[Assam] The dilemma of Manmohan Singh

[Pradip Kumar Datta]

The dilemma of Manmohan Singh
   
  December 8, 2006
  By Chandrachur Ghose
  Yet to find a good answer to Justice Mukherjee's report, the Government of India finds itself between the devil and deep sea. Even after his Government's endless crowing that the ashes kept at the Renkoji temple are Netaji's, the Prime Minister is in a dilemma whether he should make the customary visit to the temple or not, during his upcoming trip to Japan. If he does, it will create a furore in the country. If he does not, it will raise diplomatic eyebrows - on what account is the 'prince among patriots' being ignored? 
  Fully aware how a single wrong move can snowball into a mass fury, our quick-witted Foreign Minister has told newsmen that a visit to the temple is not on cards. But if the Japanese authorities request, it shall be considered. The Forward Bloc has promptly issued a warning note. Debabrata Biswas, the party's general secretary, has urged the PM not to visit the temple. The frustration of the Government is understandable. It has to keep paying the Japanese Government and the Trust of the Renkoji Temple for maintaining Ichira Okura's ashes. To add insult to injury, the Japanese Government keeps asking uncomfortable questions. 
  So Pranab Babu has come up with a smart formula, according to news sources. Put the ball in Netaji's daughter's court. Let her take the ashes if she wants. What she wants to do with the ashes is going to be her decision; at least the Government will be relieved from the embarrassment of paying for Okura's ashes. Significantly, Anita Pfaff, who made no secret about her belief till some time back, has kept herself away from public gaze on this issue. But the first move having been made by the Government, it will be interesting to see her response.
   
   

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