Union Minister of Defence, Manohar Parrikar has the uncanny ability to make news, even when he decides not to talk to the media. At an official function of the state government to lay the foundation stone for a hospital at Mandur, he told the gathering that he would not speak to the media for the next six months. The reason given by him was that the media twists his words and tends to read more than what lies between the lines. The self-imposed silence will sadden media persons who made it their duty to tail the minister with the hope of getting a story, but might gladden the union government, which was left red in the face on many any occasion.
Parrikar is the kind of person who speaks out his mind. In a small state like Goa he spoke with abandon and very often had the last word on matters. Delhi, on the other hand, is a different place, and the post of defence minister of the Union a heavier responsibility. What is good for Goa might not necessarily be good in Delhi. His recent statement that terrorists have to be neutralised by terrorists created quite a stir and left India open to the charge that it was sponsoring terrorism. The policy of using 'reformed' terrorists to fight Pakistan sponsored terrorism is an old hat. It was never openly admitted, though. Parrikar's statement confirmed what was essentially a covert war. Yes, he spoke his mind, but how did it help India? Then came the observation about the eyes of Ganesha getting smaller and smaller because the idols were being manufactured in China. The minister went a step further and advised that if we want to make in India we will have to first ensure that idols are manufactured here. Although made in a lighter vein, the statement was considered a diplomatic faux pas.
In his defence, Parrikar was probably echoing the sentiment of many of his countrymen and women, all of whom would want to see India kick off the yoke of terrorism, by any means. However, as defence minister he is part of a group of select leaders tasked with guiding the country through choppy diplomatic waters and guarding it against economic and military forces inimical to its interests. Hence, on matters concerning the country, Parrikar cannot speak his mind as though he were still chief minister of Goa.
The defence minister is not the first politician to get embroiled in controversy and is not going to be the last. Ministers of the government need to interact with the media so that policy is disseminated. The media forms an important link between the the government and people and there is reason to believe that Parrikar will break his vow, simply because he is what he is -- a confident, self-made and committed leader.
