Declining in Silence

The Congress ought not  to have held this drab press conference of its PM, who came off no better than the assessment of his worst critics. It was a sad farewell speech,   more so when this economist when heading the UPA-I, had largely delivered .But the politician in him remained  enigmatic as he never went to town on his good performance. The  unexpected windfall of 206 seats for Congress of UPA-II only helped remove inhibitions within, to open up inherent fault lines in the party and its allies.It was every one to himself thereafter  and Dr Manmohan Singh soon enough, lost grip on his prime ministerial oversight  and indiscretions prevailed all round.As in UPA-I the PM remained not only tongue tied but inert to boot. That the  UPA-II  could last for two long years since late 2011,ought to be ranked as a political miracle that a coalition government alone can perform , ably aided by a sulking BJP,in  disarray.Even on the eve of his fading tenure , we saw  apologetic references to the decade of achievements under his watch.Frank to admit Dr Singh had never intended to make history ,but only to be judged by it. The damage  done, the outgoing PM is content to warn of a greater one should BJP's nominee take the reins next !.Little consolation for a nation with its hobbled economy and a bewildered polity.
  (Published ET;Jan 4 )

 ( Published BS;Jan 6 )
http://epaper.business-standard.com/bsepaper/svww_zoomart.php?Artname=20140106aT012101004&ileft=240&itop=1331&zoomRatio=182&AN=20140106aT012101004.