Defence to boost offence

Defence Minister A K Antony has a reputation for playing fair,but as the final phase of polling nears,the desperation for gaining votes has led to some unusual moves. In an unofficial announcement last week,his ministry said that the Government had improved compensation for casualties in the Armed Forces,apart from doubling the amount. What it failed to mention was that this enhancement had been ordered by the Sixth Pay Commission months ago. Not amused,the Election Commission shot off a note to the Cabinet Secretary to explain the matter. The announcement incidentally came ahead of polls in states with significant populations in the defence forces like Punjab,Haryana and Uttarakhand,which are not happy with the Congress for ignoring their one-rank,one-pension demand.