Articles by GPD

Narendra Modi has survived the furore over the US denial of a visa and the party rebellion has been quelled. Modi has created the myth of ?I am Gujarat? quite successfully. Such myths are good as long as they work. But a time comes when the whole mythology starts collapsing. There is reason to believe that that time has come and it may be opportune for Narendra Modi to start packing his suitcases.

Notwithstanding the increased frequency of talks between India and Pakistan, the unresolved issue of Kashmir continues to vex relations between the two neighbours. Perhaps it is time for new approaches. However, the outright 'dismissal' by the Indian prime minister of some of president Musharraf's recent suggestions on Kashmir and the latter's 'threats' in response, provide yet another indication that neither side is willing to reconsider historically determined positions.

We as a people are passing through a peculiar phase. From planning to terrorism we find ourselves at a loss. We need foreign agencies or their nominees to help us evaluate ourselves. Naturally some people are incensed at that. But the elite in our country seem to be disturbed that some people have objections to such things as the US ambassador offering FBI help in Assam's investigation of terrorist attacks.

Six odd tests do not a nuclear summer make. But these tests by India and Pakistan served one purpose. The act of opposing nuclear power was resistance to several things, the most important of which was the opposition to the coalition in power then.

It is now of little significance who forms the government and with whose support. The NDA and the Congress are using the secularism debate to make sure the economic plight of India does not become the issue. Both coalitions will try and make fun of the other's poor performance but nobody, not even the left parties are willing to see the grand conspiracy of the moneybags.