XAT 2015 — LRDI Question 19
Answer the questions on the basis of information given in the following case.
The Disciplinary Committee of Nation Political Party (NPP) is meeting today to decide on the future of two of their party members, Mr. Loyal and his son Mr. Prodigal. Mr. Prodigal is the prime accused in the brutal murder of Mr. Victim, an opposition party leader. Mr. Prodigal is in police custody and his appeal for bail has got rejected. Mr. Loyal claims that his son is innocent and Mr. Victim’s death was the result of internal rivalry in the opposition party. Though Mr. Loyal is not accused in this case, his weakness for his son is well known. The media is blaming him for influencing key witnesses to protect his son. Severe criticism of his father-son duo, both by the media and some social activists, is damaging the image of the party. However, Mr. Loyal has significant followers within the party and is considered an asset to the party. Any harsh decision against Mr. Loyal would adversely affect the future of NPP and could even lead to a split in the party. This would benefit the opposition.
Which of the following actions would adversely affect both NPP and Mr. Loyal, the most?
Answer & solution
- A
Take no action against Mr. Loyal.
- B
Suspend Mr. Prodigal from the party with immediate effect.
Expel Mr. Loyal from the party with immediate effect.
- D
Ban Mr. Loyal from entering party premises till completion of court proceedings.
- E
Initiate an internal inquiry to find the truth.
Taking no action against Mr. Loyal would not affect either party as he is not directly involved in the murder case.
Suspending Mr. Prodigal from the party would upset Mr. Loyal as it is common knowledge that the latter has a soft spot for Mr. Prodigal, and it might (remote possibility) lead to Mr. Loyal separating from the party.
Expelling Mr. Loyal from the party would obviously affect him as his political repute might be affected. The NPP party will also be affected as it is stated in the passage that Mr. Loyal's followers would part along with him. This entire situation would benefit the opposition party.
Banning Mr. Loyal from party premises till the court case is cleared will affect both parties, but the situation will not be as grave as compared to option 3.
Initiating an internal inquiry may not affect any of the parties as the information of an internal inquiry can be kept away from Mr. Loyal.
Thus, the strongest possibility of both the parties getting adversely affected is presented in option 3. Option 4 is close but can be eliminated on the basis that the effect of Mr. Prodigal's suspension from the party would not directly affect Mr. Loyal, who may still continue with the party.
Hence, the correct answer is option 3.