A weekly media briefing does not convert a weak PM into a strong PM.

Once upon a time there was a village which was governed by a Panchayat. Some of the Panchayat members were robbing the villagers during night time. Slowly, the Panchayat members started getting exposed and were caught. The Panchayat had to punish the guilty members to protect its image in the eyes of villagers. However, slowly it turned out that almost every member was a thief. The people started talking about changing the whole Panchayat itself. The Panchayat then had a brain storming session and decided to hold responsible one of its members for all its misdeeds so that others can walk away free of any charges. And thus it was decided that Dr. Manmohan Singh will address the media every week starting tomorrow.

 It is very sad that the Prime minister who had addressed only two press conferences during last 7 years is now asked by the Congress working committee to a speak to media every week. So, what is the idea? How will he be able to answer the news-hungry media on why there was misappropriation of funds in CWG, 2G and host of other scams? How is he expected to justify the appointment of a CVC, who is accused in a corruption case?

The answer is He cannot. There is no way he will be able to clarify the government stand on the burning issues the country is facing today. Then why he has been advised to speak to media on regular basis?

Well, it is a neatly crafted strategy to prove him weak. To prove his to be unable to handle the post of PM. To prove that he is responsible for all the wrong governance in the country today. The residents of Janpath believe that his utility is diminished now. His shelf life is over and expiry date is very near.

And there starts the cleverly crafted process of elevating ‘Yuvaraj’ for the coveted post of PM. So that the transition becomes smooth.

 Finally, he is proving to be a sardar. He did not realize that the end of his political career is going to be as humiliating as his Prime ministership itself. A media briefing every seven days makes it every week. And a weekly press conference does not convert a weak PM into a strong one.

Rahul Gandhi - The future Prime Minister of India..?

One day Rahul went with excitement to Sonia.

 He said, ”Mamma, you know something, several senior BJP leaders have bank accounts in foreign banks and several Communist leaders are actually CIA agents in India. I am eager to say these things in a press conference.”

 Sonia was shocked at this revelation and asked him, “Who told you all this?”.

Rahul innocently replied, “Diggi uncle told me.”

Sonia said, “Rahul Beta, Don’t take every statement made by Diggi Uncle seriously. You remember, after the Bhatta Parsaul incident you said so many things to media people like ‘mass rapes and murders’ based on what Diggi uncle told you. But many of those ‘facts’ were proved wrong later.”

Rahul was confused and asked, “But then Mamma, why don’t we punish Diggi Uncle for misleading me?”.

Sonia replied, “No beta, we have intentionally let him loose, because he has over the years developed an expertise in making sensational comments from time to time, which help us in temporarily diverting the attention of media as well as the people of India from some of the other serious problems like 2G and CWG scams faced by us.”

Rahul tried to understand that and asked,” But Mamma, one thing I did not understand. Why does he try to be around me always and keep feeding me such information? “

Sonia replied, “ Beta, he is going to be your personal advisor when you become the PM of India. So, he is simultaneously improving his stature along with yours for a smooth transition from ‘an old tired man ’ to ‘a shrewd youth bubbling with enthusiasm and energy’ very soon.

Rahul asked hesitantly, “Do I assume that you are referring to me here, as that youth?”

Sonia was thrilled and said victoriously,” See, how wise you have become over the years. You can understand it so quickly and so well. I am now convinced that you are now ready to lead a country of 1.2 Billion people.”

This time Rahul got slightly tensed up and said, “ But Mamma, I do not know what are the responsibilities and expectations from the PM of a country. So how do I solve that problem?”

Sonia said in a matter-of-fact way, “ Beta, you need not know anything about anything. I am here no! Why do you worry? Look at Manmohan. Even after 7 years he does not know anything. I am guiding him so well, that he has left thinking long time ago. Whenever there is a problem, he simply tells me and I advise him what to do. I must agree he has been an excellent follower of me. He does exactly as told to him.”

Rahul now was a bit confidant that he indeed was capable of leading the country. Finally, he asked Sonia, ” But Mamma, honestly I do not understand one thing. What is so special in me? I see that there are many people, young and old, in Congress who are far more capable than me in taking up the role of PM. So how and why me?”

Sonia answered, ” Look Rahul. Do not ever think of such things, as this is something which you will not understand now. However, since you asked, let me answer in a manner in which you will understand. Long time ago I married you father while we were studying abroad. I came from Italy to India as the daughter-in-law of a family which had politics as their main business. Because of the charisma or blackmailing tactics used by some of them, no one in Congress dared to challenge their supremacy then. Incidentally, they died while in office, which created a lot of sympathy for our family. Soon, that sympathy turned into a blind faith that whatever we do will be good for them. That feeling got so much deep-rooted into every congress party worker that it curbed whatever little ambition some of them had in leading the party. Today, no one in congress thinks of becoming party president, as it shall be straight away assumed to be an anti-party activity. And it is almost equated to Anti-national idea”

Rahul was thoughtful and silent. After a pause, he asked, “ But what if someone stakes claim to leadership tomorrow? What will happen to us? Where shall we go then? “

Sonia said, “ Very intelligent question. Rahul beta, being in India for so many years, I have realized that we, the Gandhi family are congress’ biggest strength as well as their biggest weakness. Without a Gandhi, the party will split into hundred pieces. And with us, no one can dare to claim leadership. So, in a way, every powerful leader in congress is accepting our leadership so that his rival does not get any opportunity to lead. With a Gandhi at helm of affairs, they unite and accept each other.”

Rahul looked slightly disturbed this time. He said, “OK, that solves the leader’s problem. But what about the 1.2 Billion people of this country? What do they feel about us?”

Sonia replied calmly, “ Beta Rahul, majority of them are from rural areas who still do not have basic amenities required for a good life so far. Our leaders ensure that they remain like that. We need only to visit some of them once in 5 years and they get overwhelmed with the dedication of our family even after 60 years of independence.”

Rahul seemed to recollect something and interrupted, “ You mean my visits to villages for that Kalavathi episode or that Bhatta Parasul agitation etc.”

Sonia replied, “ Yes, exactly. One more thing, recently we came to know that one of the farmers whom you had assured of help had committed soon after your visit, as the help did not reach him. The media people are very dangerous. Sometimes, just to malign your image, they will ask you about that farmer. Just say that he committed suicide for some other personal reasons. Diggi uncle will prepare enough evidence to suggest that.”

Rahul said, “ So how long do I have to continue making such visits to these villages and meet people?”

Sonia said, “ Beta, enough. We are projecting you as an able Prime minister for 2014 general elections. All the visits made by you were only to build up your image. Now I am satisfied that that purpose is achieved. All further visits shall be made by senior party workers.”

Rahul took a deep breath and said, “ Mamma, today I learnt so many things. I am now ready to lead the country.”

The only Gandhi not related to them was smiling out of desperation and helplessness from the photograph hung on the wall of the room.