| The party with a difference. That was the BJP's claim when
it mounted its bid for power at the Centre. It made sense too for everyone else had their
chance, and failed. Yet, as our exclusive poll conducted by ORG-MARG reveals, the BJP is
heading for defeat in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Delhi. The popular exasperation over
its ineptitude -- particularly the failure to control prices -- has destroyed its
political reputation and has even neutralised any anti-incumbency feeling in Madhya
Pradesh. If the rout does take place --
predicting election results is a hazardous business -- it will be another defining moment
in our political evolution. The only major party that remained untested at the Centre has
been tried and shown to be no different. Today, Atal Bihari Vajpayee seems on the verge of
joining Rajiv Gandhi, V.P. Singh and P.V. Narasimha Rao as another leader who aroused
hopes and then proceeded to dash them. For seven months he has presided over political
drift, economic stagnation and administrative paralysis. The BJP's track record in office
has been dismal. Which is why we are raising a more provocative, but fundamental issue: is
it fit to govern?
On the sporting field too a battle has begun. As athletes
prepare for December's Asian Games in Bangkok, Associate Editor Rohit Brijnath and
Principal Photographer Bandeep Singh travelled to training camps at Chandigarh, Patiala
and Bangalore to record their struggle for glory. Unique in this story are the portraits
Bandeep has taken. Sports people are reluctant subjects usually, but intrigued by
Bandeep's unusual suggestions they became willing participants. The kabaddi team drove off
with him to a warehouse in Patiala and the hockey team even undressed for him in a sauna.
As one hockey player said, "We're sweating even before the event has begun." As
he will see, it was worth it.
(Aroon Purie) |
