Manmohan Singh's 100-day war

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There is no question, in many ways, the Indian politician is coming ever closer to the archetype American one. The fact that Manmohan Singh had to write to his entire council of ministers telling them how to behave and what to do is a sign of the times to come. The fact is that this time round, most of them will have to listen since the mandate Singh has received is overwhelming. But then what should this Government's priorities be and how should it go about them? I have always maintained that we as a nation are woefully inadequate as far as addressing the three Ps are concerned. We do not take primary health, primary education and population seriously and this will be our enduring fault-line. India's track record on all of the above three Ps is abysmal and the good news is for the first time, in many....

Same old, same old…

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The Republic of India finally has a Government in place but not one of surprises. One would have expected a cleansing of sorts but that has not happened. Nor has competence been rewarded adequately. Which should have, given the mandate that the Congress Party received during the elections. But this is perhaps where Indian frailty rests. I, for one, cannot understand how some real bright people have been given some silly portfolios. Chidambaram as Home Minister is a first-rate choice. He is sharp and has proved himself in every job he has handled. But then so is Kamal Nath. Kamal was India's feisty Commerce Minister in the previous regime and has been credited with improving India's bit in every area: be it exports or the stand-off at WTO. To now move Kamal to Infrastructure is a bit if a come down but then knowing Kamal he will make a fine....