For all its loss of face over allowing the mercurial Mamata Banerjee to seize the initiative on the presidential election, the Congress has finally done the right thing in announcing Pranab Mukherjee as the UPA's choice to succeed Pratibha Patil. Mr. Mukherjee's stature, unequalled experience, easy command of a range of subjects, not to mention his understanding of constitutional history and practice, make him uniquely qualified to enter Rashtrapati Bhawan. The Union Finance Minister has been the clear frontrunner for President, and not simply because the ruling UPA appeared likely to endorse his candidature. Mr. Mukherjee is respected across the political spectrum, confirmation of which came within minutes of his nomination in the form of support from the Samajwadi Party and the Bahujan Samaj Party. The Left parties should also come on board judging by their comfort level with Mr. Mukherjee. Besides, there is no other candidate that they can back given their ideological opposition to the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance. Though no game is won until it is won, the Congress appears to have sewn up the presidential contest with its biggest breakthrough being the conquest of the SP, which returned to the fold after a brief display of brinkmanship politics in the company of Ms Banerjee.
So, why did the Congress delay the consultation process to a point where Ms Banerjee virtually ran away with the agenda? The West Bengal Chief Minister heaped indignities on the offices of the President and Prime Minister and set an unacceptable ultimatum to the UPA on her choice of candidates. But instead of calling her bluff rightaway, the Congress inexplicably took recourse to silence, allowing all manner of players a free hand to exploit the situation. Yet when the same party finally displayed leadership qualities and summoned a meeting on the presidency, the results were spectacular. The UPA allies lined up behind Mr. Mukherjee, enabling other parties to join in. Ms Banerjee, whose actions almost derailed the UPA leading to speculation about early general elections, was left isolated. The NDA, which had hoped to gain from the fissures in the UPA, turned out to be itself a divided house, with consensus eluding the alliance on both Abdul Kalam and Purno Sangma. The former President will not enter a contest and Mr. Sangma does not even have the support of the Nationalist Congress Party of which he is a member. The lesson on presidency learnt, the Congress must now start consultations for Vice-President, keeping in mind the natural claim and excellent credentials of Hamid Ansari, the current incumbent.
Agree with bold comment made reg: abolition of the Post that serves NO useful purpose, except huge ornametation and heavy expenditure; suggestion made by one member seems quite apt and adoptable; abolish the post, make CJ of SupCt take charge in any emergency with fall of Govt, arrange speedy elections and ensure new party comes to power; that will surely save lots and lots of money for our economy said to be in none-too-good shape !
"I don't know about politics ,but we the people of india knows that The
President Is the first person of the country.So most respectable person
must be send to Rashtrapati Bhavan. I think Mr.Abdul kalam is more
respectable person than Mr.Mukharjee .The Indians are also wants a
President which not works like a "PUPPET".
Pranab Mukherjee as a Finance Minister is a flop. Prices of essential
commodities are sky high. He is fit to be President of India because he
has no assignments to do other than cutting the tapes and opening new
buildings. At least if people like him are away from politics and the
job of Finance Ministry is taken over by people like Mamata Banerjee, it
can be hoped that the prices may stabilize or dwindle.
After all persons shine by contrast and Pranab is no exception either.
Our memory is not feeble over Pranab's reaction in 2G scam.It was the
note of finance ministry,seen by Pranab, that cast a veiled aspersion
on P.Chidambaram,for what the latter was on loop over the funny theory
of first served in spectrum allocation and that the old cost of
allocation of spectrum highly reprimanded by the Apex Court missed his
attention. It was the same Pranab, who had to share an olive branch as
a measure of patch up with Chidambaram to save centre, when indicted
by the Congress high command. His summersault not only demonstrated
his lack of conviction to plumb the truth but also how he pushed the
national interest to the back burner.Sure, he is the blue eyed person
not for his merit, but for his singing chorus with Congress,for which
he is adorned with yet another feather now. How he is viewed as well
deserved in The Hindu's prism is not known.
Indeed, Congress did make the right choice in selecting Mr. Pranab Mukherjee as its Presidential candidate. The man of his stature has finally been rewarded. He was virtually the top man in the cabinet of Smt Indira Gandhi and we will always remember him a top notch politician..Quite fittingly he is often called the 'Best Prime Minister India never had !' As we have all seen his command on Constitution, his sharp memory in politics , the Editor has correctly described him in his article..! I hope he lives upto the expectations of all Indians just like Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam did...!
He is one of the failed Finance ministers also presented black paper in the name of white paper on the black money issue.Can we say his single achievement for the country or his own state west Bengal as an experienced politician?
