Rajiv Gandhi, The Prime Minister continues...

This speech was remarkable for its clarity about the nature of the mandate Rajiv Gandhi received. The country needed unity and harmony.

He was humble enough to admit that it was a victory of the people. The speech contained a solemn assurance that his Government would work for the people to ‘redeem its pledge’.

Rajiv Gandhi began his new prime ministerial career after a momentous

election with the formation of a new Cabinet. Cabinet formation has always

been one of the toughest tasks that test the mettle of any political leader.

India being a country of immense diversity, ministry making involves careful synthesizing of conflicting interests. In a way politics in Delhi is conducted by lobbyists who become hyperactive when a new ministry is to be formed.

The media often gives very colourful accounts of the nocturnal activities of these lobbyists, who make all-out efforts to ensure that their man gets into the Cabinet. As a matter of fact, it is the dream of every politician to become a minister. But few are ultimately able to make it. For others it is a frustrating experience. But they never lose hope. They wait for the

telephone call the next time. Thus, ministry making is a great political

narrative that has its own thrilling contexts.

Rajiv Gandhi caused immense frustration to the lobbyists and the politicians who depended on them by denying them any role in the formation of the new Cabinet.

He chose the people whom he wanted,

without yielding to any extraneous pressure. At the same time, he did not

or could not totally jettison political considerations while forming his Cabinet of ministers. The formation of the ministry showed Rajiv Gandhi’s sense of priority and political understanding. He was overwhelmed by the support given to him by the people. So, he felt that he owed it to them to have a strong, cohesive and purpose-oriented ministry to give concrete

shape to his ideas and policies.

Rajiv Gandhi, The Prime Minister concluded!

Next up :- Chapter 2 - The Accords