Rewriting Protocols: Balancing tradition with practical governance

Raju Korti
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis recently issued an order to end the practice of giving a guard of honour and presenting bouquets during his district visits. This directive, communicated through a one-page order by the Chief Minister’s Secretariat, instructed District Collectors, Police Commissioners, and Superintendents to refrain from such ceremonial gestures. While many have lauded the move as a step towards dismantling India’s entrenched VIP culture, others see it as a calculated attempt to gain public goodwill. Regardless of the motivations behind the decision, this development invites a broader discussion on the role and relevance of governmental protocols in modern governance.

Protocols, in their essence, are a set of rules governing formal occasions and accepted behaviours, especially in matters of state and diplomacy. Their ostensible purpose is to ensure order and decorum, facilitate the smooth functioning of official engagements, and provide a framework for extending courtesies to dignitaries. In India, the General Administration Department’s Protocol Branch manages arrangements for VVIPs/VIPs during both official and non-official visits. Such arrangements often include state guest privileges, logistical support, and security measures.

While protocols serve a practical purpose -- ensuring the safety and efficiency of VIP movements -- they also symbolize respect and recognition for the positions held by these individuals. However, the excessive deference often displayed towards political figures and other dignitaries has, over the years, fostered resentment among the general populace.

India’s VIP culture, marked by privileges such as exclusive lanes, elaborate motorcades, and preferential treatment, has long been a source of public frustration. The frequent disruption of daily life due to traffic snarls caused by VIP movements and the inaccessibility of public spaces during high-profile visits have led to widespread dissatisfaction. This phenomenon is further compounded by the sheer number of individuals who qualify as VIPs in the Indian context, making the administration of such privileges a cumbersome exercise.

The issue is not merely logistical but also symbolic. For many, the ostentation associated with VIP culture underscores the socio-economic disparities and power imbalances prevalent in the country. It perpetuates the belief that laws and regulations apply disproportionately to the middle and lower classes, while the affluent and influential exploit their connections to bypass accountability.

While VIP culture cannot be entirely eliminated -- as protocols are essential for the security and efficiency of high-profile individuals -- there is a pressing need to delineate finite boundaries to curb its misuse. The privileges granted to VIPs should be codified and strictly enforced to prevent excesses. Measures such as reducing the size of motorcades, minimizing the number of accompanying personnel, and ensuring that public inconvenience is kept to a minimum can help strike a balance.

Furthermore, initiatives like Chief Minister Fadnavis’s decision to forgo ceremonial gestures should be encouraged for their potential to bring about a cultural shift. By eschewing ostentation, public figures can set an example of humility and accountability, thereby fostering greater trust and respect among citizens.

The debate over VIP culture also reflects deeper issues within Indian society, such as the deference often exhibited by government officials towards their political superiors. This subservience, driven by vested interests or fear of repercussions, undermines the principles of meritocracy and accountability. Reforming protocol practices should, therefore, be part of a larger effort to promote ethical governance and equitable treatment for all.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis’s move to end the practice of guards of honour and bouquet presentations is a commendable step in addressing the excesses of VIP culture. While critics may dismiss it as a publicity stunt, its potential to inspire a shift in public attitudes and governmental practices cannot be overlooked. Ultimately, the focus should be on balancing the legitimate needs of VIPs with the rights and convenience of ordinary citizens. By fostering a culture of humility and efficiency, India can take a significant step towards bridging the gap between its leaders and the people they serve. But does the political class have the will to do this? 

In hot seat, coach Gambhir could be Greg Chappel 2!

Raju Korti
"Success has many fathers, while defeat is an orphan." This is now particularly pertinent as the Indian cricket team battles through a difficult series in Australia, with reports of internal tensions bubbling beneath the surface and the head coach, Gautam Gambhir, finding himself at the center of mounting scrutiny.

The ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy has proven to be a testing ground for the Indian team, one that has struggled to find the right combination against a rampaging and aggressive Australian side. As the series headed into its must-win fifth Test in Sydney, the pressure on both the players and coaching staff has been immense. While the team’s on-field struggles are evident, a series of off-field issues are threatening to further undermine the team’s efforts.

When Gautam Gambhir was anointed as India’s coach, I had surmised that either he might be an exemplary coach or might be a disappointment given his inflexible approach. Since taking over Gambhir's role in managing an Indian team in transition has come under increasing scrutiny. While his assertive approach has been admired by some, the lack of universal confidence in the dressing room suggests that his methods may not be resonating with all players.

There are reports of growing unrest within the team, particularly regarding Gambhir’s communication style. While the previous coaching regime under Ravi Shastri and Rahul Dravid was known for fostering an open and transparent relationship with the players, Gambhir's approach appears to be less effective. According to the report, players have questioned the clarity of his communications, especially when it comes to squad selection and player management.

