May 31, 1999
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FLIPSIDE The New Look By Dilip Bobb The CWC, also affectionately known as The Congress Worshipping Committee, has a reputation for bowing to the wishes of its leader. In fact, it bows even when the leader does not wish it. So, when certain members raised an issue totally foreign to its nature, it was as much of a turnaround as Scotland beating South Africa in the World Cup. And before you could say 'ciao', the fate of the country hung in the balance. India, that is, not Italy. However, the Pawar struggle seems to have just begun, judging by the proceedings of the CWC at its latest emergency meeting. Here's how it went. Mani Shankar Aiyar: Julius Caesar was stabbed in the back by his trusted colleagues on March 15. You did so on May 15. That shows your calculations are all wrong and even though Rome was the common issue, and it was done in the Forum, this Et Tu Mama Mia episode will flop. I remember Rajiv warned me many times about those who speak with forked ... P.A. Sangma: That's exactly what we're afraid will happen to us in the elections. Pranab Mukherjee: Arre ve desi, as the Italians would say. She is as desi as you and I. Even my accent sounds funny on television. Does that disbar me from becoming prime minister? (Hastily). Not that I am contemplating such a step. Sharad Pawar: Soniaji has revived the party. She has brought us back from disaster. She has proved a worthy successor to Rajivji and Indiraji and Panditji, and other natural born citizens. She is the only one who can save the party in the coming elections ... by stepping down. Sonia Gandhi: Friends, Romans and Countrymen. Lend me your years. I only have seven minutes so I will be brief. I will be resigning as president. I should be home in exactly four minutes. Just in case there are any special petitions and requests by the CWC, my staff will be waiting at the door in five minutes time. Naturally, I shall decline, but don't let that stop any of you. Tariq Anwar: There's nothing official about this. We believe it will serve the larger interests of the party. Mani Shankar Aiyar: I agree. It will certainly give the BJP a larger proportion of seats in the coming electoral race. That is why I wrote that it smacks of racism. P.A. Sangma: There's no question of double standards or dual purpose. The main issue is Veni, Vidi, Vici. Veni did she become an Indian citizen?Why was it done in Vedi great haste?And in Vici year? Rajesh Pilot: Let's not get emotional about this. We need a healthy debate without invoking the Gandhi name. We must change our mindset. Surely, among 950 million people there is someone with the charisma, experience, respect and ability whom we can elect to lead the party to victory in the next elections. CWC (all together): Yes there is. We elect Priyanka Vadra. |
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