This is with reference to Nitin Gadkari’s reply to NDTV in response to Shatrughan Sinha’s remarks about new party functionaries. Sinha could have picked up the phone and talked to Gadkari, but I don’t believe he called a press conference to rebel. If a reporter asks a question, one is not expected to say, let me talk to my party leadership before I answer to that question. One can not do it in every individual situation. Gadkari replied to Sinha through NDTV, which is not different from Sinha answering to the question of another reporter. There should not be too much rigidity in people’s right to communicate with public as long as they don’t rebel in a damaging way. There are certain situations in which responsible people find it hard to remain tongue tied when situations altering fundamental tenets of the party emerge. That is what happened when Advani glorified Jinnah during his visit to Pakistan. That issue was in contradiction to the fundamental philosophy of the party. The manner in which the party dealt with it irreparably damaged the party. That issue will continue to haunt the party.

Senior leaders with dedication and commitment should not lament when positions are not allotted to them or to people whom they adore. Instead, they should take ownership of ideas, events and situations and guide current and emerging leadership. It is important to highlight the fact that the party has exceptionally capable leaders like Yaswhant Sinha. It does not have to be by way of allocating a position of Vice President. The best way to solve this subtle issue is by creating a consultative pool of leaders emeritus to advice solutions to current and emerging issues both in parliament and in party. If that pool has a quasi executive status it would avoid pyramiding talent, which is one of the weaknesses of every organization.