'Mr Clean' losing his sheen?

Is the ''Mr Clean'' image assiduously cultivated by Defence Minister Arackaparambil Kurien Antony taking a heavy toll on our defence forces? Is he a prisoner of his own ideals that he has so strongly embraced all through his political life?

These were among some of the questions weighing on the minds of the well-wishers of the Indian military ever since the war between Army chief Gen V K Singh and the government broke out nearly a year ago with the General’s age row.

That ‘Saint Antony’ - as many call him either affectionately or sarcastically - wanted to further this image was apparent, especially during the last one week. A man of few words, Antony spoke extempore for 20 minutes in the Rajya Sabha and two days later fielded questions with great aplomb at a press conference. Both occasions were replete with Antony stressing on probity in defence deals, corruption-free Army and investigation into every complaint that he receives.

Stressing on his honesty, he began his speech in the Upper House of Parliament, thus: “I started my political career as a student leader in 1958 and as a Congress worker. For more than 54 years of my public life, I was very particular about one thing, that is probity in public life and fighting corruption…”

Incorruptible

The ‘incorruptible’ tag has stuck on to the 71-year-old leader ever since he opted for a career in politics and became the youngest president of Kerala Students Union at age  26. Never looking back, he swiftly gained positions one after the other even as he retained the honest politician image - youngest president of KPCC, youngest chief minister at age 37 in 1977 and so on. An atheist who always assumed office by affirmation rather than by a religious oath, he was Kerala CM thrice and Union minister as many times, the latter for the past six years.

Integrity is one issue for which even his detractors praise him. “He is as spotless as the white dhoti he wears,” says Peethambara Kurup, Congress MP from Kerala and a follower of the late K Karunakaran, arch rival of Antony when the Kerala strongman was alive. “I may have differed with him on many counts but I have no hesitation to say he is a true Gandhian. No one can question his integrity in his long political life,” says Kurup.

Quitter

Antony’s critics call him a quitter – he resigned as CM twice - in 1978 and 2004 -  and once as Union minister (amidst charges of sugar scam against his ministry in 1993). A key adviser to Congress president Sonia Gandhi and a senior member of the cabinet, he took over as defence minister in 2006.

Is his image hurting Indian defence apparatus? There has been no big ticket purchases for decades, at least not after Antony took over the South Block headquarters. “His tenure is marked by indecision and this was exemplified in Army chief Gen V K Singh’s letter to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh (on defence preparedness),” claims a senior politician.

That he did not take any decision when the Army chief informed him about a retired officer approaching him with bribe offer for clearing substandard trucks purchase is a spot that Antony has to live with.

The Army has not purchased guns since the Bofors deal in 1986 (most of the gun manufacturers have been blacklisted!). Purchase of over 600 light utility helicopters, including replacement of Cheetas and Chetaks (pending since 2005), air defence guns (anti-aircraft guns) and air tanker (mid-air refueller) planes are some key decisions yet to be taken. Even those finalised are in limbo. The latest decision to finalise 126 fighter jets purchase in favour of Rafale, is being freshly investigated. Antony told the House: “I am investigating even anonymous complaint,” which so far the defence ministry was not doing.

There are several ex-Army officers who say his indecision is affecting modernisation. But Antony contends: “Many of my colleagues have complained that I am delaying procurement and modernisation. I have told them that I am for modernisation…but I will not allow corruption. I would like to tell you that in spite of all these complaints, procurement is not bad. Last year, we spent 100 per cent (of allocated funds)…”
The defence minister has, indeed, steered clear of any stigma in deals in the forces but queered the pitch for himself in the wake of accusations of delayed action and indecision.

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