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'It was a militaristic, chauvinistic, jingoistic move'

Praful Bidwai

I am appalled.

But not entirely surprised. I think there were indications of a movement in this direction. There were two issues where the BJP insisted on no changes when they came to power. The issue of the review of the Constitution and its stand on the nuclear policy. And these issues were translated word for word from the BJP manifesto to the national agenda of the government.

There were other signs like the reinduction of Raja Ramanna into the Atomic Energy Commission (and the start of George Fernandes's attack on China.

Most important, I believe they wanted to present these tests as a fait accompli before the forthcoming round of talks planned with the US before Bill Clinton's visit to India. This government wanted to pre-empt any discussion of the whole issue of India's nuclear weapon status. There would have been some discussion about steps towards nuclear restraint. And I think they wanted to stave off pressure. Or more than that they wanted to avoid the discussion entirely. Because they do not have any rationale or logical reason for their stand on nuclear weapons. Now probably the focus of the discussion will be India's status as a 'responsible nuclear weapon power'.

Most important it was a calculated political move and a issue with which the BJP believes it can win the support of a certain jingoistic section of the electorate. It was a gamble to be able to get some support, a move towards an election.

From the BJP's point of view today was probably the opportune moment to make this move.

But from the point of view of the nation it was disastrous. There was a movement building up in the country which believed in nuclear containment. And that momentum will be lost.

This changes the security equation with China and Pakistan. India will be involved in a nuclear arms race, actually two nuclear arms races. A primary one with China and a secondary one with Pakistan.

Our precious resources will be wasted. It was a militaristic, chauvinistic and jingoistic move. It will be keep us in state of hostility with our neighbours, including all our southeast Asian neighbours -- Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Nepal -- who believe in establishing a nuclear free zone.

Under the Non-Proliferation Treaty, there will be some action. I think it would mean a cut of aid, and action by the World Bank and the IMF. But this will not be as hurtful as the diversion of our resources.

And there seems to be no coincidence in the fact that this was done on Buddha Purnima. The code message from Sethna to Indira Gandhi after the Pokhran explosion in 1974 was "The Buddha is smiling".

How can it be anything but a political move? And they have been deceptive. Vajpayee had stated many times that the decision to induct nuclear weapons would be taken only after the National Security Council Review. And since it was thermal nuclear explosion they must have planned this within a few days of taking power. They were on a slippery wicket and government with a majority of just 22 seats. It was deep, cheap move.

Praful Bidwai, a critic of India's nuclear establishment, spoke to Vaihaysi P Daniel.

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