Formulas float as realpolitik sinks in

Although the DMK has firmly rejected the proposal for constitution of an eminent persons group, judges committee or a joint parliamentary committee to go into this question of the party’s role as stated in the Jain Commission report, the Prime Minister is going ahead with his proposals to break the impasse.

There is a possibility that Gujral may unilaterally constitute the group which may lead to the exit of the DMK from the Gujral government in protest.

All this may create some complications for the Prime Minister, but the demand of the Congress would be met in the process and he may be able to avert the crisis for at least a few more weeks.

One of the proposals being worked out by Gujral is that the portfolios of the DMK ministers be taken away till the time report of the Jain Commission is "thoroughly scrutinised with responsibility fixed on those involved" by a committee of judges, experts or parliamentarians without DMK representation in it.

Although Gujral’s letter to Kesri yesterday made no mention of a committee, the UF’s willingness to get the report examined by an independent committee to assuage the hurt feelings of the Congress was conveyed to the latter informally.

The supporters of Gujral feel that the core committee cannot find fault with him if he takes away the portfolios of the DMK ministers. Technically, they would be part of the government but would have no role in the decision making process. He had been "authorised" by the core committee last night to hold talks with the Congress only if it did not insist on dropping the DMK ministers.

But the conciliatory tone of Gujral’s letter and fresh proposal found no takers in the Congress because it gave no escape route to retreat on this "emotive issue."

Sensing the mood in the party, Kesri refused to accept the "authorisation" from the Congress Working Committee of Monday saying he would prefer a collective decision in the matter.

The Congress leaders feel that the UF has left no scope for negotiations by firmly rejecting the demand for dropping the DMK. Once the government falls, the President has the option of finding out if the Congress, or any other combination, can provide an alternative government. The UF may also be given a third chance to come up with a solution.

It is in this context that the names of Defence Minister Mulayam Singh Yadav and TMC leader G K Moopanar are being mentioned as possible successor of Gujral. The DMK, on its own, may opt out of the government for the smooth sailing of the UF. This may be the honourable way out of the present political impasse.