One of the primary points of contention has been Gambhir’s handling of squad selections. While captain Rohit Sharma has maintained that he speaks to players individually regarding selection decisions, several reports indicate that many players have been left in the dark about their exclusion from the playing XI. This lack of transparency has led to growing frustration among key players, some of whom feel uncertain about their roles within the team.

It is not altogether surprising that the situation has raised serious concerns, with one senior BCCI official remarking that Gambhir’s position as coach may come under threat if the team’s performance does not improve, particularly in the wake of the ongoing series. The fact that Gambhir has reportedly lost his temper following another batting collapse in the Melbourne Test only adds to the sense of discontent.

India’s performance in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy – especially its much-touted batting line up -- has been far from satisfactory, with the team trailing 1-2 in the series. The Indian side has struggled with batting collapses, which have hampered their ability to build a competitive score. In the fourth Test, India’s collapse in the final session of Day 5 led to a defeat by 184 runs, handing Australia an unassailable 2-1 lead. The loss has significantly dampened India's hopes of reaching a third consecutive World Test Championship final. As I write this blog, it appears to be the same familiar tale as India fights with its back to the wall.

The Indian team’s inability to perform under pressure has added to Gambhir’s frustrations. During a post-match team assessment, Gambhir reportedly lashed out at the players, urging them to take responsibility for their failures. His comments were intended to be constructive, but the underlying message was clear: the players must follow his methods and play according to the team’s needs or face the consequences.

In his address, Gambhir reportedly said, "It’s not that I’ve been silent for so long, so you should take everything for granted." This statement was understood as a veiled warning to the underperforming players that they must align with his vision moving forward or risk being sidelined.

Off-field reports further suggest that tensions are rising within the team. Some players, particularly those who are neither rookies like Harshit Rana or Nitish Reddy, nor veterans like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, reportedly feel insecure due to Gambhir’s frequent experimentation with the playing XI. Shubman Gill's exclusion from the fourth Test in Melbourne is a prime example of how some selections have created confusion within the squad.

Further complicating matters is Gambhir’s reportedly strained relationship with the selection committee. Apparently, his strong plea for the inclusion of Cheteshwar Pujara, has been firmly rejected. The lack of clarity in the coach-selection committee dynamic has contributed to a sense of instability within the team, with many wondering whether the decisions made by the coach are being adequately supported by the selectors.

Compounding the pressure is the reported interest from several senior players in taking on leadership responsibilities. It has been suggested that some players are keen to step into captaincy roles, particularly when Rohit Sharma was unavailable to lead due to personal reasons. However, there is still uncertainty about whether younger players are ready for such a responsibility. These might be mere speculations but they appear credible with the current mess.

Adding fuel to the fire, reports have surfaced of leaks from within the Indian dressing room, particularly regarding Gambhir’s hard-hitting address to the team following the Boxing Day Test defeat. Dressing room sanctity is essential for any cohesive cricket team, and such leaks threaten to disrupt the focus and unity of the squad. Gambhir, however, has asserted that there were no harsh words exchanged during the meeting, and that it was simply an honest discussion aimed at improving the team's performance.

The leaking of internal team conversations not only undermines the authority of the coaching staff but also creates an environment of mistrust and insecurity among players. Such leaks are particularly damaging in high-pressure situations like the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy, where mental fortitude and team unity are crucial for success.

While the team’s overall performance has been subpar, Gambhir's management style and his handling of key issues -- such as player selection, communication, and team unity -- are contributing to a growing sense of dissatisfaction within the dressing room. With the team’s performance hanging by a thread, the pressure on Gambhir and the coaching staff is immense.

The final Test in Sydney is now a must-win affair for India, not only to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy but also to keep their hopes alive of reaching the World Test Championship final. Gambhir, who has seen highs and lows during his tenure, will need to find a way to restore balance within the team and guide them to a crucial victory.

However, if the internal unrest continues to fester, the road ahead could be even more challenging for both the team and its head coach. The coming days will determine whether Gambhir can turn the tide or whether the cracks within the team will become too large to mend.

Gambhir maamla hai bhai!

The Taliban’s reversal: How Pakistan’s Frankenstein has become a monster!

Raju Korti
For two decades, the Taliban’s rise and consolidation in Afghanistan were not merely a product of internal Afghan dynamics but also a carefully nurtured and supported geopolitical project. Pakistan, with its strategic ambitions, played a key role in providing the Taliban with sanctuary, resources, and ideological backing. Yet, as the Taliban ascended to power once more in 2021, the fruits of this alliance began to sour, presenting a potential geopolitical twist: the Taliban, once an ally of Pakistan, is now a liability -- a Frankenstein's monster that Islamabad helped create but is struggling to control. This shift in the Taliban-Pakistan relationship has profound implications for regional security, particularly for India, which faces both opportunities and challenges as this new dynamic unfolds.

In the late 1990s, Pakistan was one of only three countries to formally recognize the Taliban regime in Afghanistan, along with Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Islamabad viewed the Taliban as a strategic asset to ensure a friendly, pliant government in Kabul that would guarantee Pakistan’s western border remained secure, prevent India from gaining influence in Afghanistan, and, crucially, serve as a bulwark against Indian influence in Central Asia.

