‘The Tribune-Chatterati’ 22nd.February.2010

Instances of the Congress and BJP agreeing on anything are too rare. So, everyone was shocked when BJP chief ministers, especially when Gujarat CM Narendra Modi praised the Home Minister for impeccable handling of internal security. It shows to some extent a maturing of the Indian polity.
We are so used to the opposition parties protesting government policies just for the sake of it. Right after the Mumbai tragedy, the BJP lashed out at the UPA government and tried to make it a poll issue. This did not sell right for the BJP with voters. Terrorism is worldwide the biggest threat today. No party can afford to play politics on securing the country against possible terror attacks. Therefore it was a pleasant surprise that both the Congress and BJP seem to have realized that the country expects the political class to tackle the danger of terrorism unitedly.
Anyway it is time that our political parties realize what it means to be in the opposition and how to play the role responsibly. The culture of parties indiscriminately going hammer and tongs at the governing party should be finished. In a mature democracy, the opposition must play a constructive role. The opposition to keep the government on its toes they must talk of prices of essential commodities but on issues such as national security and terrorism, the government and opposition must work together. So, one was so impressed and relieved at this new development. How long it lasts let see.