XAT 2015 — LRDI Question 20
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.
At the Disciplinary Committee meeting, members came up with the following suggestions. Which of the following suggestions would harm the party, the least?
Answer & solution
- A
Maintain status-quo
- B
Expel Mr. Prodigal from the party with immediate effect to maintain party’s clean image
- C
Initiate an internal inquiry to find the truth.
Suspend Mr. Prodigal from the party with immediate effect but announce that he will be taken back if the court declares him innocent.
- E
Suspend both Mr. Loyal and Mr. Prodigal from the party with immediate effect.
Maintaining a status-quo, i.e. taking no action at all, would convey a wrong message to the public and the media; it can have a negative impact on the party's future.
Expelling Mr. Prodigal is certain to upset Mr. Loyal, as the fact that he has a weakness for his son is common knowledge.
If an internal inquiry is set against Mr. Prodigal, it may upset Mr. Loyal. The party cannot afford the risk of losing Mr. Loyal as he is an asset to the party.
The safest bet for the party would be to temporarily dismiss Mr. Prodigal, and take him back if he is acquitted of the murder charge. This course of action would not only help the party gain some brownie points with the public and media, but will also not upset Mr. Loyal as much as the other alternatives can.
Option 5 if implemented will definitely affect the party in an adverse manner, as Mr. Loyal is an asset to them.
Hence, the correct answer is option 4.