Politics is often characterized by the strong likes, hard decisions, and
even stronger dislikes and is, therefore, a double-edged sword, even for the
best of the politicians. The actions of the ministers are not only closely
covered by media but also spread around the globe like a wildfire through
social media, trolls, news and other means. So, for most of the politicians
politics and power accompanied with it is an end in itself and not a means to
achieve something greater. But, Vajpayee was different as was more pragmatic in
his approach when it comes to the country’s welfare. He managed the
contradictions with ease, encouraged the views of the people and fellow
politicians, maintained the decencies of public talks, and most important of
all he even respected and liked his political opponents. He was a person,
around whom the BJP could have redefined its image, motto and work ethics as a
party. He was in the politics but was beyond the usual game of power and fame
he worked for the country and has given some of the most valuable lessons from
which we all could learn.
Always look at the bigger picture
The first and the most important is looking at a bigger picture. In
today’s politics, which has become a hyperactive competition among the
politicians rather than means to serve the nation and its people, Vajpayee had
always put India’s democratic needs and its tradition above all else. In the
last decade-and-a-half, this notion of serving the nation has become an extinct
practice which is only evident from the frequent disruptions in the Parliament
sessions.
Power of the belief
The second lesson is believing in your beliefs with so much strength
that they don’t need reiterations, repetitions, and demonstrations. Today, many
analysts believe that Vajpayee strongly believed in the principle of Hindu
religion but never felt the need to prove them to anyone by putting a special
show for the beliefs he believed in.
Respect your opponents
Another of his quality which made him stand different from the rest of
his fellow politicians was the ability to tolerate. He was tolerant of the
difference in the opinions and was very happy to hear different points of views
even if they presented the worst case scenario. If he was wrong he would gladly
accept the mistake. He actively used this approach to resolve the impasses
during his political terms.
Believe in yourself
He believed in the power of an individual as he himself was a prime
example of the same. He lost his mentor, Shyam Prasad Mookerjee, when he was 29
years old. As he mourned the death of his mentor he also carried all his duties
towards the party diligently. Having a mentor can make your path easier but is
not a definite condition for the success as long as you are willing to forge
one for yourself.
Success and Patience go hand in hand
During the 1984 elections, BJP was reduced to a party with two seats but
Vajpayee did not let the failure weigh him down. He accepted the defeat and
worked hard and later in 1995 he was named as the BJP’s Ministerial Candidate.
Take the practical approach
The last one was the ability to be civil and humane to the opponents
both in talk and action. Everyone has strong likes and dislikes and some idea
that they believe in very strongly that could not stand any opposition against
it but, Vajpayee never let his emotions get the best of him. He knows that what
he believes in may not equally benefit the nation and its people, therefore,
was open to the suggestions and opinions even of his rivals which brings his
other qualities to a full circle.
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Bjp
Bharatiya Janata Party
Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh
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Atal Bihari Vajpayee