Despite Pranab da being astute and experienced politician, is unsuitable
to hold apex position for his strong affiliations to Congress party and
his proven indulgence in pretty narrow gains during UPA 2 crisis. The
less one refers about the present incumbent, the better. The coveted
position requires a true gentleman and none other then, Abdul kalam with
his personification of integrity and honesty, is apt for the post.
Unbelievable! He has been in the politial mainstream for well over 30
or 40 years, I am not sure. One of the symbols of a government which
has contributed to backwardness is so many regions of the country. We
Indians keep saying that in 60-70 years since independence our country
as held back by Congress policies (as they ruled for almost 90%) of
that time. And this is the way to reward a symbol of that regime!
Additionally, he was the FM from past few years and has contributed to
the growing policy paralysis and lack of growth in Indian economy.
This is a nice way to reward that achievement. How we people of India
permit this beats me.
I suggest that we should start lobbying for abolition for the post of
President. It is nominated by selfish interests with no accountability
(as it not elected, similar to a Rajya Sabha MP). I think we should
not get sentimental. Look at the image Pratibha Patil gave to that
post. APJ improved it, but what he did should be done by the
government.
Dear Editor,
Kudos to writing exactly what appears to be happening while UPA candidate is gearing up to take up his new assignment.This position is not ceremonial since coalition party politics is underway.May be Shri Pranab Mukherjee will surpass his outstanding performances so far away from Parliament.I only believe he is going to enjoy his Presidentship in line with examples of the stature of like Dr.S Radha Krishnen and Dr.Rajendra Prasad amd many more.He is the most deserving!
You castigate Congress leadership one day. Capitulate the next day.Compromise the following day and confuse yet another day. Where do you, The Hindu, stand on Congress handling the Presidential choice? Majority of the readers does not sail with you as regards the selection of Mukherjee for the top office though his name is not sullied like the other politicians. Does this mean democracy in this country is dynamic, vibrant and kicking to the point of a hundred thousand opinions freely flourishing without being fettered to rigid uniformity?
Dr. Mukherjee is arguably the best Congress PM that India never had,
and now it seems will never have! Has he been offered a poisoned
chalice - will he be torn between his ethical values & what is right
for the country, and loyalty to his party & political friends? One can
only wish him well in this near impossible task.
Why does one feel that the govt is carrying out "a strategic top-level
re-shuffle", in a most subtle way, perhaps with an eye on the run up
to 2014 but also with post-2014-reign in view?
By refraining to comment on the broader picture, is The Hindu (usually
fearless in its criticisms of govt failures) going out of its way to
prove its neutrality?
Anyone with a reasonably good perception could see that the much of today's inequality and the slanted policies aimed to help crony capitalists and naked interference with financial regulators can be traced to Mr Mukerji. The PM and his party lament about coalition dharma(an Orwellian oxymoron) yet they are nothing but expedient! Shades of Caligulas horse!
I don't think that Hamid Ansari possess any credentials,that too exceptional, to make a natural claim for vice president. The Country seen how he conducted himself in the janlok pal bill debate in the Rajya Sabha.He had failed to discharge his function judiciously as a chairman of the Rajya Sabha. People like him should be allowed to enjoy their home comforts,they deserve no public offices. All politicians are servants of their benefactors,not India.They owe nothing to people and the Country.In the case of Pranab da,he is protecting and sheltering the hoarders of Black Money in foreign banks.He wants to legalise and legitimise them.without any iota of patriotism.
In the 51 line editorial 5 lines relate to UPA clinching its nominee for President.Confirmation of Mukherjee's credentials to be the President "came within minutes of his nomination in the form of support from the SP and BSP."It is common knowledge that these 2 parties could not have acted otherwise for obvious reasons though Mulayam initially did some posturing for his own reasons.As regards the so called conquest,was it a Cong.conquest over SP or vice versa, only time should tell.All said and done Mukherjee a knowledgeable decent public figure has been nominated and not any dark horse of dubious distinctions as some times happens.Let us hope he lives up to people's expectations.
Pranabji comes across from what I've seen of him on TV as a charming gentleman and humble, speaking english with an adorable Indian accent and all the trappings of a top class politician, eloquent speech making ability etc etc and yes also the cunning of a fox, which in political circles is a must, is one is to survive. He will do well portraying India abroad and wish him much success and a good tenure in office. Now all we need is Jaswant Singh for Vice President and India will be on a good wicket.
