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FLIPSIDE
The Gang of FourBy Dilip Bobb
There's many a slip between the cup and the lip. Four of
them, at last count. Collectively, they represent the first time since Indira Gandhi's
reign that the country is being run by women. The Gang of Four, as they are known, have
little in common. In fact, they hardly meet. But clearly, after last week's Power Tea
between Jayalalitha and Sonia Gandhi, they reinforce the adage that behind every
successful man is a woman -- waiting to take over. The BJP may occupy the official chair,
but de facto of the matter is that the fate of the country rests in the hands of four
women. Here's what happens when they finally meet.
Jayalalitha: Did you feel the earth move?
Sonia Gandhi: Well yes, it was quite a powerful earthquake.
Everybody's still shaken up. One doesn't quite know what to do at a time like this.
Whether to stay in or get out. George insisted I stay in.
Jayalalitha: That's exactly what I told the prime minister. If you
want to stay in, get George out.
Sonia: Oh, that George. I have nothing to say in his defence. In
fact, I have nothing to say generally. It keeps everybody guessing as to my real
intentions.
Rabri Devi: I agree. Look at me. I inflicted the biggest
embarrassment on the government. All without saying a word.
Jayalalitha: Actually, I don't believe in skirting the issue. But
as long as we women can keep up the pressure, we can keep raising the stakes. Today
Petroleum and Defence. Tomorrow, the moon. If that's all right with you, of course.
Sonia: I will have to check with George. I think that my cabinet
is already finalised. But dropping a few will not be a problem. I find that snapping my
fingers keeps them on their toes.
Mamata Banerjee: My only interest is Best Bengal. What's best for
Bengal, that is my only concern. I am not interested in Pawar.
Sonia: Neither am I.
Rabri Devi: And me. In Bihar, we don't get very much power anyway,
especially in summer. But it does help when your main job is to keep the seat warm.
Jayalalitha: That's why the prime minister kept fidgeting during
our meeting last week. He said that after a year of sitting in the hot seat, he still
doesn't know who his allies are and who his enemies are.
Sonia: I'll let him know where I stand. As soon as I know where I
stand. But that could take a while. I have to weigh the pros and cons.
Jayalalitha: Really? I usually have them beaten up. Saves time.
Rabri Devi: It helps to have a strong man beside you. How else do
you think I could run the Government, cook the food and look after the children? We women
have so much responsibility.
Jayalalitha: Which reminds me. We must keep on meeting like this.
After all, we have so much in common.
Sonia: Like what?
Jayalalitha: Power without responsibility. |
