fire-fighting the highest judicial authority than governing the country.
His leadership was at its lowest ebb, when he had huge telecom scam hit him right in his door ste(courtesy from his age old friend from southernmost state of India). These are some of the huge upsets and he had lost all control over the fiscal position of the country with the Eurpoean crisis not helping either. Country wilted under heavy inflation, nose-diving economy, huge fiscal deficit and bad floor management in the parliament.
It looks as though the government is somwhow crawling to complete the five year tem, what with the thrid almost out of question. He has become a huge baggage and the party itself, want him to be given a fair exit. The low point being, one of the coalition partner wanting him to be made the next President, just to get rid of him from the PMO.
Its seems as though, he is playing out his final innings and is well on his bad way out. Lets see how he copes up in the final two years , if at all he survives that far....