30 years ago, The Hindu became my primary source of news in India. The indepence with which The Hindu has always pursued stories and its robust - although, left leaning - editorial, gave the reader a perspective that was often not covered by the rest of the news media. Over the years, it seemed like The Hindu developed a patent opposition to the Congress and anything Congress. Fair mindedness seemed to be disappearing from the The Hindu DNA. They often seemed reluctant to publish letters to the editor that expressed sentiments that were opposed to the Editorial Team or questioned The Hindu's slant on news and oped. It is therefore very refreshing to read such a fair editorial on the topic of the Presidency and Congress and equally satisfying was the fact that The Hindu did not refrain from assigning credit where it was due. Kudos to editorial team. This fair mindedness is exactly what we readers need. That's the one thing we dont' get from the news industry in india. Thank you!!
Annai sonia gandhi has answered the long cry of pranab da to give him the much needed rest and time, to read books and write his memoirs.We only hope that he remains neutral and will not take sides with her to repay his gratitude. Sonia has scored two goals in one stroke. she pushed pranab who is getting bigger day by day, in the congress party and giving a clear signal to her party men that she is in charge of the govt and the party. It is time our PM shifts PC to the finance post and get the nation moving like in the nineties.
In this world of one click answers, even The Hindu, traditionalist could not resist the expectation of quick fire reaction from Congress to the foolishness shown by Mamata. 24 hours is not really that big time if we remember that congress does not have majority of its own and consultations on such important issue do take time. electronic media as usual was hell bent upon showing its irresponsibility by creating a panic like situation in giving a picture of instability where none existed.
I have been following the battle for the Presidency between different political parties. Is it not possible to find a non political person who is respected by society for his achievements not particularly in Politics. I am thinking of people similar to Sarvapelli Radhakrishnan, Abdul Kalam etc
He deserved the position of a Prime Minister and not that of a President which has practically no power. He was a natural candidate after Mrs Indira Gandhi's death. But rule of dynasty proved its strength and Rajiv, an inexpericenced man, became the PM and Pranab Mukherjee was ousted from Congress. He formed his own party. In political hybenation for a few months he came back to Congress, showing obedience to the family. That was the end of his aspirations for the PMs post. But because of his long tenure he knows too much of all the scams over the last 50 years. This position may be a prize for keeping quiet and to keep him quiet
While one may differ with Congress on many issues, one can not argue against the candidature of Mr. Pranab Mukherjee. In the world of politics which is getting dirtier by the day, with icons of yesterday falling by the wayside today, Mr. Pranab Mukherjee has stood out tall and untainted for a long long period. Just for that, we should all welcome him to the highest position in our Country. May Mr. Mukherjee bring honour to the exalted position which awaits him.
Politician's choice is Mr.Mukherjee. People's choice is Mr.Kalam. Always politician will win ignoring common people wish..Kudos to Congress..
At last the deadlock has come to an end by choosing the veteran mr.mukherjee to nominate for the highest office of our country. he has vast experience and knowledge to handle this position. he is more suitable than any other else at present situation. how jaya has proposed sangma for this position is highly laughfable. now where they will go ( mamatha and jaya ) upa should do some thing which will be appreciable by the comman man to face the coming elections, by reducing the price almost all things to some extent, and win the hearts of the public. coaliation govt will not suit to india. well done upa.
50 years in politics is a long time. Pranab has served the nation well in the political realm. May be there are no more decent canditates so the job is given to him. Given that he received unanimous support from all the parties involved, he is a worthy candidate and should be given the honour if being the president if India.
Not that I love Didi's choices less but love a dynamic India more with stability at the top (pun intended) more. Unless there is exponential growth in agriculture, infrastructure, optimum supply chain logistics, industrial productivity and close coordination in Centre-State policy implementation which could trigger both increased domestic consumption and increase in value added exports as against core mineral exports, there is no hope for India coming out on top. Precious foreign exchange must be used for importing know-how for replacing reliance on fossil fuels with mass production consumption of and eco-friendly energy not for just maintaining BOP positions; India can trigger a revitalisation of world prosperity by knowledge sharing and transfer both ways - not by importing weapons and weapon systems and technologies that we already have. Hence the need for stability of leadership now to steer us towards prosperity instead of mercurial brinkmanship or shrill rhetoric.
According to The Hindu, there is no other candidate that they (Left)can back given their "ideological opposition" to the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance. If so, what would be the ideological reasons for the Left to support Pranabda (being the Congress candidate), besides dubious secularism?
Mr. Pranab Mukerjee is a seasoned politician, a shrewd statesman,and an able administrator and is an able choice for the high civilian post.It is hoped he would bring in his vast administrative skill and expert knowledge of financial management in to play and actively guide the Government which need his assistance to continue to pursue the unfinished agenda which he has to leave behind. Let us congratulate him on his elevation which he deserves hands down.Hope he will not be a rubber stamp but an active and working President and make the Presidency a dynamic one.He should not remain idle and enjoy the luxury of the Rashtrapathi Bhavan which the retiring President indulged despite public outcry.Let him add lustre and dignity to the post of Presidency.Let us wish him well and God speed .
