Dear Editor,
This is in reference to ‘PPP replies to Ramkarran‘ (SN, Dec 8). I was surprised that the party responded (in such a sharp tone) to what was a harmless, fairly objective analysis done with good intentions. A quiet private discussion by the leadership and strategists with the former Speaker on the way forward would have been more beneficial than a sharp rebuke of the PPP stalwart. What does the party hope to achieve with this response? It certainly is not going to win the sympathy of those supporters who stayed away from the polls last year.
The PPP’s response to Mr Ramkarran is irresponsible. I am appalled that anyone would even consider to criticize Ramkarran and rebut facts with polemics not reflective of pragmatic politics. The PPP response is a classic case of “Where ignorance is bliss, ‘tis folly to be wise.” It also reminds me of the proverbial ostrich with its head buried deep in the sand not listening to its supporters or well-meaning critiques.
Although Mr Ramkarran has resigned from the party, at heart he is still PPP and one can sense he does not harbour any ill will for the PPP. He wants the party to win and the country to be stable so it can continue on its path of progress and development.
In reading the response, the conclusion one draws is that the PPP does not have a clue about the anger of its grass roots base with almost 20% staying home rather than casting ballots and an additional 15% voting AFC.
And over the last year, the party has not taken significant steps to convince its base to return home. The combined
opposition is self destructing but the PPP should not be depending on the PNC and AFC to make blunders in order to win an election. The PPP needs to be pro-active to win back its traditional supporters and cross-over support.
While no one and no organization (especially one like the PPP with 62 years of experience) likes to be corrected or criticized, it is better to accept critiques from one’s own and remain quiet rather than pen a public response to expose erratic ways. Clearly, the response shows the PPP is out of touch. The party is not listening to those who mean well and it will continue to see leakage in support unless it mends its ways.
It is still not too late for the PPP to do serious introspection in relation to mistakes it has made in recent years and take note of its political stock. While Ramkarran’s analysis has its flaws as any analysis would, he raises a lot of truths which the PPP needs to face up to and address in order that it can win a majority at any election.
Yours faithfully,
Vishnu Bisram
