HVK Archives: Chidambaram had advised UF against going nuclear
Chidambaram had advised UF against going nuclear - The Economic Times
Political Bureau
()
May 15, 1998
Title: Chidambaram had advised UF against going nuclear
Author: Political Bureau
Publication: The Economic Times
Date: May 15, 1998
The United Front government under both Mr Deve Gowda and Mr I K
Gujral was under pressure to conduct nuclear tests only to be
prevented by the grim economic picture painted by the then
finance minister, Mr P Chidambaram, about the possible impact.
Though Mr Gowda and Mr Gujral were unsure whether to carry out
the nuclear option, sources said, the pressure mounted greatly
after the government refused to sign the Comprehensive Test Ban
Treaty (CTBT) under international pressure. Both lacked the
"killer instinct" to press the button inspite of defence minister
Mr Mulayam Singh's eagerness to take credit for it. The then
defence minister is said to have been keen to implement the
demand of nuclear scientists for it would have reinforced his
image as a ecisive and strong politician. His remarks on
Pakistan threat to the country's security would be in sharp
contrast to the dovish statements of Mr Gujral. It was Mr
Chidambaram who advised against such a step as he feared India
would be labelled an international pariah and forced to face the
brunt of economic sanctions. He is said to have detailed the
economic implications for India just a few years into the
liberalisation period.
Sources said, a mere 18 days were required for a go-ahead from
the prime minister but the two failed to suitably build an
opinion within. Unlike the BJP manifesto and the National Agenda
of the BJP-led coalition, the UF did not have any stand on the
subject. Rather the coalition partners remained confused on their
stand.
An assessment carried out during Mr Gowda's government painted a
orst scenario for the country's economy which forced the UF
government against giving a green signal.
Now with the BJP-led government walking away with all the credit
the UF leaders are "kicking themselves in the back". In
particular Mr Mulayam Singh Yadav who still wants to take credit
for all the work.
A UF leader said that the 'Hindu' party was trying to claim
credit for the work undertaken during Congress(I) and UF
govermnents. But he conceded that the BJP had pipped them by
taking a firm stand just 40 days after coming to power.
Reluctantly, he appreciated the "guts" of the new government yet
made it clear that the timing of the tests was to shore up the
image of the prime minister viewed by many including his
coalition partners as a weakling.
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