Our Nation needs a good expert in Finance Ministry to expedite and implement various economic reforms to lift the present impasse.!Jai Hind !
Your header shows the degeneration of the so-called fourth estate in the country. How does it help the public whether Pranab da gets his due or not ? In the last 8 years of economic doom, this man was equally responsible if not more with all those signature leaders of Congresss and it looks like as if he’s been complemented with the nomination for all the ills. Not that any other leader from the friendly opposition that includes BJP, SP, BSP, Left, etc.. have done any better, but to choose this man and enhance his reputation, as if, is preposterous. The status quo of our present constitutional system is like even if the PM is re-designated to the post of President, it would have been missed out. And only Pratibha Patil added more evidence to the theory. There could have been a choice like APJ Kalam who brought some respect to the post. So far as this democracy is determined to ignore the opinion of most of the countrymen by hiding behind this dysfunctional representative system, so be it.
Pranab Mukherjee has a lot to his credit from being the typical Gandhi
Dynasty loyalist,an astute deal maker,as well as a Bengali who over the
years has betrayed Bengal and its progress,by helping the CPIM, the
worst thing to happen to bengal after independence,stay in power, to
destroy everything that Bengalis cherished about their culture and
history.He is a divisive figure and thats how his tenure will be
remembered at least in Bengal.
"Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears; I come to bury Caesar, not to praise him. The evil that men do lives after them, The good is oft interred with their bones." William Shakespeare. Erudite scholar not with standing, we will remember Pranab Mukerjee for his association as a Minister in Indira Gandhi's Cabinet during the infamous Emergency and was held by many to be personally responsible for some of the excesses, helping Reliance Industries against Bombay Dyeing and handling Taslima Nasreen's house arrest in Delhi, as the Foreign Minister.
Pranab da gets his due.when people of India will get? This is a big tragedy with us. Our representative get luxurious life.But we people deprived of basic necessaries because of them.
This appears biased. While criticising Mamata Banerjee for throwing mud on the office of the President, it fails to mention Mulayam Singh Yadav as a co-host. While heaping praise on the Congress Party, unusual of The Hindu, it does not bring forth the politics behind the switchover of the SP and support of the BSP. Very disappointing.
Alas, after a marathon dedicated service in political and Government arena Mr Pranab appears to have been blessed to be the head of the State. It is destiny that a brilliant diplomat could not be our Prime Minister which he rightly and richly deserved. Even it is misfortune that Ms Sonia could not gracefully honour him as our Deputy Prime Minister when in past we had several Deputy Prime Ministers. His dedicated life is indeed a role model for all inspiring leaders.
The editorial is funny in the sense that 'Mr. Mukherjee is respected across the political spectrum, confirmation of which came within minutes of his nomination in the form of support from the Samajwadi Party and the Bahujan Samaj Party', as if these parties really adore Mr Mukherji and no under the table deal has taken place. The last time when SP supported UPA, there was horse trading involving Crores of Rs. Hindu only confimed this via wikileaks. This time also its all the same. Just wait for the time. Finally, BSP chief Mayawati is haunted by CBI, a Congress pet, so no surprise she supported Mukherjee
Choice of vice President should go to a person from the South preferably to an opposition party. It is not fair that vice president and president should belong to the same political party and same region. India has got full of headaches ahead!. It should serve the aspirations of all sections and regions.If we are generous,Sangma should be persuaded for accepting Vice-Presidency for special consideration of his region.As long the President is viewed on party lines, there is no harm in putting region,caste,language and merit into the picture.
Why does India always reward the incompetent? Pranab has proven to be a disastrous finance minister - just look at India's deficits during his term. Making him the president is like giving George W. Bush the Nobel peace prize. An eminent lawyer or a university head would have been a much better choice for a president.
sir, selection of Pranabda as president is very welcome. he is such an experienced person in all odds and fit to occupy this stature after so much service done to the country. good reward.
Support from SP and BSP will always be forthcoming irrespective of who is the candidate.The reasons are obvious. After all, Scamsters do unite for a purpose. You have waxed eloquently about the virtues of the UPA presidential candidate.The moot point is will he ever rise above party affiliations and whether the nation will have its president.
