Standing Guard: A Year in Opposition

Standing Guard: A Year in Opposition (9788129139627) By – P. Chidambaram Authored by P. Chidambaram, one of India’s best-known politicians, Standing Guard offers a keen economic and political analysis of India@2015 – the tumult of the 2015 Bihar election, the debates surrounding the Land Acquisition Amendment ordinances and the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Bill, and the alarming rise of intolerance. In this rare collection of essays, Chidambaram refuses to shy away from any subject, no matter how contentious. With characteristic candour he examines issues as varied as the true mandate of the Reserve Bank of India, the implications of the Union Budgets, the successes and failures of the United Progressive Alliance governments, and the formidable challenges that lie ahead of the Modi regime. Equally, the author presents a compass for the future – underscoring the need for humility while administering a complex nation and for accommodating Opposition voices for the greater common good. In presenting, at once, a critique and a constructive road map, this book plays out the true meaning of a vibrant democracy – a system of governance in which the Opposition stands guard and remains as responsible as the government of the day. Standing Guard is evidence why P. Chidambaram is considered not just an accomplished economist and administrator, but also a statesman of the finest calibre. Praise This volume commends itself for its treatment of contemporary issues drawing from Mr Chidambaram’s extensive experience of over three decades in national politics and high-level economic policy-making. Bon aperitif. – Y.V. ReddyFormer Governor, Reserve Bank of India I hope more politicians follow Chidambaram’s example and take to the print media to share their views on important issues when not in office. It will help them to rethink their own positions afresh. It will also vastly enrich our public discourse. Finally, it will enable the public to hold them to the promises and positions which they espouse when not burdened by the compulsions of high office. – Montek Singh Ahluwalia Former Deputy Chairman, Planning Commission, Government of IndiaFeatures: 1-P. Chidambaram’s clarity of expression, mastery over detail, command over data, and understanding of electoral politics makes this volume an absolute must-read 2- A candid narrative that doesn’t shy away from commenting on any controversial subject – be it the wasted opportunities of the UPA government, the challenges that lay ahead of the Modi government, RBI’s role in facilitating growth, the 2015 Bihar election, the Union Budgets, AAP’s sweeping victory in Delhi – and many more 3- The 51 articles published here cover a wide range of topics including governance, the economy, policy and programs, politics, legislation and foreign policy, recommended for all enthusiastic readers, and especially students of economics.