Pramod Mahajan: The Shooting Star Shot

The shocking shoot out involving Pramod Mahajan and his brother Pravin has stunned the nation. The BJP leader, whom Vajpayee called the Lakshman of the party, second only to Advani, is battling for his life at a Mumbai hospital. The impact this incident will probably change the politics of the BJP and even the nations political atmosphere. Pramod Mahajan is a person who enjoys a reputation ranging from a brilliant politician to a wheeler dealer with undesirable links with industrialists. The 56 year old Mahajan has been the public face of the party along with Arun Jaitley. They both have formed the Gen Next in the party that will soon see a transition from the old guard of Vajpayee, Advani and Joshi to them to take the 25 year, currently crisis ridden, party forward. Mahajan has played a crucial role in the rise of the party and making it become the first non-Congress party to head a Union Government for a full term. He also was the man behind many election wins and was known to be strong organizational man.

But his critics and disappointments also went besides his ‘blue-eyed boy’ of the party image. There were constant whispers about his dealing as Communications Minister with Reliance Infocomm. His glamorous image had its fair share of critics in the media and the political establishment. Also, he was known to bring monetary and political benefits to his cronies and protégés. Then there was his biggest failure, the general elections of 2004. By the end of the NDA term, Mahajan had become all powerful in the BJP and hence was in charge of the entire campaign. His ‘India Shining’, though brilliant in theme and execution, failed to excite voters to make the BJP come back to power. Although, it was not the India Shining campaign that made the NDA lose the elections, it was some pre-poll alliance gaffes (most notably with the AIADMK) that ultimately crushed the Mahajan dream of a second successive win.

Politically, Mahajan is a maverick with him, getting a keen ear from Advani and Vajpayee (at one time). He has served the role of political advisor when Vajpayee was PM. Although not a mass leader, and many in his party have a grudge against that deficiency, he has a keen sense of negotiating and politicking that keeps him close to the powers that be. Without him in the fray (although it’s still very early to say), the succession battle may have already begun. The leaders who have been waiting in the wings for years may now sense their opportunity. There is the efficient Arun Jaitley, the hardliner Modi, the now rarely seen Sushma Swaraj and the BJP president Rajnath Singh who will be keen to increase their influence. All of them could now want the top job to take the party forward. Whether such succession frenzy will take place is debatable and too early since Mr. Mahajan is still alive.

So as Pramod Mahajan battles for his life, everyone across party lines, wish his speedy recovery. But national politics has certainly changed ever since those three shots rang out early this morning.