No sound & fury as PM said little

True, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh looked spry and alert as he faced reporters over a bank of determinedly purple orchids. However, as the press conference wore on, it became clear that he wasn't really enjoying the chore: there was no cut and thrust, no insulting badinage (there's nothing reporters enjoy as much as gentle public humiliation of one of their tribe), no verbal clashing of the cymbals… Actually, very little by way of sound and fury. Sample this: He answered a question about rhinoceros and measures taken for their protection as earnestly as comments about his personal probity and integrity.
 

It isn't that the PM is short on humour or charm. Many will recall what he told former US president George Bush with earnest sincerity in 2008 during a trip to the US when the Indo-US Civil Nuclear Agreement was being negotiated: "Mr President, this may be my last visit to you during your presidency, and let me say 'Thank you very much'. The people of India deeply love you."). He is also known to use wit and sarcasm to a devastating effect (he told a mid-level bureaucrat who had just been promoted to head her department: "So you are the latest Czarina in government?" She took this to be a compliment and answered: "Sab aap ki meharbani hai, Sir").

But it is the Congress party's worst-kept secret that he is uncomfortable in large formal press gatherings. The question, then, is, who forced him to play the gladiator? And if he was going to defend his government, who chose the background theme that struck a markedly abject note? The questions at Friday's press conference, relatively speaking, were gentle, even civilised. Some were kind. But even to the ones that weren't, Singh replied in monotone, giving little information, and with none of the passion that he has shown he is capable of. In 2011, he had told L K Advani in the Lok Sabha: "BJP leader L K Advani believes being the Prime Minister was his birthright and therefore has never forgiven me," and asked him to wait for another three-and-a-half years. Congress benches cheered as never before.

On Friday, the party was not cheering. A mid-level Congress leader, head in his hands, asked: "What was the need for this press conference when he (the PM) had nothing to say?" And the orchids, the baby pink and white theme in the tent where tea was served with soggy crisps… all a bit dismal and tired, told the story.