July 6, 1998

L K ADVANI
Home Minister

"Rulers who can not protect the life and property of the people have no right to remain in power."

Priorities

• Tackling cross-border terrorism.
• A pro-active Kashmir policy.
• Promoting the national identity cards scheme.
• Creation of the new states of Uttarakhand and Vananchal.

PERFORMANCE: The former BJP president has used the Home Ministry as an instrument of political management. His controversial pro-active approach to terrorism in Kashmir drew flak overseas but was lapped up by the party faithful. Home Ministry teams have been despatched to states to study law and order situation but Advani has ruled out the use of Article 356.

PROBLEMS: Advani has staked his reputation on curbing militancy in Kashmir. Yet, he is hamstrung by international compulsions. The Home Ministry teams have not been well received by the states. National identity cards remains a well-meaning pipe dream.

ASSESSEMENT: He is too talkative. He must first learn to complete his assignments.

YASHWANT SINHA
Finance Minister

"I could have done more. It's difficult to push through everything in 65 days."

Priorities

• Revive economy, curb inflation and reassure investors.
• Give priority to concerns outlined in National Agenda.

PERFORMANCE: Has succeeded in giving a thrust to agriculture and rural development. But this has been offset by the mistakes and roll-backs in his budget. Has managed to contain the swadeshi lobby in his party, but foreign investors are not convinced. Failed to use the Pokhran tests to push tough reforms and investor-friendly measures.

PROBLEMS: Economics has been overshadowed by this Government's preoccupation with defence and foreign affairs. Fiscal management has suffered from waning confidence in India's future potential. Wishing for less state control, Sinha has been buffeted by demands for greater government intervention in shoring up the rupee and Sensex. 

ASSESSEMENT: He is easily bullied by the babus. Yashwant must learn to think for himself.

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