For too long, Pandit Nehru has combined Pandit Nehru have made confusion worse
FROM 50 YEARS AGO
functions and responsibilities which are too confounded. It is more than time for Pandit
arduous for any one person to bear. In Shri Nehru to apply his mind and energy exclu-
U N Dhebar, he has now an able and active sively to this problem and its sinister impli-
Congress President. It was characteristic of cations. He will have to accept the realities
Pandit Nehru that he admitted recently that of the situation. There will be hope that he Vol VIII, No 6, February 11, 1956 Shri Dhebar had qualities which made him will have the imagination and the leadership
a more suitable Congress President than the to evolve such a solution of the problem ofGrooming Successors Prime Minister. Pandit Nehru had to assume linguistic States as to avert any future threat (Weekly Notes) additional responsibilities as Congress Presi-of disintegration of the country.
dent under circumstances which were critical Shri Krishna Menon’s inclusion in the Cabinet
Shri Krishna Menon has at last got his for the organisation. That particular emer-indicates that Pandit Nehru is not unaware of clearance. His appointment as a Cabinet Min-gency may no longer be acute. But Congress the grave crisis within the country, and of his ister was overdue. He deserves this recognition. and the country now face a graver crisis. responsibilities as Prime Minister to devote Since Independence, he has been the Prime Opinions will differ whether Pandit Nehru his undeflected thought and attention to Minister’s principal adviser on foreign affairs. is temperamentally suited or capable of re-solving the crisis. He can do so in the sure His intimate knowledge of international affairs solving the crisis that now plagues bothknowledge that he will have a Foreign Minis beyond dispute. Though no portfolio has yet Congress and the people. Neither New Delhi ister in Shri Krishna Menon who will faithbeen assigned to him, and he can be most ef-nor Congress has succeeded in solving the fully and efficiently pursue a foreign policy fective as a Minister without portfolio, he may problems arising out of the demand for lin-of which the Prime Minister has been the have to take charge of the Foreign Ministry... guistic States. Improvisations inspired by main architect.
Economic and Political Weekly February 11, 2006