You seem to imply that the choice of Pranab won over Samajwadi Party and BSP and nothing could be farther from truth than this!! Congress has always been talking of Pranab and hence the volte-face of SP from suggesting MMS to supporting Pranab cannot be explained on that basis. All of us know that SP and BSP have several court cases pending before them for disproportionate assets and these cases are being prosecuted by CBI which is nothing but an extended arm of the ruling party. Clearly there has been a quid pro quo in the presidential election! Nothing wrong in it except when support is being attributed to consensus based on the candidate's merit. Expected The Hindu to be more insightful!!
The developments only how distant political parties and politicians are from the preferences of ordinary citizen who has wholeheartedly opted for APJ Abdul Kalam for the highest office. Apart from being a hardcore politician, Pranab-da is an artful dodger. It is an enigma wrapped in mystery that in a country steeped in deep political corruption,the choice has not gone in favor of an apolitical incorruptible person.
Why was Partibha Patil not renominated pray tell us? Eulogising Pranab Mukherjee is like rewarding incompetence. Any dispute on that?
so u call it a leadership quality and in what sense that only you to understand. pranab da needed more in govt than in president house and he is allowed exit from sinking ship. it will add up to misery of the nation when wrong people are placed for wrong positions i.e. PM and Prez. unfortunate rather.
It is really good to see finally Sonia has nominated Pranab. My own theory is that Didi deliberately acted in such a way to force Sonia to choose Pranab.If Didi finally decides to support Pranab to uphold 'Bengali pride' my theory will prove correct.
Given the way the Presidential nomination process appears to be playing out (and despite all the posturing, the manner and speed with which the opposition parties seem to be simply melting away), irrespective of whichever dynasty wins the election-s in the provinces, can the outcome of forming future government-s in the centre be in any doubt?
Nobody with scholarship, commitment and integrity available in such large country? Only chamchas chelas of Cong chief Sonia nominated? to please Mamata behind scene negotiations ? Sad indeed; we have lost great leaders like Lal Bahdur Shastri, Jai Prakash Narain Rajagopalachari, Kamraj, etc - who would not promote family at any cost ! WHY not do away with office of President and save lots of money for Govt expenditure on development; when party in power loses majority, Chief Justice of Supreme court can take over administration, arrange for elections, fast and fair, and party that wins can become rulers ! Millions of rupees can be saved. All the ornamental position and tours involving huge cost avoided; pl consider and put this to vote among public !
We are happy for PranabDa. But the reasons and the way this has been done reminds us that we are worse than a banana republic. He is not the peoples' choice, not the Congress/UPA choice but Sonia's choice meekly accepted by the sycophants and the family retainers. Sonia has selected him to remove a possible hurdle in 2014 to the heir apparent's coronation. Dada, as President, will do his bit in anointing. The Left will support his candidacy because they are grateful for his role in their appropriating power in west Bengal decades ago, moving from one UF to the next.Mu Ka is happy because Dada used to felicitate him on his every birthday bash. Every one is happy !!!!!!!!
I agree that the Congress made a wise choice in selecting Mr. Mukherjee for the office of President. He is probably the ablest and most experienced minister in that party today and it will be difficult to find a replacement for him in the Cabinet when he leaves.
As Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee must have known or should have known a lot about the various scams in which UPA 2 is accused of being involved, even though he may not be involved in these (nobody has accused him of any wrongdoing in his several decades of public life).Besides Indian economy under his watch has nose-dived into a worrying condition. Why then is the media applauding Finance Minister Mukherjee's possible elevation as President under these circumstances?
"natural claim and excellent credentials of Hamid Ansari".
Your editorial mentions "Mr. Mukherjee's stature, unequalled experience, easy command of a range of subjects, not to mention his understanding of constitutional history and practice, make him uniquely qualified to enter Rashtrapati Bhawan". Well, if this was the yardstick for selection to the office of President, then Mrs. Pratibha Patil wouldn't have even made to the gates of Rashtrapti Bhavan.
It would be better if you can come up with a list of achievements of Pranab Mukherjee. Also, list the policies that he implemented in his 50 year old political career and the number of people benefited by that. I think you should do that for all the candidates and come up with a comparison report. i guess every Indian has the right to know it.
When will The Hindu stop being a pro-congress newspaper? Are you trying to be the official mouthpiece of the Congress party ?
Glad to see that, after a very long time, you could find something on to commend the ruling party. That too, after the devastating editorial the other day.
He is not efficient enough to hold this position, maybe only because of his good terms with present governing family he has been put forward to behold this prestigious position. Under Pranav's leadership India is almost succumbing to debts, god knows what is going to happen if he holds that pivot position. Or it sould be simply UPA forseeing their defeat in upcoming elections, and making a desperate move to stay in power
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