Singh is King

For once, Dr Manmohan Singh has acted like a PM. Less than a year ago, he had to back off from the N-deal, due to fear of early elections imposed by the threat of a Left pull-out. That too when conditions were in UPA's favor. A sad PM had stated that his was not a single-issue government and it was not obsessed with it. Opposition labeled him ‘the weakest PM ever’. What went without much notice then was a statement issued by foreign secretary Shyam Saran that “Dr. Singh was a resilient man and all was not over for him with the N-Deal”. Eight months later the nation is witnessing the truth in that statement.

Dr. Singh’s reluctance to bow down before the Left on N-deal highlight's a never-before-seen facet of his personality - a tough leader. He acted fast in this now-or-never situation to shed off forever, the ‘weak PM’ label attached to his name. Sonia’s strong support to his do-or-die stand deserves as much admiration as does her ability to unite UPA members to put up a show of strength backing the deal at the cost of Left support. She has again proved to be a 'powerful' leader by using her unquestioned authority when it was much needed. Not only has she quelled the opposition within the Congress party but also put full energy in finding new allies to replace the Left. If that wasn't enough she asked her party workers to prepare for early elections.

But Sonia’s hold over the party is not surprising. What has surprised the nation is how and when did Manmohan Singh turn into an astute politician? What has stunned the people of this nation is his persuasive force behind convincing Sonia that this time enough was enough and the government better initiate the deal and sink itself rather than accepting an embarrassing defeat again, at the hands of Left and a loss of face internationally. This too when conditions couldn't have been worse for the ruling coalition to confront early polls. What brought out this change in him ? Was it the last four years of constant arm-twisting and pressure tactics by the Left? He pulled the trigger and there was no turning back. He has not only amazed the nation but even the political heavy weights in UPA who used to look down upon him till now. None of the UPA leaders have dared to oppose an enraged PM and his daring attempt to dump the Left and find other allies even when it could have cost him his government.

The historic and most dramatic vote-of-trust motion till date, which resulted in favor of the PM has proved that he has ruled the roost. He has emerged the real winner, the real king. It was pleasure to see his dejected and subservient face turn into one that commands the respect the righteous and highly qualified PhD–PM deserves. A label of a 'king-maker' , a 'tough leader’, a ‘powerful politician' would be a feather in his crown, that history would find hard to ignore.

Well done Mr. Prime Minister !