Why this craze for the President's post?

30 June, 2012

In India what ever the post is, the vying for it is crazy - because in every post our politicians see glory. In fact, Pranab and Sangma are not racing for this post. Pranab has already enjoyed the perks of this position. Some say the post is about taking it easy at the government's expense.

THOUGH IT is not a critical post, the politicking for the same is very competitive in political circles. The President's post in India is largely ceremonial. It is more suitable for people who have nothing to do with politics or the bureacracy. But such a person has never been chosen. A person who has a proven record in social service is much wanted for this largely powerless post.

But in a country like India every major post is occupied by a politician or a civil servant. That's a pity. For example, Pranab Mukarjee who was never, except in 2009, was elected by voters, enjoyed power in all the Congress Governments. He was very fortunate.

What was in his mind was to be the Prime Minister of India. He was not lucky to that extent because Manmohan Singh was the great obstacle for this part. Being an honorable politician, irrespective of political identity, Pranab should not have opted for the President's post.

On the other side, former speaker and a great humorist PA Sangma, also, should not have contested this post. He is very young in respect of political age and he will have so many chances in his future political career like the posts of the President. Here he is to be considered on only one criteria i.e. his tribe (ST). Why doesn’t he try for the PM's post? He is worth enough for the PM post. As no SC, ST Parliament Member is nearer to that post he might have tried for it. But unfortunately he is in competition for the President's post.