US says India's women politicos 'free agents': Pics
A leaked US embassy cable has revealed that the USA thinks Indian women politicians are 'free agents'- they will tie-up with any party which gives them the better deal
The secret US embassy cables leaked by WikiLeaks called Mamata Banerjee, J. Jayalalithaa and Mayawati autocratic with a menacing shadow over their respective parties. Sonia Gandhi, not surprisngly, has been called the most powerful woman politician in the country. US diplomats have recorded interesting observations about these successful women. Read on..
Deal makers
On their political leanings, a cable said: " Though all three women (Mayawati, Jayalalithaa and Mamata) have historical ties to either the Congress or the BJP, they remain free agents, willing to partner with whichever party gives them the best deal. This gives them significant leverage to forward their individual agendas."
Commoner's queen
Mamata, the US said, was a "drama queen" with an eye for theatrics. However, she was credited for being an astute politician who could mobilise a crowd in minutes. " The common man identifies with her unsophisticated and humble ways," it said
Alternative rules
A drama queen, not suited for coalition politics. Alternated between BJP & Congress alliances for best deal. Astute politico who could mobilise a crowd in minutes.
'AIADMK's only man'
J Jayalalithaa tasked police officers to carry out extra-judicial killings of LTTE cadres. Party leaders never call her by name; she's the only man in her party, the AIADMK.
'Jaya corrupt, but does the work'
The DMK and the AIADMK were both corrupt, but Jayalalithaa was preferred because her party delivers once the payment is made, a cable said. "If I pay her, I know my job will be done. But with the DMK you can pay Karunanidhi and another ten guys will still come asking for more.
Centralisation of power in the AIADMK means that things move quickly once Jayalalithaa gets her cut," the cable said.
Fiefdom madam!
She has a vice-like grip on all levers of power. All decisions must run through her. She runs BSP as her personal fiefdom,treating party budget as personal preserve. When she needed new sandals,her private jet flew to Mumbai to get her preferred brand. She has 9 cooks (2 cook,others watch over) and 2 food tasters.
Power in family
Sonia Gandhi is the most powerful woman & politician in India. She had a headstart in politics as heir to the Nehru-Gandhi dynasty; Priyanka, her daughter, is more suitable than brother Rahul Gandhi to become PM, the cables say.
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