Ba, Beti aur Bahu

fv
indian politics are ever so confusing why can`t they have just left and right of the westminister type.
more later

FV,

Very boring.

Why not write something about whatever became of her???

Family rule through the ballot-box is a serious deficiency of the Indian political scene. Fortunately, so far such unnatural fascination is confined to a single family.

It is not fair to call Nehru a ``power hungry`` politician - and you know it. Nehru did not have the dictatorial mindset - though he was a bit moody and emotional.

Nehru was a freedom fighter. Indira was a politician. Rajiv was a flake. Sonia was a reluctant fighter. Her progeny - they are in politics because they know little else. There will be others. Someday people would stop voting simply based on names. Then these individuals will have to WORK for a living. Or at least earn those votes.

Some day..... (Keep writing!)

For the present, however, the simple fact of life is - like in most Indian families - the bahu is the outsider but inherits the household invariably - and rules the roost the way she sees fit.

(What is with the long foot notes?)

It is a waste of time to even think about, let alone write about the two women, who embody the worst of Indian politics. Not that the others are any better.

This article is an interesting read but it leads to one inexorable conclusion. It is neither politically savvy nor analytically deep. It truly presents the the general negativism that permeates the author`s personna and writing style.

I would say that Sonia Gandhi`s action is remarkable:

a) It shows respect for democratic institutions - she resigned without fighting though she could could have won the political battle.

b) It shows a recognition of what Indian electorate wants - if you have possibly viable reasons to be in wrong then force the issue by seeking the electorate`s judgment.

c) Even people without eyes and brain can not deny the political acumen that Sonia Gandhi symbolizes.

d) Without doubt, Sonia`s personal sacrifice is outstanding - she could have easily withdrawn from the rough and tumble of politics for a foreign country which is every bit as uncomfortable as she has described it. This ability and desire to keep flying her husband`s and his country`s flags has made her the darling of Indian electorate and the exceptional person she is.

e) Finally let us not forget India is on the verge of becoming global power due to the devotion of Nehru`s family not inspite of them.

Any person with least bit of knowledge of Indian History can see how: Nehru`s love of all Indians (Muslims included!), modernism without copying the West laying the foundation of Indian Industrialism and steadiness; Indira Gandhi`s decisive action regarding Bangladesh, unflinching support of the Indian underclass against the exploitative rich of India and correction of the Sikhs without engendering general hatred agains them; Rajiv Gandhi`s preparation of India to take step towards nuclear weapons step if needed; and last but not least the systematic way that Sonia has reenergized Congress against the Stalwarts like Vajapayee and Advani - let us not forget it was the farmers that brought her in power.

All examples above shoe the consistent respect for democracy and the devotion to the Indian People. As long as that tradition is maintained the Congress and the Family will continue to exert influence for the betterment of India. There is nothing wrong in having an outstanding and successful family as long as we can ward off the personality cult like of which Russia suffered under Stalin.

As for Uma Bharati, she is not significant enough to be a footnote in the History of India.

Re: # 10: I hope to God that you are a Sikh. If you are then we need more of you.

Re: # 6
Hi, you reminded me of another Nanak story. He went to a village where he was not treated very well, so he blessed them saying ``Baso``.

Then He went to another village where He and his disciples were treated very well and he blessed them saying ``Bichro``

One of his disciples on hearing this was suprised and asked Nanak why he was blessing this village so. Nanak replied that that these were good people and he wanted people like these to spread and wide taking their goodness with them.

To you , Nanak would have said baso.

``chor uchaka chaudary, GOONDI run pardhan`` (All the thieves have become chaudaries, and women of ill repute leaders) _ Nanak wrote 500+ years back.

it is still true today.....

all these women are GOONDI run s.

``My family has always been on the target of the opposition -- be it Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi or Rajiv Gandhi -- each one was targeted with equal vehemence. They were not merely prime ministers but great leaders, therefore unmindful of the opposition they continued to serve the nation.``

Because each of them were the most malicious kanjars and kameen ever born......

{``Modern-day czarinas are not born into royalty, but their rule is so regal simply because they have perfected the art of looking down their noses. ``}

Farzana,
Thank you for an interesting and informative article. I saw Uma Bharti on TV and from what little I heard, she appears to be a real demagogue and a confirmed right-wing Hindutva, slightly more extreme than Thackeray or Modi. Women like her, Sonia, Indira, Hillary, Benazir, Haseena, and Golda Meier just prove one thing - Women are really equal to men.:)

I don`t know. In politics, I think that the best thing about women is that they are not as dishonest, as mean, as corrupt, and as stupid as their male counterparts - or is it that the latter are there in such abundance that they steal the scrutiny?

Re: # 8,D-M:
No doubt Sonia`s maturation is noteworthy but she was married into one of the most distinguished families of the World and took care to familiarize herself with the psyche of India.

But there is something more to it than that. She is a genuine person and is devoted to the democratic process. Of course, she is blessed with energy to work and she loves her husband`s country.

I agree with you about the resignation being a very smart political move.

Dear Farzana:

I am amazed at the maturisation of Sonia Gandhi as a politician. From an ordinary housewife with no particular talent, she has mastered the game of Indian politics and can outplay the best of them. She also has firmly understood the psychy of the Indian masses.

This resignation, in my opinion, was a masterstroke. This was a completely risk-free proposition for her. By resigning, she has refurbished her aura of Maha Atma and Tyagmurti. At the same time, there is no question that she would be reelected in the by-election. I also think that she would probably be returned with an even larger margin than the last time. This would not only enhance her status, it might also reverse the fortunes of her party in U.P where politics seem to be increasingly communalised. While the BJP is once again successfully playing the anti-minortyism card and Mulayam consolidating his hold over Muslims as their only only genuine protector, the Congress seems to be losing on both sides. A massive victory in Rae Bareili would be a morale booster for the Congress in the State.

