There may have been doubts raised internationally over his ability to administer world cricket, but back home Sharad Pawar has shown why he is termed maverick when it comes to his favourite game of power politics. By requesting Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to shed one of his three portfolios, that too on the day when opposition parties were busy in total shut down theatrics over soaring fuel and food prices, the Maratha strongman ensured he had many wickets in a single delivery.
The 69-year-old leader, who heads Agriculture, Food and Public Distribution and Consumer Affairs departments in the coalition, has been blamed for consistent rise in food prices, not only by the aam junta but also by some of his "well-wishers" in the Congress-led government. The NCP supremo is also charged of devoting more time to cricket instead of remaining busy at Mantralaya.
By expressing wish to shed one of his portfolios, under the pretext of wanting some time for party work, the seasoned politico confirmed he was not on radar when people vented their anger over increasing prices. The move will also give Pawar time to don his new role of the ICC president. It is worth remembering here that ex-ICC CEO Malcolm Speed had doubted if Pawar would be able to devote sufficient time for the cricket's governing body considering the latter's ministerial responsibilities.
In the series of developments which ensured win-win situation for Pawar, the saddest part, however, is that the interest of common man -- around whom the entire Bharat Bandh drama was centred -- doesn't figure anywhere, leading to doubts over sensibility of today's politicos. The NCP chief is highly regarded for his prudent work as Chief Minister of Maharashtra and labeled as "Jaanata Raja" (the King who understands pain of his subjects) by his supporters. No doubt, the veteran leader knows the pulse of commoners, but that said his off-late decision to curtail his own role in the government when he actually should have been sitting in Mantralaya and chalking out strategies to see the junta do not reel under inflation, is nothing but a sorry indicator of today's politics. It's not that Pawar is the only politico who is appearing to be least bothered about the public grievences, but that he leads them all everywhere and every time. Leading all could be yet another feature of "Pawar Politics", but alas! in a sorry context though this time around.
P.S.: Former Australian Prime Minister John Howard's failure in his bid to become next ICC vice president has spawned a new controversy. Those who have studied Pawar's political journey so far, maybe wondering if Howard's defeat has something to do with 'Pawar play'. With Pawar in-charge, speculations are bound to be aplenty, while truth only he knows and this Malcolm Speed-like ones will know in days to come.
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