Dependence On Govt. Machinery

Summary

This one-page English newspaper clipping reports remarks by U. N. Dhebar, a former Congress president, on the dangers of political life becoming dependent on government offices and machinery. Dhebar argues that direct, day-to-day contact with the masses is preferable to relying on government service, and says political speculation about possible future offices—including the chief ministership of Gujarat—could embarrass him and indirectly weaken his position.

In the section headed “REPORT DENIED,” Dhebar denies reports that he had speculated about forthcoming changes in Bombay or sought the office of Gujarat’s chief minister. He presents the Congress as having a democratic responsibility to the country and argues that it must not become merely a parliamentary organisation focused on sustaining governmental machinery. He also refers to differences within the Congress, while declining to enter into controversy with those who hold opposing views.

Key points

• U. N. Dhebar criticises the tendency of political life to revolve around government offices.
• He considers regular contact with the masses more rational than dependence on government service.
• Dhebar denies reports that he had speculated about political changes in Bombay or Gujarat.
• He says speculation about his becoming Gujarat’s chief minister could embarrass him and weaken his position.
• He describes the Congress as bearing a democratic responsibility to the country.
• He warns that the Congress should not become an organisation concerned only with sustaining the governmental apparatus.
• He acknowledges that differences of opinion exist within the Congress but declines to debate them in the reported statement.