In the subsequent years, Pakistan's support for the Taliban was multifaceted: logistical, military, and ideological. Pakistan’s intelligence agency, the ISI, provided training, financial support, and sanctuary to Taliban fighters, positioning the group as a proxy to advance Pakistan’s strategic objectives. This alliance was symbiotic -- while Pakistan benefited from the Taliban’s victories, the Taliban, too, thrived under the wings of Pakistani patronage.

However, the Taliban’s 2021 return to power in Kabul has introduced a complex twist. While Pakistan celebrated the success of its long-time protégés, the Taliban's success has come at a high cost. The once-benevolent relationship has soured as Islamabad’s role in shaping the Taliban’s policies has diminished. The Taliban has not hesitated to pursue policies that often conflict with Pakistan’s interests.

Firstly, the Taliban’s treatment of the ethnic Pashtun population in both Afghanistan and Pakistan has aggravated tensions between the two countries. The Pashtun nationalist movement, especially groups like the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), has gained traction. The TTP, a militant group with close ties to the Taliban, has launched cross-border attacks, destabilizing Pakistan's tribal regions and challenging Islamabad’s authority. While the Taliban has occasionally pledged to curb the TTP, their fealty to Pashtun nationalism and its transnational dimensions complicates any serious crackdown on the group.

Moreover, the Taliban’s defiance of Pakistan’s influence in Afghanistan -- especially in regard to matters like border security and the status of the Durand Line, which Pakistan considers its western boundary --has tested the limits of Islamabad's leverage. The Taliban has shown little inclination to give Pakistan a free hand in determining Afghanistan’s future, signaling a broader, more autonomous approach to governance than Pakistan had hoped for.

This evolving relationship between the Taliban and Pakistan presents a rare opportunity for India. India has found itself in a unique position where it can leverage the growing enmity between the two entities, using it as a tool to weaken Pakistan’s influence in Afghanistan.

 It is more than obvious that the Taliban’s recent actions and rhetoric also highlight its increasing divergence from Pakistan's interests. As Pakistan grapples with the consequences of its miscalculation -- emboldening a group it now struggles to control -- India can quietly seek to bolster its own position in Afghanistan, without directly engaging in the country’s internal politics. India’s objective should be to exploit the weakening of Pakistan's position in Afghanistan without becoming embroiled in Afghanistan’s internal conflicts. The key lies in a policy of strategic patience, diplomatic engagement, and calculated outreach.

India must avoid rushing into a confrontational posture, instead taking the long view in its approach to Afghanistan. This period of Taliban-Pakistan estrangement can give India a window to establish itself as a constructive power broker, one that can help shape Afghanistan’s future without directly aligning with any particular faction. The goal should be to help Afghanistan stabilize without getting ensnared in its factional politics.

Parallely, India should open channels of communication with the Taliban government to ensure its interests are protected. While engaging with a group that is ideologically hostile to India may be uncomfortable, the reality is that India has diplomatic relations with countries like Iran and Israel, which are also hostile to Pakistan’s interests, without direct confrontation. By maintaining a pragmatic, cautious approach, India can find avenues to advance its economic, security, and regional interests.

Beyond the Taliban, India can enhance its outreach to the broader Afghan population, including ethnic minorities, civil society groups, and business communities. Building stronger people-to-people ties, and supporting the development of Afghanistan's infrastructure, education, and health sectors, will allow India to gain soft power influence in Afghanistan, irrespective of the political tides.

A more fractious and unpredictable Taliban is likely to spur even more cross-border terrorism, both in Pakistan and in India. India can work with international partners to curtail the activities of militant groups like the TTP and others that could threaten its security. India’s experience in counterterrorism and its global intelligence-sharing networks could serve as valuable tools in tackling this growing menace.

India must also be mindful of the broader regional context. The role of countries like Iran, Russia, and China in Afghanistan will influence the political calculus. India should seek to deepen ties with these nations, which share concerns over the instability and radicalism in Afghanistan. A collaborative approach to countering the security challenges posed by the Taliban can help India reduce the risk of becoming isolated in its efforts.

The Taliban’s newfound autonomy and its growing estrangement from Pakistan present India with a rare opportunity to tip the scales in its favour in Afghanistan. Yet, this is a delicate geopolitical landscape where missteps could backfire. India’s success will depend on its ability to navigate the complex realities of Afghan politics, its commitment to diplomatic engagement, and its strategic patience in a region where stability is ever elusive.

The key will be to weaken Pakistan’s hold on Afghanistan without stepping into the fray itself. This will require a careful balancing act, one that maximizes opportunities while minimizing risks. If India plays its cards right, it could emerge as a key player in the shaping of Afghanistan’s future, even as the Taliban—once Pakistan’s ally -- remains a wildcard in the region’s volatile geopolitical game.