Author: L.K. Advani
Publication: India Today
Date: January 12, 2004
Introduction: Vajpayee's stewardship
has been key to the Government's successes over the past six years
We have an ancient saying in India:
satyam vad, or speak the truth. Over the years it has undergone a slight
modification, so it now reads: speak the truth, but do so in a palatable
manner.
I feel that Prime Minister Atalji
personifies this quality in the best possible way. He can articulate a
tough decision, respond to an awkward situation in a manner that does not
create any bitterness. Managing coalitions has a lot to do with keeping
people satisfied, but sometimes it is not possible to do so. The DMK has
left us. However, there is no bitterness over Atalji. Some NDA constituents
have left us on their own, but the prime minister has been more than generous
in welcoming those who have rejoined us. Despite heading a large coalition,
his capacity to accommodate diverse views is a key attribute.
Take the India-Pakistan relationship.
Atalji managed to emerge unscathed, rather in a more positive light, even
after the Agra summit failed to produce any results. He has also been justifiably
credited for taking initiatives even though they entail a certain amount
of political risk. The blame for failures is to be expected. The perception
that the Atal-Advani team is a "soft-hard" combination is not a matter
of any concern. In fact, it helps the country and is not a disadvantage
at all.
Atal Bihari Vajpayee is the leader
of the coalition and his nod is clearly necessary for any significant decision
taken by the Government. Yet, it entails a detailed process of consultation;
opinions are sought and expressed. If there is a point that the prime minister
is particular about, I accept it. And he is gracious enough to return the
compliment.
His ability to forge a consensus
is coupled with a strong sense of purpose. We have just achieved important
electoral victories in three large north Indian states. This, along with
the spurt in economic growth, has resulted in a feel-good factor that is
being widely discussed. Once again, the credit for the electoral successes
should go to Atalji. His style and personality were key in being identified
with the feel-good factor. He is seen as a benign influence.
If I try to define the Vajpayee
Government's legacy after six years of the NDA being in office, some things
stand out. Attention has been focused on development and governance. Federalism,
democracy and security have been strengthened. There has hardly been a
government at the Centre that has had to deal with so many parties in Parliament.
Today, the states are controlled by regional parties, leftist formations
and the Congress. The Government has had good working relationships with
all of them.
Atalji's Government has dispelled
fears that economic reforms would be discontinued or stopped. Political
reforms, including the far-reaching legislation recently passed limiting
the size of Central and state ministries, have been initiated. While the
buoyancy in economy and stability in the Government are now being commented
upon, the process truly began after the BJP won the Gujarat elections last
year and followed it with an important success in Goa. The lesson was that
governance matters, just as the loss in Himachal Pradesh demonstrated the
importance of in-house unity.
As 2003 draws to a close, the Government
is faced with several opportunities and challenges. There is, however,
no room for complacency. Particularly after our recent electoral successes.
L.K. Advani, the deputy prime minister
of India, spoke to Associate Editor Rajeev Deshpande
