What happened with Rahul Gandhi in Singapore?

Rahul Gandhi faced the questions unrehearsed in a time when the political discourse is mostly shifting to mere monologue.

Rahul Gandhi’s Singapore address has become a centre of controversy since yesterday. Rahul Gandhi who is in Singapore to visit the Indian diaspora participated in an interactive session at Lee Kuan Yew School of Public policy. During the session which centred around the theme “India at 70”, the Congress President talked about politics, Kashmir issue, Modi, Judge Loya’s case and Congress’ 2014 defeat.

The interactive session turned interesting when Rahul Gandhi was confronted by two members of the audience. One, Prasenjit Basu-an author of a book ‘Asia Reborn’ and another one who identified as Anish Mishra.

What actually happened:

Prasenjit Basu, who is an economist asked Gandhi, “Why is it that during the years that your family ruled India, India’s per capita income was growing less than the world average? And yet, in the years since your family relinquished the prime ministership of India, India’s per capita income has grown substantially faster than the world average?” The question though came across as rude and impolite, so much so that even the moderator asked Rahul Gandhi whether he wants to take that question or not. While one might expect Rahul being no expert on economy avoid the question. On the contrary, Rahul went ahead and agreed to answer the question. The discourse that followed was the wonderful display of very essence of democracy.

How did Rahul Respond?

While Prasenjit Basu’s tone of asking the question was rather hostile, Rahul kept his calm. On the other hand, Anish Mishra who seemed to be a Nehru-Gandhi fan praised the family. However, Rahul Gandhi not driven by the extreme opinions maintained his poise. Replying to both, Rahul Gandhi said, “You’re both going (in) two extremes… This conversation shows you the polarisation. One gentleman thinks that nothing has ever been done by the Congress party. The other thinks that everything has been done by the Congress. The truth is India’s success is hugely because of India’s people.” “However, anybody in this room who thinks that the Congress party is not part of that success, anybody who thinks that gaining Independence was not part of that success… needs to write a new book,” Rahul said in a witty dig at the author’s question.

Turning to the author once again, Rahul Gandhi said, “I am a person who has been taught to love my opponent, love people who might dislike me. So I have absolutely no animosity towards somebody who says I have achieved nothing. However, I differ with it and I will contest it. I might even be able to convince you or not. But PM Modi would never do that. You would never have the ability to say what you said to me in front of Modi. And I am proud of that.”

The contribution of Nehru-Gandhi family:

The question put forth by Prasenjit Basu represents a particular mindset that believes the Nehru-Gandhi dynasty has done a little to nothing for India. Contrary to this, there are several rather historic achievements all the three leaders from the Nehru-Gandhi family have undertaken. India at independence was faced with grave issues like economic and social inequality. After partition, the religion-class conflict was the new threat to the social fabric of India. Pulling India out of this was not an easy task. The credit for fundamental right to vote and one man, one vote policy which is the driving force of our democracy was supported by Nehru.

Nehru believed that if a country has to develop, it must have a national ideology and national unity. The principal components of the Nehru Strategy of building modern India were the institution and strengthening of the planning process, establishment of the public sector in Industry, laying the base of modern agriculture by the overthrow of the feudal system, creation of a modern scientific and technological base and attainment of economic independence by systematic development of heavy and basic industries and maximum development of our natural and human resources.

Indira Gandhi, on the other hand in the era of cold war, puts emphasis on country’s security. Nobody can dispute her contribution in separating East and West Pakistan as Pakistan and Bangladesh. Sikkim’s merger with Indian Union is another example of her foresighted border policy. Nationalisation of the banking system to end the dominance of private money lenders who used to exploit the poor section. The long list of her achievements also includes the creation of NOIDA city, Navi Mumbai-the largest planned city in Asia, Rohini township in Delhi, Industrialization, SEZs, Kandla port, JN Stadium, Talkatora and other world-class sports Infra for Asian Games 1982.

In what can be said as a precursor of the 1991 liberalization policy, Rajiv Gandhi reduced corporate and income tax rates and simplified the licensing regime and deregulated computers, drugs and textile sectors. If we have to credit anyone for the ultimate IT revolution in the country, it has to be Rajiv Gandhi. From the introduction of PCOs to allowing the import of fully assembled motherboards and processors, Rajiv Gandhi’s decisions made India inch closer to the 21^st century. In the 1990s, under his leadership, the Constitutional status was given to the Panchayati Raj institution. He also introduced a 5-day work week for government employees and a rejig of ministries.

What can we derive from this?

The basic principle of democracy is to allow all voices and opinions even if it makes one uncomfortable. The democracy teaches tolerance and respect towards the different assenting and dissenting views. The one who truly practices democracy, it is imbibed upon him/her that dissent and debate in a manner that produces constructive outcome should be welcomed all the same.

Rahul Gandhi faced the questions unrehearsed in a time when the political discourse is mostly shifting to mere monologue. In a time when those who criticise are silenced or turned down, Rahul Gandhi’s gesture sure sets an example for other political leaders to follow.