Why Manmohan Singh is Not as Weak as You Think

Sometimes over hot sips of chai with friends, the vapors have occasionally brimmed up a conversation about the Prime Minister of India, Dr. Manmohan Singh. Even before the mention of his trademark blue pagri (and the fact that he wears the same-colored clothes everyday), or any talk of his unparalleled resume, or a word about his acheivements as the best Finance Minister of independent India is spoken, there arise jibes,  spiced with phrases such as Sonia ka chamcha, spineless Sardar, weak leader.

People’s criticisms of Dr. Manmohan Singh are often, and correctly so, based on the fact that he doesn’t come across as a charismatic leader, is often seen as subservient to Sonia Gandhi, and runs a government full of parties that keep opposing him.

But therein lies Dr. Singh’s genius — I think it is these perceived weaknesses that underscore his brilliance. It doesn’t take long for one to step back and see that it was he who stayed steadfast on his view on the nuclear deal even when the Left left; he sustained a government for its term even when the alliance broke. What usually forms the core of speeches, has formed the core of actual strategic actions that Dr. Singh has silently initiated. Let us take a look.

Economy
The liberalization of the Indian economy in early nineties, which saved an entire nation from hunger and bankruptcy, could not have happened if it were not for Manmohan Singh. The re-energizing of private sector was a paradigm shift for a nation that had been digging itself in a grave build by orthodox socialist ideals.

I have hardly seen a leader in India who is as intelligent yet humble, and as far away from corruption as Dr. Singh is. Dr. Singh may not be the best speaker, or the most glamorous perso. But much more importantly, he is a brilliant strategist.

Foreign Policy
The re-alignment of Indian foreign policy has helped India develop the best relations with the USA since 1947. Positive ripples are evident in the increased encouragement of the US to incorporate Indian views on the developments in the subcontinent, something that Pakistan has openly expressed reservation with.

As for the Indo-US nuclear deal, towards which the BJP was expectedly ambivalent and the entire Left expectedly opposed, it was the sheer brilliance of Manmohan Singh that made it possible. An alliance broke, politicians vocally opposed, yet a government sustained and the deal stayed. Few people give Manmohan Singh the credit for ending India’s generation-long isolation in the Nuclear World.

On Opposition

As for his rhetorical skills, I am happy with the actual responses that the PM has given in the Parliament. When L.K. Advani criticized him for being a weak Prime Minister, Dr. Singh responded thus:

“He has the unique ability to combine strength in speech with weakness in action… Mr Advani likes to call me a weak Prime Minister. I cannot help pointing out that when held to the fire during the Kandahar hijacking, the BJP’s ‘Iron Man’ was quick to melt… He agreed to release the terrorists and subjected his Cabinet colleague Shri Jaswant Singh to the humiliation of having to personally escort the terrorists to their safe haven.”

 

Finally…
We all have weaknesses, and Dr. Singh surely has some of his own, as he himself admits:

I am not a sloganeer. I will readily concede that most of my opponents make more rousing speeches. They have more catchy phrases and may run better marketing campaigns…

But it is his qualities, a secular vision, a silent determination, that bodes well for India in the long run. In Dr. Manmohan Singh’s own words:

 … unlike the NDA’s prime ministerial candidate, I will not be found weeping in a corner while hoodlums tear down a centuries-old mosque. Nor will I be found wringing my hands in frustration while one of my Chief Ministers condones a pogrom targeted at minorities.

Whatever be the results of this election, Dr. Manmohan Singh’s contributions have already added great value to the Indian economy and nation.