During Purushotham's tenure, the country's economy witnessed a sharp downtrend. Except for the incredible growth of of a few business houses considered close to Purushotham, there was no growth in the country.
However, a large section of the media predicted that Purushotham would secure a handsome victory in the election and be elected President of the country for a second term. It was another matter that most of the media was subservient to Purushotham, as a result of his bringing them under his thumb, using a carrot and stick approach towards the media.
If a media house supported him, it would receive a bonanza from the government in various forms. If one chose to be even mildly critical of the government, it would face a ruthless oppression, both by way of outwardly lawful acts like income tax raids, inquiries into alleged violations of rules etc. and by way of threats and coercion from Purushotham's party's outfits.
Kesav, the leader of the principal opposition party, announced that he would contest against Purushotham.
The media ridiculed him, saying, "Kesav is an infant. He doesn't have the maturity of even a five year old boy. He will be no match to a tall leader like Purushotham."
Kesav announced a press meet. The entire media including the print and the electronic media was present for the meet.
"What weapon do you have to fight the might of Mr. Purushotham?" asked a media person, apparently aiming to convey his loyalty to Purushotham.
"I don't have any weapon. Mr. Purushotham's security forces allowed me into this hall, only after thoroughly frisking me" said Kesav, raising both his arms in a mock gesture.
This provoked a spontaneous laughter among the media persons present there.
"Representatives of the media! I know that you have been waiting to pose a number of questions to me. I will answer all your questions. But, after that, you should answer few questions I will be asking. Now, you may shoot your questions" said Kesavan.
For the next one hour, the media persons drilled Kesav with a wide array of questions. Several questions were by way of mocking him and insulting him. But, Kesav answered all the questions patiently, without getting offended, with a smile adorning his face throughout.
Eventually, the media persons found that all their questions had been exhausted.
"You said you would be asking us some questions!" one person reminded Kesav.
"Yes, I did. But, the questions are not directed at you. They are for Mr. Purushotham, the man who has been at the helm of this country for the past four years. I had posed these questions to him many times in the past, through various forums. But, he didn't answer them. Unable to answer my questions, he mocked me saying that I was an immature boy. Many of you also joined him in ridiculing me. Now, through you, I am going to pose five questions to the President of this country.
"1. During the past four years, our country's growth has stagnated, unemployment has become more severe and millions of people have been pushed into poverty. Your government is responsible for this deterioration. What is your plan to solve this problem?
"2. The medical infrastructure of the country has totally collapsed. More and more people have been afflicted by health problems, but there are not enough hospitals or doctors to treat them. What is the reason for the collapse of the health infrastructure? How are you going to rectify this?
"3.The farmers have been becoming poorer day by day. Their income has been falling steadily, while their debt burden has been going up. The number of farmer suicides has increased steeply during the last four years. What is your strategy to address this problem?"
"4. You didn't pay attention to the defence of our country. Emboldened by your laxity, our enemies in the neighbourhood have, on several occasions, crossed the borders and attacked our soldiers. We lost some of our soldiers in those attacks. Why did you neglect the country's security?"
"5. As a result of the above problems created by your misgovernance, a situation has been created in which people are not able to lead a happy and peaceful life. After pushing our country into such an abysmal state, on what grounds are you seeking another term in office? Do you want to perpetuate the misery you have inflicted on our country, through four more years of misgovernance?"
There was absolute silence for several seconds, after Kesav had completed his statement.
Breaking the silence, one reporter asked Kesav, "Finding fault and playing the blame game can be done by anyone. Do you have solutions for the problems listed by you?"
"I do" said Kesav, smiling at the reporter who posed this question. "My election manifesto has been structured around the five questions raised by me in this meet. I have detailed how I would address each of these issues, if I am elected the President. And, I am releasing my manifesto now in your presence."
He then cut open a cardboard box brought to him by one of his assistants, took out the printed copies of his manifesto and distributed them to the media persons assembled there.
Section 2
Divining the Mind
piNi inmai selvam viLaivu inbam Emam
aNi enba nAttu ivvaindhu.
No comments:
Post a Comment