Between a tank and a damp squib

The fresh controversy surrounding the Arjun tank has put Defence Minister A K Antony in a somewhat tight spot. The minister, who had taken a “personal interest” in the indigenous tank project and has been keeping close tabs on its development, is now in a bind. On one side is the DRDO and the scientific community that is confident about the tank and is pressing Antony for larger orders. On the other hand, the Army has presented him with a damning report that virtually trashes the tank and condemns its reliability. While one waits to see which side prevails, the minister will go into this one knowing that the Army already feels let down on his promise about a “good pay commission”.