Indian Political Scene

Indian Political Scenetc "Indian Political Scene"

In recent times the Indian Political establishment had gone through hectic activity on issues of paramount importance and immediate and long-term benefit. However, the euphoria appears to have died down without producing any substantial results in concrete terms-though none should object or doubt the intentions. In fact, all hopes on a grand and positive outcome resulting in peace in Kashmir – better relations between India and Pakistan., and harmony between the countries in SouthEast Asia., appear to have been put on the burner for the time being. Some analysts described the Agra summit, - which could not even produce a joint statement, - as a failure, while many others considered it as a step forward towards peaceful coexistence. It was ‘Positive unilateralism’ of the Government of India that opened up the gates to ‘peaceful talks’ for the Pak Leader – who was making desperate appeals to the Indian political establishment for an invitation to be extended to him for talks ‘anywhere, anytime and at any level’. But once the “offer” was made – the self appointed President of Pakistan was not able to stand the pressure that began to mount on him from the ‘Military personnel’, ‘Jihadis’, ‘religious fundamentalists’ and the Hurriyat Conference along with many other anti-Indian forces. He began to talk on Kashmir and nothing else.

Although the summit started on a courteous note, it was soon followed by a war of words till both sides realised that they reached a critical stage. India rightly insisted that unless Pakistan expressed its willingness to check cross-border terrorism there cannot be a lasting solution to the Kashmir problem. The failure in arriving at any agreement appears due to the Pakistani Military Ruler’s persistence on the following;

a)      Overplaying his cards on his single-pointed agenda on Kashmir.
b)      His stubbornness on the issue of Cross-border terrorism.

Anyhow, understanding the political reality with special reference to the limitations under which the two leaders discussed the issues, none could expect miracles. But, there was strong feeling that the Pakistani Leader scored better than the Indian side in the matter of publicity. The General scored better at least in the short-run on the domestic front; legitimising his usurpation of power by throttling democracy. He logged more than his share of the attention of the media, by violating the code of confidentiality.

As far as the summit is concerned no doubt there was no break-through but it was not a break-down. It was successful in bringing the two countries into talking-terms, as against the rigid postures taken earlier. An impression has already been created in the world that, all has not been lost. There are considerable gains accomplished and this is only the beginning, and they agreed to meet as often as required at various levels. Already our P.M. received an invitation to visit Pakistan. Due credit should be given to the Indian Prime Minister who – with his pragmatic foresight made such a ‘summit’ possible. Of course, criticism from the opposition parties is not unexpected. It will always be there.

Looking at other areas – India trying to extend its support to the NMD Policy of the U.S., without causing any serious shift in its policy towards the Soviet Union, through a policy of refurbishing the recently concluded defence treaties, is laudable. It has been even attempting to better its relations with China and other neighbouring countries, though it appeared to be soft peddling with Bangladesh on certain issues like recent border skirmishes. Above all, all that has been happening on the foreign policy front, - the manner in which the United States of America has been strengthening its relations with India needs to be carefully considered and utilised for better results. Also considering the stature that the United States enjoys the world over in all spheres of development, -it is rather imperative that India, - would not fail in making good use of the opportunity,-without compromising its freedom to plan and execute its foreign relations, policy and economic progress. The paradigm shift in relations between the U.S. on one hand, and India, China and Russia on the other needs to be analysed carefully.

On the home front the coalitional compulsions continue to haunt the NDA political establishment in a highly sensitive area of mutual adjustments and collective action. It has been trying to grapple with the following developments in recent times:

a)            the attempts of the Trinamool Congress to re enter the NDA group but with a sensitive problem arising out of Mr. Ajit Panja’s position.
b)                  the repercussions of the imposition    of President’s Rule in Manipur after the recent turmoil.
c)            The problem arising out of the Tamil Nadu Government’s vindictive actions against the DMK leaders, and the pressure that has been mounting on the centre for disciplining the present Tamil Nadu Government;
d)                  The situation in Uttar Pradesh after the assassination of Phoolan Devi – with elections round the corner.
e)            The draught situation in A.P., on one hand, and the flood havoc in Orissa causing enormous financial strain to the Centre;
f)             The UTI Scam that has brought almost the NDA government to a fall with the threat of the Prime Minister to resign, - coupled with the slump in the capital market and the investors’ losing faith in the markets;

All these require to be tackled with a view to strengthen the federation, and without compromising on the basic need to protect the unity and integrity of the nation at any cost.