Letter on Shadow cabinet continued.... In the present Maharashtra initiative it is doubtful whether Sarpotdar (with severe criminal charges against him) and the Shiv Sena can contribute much towards a healthy shadow government; but if SS properly understands and implements this concept in its true spirit rather than only political bashing, it can be an effective way towards good governance. Otherwise the SS-BJP "shadow cabinet" will only leave behind a shadow of communalism and mud-slinging politics, decrying the very spirit of this initiative and further alienating people from such an idea.
What is to be remembered by initiators of such a idea is that, for it to successful in India, there should be tremendous involvement of citizens, social activists, professionals, community persons and not just opposition political representatives through shakas, party offices etc. Ultimately a shadow government is based on the principle "Co-operate where you can......Resist where you must and.......Appreciate whenever the opportunity arises."
Yours truly Ronald L. Rebello Add: 28 Sunrise (552), Samta Nagar, Kandivali (E), Mumbai 400 101 Tel: 91-22-28872741 Email: yoursfrankly@rediffmail.com
