Has Pranab Mukherjee been a good leader?
The tenure of Pranab Mukherjee as President of India was marked by a mix of achievements and controversies. His leadership faced both critical acclaim and intense scrutiny, especially during his interactions with political figures and critics.
Electoral and Political Critiques
One of Pranab Mukherjee's key challenges was navigating the often-confrontational political environment of India. Mukherjee, who served as the Finance Minister under Manmohan Singh, was a fierce critic of Vishwanath Pratap Singh. A notable example of his political stance came when Singh initiated the Pokhran 2 nuclear tests. Although Mukherjee did not directly name Pakistan, his warnings were stern about the repercussions of a nuclear explosion and the potential for an arms race in South Asia.
The nuclear move by Singh became a topic of heated debate. Some, like Indira Gandhi, categorized India's position as strongly affirming the need to demonstrate nuclear deterrence. Pranab Mukherjee argued against the idea of detonating a hydrogen bomb for propaganda purposes, stating that Hindutva (Hindu nationalism) was not necessary for survival. Instead, he believed that the power of silence would be the ultimate tool to protect India's sovereignty during grim times.
Public Controversies
The political arena did not spare Mukherjee. During a political rally, an individual physically attacked him by throwing raw eggs. This event highlighted the often volatile nature of Indian politics. Mukherjee’s counter-statement was unique: he alleged that the ration provided by the government had not been stocked for three months, and they were only eating once a day. This incident resulted in Mukherjee leaving the stage and not continuing to speak on Singh's achievements.
Moreover, Mukherjee's nomination as President also faced criticisms. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) often emphasized their legacy, which sparked debates about inclusivity and regional representation. Some argued that a Bengali prime minister would challenge the Hindi-speaking majority, thus fueling regional tensions. The Congress party justified Manmohan Singh's appointment as Prime Minister to avoid the stigma of the 1984 riots, and their choice of APJ Abdul Kalam as a Muslim president was to consolidate votes from lower-caste Muslims and promote coalition politics.
Economic Contributions
Despite the political controversies, Mukherjee made significant economic contributions. His role in the disinvestment plan under Manmohan Singh's tenure doubled India's GDP. Additionally, Mukherjee's efforts in enhancing bilateral trade saw Secretary Hillary Clinton visit India, highlighting the importance of his work.
Beyond his economic achievements, Mukherjee's nomination as President set a unique precedent. He was seen as a non-controversial choice, easily passing through the Lok Sabha without any debate. His non-partisan image was instrumental, especially compared to other politicians who focused more on cabinet positions.
Personal and Controversial Aspects
More personally, Mukherjee's election as President was seen by some as more about his administrative capabilities than political contributions. His nomination was seen as a strategic move by the Congress party to distance themselves from negative connotations. The issue of Gorkhaland, a statehood movement in Bengal, raised debates about regional autonomy, which Mukherjee managed to navigate without significant public controversy.
In his role as a Senator and leader at the RSS national convention, Mukherjee opted for a more inclusive view of India's historical and religious identity. He questioned the Aryan migration theory and the fictional representation of Hindu gods, aligning more with the Congress party’s inclusive stance on secularism and national identity.
Conclusion
While Pranab Mukherjee's presidency was not without its controversies and challenges, his contributions to India's economic growth and his ability to navigate political and social divides were notable. His tenure as President is remembered for its non-partisan approach and focus on administrative efficiency rather than political maneuvering.
The legacy of Pranab Mukherjee remains a subject of debate, with some praising his pragmatic leadership and others criticizing his political stances. Through his actions and decisions, Mukherjee left an indelible mark on India's political landscape, demonstrating both the strengths and challenges of leading a diverse and complex nation.