The recent stance from UPA government on nuclear deal surprised many observers of political scenario in India. Few months ago, the same prime minister announced that the nuclear deal is kept on back burner, thanks to the threatening calls by their Leftist allies. The power at that point of time turned out to be the only important factor for Manmohan Singh and company, and not the interests of the country.
However, now the same government is willing to go ahead with the nuclear treaty. There is neither major change that has taken place in the nuclear treaty nor there is any attainment of clear majority in house which will see to it that the nuclear treaty will be see the light of the day as Parliament passes it. Also there are no signals being given by any entity towards the betterment of this nation if this nation becomes a party to the nuclear treaty.
Why so aggressive stance on the nuclear treaty. Just a week ago, the finance minister came out with the 'Aaam Aadmi' budget and did his level best to please the bottom half of the Indian population. The emhasis on agriculture sector, including debt waiver, was an appeal to the 60% population which is directly or indirectly employed in the agro sector. Rationalisation of the income tax slabs was the carrot for the salaried middle class who has been complaining of tough times given the high inflation and higher interest rates.
Most of the budget observers recognised it as a stage preparation activity for the parliamentary election coming our way next year. But we don’t think that the public at large will remember all these great initiatives taken by finance minister after almost 18 months. And at the same time the government needs to show up as a decisive government that does not succumb to the pressures of any element.
The recent stance to take the nuclear treaty to the other side, serves both the purpose. First, if for whatever reasons, UPA manages to get the nuclear bill passed in the Parliament, then it will add to its credit, though the possibility of happening is very low. Secondly if this does not happen and the communist withdraw the support to the government, there will be a wave of sympathy backing congresss in the election and the impact of this Aam Aadmi budget can be encashed. All in all a win win situation for a congress. Manmohan Singh seems to have kept his fingers crossed. |
