Right man for the job

Chidambaram’s most significant announcement came during his reply to a debate on terrorism in Rajya Sabha. He first critiqued the government machinery for delays in crucial decision-making, which he said was costing the country dearly. He also said that various government departments, including the CBI and vigilance, serve as the biggest impediments to decision-making and crucial decisions were held back for years. Because of the fear of audits and avoidable questioning by some of these agencies, government officers are today wary of making any decisions and prefer to sit on crucial files. Chidambaram told Parliament that he was determined to let go of all constraints and take decisions liberally, without worrying about their repercussions.

Dadagiri

Foreign Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee’s constant outpouring of aggression in the wake of the Mumbai terror attacks has caught most people off guard. Even the Opposition was stumped after Mukherjee’s rousing speech in Parliament against Pakistan-promoted terrorism.

Arun Shourie, leader of the main opposition party, remarked in a private conversation that it was for the first time that he saw a Congress minister using such tough language against Pakistan. In fact, nobody can deny that Pranab dada today has become the voice of millions of outraged Indians.

Having sensed the prevailing mood, Mukherjee subsequently mounted an unprecedented diplomatic offensive to make Pakistan fall in line. Time and again, he has warned Pakistan of his willingness to keep all his options open.

In every meeting on terrorism, Mukherjee’s anguish and determination to respond is easily visible. He is of the firm opinion that mere statements are not going to serve the purpose this time and that responding action in some form is necessary. It is not for nothing that Mukherjee’s statements have the entire Pakistan top brass shuddering and growing anxious by the day.

Follow Ratan

It is good that Ratan Tata has realised that he needs to arrange sufficient security for his own hotels. For someone making millions in profits from his property, Tata is equally obliged to ensure effective security of the establishment as well as his guests. Until the Mumbai terror attack last month, security in five-star hotels could be described as shoddy at best. The security officers who were hired by the hotel were ill-trained and their job was often limited to supervising the movement of people on the hotel floors. Their weapons were outdated and were grossly ill-equipped to handle any serious security breach. 

Tata’s statement that he will provide for security at all Taj hotels across the country is a welcome step. Effective security in the hotels, combined with support from the local police and government security agencies should be able to prevent or contain at least many terrorist attacks. I hope all hotel owners follow Tata’s example and introduce sufficient private security to protect their guests.

The writer is a Congress MP in the Rajya Sabha