Phony cacophony

So, the new President of India means business from day 1 - talking about poverty alleviation and tackling terror. How about that! Some hell of an inspiration coming from the highest office of the country.

Hey! Wait a minute. Unless I missed the memo, here is a list of powers of the President of India, that I remember from my History and Civics lessons -

1. 
   
2. 
   
3. 
   
4. 
   
5.  

News flash: The President of India is a just the symbolic head of the state. No powers whatsoever. No decision is his to take. He can at best be the mouthpiece that voices the opinion of the cabinet ministers.

But, why would a veteran of half a century of politics make such a statement? Unless of course he meant what HE should have done as the Finance Minister and the Defense Minister of the country. Well, you see here is a list of things that Pranab could have done as the Finance Minister of India -

1. Every goddamn thing you did not do - to keep the economy growing, keep prices in check, alleviate poverty, among numerous others.

And here is a list of things that Pranab could have done as the Defense Minister of India (with the Home Minister) -

1. Every goddamn thing you did not do - to instill a sense of security among the people, to strengthen the defense forces, to work towards the betterment of the soldiers protecting you, to tackle terror, among numerous others.

Or perhaps he is just dropping subtle hints to the present incumbents (Mr. Manmohan Singh and Mr. A.K. Antony) to finish what he never started. Could very well be the case; we know him to be good in dropping subtle hints. Here is him trying to tell the entire world - "I am too good for my job, give me a better one already." High command says - "MMS is doing hell of a job, warming up the seat for Rahul baba. Go be the President".

And so it began. Well, congratulations Mr. President. Enjoy the spoils of your political shrewdness. Your predecessor had a hell of a ride, you have a good one too.

[Image courtesy Satish Acharya's cartoon page]