We all have fond memories of our grandfathers! We remember the times when we visited him during the vacations and played on his lap. We were pampered by him and taken care of by him and took him for granted. But our parents never took their advice seriously when it came to personal or professional lives.
“Oh, he always speaks like that,” is the common refrain from our parents whenever grandfather came out with any advice or proposal. That pretty much seems to be the position of Venkayya Naidu in the BJP today. For his loyalty to the BJP, Venkayya has been rewarded with a Cabinet berth, but that just about seems to be the end of the road for this veteran politician.
Venkayya is said to be on good terms with all BJP leaders and the RSS, with a policy of please-all and hurt –none. But he does not seem to have a lot of clout when it comes to decision making on key issues. Political circles say that BJP leaders are more than happy to fall at his feet and seek his blessings, but that it is the only courtesy which they will extend him.
Any advice or proposals from Venkayya is shot down allegedly with the refrain, “Oh, he always speaks like that!” that’s what Venkayya is currently in the BJP, the good old grandfather! They’ll give him an IIM or two and that’s about it!