A question of definitions

When it comes to Indian politics, to paraphrase a famous saying, there are no permanent friends, only permanent interests. Which is why the definition of corruption and secularism clearly lies in the ever-changing perceptions of the beholder. As a senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader acerbically commented recently, the Congress, which is always eager to highlight its secular, non-corrupt credentials, sees nothing wrong in cosying up to Nitish Kumar, even though it had earlier strongly criticised him for his tie-up with Hindu nationalist BJP. Similarly, he added, the party continues to cosy up to the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, even though key ministers from that party who were involved in corruption scandals.