"A few years back, Gadse was the President of the country."
"Yes, I have heard the name, though I was not much interested in international politics at that time."
"Gadese was elected with a massive mandate from the people. The main reason for his resounding victory was the election promises made by him. He had vowed to bring back the black money, stashed by some of his countrymen in foreign nations and use that money for the development of the country. He also promised to root out corruption at all levels, create twenty million jobs a yea and provide a transparent government. His promises created a lot of expectations in the minds of people and made them vote for him in a big way. But, after coming to power, he showed interest only in enjoying the fruits of his office. He didn't pay any attention to the problems faced by the country, but kept himself busy, by going around the world, visiting various countries, in the guise of developing trade and friendship with other nations."
"I remember his visit to our country."
"His globe-trotting created an impression that he had an obsession to visit as many places in the world as he could, during the tenure of his office. He bought two luxurious aircrafts for his personal travel, spent lavishly for building a mansion for him, bought expensive clothes and exhibited them, by changing his costumes several times a day."
"Ok. But, did he fulfill the election promises he had made?" asked Kalicharan, interrupting Bhushan.
"I was coming to that. Not only he didn't fulfill his promises, but he also did things contravening his promises."
"In what way?"
"His economic misadventures, carried out without consulting the Economists or other professionals, resulted in the country's economy taking a nosedive. Millions of people lost their jobs. Thousands of small and medium businesses were forced to close shop, while a handful of large industrial groups close to Gadse flourished. Contrary to his promise of a transparent government, his government acted in surreptitious ways, doing things to benefit its favourite industrial groups. People who had asked questions were imprisoned under draconian laws, making it impossible for them to be released on bail, resulting in their suffering prolonged incarceration. Intimidated by this highhandedness, the media and the political commentators chose to remain silent. The few who dared to criticize, oppose or fight the government suffered loss of their freedom, properties and some even tof heir lives."
"Won't these actions have not created resentment among the people?" asked Kalicharan.
"Gadse would often boastfully claim 'I don't see any enemies before me. And people are behind me.' With the opposition parties being weak, a perception about his claim being true. was created. The media, which was derisively referred to as the 'lapdog media,' proclaimed that in the next election, Gadse would secure even a bigger win than he did in the previous election. Even his opponents felt that his reelection was inevitable and resigned themselves to the prospect of continuing doom. But, contrary to the general expectation, Gadse was defeated in the next election."
"How did it happen?" asked.
While most of the people believed that there was no leader who had the strength to contest against Gadse and defeat him, a young man chose to contest against him. All the opposition parties, who didn't have enough strengthen on their own, rallied behind the young man, and supported his candidature. But, no one expected that young man to win. When the votes our counted and the results announced, every one was stunned in disbelief. The young contender had won, defeating Gadse with a big margin.
"Yes. I remember his name now. He was Karun. I have read that he provided a good government. But how did he manage to defeat the mighty Gadse?"
"It was an expression of people's resentment, dissatisfaction and anger at Gadse, who, intoxicated by power, had a nonchalant attitude about fulfilling the election promises made by him. The leaders of the opposition parties, who were submerged in the illusion created by Gadese, failed to read the people's minds. But the reality was that people were ready to vote for anyone, who contested against Gadse" said Bhushan.
Kalicharan, who was silent for a few seconds ,told Bhushan, "I can understand why you are talking to me about Gadse," with a smile on his face.
"I am your political strategist. It is my duty to guide you in the right path and help you win. But, people around you have been praising you high and misleading you into believing that your opponents have become so weak and that you have become invincible. But, I want to be honest with you. It has been a year, since you came to power. You have not yet taken any steps to fulfill the promises you made during the election. It is my humble suggestion that you should, without wasting further time, take steps to implement the promises made by you to the people. Only if you fulfill your obligations towards the people, you will be able to remain successful in politics" said Bhushan and looked at Kalichran, not being sure of how the Prime Minister would take his exhortation.
Kalicharan quietly nodded his head
magizhchchiyin maindhuRum pOzhdhu.
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