Flipside: Honourable Mention

India Today
October 26, 1998

FLIPSIDE
Alphabetically Yours

Dilip Bobb

The acronym ABCD was coined to describe a certain foreign object, American Born Confused Desi. Their confusion flowed from the fact that they were, somewhat like Bill Clinton, embracing another way of life while sticking to their own. However, recent events in India have made them even more ABCD. Being wired, they asked their ISP (Internet Service Provider) for a www site that would provide them answers. They were directed to a USA-friendly site called abcd.com. Here's the most FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions).

FAQ: I'm a little ABCD (I'm only 15 years old). Could you tell me who's running the Government in India?

abcd.com: It's very simple if you know your alphabets. The BJP is, in the main, the party in power and is supported, sort of, by a number of other parties like the AIADMK, the PMK, the MDMK, the TRC and TMC among others. But the coalition is constantly in an alphabet soup and is under constant threat.

FAQ: From the Opposition?

abcd.com: Actually from its allies. The AIADMK has been threatening the Government over the DMK. Now, the latest threat comes from the PMK which has threatened to withdraw support if the BJP gives in to the AIADMK. There is a similar threat from the HLD, following the ouster of Delhi's chief minister. And then there is the SP (there are actually two SPs) which is forcing the Government to take an unprincipled stand on the RJD Government in Bihar and is also unhappy about the ouster.

FAQ: Was the ouster ousted by the Opposition?

abcd.com: Actually, by his own party. But that's another story.

FAQ: How strong is the Opposition?

abcd.com: Very much like the BJP. The Congress, the JD, RJD, CPI (M) and CPI are united over the division of certain states, territorially, not seat-sharing. However, the Akali Dal is against this and there is a thin line dividing support to the Congress and support to the BJP. The DMK says it might support the Congress, the RJD and the BSP may want to go it alone, but then again, they may not. The NC may while the AIADMK could go either way depending on Jayalalitha's mood on that day. The CPI(M) says it may. Meanwhile, the TDP has remained neutral but could choose one or the other, depending on how fast things move. Then there is the AGP which is another story. There is also the other SP which is attacking both the Congress and the BJP.

FAQ: This is all very confusing to someone who is already an ABCD. Incidentally, what does abcd.com stand for?

abcd.com: Also Becoming Confused Desi.

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