Manmohan is third longest-serving PM

[ek_indian]

I agree with this point of yours, albeit to some extent. The problem with Dr Singh is that he is not a grassroots level leader. He actually doesnt have a mass following like say Vajpayee or PVN had. Their clout in politics came from this mass support and hence they had that much control over matters of the state and various ministries when they occupied the PMO.

But then, one cannot micromanage the affairs of the state. PVN, even though he had such vast experience and political clout, literally gave Dr Singh a free hand to implement economic reforms. Good governance comes from proper delegation of authority and responsibilities and ensure that those delegated responsibilities are carried out efficiently. Thats what CEO's do, thats what Head of Govt.'s do.

But yes, his lack of grassroots level mass support does diminish his political clout in the government and that to some extent affects his interactions with other leaders. But then, doesnt Sonia have his back against any political backlash from within the party or in the politics? Stooge or no stooge, Dr. Singh does have excellent academic credentials and very good chemistry with other world leaders. A very important point to consider when India is on a path to become a major world power. Or would you like to have the likes or Mayawati or Mamta Banerjee or even Lallu hobnobbing with world leaders at various forums?

I really never wanted to get into this debate. But I will try to say some points:

No one is saying MMS should look after everthing. Micromanaging is even not possible considering quantity of ministries. Do you really think that ABV or PVN used to interfere in everyone's domain. However they should when situation demands so. You yourself said PVN gave a free hand to MMS regarding financial reforms. This is where I see MMS lacking. Sitting idle or adopting silence is just another form of head-buried-in-sand syndrome.

I recall one recent example of spat beteen home ministry and foreign ministry. Entire nation was expecting to know what is the position of govt on this issue, from highest authority. But we did not hear anything concrete. This is where I say, MMS's credibility is low. He should have come forward which did not happen. Another such incident is confusion over naxal issue.

One more thing, I do not believe in the theory MMS can be pressurised given his clean record, experience, expertise etc. Ofcourse some political considerations are there. But when one do not see actions from PM, one tend to believe stooge thesis.

Lastly, I never advocated for Lalu/Mayawati or alike. They are worthless to talk about. But there are better candidate for job (with political clout). I myself consider Pranav da, best suited for current scenario. IMO, finance minister and prime minister should swap their profiles.

 

[gubbi]

I recall one recent example of spat beteen home ministry and foreign ministry. Entire nation was expecting to know what is the position of govt on this issue, from highest authority. But we did not hear anything concrete. This is where I say, MMS's credibility is low. He should have come forward which did not happen. Another such incident is confusion over naxal issue.

You make valid points. Dr Singh has to show more control over the govt. But does that really mean that he should make public statements on how he admonishes the ministries? Isnt that a morale damper? I for one, wouldn't want my PM to admonish my other ministers in public. That reeks of narcissism and arrogance and would reflect poorly on us, Indians - for leaders are a reflection of the society they represent.

The spat that you talk about, IIRC the statement made by a Home ministry secretary just before the FM's visit to Pakistan, was silently taken care of. Home Ministry was made to appoint a new spokesman (which they lacked in the first place) immediately after the FM made his displeasure known.

Here's the thing about leaders. One needs to keep his flock together and settle disputes without letting things get ugly or washing dirty linen in public. Even if people have differences, suddenly you see that everyone starts following the leader's direction, without a lot of noise. Thats how good leaders roll.

Lastly, I never advocated for Lalu/Mayawati or alike. They are worthless to talk about. But there are better candidate for job (with political clout). I myself consider Pranav da, best suited for current scenario. IMO, finance minister and prime minister should swap their profiles.

I just gave you an example of some of the leaders that we have today in power. I wasnt talking about your preferences. Pranav Mukherjee, SM Krishna, even Chidambaram can make good PMs, but theres something lacking and I cannot exactly get my finger on what it is.

Btw, I am NOT a congress fan, jfyi. I just happen to like some personalities, irrespective of their political affiliations.

 

[Tshering22]

Manmohan is third longest-serving PM

Manmohan Singh has become the third longest-serving prime minister of India as he completed 2,273 days in office on Wednesday. India's first prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru tops the list at 6,130 days, while his daughter Indira Gandhi remains the second longest-serving prime minister with 5,829 days in office.

"There are no special celebrations for the day. The prime minister is following his routine schedule," an official in the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), who declined to be identified said.

"The main functions he celebrates related to his office are the anniversaries of the UPA (United Progressive Alliance) government.They are all well publicised functions attended by UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi and other leaders," the official added.

Manmohan Singh, 77, moved to the thrid slot Wednesday, replacing his predecessor Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who had been in office for 2,272 days over three terms.

Vajpayee was prime minister for 13 days in 1996 and for 2,256 days in the second and third terms during 1998-2004.

The Manmohan Singh-led UPA-1 (2004-2009), at 1,826 days, holds the second position among the longest-serving central governments. Indira Gandhi's second stint (March 18, 1971-March 24, 1977) tops the list at 2,198 days. This became possible for Indira Gandhi as her government's tenure was extended during the emergency.

After Nehru, Manmohan Singh is the only prime minister to have been re-elected on completion of a full five-year-term.

"Dr. Singh does not bother about ornamental statistics. His focus is always on dedication and quality of work," said the PMO official.

Manmohan becomes third longest-serving PM - Hindustan Times

Very unfortuantely for us Buddhists in the eastern India. Unfortunately because, he's not the real leader and is simply a puppet to Sonia Gandhi.

 

[Dr sim]