As for Uma Bharati, she is a bit player. I dont think that her new party would stand a chance. The RSS may like her but is unlikely to support her against the BJP.

Ferzana,
this is contrived..why bring in the lost one, Uma Bharati? Sonia played a cool game in this case. Also, I disagree with the ``hindu`` characterization of indian politics ... that all women are supposed to be Mother figures..nooone considers `Amma` Jayalalita or Mamata Bannerji or Indira Gandhi as mother figures..nutcrackers maybe.

It is interesting that Indian Politics are so disorganized and yet being able to function.
My American Sikh convert friend, who lived in Amritsar for 10 yrs said ``First few months you hate the despicable environment but after few months you realize that there is a method in madness``.

I think above is applicable to Indian Politics.

FV`s article took my thoughts to my friend.

Dear Chief Editor

Another brilliant article!!!

My thoughts always leave me wondering and clueless with almost dead end. Starting with zero and ending with zero, whenever I think about Indian democracy. India claims itself to be the largest democracy in the world, excellent!

But, what sort of democracy is this? Where family name is the trademark for selling like hot cakes in this democratic monarchy. Where political minds for political power are believed to be inherited through generations. Where genes are the hallmark of political identity. Where even getting married to a special Indian clan gives any Italian woman an acknowledgment to be recognized as a top most Indian leader. Wow! Really impressive.

An ordinary Italian woman becomes a PM of Hindustan. What else could be more impressive and real democracy? Wonder why? What If Sonia would have been in Italy, not married to Gandhi clan? Migrating to India, contesting for elections to be PM? Would she be elected? Of course NOT. Why? B/c India is a great, free and fairly balanced world`s largest democracy giving chance to all Indian citizens on equal basis to be elected leaders to rule India. India is great! It gives right and recognition only to those who are the heirs of an influential clan. Wonderful, simply marvelous!

What if, Sonia would have been in Italy? Would she be recognized as an Italian leader? Never. Why? b/c Italians don`t recognize their own jewel. Just pathetic. An Italian couldn`t get recognition in her own country, but got not only recognition but, also Indians offered her PM ship with all their love and pride. That showed their broadmindedness and true democracy. By electing her as President of Congress party, and then PM ship Indians have proved that their democracy is unbeatable. After all they believe in free for all democracy.

Then my thoughts lead me to another scenario, what if, an Indian woman migrated to Italy? Would Italians elect her to be their head of the state? Never. Why? b/c there is no country like India, which can invite any foreigner and offer PM ship like a piece of cake. Brilliant! Italians will never ever do that. Why? b/c they are prejudiced and don`t have a high sense of democracy like Indians. Indians are great!

India is always ruled by monarchs. Emperors have been ruling this piece of the Earth for centuries. So, this tradition of having a monarch from an exclusive clan of Gandhi family is deeply rooted in Indian soil. Monarchs in the form of feudal rule. This is called FEUDAL DEMOCRACY. Very pleasant!

Indians have a new form of democracy, known as monarchs democracy. Indians are brilliant, they have set a perfect example of an exclusive Indian Empire, ruled by Gandhi family for generations under the banner of democracy.

So, what if it is pseudo democracy, error excuse me(just slip of the tongue, I apologize), I mean TRUE DEMOCRACY. So, this is also another case of hereditary monarchy, haaan. Simply amazing!

Long Live Sonia Future Indian PM.

Chow staff
Why you deleted my post number 13? What did I write that was not related to chowk guide lines?

Re: # 15, Farzana:

My congratulations and appreciation to you for being a caring and thinking author of an article. Chowk is full of authors who sleep-write their articles and then hibernate. They are either uninterested in responses to their musings or are unable to grasp and respond to the commenters.

And while I am at it, I do commend your effort for watching carefully the propriety level of discussions at Chowk. You do not have to reduce this watch, I believe it can be still more effective. We will abide by the Chief Editor`s judgement on this.

As for ``I really wish you had delved a bit more into the non-political aspects of this article.``: I agree. But the subject of the article was so predominantly political that I could not give importance to other - interesting, but less important aspects. I suppose there will always be a difference in women`s often dominantly emotional and men`s correspondingly intellectual approach to any problem.

Finally, about the substantive contents of the debate between us, I am reasonably sure that we probably cannot convince each other but I would be content with the readers` judgment about it. So, let it reflect.

PS. Oh, yes I could not let this one go. PV Narasimha Rao was one person who was most faithful to the Nehru philosophy about the development of India. He was present in all Congress Ministries from Nehru`s time. Rao stood at the shoulders - or was it in the lap - of the giants Jawahar Lal Nehru and Indira Nehru so that he could reach goals put infront of him. Without the substantive preparation that Jawahar-Indira-Rajiv provided Rao could not do what he initiated.

Without the infrastructure built during fifties to seventies the Green Revolution could never arise. As for the vote banks, your myopia is remarkable. Nehru did not need the vote bank. One of the valid criticism of Nehru is that he deferred too much to the Indian Electorate. He did that to bring them up in the democratic procedures of the twentieth century.

Regarding Punjab: I remind you of Mahabharat. For the right things War is not to be automatically ruled out. The consequent calming down of the sessionist Sikhs is proof enough.

Further, the BJP`s NDA was defeated in elections of 2004 by massive support of Congress by the farmers of India. They were neglected by the NDA`s computer wizzards!