Journalist: Mr. Ambassador, Rajiv Gandhi is fast losing his grip over the electorate of India. His popularity graph has nose-dived to a point where people have begun to remark that the ‘Honeymoon is over’.
Ambassador: That’s right.
Journalist: People are also disillusioned with his team of ‘Computer Boys’ with Don School snobbery who made him stumble from one blunder to another.
Ambassador: Very correct.
Journalist: Don’t you think folly of inciting religious hatred and passions is now recoiling upon Rajiv? How does he propose to get rid of the politically naive Doon school ‘Buddies’? or alternately when does he intend to go back to his Indian Airlines job? Ambassador: Not in national interest to disclose.
Journalist: Mr. Ambassador, according to the latest report from B.B.C. correspondent in India, Mr. Mark Tully, Hindus have started leaving Punjab after the failure of Rajiv Gandhi to implement the Rajiv-Longowal Accord.
Ambassador: That’s right.
Journalist: Migrating Hindu businessmen feel that by forcing Barnals to send troops into the Golden Temple, Rajiv Gandhi had sealed the fate of Hindus in Punjab. They feel convinced that Punjab will no! Remain part of India,
Ambassador: Very correct.
Journalist: Do you think exodus of Hindus from Punjab will pave the way for Khalistan?
Ambassador: Not in national interest to disclose.
Journalist: Mr. Ambassador, according to a news report, Mr. Surjit Singh Barnala has offered to apologize for committing the sacrilege military troops.
Ambassador: That’s right.
Journalist: But bribing Akali legislators with ministerial berths and ‘Chairmanship of State: ‘Corporations to retain his chair shows that he is only shedding crocodile tears, His only concern seems to be preserving his position.
Ambassador: Very correct.
Journalist: Don’t you think to make honest amends; he should first resign from Chief Minister Ship and then present himself before the Akal Takht for punishment? How can Sikhs exonerate him so long he keeps shifting his stand according to the nods and frowns of Delhi?
Ambassador: Not in national interest to disclose.
Article extracted from this publication >> May 23, 1986
