Question

    In the following question a short passage is given with one of the lines in the passage missing and represented by a blank. Select the best out of the five choices given to make the passage complete and coherent (Coherent means logically complete and sound)

    The problem with this zero-sum approach is that very

    often even if the criticism of government policy and action is valid, the perception is that it is just opposition for the sake of opposition and there is neither any sense nor any sensibility in the criticism. It would probably make more sense for the opposition to take credit for any change in tack by the government in response to its clamour rather than swing to the other side and criticise the government for doing what it was asking it to do, and in the process compromising its own credibility. _________________________. After all, it is so much easier to ride to power by demonising your rivals, cementing your vote banks, mouthing seductive populist political slogans that are impractical, instead of doing the difficult job of worsting your rivals by presenting with solid alternative policies that will deliver on the ground.
    A Even though the government has given many openings and opportunities to the opposition to pin it on the mat, the opposition hasn’t really managed to marshal its arguments effectively. Correct Answer Incorrect Answer
    B But instead of coming up with better alternatives, what is being offered is opposition for the sake of opposition of any and every decision of the government. Correct Answer Incorrect Answer
    C As far as its detractors are concerned, the current dispensation is damned if it does, and damned if it doesn’t. Correct Answer Incorrect Answer
    D But doing this would mean changing the political paradigm in India, something that no politician really wants. Correct Answer Incorrect Answer
    E when it ignores corporates and their bottom lines start falling and layoffs start rising, the government is accused of ignoring the economy. Correct Answer Incorrect Answer

    Solution

    The problem with this zero-sum approach is that very often even if the criticism of government policy and action is valid, the perception is that it is just opposition for the sake of opposition and there is neither any sense nor any sensibility in the criticism. It would probably make more sense for the opposition to take credit for any change in tack by the government in response to its clamour rather than swing to the other side and criticise the government for doing what it was asking it to do, and in the process compromising its own credibility. But doing this would mean changing the political paradigm in India, something that no politician really wants. After all, it is so much easier to ride to power by demonising your rivals, cementing your vote banks, mouthing seductive populist political slogans that are impractical, instead of doing the difficult job of worsting your rivals by presenting with solid alternative policies that will deliver on the ground.

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