Quit pro quo.

(From The Statesman (India))

Vajpayee must stay even if peace fails THE Prime Minister's interview to a German newspaper is, in many ways, vintage Atal Behari. He says he'll retire if the current Indo-Pakistani peace process fails. What did he mean? That he'll not make any more efforts towards peace if this round fails? Or that he'll leave the public field if Pakistan refuses to play ball? There's a delicious vagueness here - the Prime Minister's trademark. Also the tactical motive. Solemn ruminations on retirement focuses the minds of party and government leaders - they all know for the next general elections they need Vajpayee, who remains the most respected and liked politician in the country. Still, this is the second time since he extended his "hand of peace" across the border that the Prime Minister has spoken of staking his career on neighbourly good relations. We must, therefore, take it seriously, and assume that he may be talking about quitting premiership and politics. Our recommendation, plainly put, is the Prime Minister should not resign if the peace process fails. Even if it fails spectacularly, say, through a horrible act of terrorism. There will undoubtedly be sniggers and well-meaning criticism - the latter, for example, from this newspaper, which was and is sceptical of Pakistan's willingness and capacity to change. But as the Prime Minister, with a long and distinguished public career, should be the first one to know, these come with the job. Governing India is a far bigger job than making peace with Pakistan. First, Vajpayee is needed to hold the balance between the pro and anti-reforms groups in his government. Many policy changes have been stalled. But many more would be still-born if the Prime Minister had not used his authority. Reformist ministers like Arun Shourie survive intense party hostility only because of prime ministerial backing. Second, Vajpayee remains the most convincing articulator of the BJP's sensible political line. Ayodhya is a good example. Every time the sants and the VHP have become restive, a combination of small assurances and a firm lid on the status quo have diffused the situation. Third, if the BJP is best voted to power in a coalition and not by itself, there is no one in the party so far who comes close to the Prime Minister's abilities in coalition ...