Indian Political Scene
Dr. R. Gangadhara Sastry
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 back 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.