“The 2014 election meant not just a change of government but a change of the tone and temper from the time of Independence, and “This is a beginning of an attempt to revamp the country”.”
It was on this promising note that the 9th Quarterly lecture, organised by Centre for Public Policy Research kicked off. Dr. Dileep Padgaonkar, the former editor of Times of India spoke on: ‘Indian Politics after One Year of General Elections 2014’ . With a career spanning over four decades in journalism, he is one of the best political spokesperson of the country. His association with the Times of India as a Consulting Editor and as a member of the editorial board of The World Post bears testimony to this fact. The experiences with UNESCO in Bangkok and Paris, and as a member of the National Commission for Minorities and the Chairman of the Group of Interlocutors for Jammu & Kashmir appointed by the Union government truly qualifies him as a political commentator of immense repute. A prolific columnist, Mr. Padgaonkar has edited and authored several publications, in India and abroad. He is the recipient of the Legion d’honneur, France’s highest civilian award, for his contribution to journalism.
Dr. Padgoankar undertook an evaluation of ‘One year of Modi government’, besides the future trajectory in accordance with the current trends. He further deliberated upon Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s conduct vis-à-vis the executive, legislature and judiciary & the fourth estate. For Padgoankar, establishing supremacy inside the party and the government, with smart choices of side-lining and power sharing arrangements was an undeniable feature of the new government.
Overarching power of the PMO, critical responses to the ordinances, hazy working of the NitiAyog, feud with the AAP government, uneasy relation with the judiciary to mention a few, remain as the bone of contention. The idea of good governance with less government summarises Prime Minister’s conduct in relation to the Executive. Nevertheless the success of the regime lies in the implementation of the grand plans and by quelling the opposition and dissent voices. The speaker was pragmatic to add that, a drastic change cannot be expected unless an alternative narrative of revamping the governance is scripted.
Prof. K.C Abraham, academic director CPPR initiated the discussion, and Mr. Sibin Sabu, Research Assistant, CPPR proposed vote of thanks.
Click here to view the complete lecture : “Indian Politics After One Year of General Election 2014”- 9th CPPR Quarterly Lecture by Dr. Dileep Padgaonkar