In The Dead Pool (1988), Clint Eastwood said: “Opinions are like assholes, everyone has one.” But Indian prime minister Manmohan Singh is known to be someone who does not have one. (I am talking about “opinion”.)
But recently, perhaps while taking a walk in the garden, the prime minster discovered that he does have one. (Ah! I am still talking about “opinion”.) Just clarifying, you see.
Back to Manmohan Singh. So, he has discovered that he has an opinion. I am saying this is because a few days ago Manmohan Singh opened a Twitter account. I hope the economics stalwart is going to use the micro-blogging space to write what he wants to say, and not give us what the chief mistress, who probably owns his body, mind and soul, orders him to.
By the way, if you read Manmohan Singh’s tweets so far, you will notice that he has not said anything significant.
Why Manmohan Singh does not open his mouth
For the past many years, Indians have wondered why Manmohan Singh does not speak up despite being the recipient of several disdainful words such as spineless, toothless and weak.
He sits in Parliament with no expression on his face. It appears that even if you just replace him with his wax statue, no parliamentarian will notice the difference.
Besides, he never makes an impromptu statement despite being a scholar; he just reads out prepared and calibrated speeches. Shameful, utterly disgraceful.
So, why does Manmohan Singh not talk? And why does he take so much crap from his detractors. Why does the prime minister always behave as if he were born without a spine?
Let’s look at Manmohan Singh’s handwriting, which might give us some insight into his personality.
1. Handwriting and signature size
In March 2011, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh visited the Embassy of Japan in New Delhi to sign the book of condolence for Japan earthquake victims.
Notice the equal size of his handwriting and signature. Both of them are small. This size of handwriting and signature is not for leaders.
People with such small handwriting can never lead people. They are so lost in themselves that they cannot think about reaching out to others or bother about finding ways to connect with the people.
Clearly, this kind of handwriting makes him a good professor, not a worthy statesman.
2. Comparison with Obama’s handwriting and signature
Here, I would compare Manmohan Singh’s handwriting and signature with those of US president Barack Obama in one aspect and show you what I am talking about.
Notice the difference between the sizes of Obama’s handwriting and signature. The signature is considerably large.
According to signature analysis, people with large signatures are confident and they have the capacity to become leaders. And we know that as far as leadership is concerned, Obama is definitely good, if not the best.
That is why our own Mr Manmohan Singh is such a pathetic leader. Essentially, what Manmohan Singh lacks is confidence. (Obama’s handwriting has certain flaws as well which we’ll leave for some other occasion.)
3. Manmohan Singh lacks spontaneity
In handwriting analysis, consistent disconnection between letters is indicative of lack of spontaneity, among other things.
In Manmohan Singh’s case, the trait is seen in his inability to make impromptu statements and speak his mind. Now, take a look at Barack Obama’s signature. All letters are connected. And we know Obama is an impressive orator.
But interestingly, in Manmohan Singh’s sample, the disconnection is only in his signature, not handwriting. (See the condolence message.) This shift in handwriting style is often indicative of the fact that such a writer tends to become reticent in his public life. However, the learned economist may not be as economical with words or expressiveness in his personal life.
Manmohan Singh’s handwriting shows that he will continue to be a failure as a head of the state. There is nothing in his personality that could even remotely suggest that he is suitable to occupy a post that intrinsically requires the occupant to be in touch with the people.
That is why despite having got such a high position on a platter, Manmohan Singh has not been able to adapt his personality to the requirements of the new role. Not even in 8 years! And the bad news is: he can never do that. Therefore, quit, Mr Singh. By abdicating, you might do the country good.
Disclaimer: One element of handwriting may be analysed at a time, but always look at the entire handwriting sample before arriving at any conclusion.
