Forcing a Slow Pace

THERE is little doubt that one of the notable results of the March Lok Sabha elections was the reassertion of Cental authority over the vagaries of state politics, Mohan Lal Sukhadia, Rajas- than Chief Minister tor 17 long years, was summarily made to depart giving way to an outsider, Barkatullah Khan. In Kerala, the rejuvenated state Congress was given the 'go ahead' from New Delhi to join the CPI-led ministry as the dominant partner, although the CPI man, Achutha Meninn, remains the Chief Minister. In Andhra Pradesh, the leassertion of Central authority was complicated by the demand for separate Telengana, hut this very issue was skilfully used by the Prime Minister to oust a Chief Minister whom she did not trust