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FLIPSIDE
Panic
Stations
The sense
of crisis that has enveloped South Block may not be discernible because
of the winter fog, but make no mistake, they're burning the midnight oil
just to ensure they make no mistakes. Senior officials representing the
PMO, the Home and Defence ministries and intelligence officials have been
huddled together to thrash out the most crucial challenge of the new millennium.
Here's how it went.
By Dilip
Bobb
 PMO:
We have a crucial decision to make. The prime minister is deeply worried
about the consequences. It could make or break his Government. He has
taken some bold steps but they seem to be backfiring. He's back in the
backwaters according to the opinion polls. We need your inputs to decide
what will be our next step.
Home
Ministry: Our experts are divided on the issue. Some feel that there
is a direct threat to the home minister and he could be the next target.
Others feel we should take a soft line and not muddy the waters at such
a crucial stage. Specially now when the eyes of the world are focused
on India.
Defence
Ministry: We may have made a mistake in letting down our defences
and allowing the situation to get out of hand. The other side has taken
advantage of our soft underbelly and struck a decisive blow. We may have
underestimated their strength and strategy. We need to launch a counter-attack
to abolish the impression that we are just treading water.
Intelligence
Experts: Our intelligence reports indicate that there is no serious
threat. There are some ripples on the surface, but there is no indication
that the other side is planning a full-scale battle or are in a position
to take advantage of the current situation.
Defence
Ministry: I seem to recall a similar assessment during the Kargil
fiasco. This is even more serious. The other side is not just testing
the waters. They are readying for an all-out assault. The defence minister
is not taking this lightly. After all, he could be the first casualty
if this development gets out of hand. His party is already in deep waters.
PMO:
We all agree that this is the most serious development and the biggest
threat to the Vajpayee Government since it came to power. Whatever decision
we make here can decide whether we sink or swim. Do we play down the issue
or go on the offensive? What is the assessment of the intelligence agencies?
Intelligence
Experts: We have been keeping a close eye on the enemy forces. Our
efforts to create divisions and challenge the leadership have been unsuccessful.
They remain united and after last week's coup, they are more confident.
Home
Ministry: The dilemma remains. Do we deal with General Musharraf or
not?
PMO:
General Musharraf? He's not the threat. What do you think we've been discussing
all along?
Home
Ministry: We were told it was a national crisis. Isn't this meeting
about Kashmir?
PMO:
Get your priorities right. This is about Sonia Gandhi hijacking the Hindu
card at the Kumbha Mela.
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