As the Indian political stage sets for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, a whirlwind of discourse swirls around Sam Pitroda, the Indian Overseas Congress Chairman. His recent proposition for an inheritance tax, mirroring the American model, has sparked a fiery debate across the nation. Pitroda’s vision is one where the state would inherit a lion’s share of 55 per cent of the deceased’s wealth, leaving a mere 45 per cent legacy for the bereaved family. This, he argues, is a stride towards equitable distribution, a slice of affluence redirected for the greater good.
Yet, this notion has not been met with universal applause. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has castigated the Congress, insinuating avarice that transcends mortality. The Congress, he suggests, eyes the wealth of the departed as yet another avenue for exploitation.
Pitroda, a technocrat-turned-political strategist, and a confidant of the Gandhi dynasty, has often found himself at the epicentre of controversies. In an era where the BJP has woven a narrative of progress, nationalism, and a revival of Bharat’s roots, the Congress appears adrift, searching for its ideological moorings. At such a juncture, Pitroda’s comments have granted him an unbridled spotlight, raising questions about the Congress’ tactical acumen.
The echoes of the past linger; the 2019 elections saw Mani Shankar Aiyar’s caustic remarks towards Prime Minister Modi, which many believe cost the Congress dearly. It seems history may be repeating itself as the party struggles to rein in its stalwarts, whose words wield the power to uplift or unravel the painstaking efforts of its cadre.
In this intricate tapestry of Indian politics, every thread, every colour, every pattern holds significance. As the battle for the soul of India intensifies, the Congress must navigate the turbulent waters of public opinion, lest it be swept away by the tides of change. The saga of Pitroda and Aiyar is more than a tale of individual missteps; it is a reflection of a party at a crossroads, deciding the path it will tread in the annals of India’s democratic journey.
Privileges of being Pitrodas And Aiyars
In the grand theatre of Indian politics, where every actor plays a part, some roles are more privileged than others. The characters of Sam Pitroda and Mani Shankar Aiyar stand out, not for their connection with the pulsating streets of India but for their perceived detachment from them. They are the modern-day court jesters, whose words echo through the halls of power, insulated from the dusty realities of the ground.
These men, draped in the cloak of privilege, find solace in the cool embrace of air-conditioned chambers, far removed from the sweltering heat of the political landscape. Here, in these ivory towers, words are spoken with a freedom that only comes from a lack of accountability. Their statements, sometimes absurd, sometimes profound, reverberate without consequence, shielded by the legacy of the Nehru-Gandhi family.
The strength of Pitroda and Aiyar lies not in their grassroots activism but in their perceived wisdom, which they believe can illuminate the minds of the masses deemed less enlightened. They are the self-appointed sages of the Congress party, dispensing knowledge as they see fit, often oblivious to the discordant notes their words strike in the symphony of Indian democracy.
Yet, in this disconnect lies a paradoxical power. Their privilege affords them a platform to influence, shape discourse, and challenge the status quo, all while remaining untouched by the very currents they seek to direct. It is a dance of shadows and light, where the figures of Pitroda and Aiyar loom larger than life, casting long silhouettes that stretch far beyond the reach of their voices.
In the end, the privilege of being a Pitroda or an Aiyar is a double-edged sword. It cuts through the cacophony of political noise, leaving a mark that is indelible, for better or for worse. As the Congress party navigates the turbulent waters of Indian politics, it must reckon with these privileged voices, ensuring that their echoes do not drown out the chorus of the common man, for whom the stage of democracy was truly built. The saga continues, as India watches and waits to see how the narrative will unfold.
Why does Congress protect these people?
In the labyrinth of Indian politics, the Congress party stands as a venerable institution, a legacy of the nation’s tryst with destiny. Yet, within its hallowed halls, a conundrum persists – the protection of certain individuals who seem disconnected from the grassroots reality. To say the Congress shields such figures is to oversimplify the discontent simmering among its dedicated workers and leaders, who often view these privileged few with disdain.
The crux of the matter lies in the party’s evolution—or some would argue, devolution—into an entity orbiting the Nehru-Gandhi constellation. Figures like Sam Pitroda and Mani Shankar Aiyar, nestled close to the family, have seemingly turned the party into a receptacle for their elitist musings, shielded by the Gandhis for reasons shrouded in familial enigma.
Since independence, the Nehru-Gandhi lineage has intertwined with intellectuals and activists whose ideologies often appear alien to India’s rich tapestry of culture and history. Their Marxist-tinged narratives on society, economics, and politics stand in stark contrast to the indigenous ethos of the land.
Sonia Gandhi’s protective embrace of these individuals, owing to their association with Rajiv Gandhi, and Rahul Gandhi’s apparent Leftist leanings, has fostered an environment where such ideologues thrive. They propagate a vision of India that, to many, seems marred by distortions and dissonance.
The question then arises: Why does the Congress harbour these voices? Perhaps it is a testament to the party’s loyalty to its old guard, or maybe it reflects a deeper ideological struggle within. As the Congress navigates the tumultuous waters of contemporary Indian politics, it must reconcile these internal contradictions. It must decide whether to cling to the vestiges of a bygone era or to forge a new path that resonates with the heartbeat of India.
The saga of Pitroda and Aiyar is not just about individual transgressions; it is emblematic of a party at a crossroads, choosing between the comfort of the known and the uncertainty of a new direction. The Congress’ future may well depend on its ability to harmonise the chorus of its diverse voices, ensuring that the symphony it composes strikes a chord with the people of India. The narrative continues, as the nation watches with bated breath.
What Congress does not understand
The Congress is the Opposition’s voice, the counterpoint to the ruling symphony orchestrated by the BJP. But within this grand theatre, a paradox unfolds—a tale of privilege, entitlement, and myopia.
India, the mosaic of a billion dreams, transcends the confines of any political family. It breathes with the pulse of its people, their aspirations, and their struggles. The Congress, once the architect of India’s destiny, must recognise that its canvas extends far beyond the Nehru-Gandhi legacy. It is not merely a political dynasty but a vessel for the collective hopes of a diverse nation.
Sam Pitroda and Mani Shankar Aiyar—names etched in the annals of Congress history. Their privilege lies not in their grassroots connection but in their proximity to the Gandhis. Within the hallowed halls of Lutyens’ Delhi, they muse, detached from the sweat-soaked streets where party cadres toil. Yet, their words echo, shielded by the family’s legacy. Meanwhile, the foot soldiers—the tireless workers, the leaders who bleed Congress blue—watch from the wings, their voices muted.
The Congress must grapple with its ideological compass. Pitroda and Aiyar, with their Marxist-infused musings, seem out of sync with India’s soul. To combat the BJP, the Congress must shed such baggage. It cannot fight fire with folly. Targeting Narendra Modi with personal attacks or proposing wild ideas like an inheritance tax only weakens its stance. India demands substance, not spectacle.
(The author, a columnist and research scholar, teaches journalism at St. Xavier’s College (autonomous), Kolkata. His handle on X is @sayantan_gh. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18’s views)
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