Will Srikrishna Commission save BJP-Sena alliance

Will the politics of one-upmanship between the ruling Congress and NCP combine over implementing the Justice Srikrishna Commission Report save the BJP-Sena alliance, which is on the verge of a break-down' This is the question being asked in Mumbai's political circles.

Immediately after the trial of the Mumbai bomb blast case of 1993 came to an end with conviction of Bollywood actor Sanjay Dutt, activists like Tista Setalwad raised questions on the state government's lack of commitment in implementing recommendations of the Srikrishna Commission which inquired into the 1992-93 riots and the subsequent bomb blasts in the city.

Questions have been raised on the inaction against Shiv Sena leaders and police officers found guilty of being trigger-happy and failing to protect minority community from ire of mobs.

Its perhaps a coincidence, but not so lucky one for chief minister Vilasrao Deshmukh and his deputy R R Patil who heads the home ministry. A case filed by some NGOs in 1998 against lapses in implementing the report came up for hearing in the Supreme Court the next day. The apex court asked the NGOs to file an affidavit giving details on the lapses in implementing the commission's report.

What will happen at the apex court's hearing scheduled after six weeks is anybody's guess. But, it has given Deshmukh and Patil a stick to wield against their detractors.

Deshmukh is already in the dock over land dealings of the Wakf Board. One such plot belonging to the Wakf Board was purchased by the company in which Deshmukh's brother is a director.

Sensing trouble, Deshmukh swung into action and called a meeting of home secretary, director general of police and other senior officials from the home department and asked them to act against individuals indicted by the Srikrishna Commission.

However, opponents of both Deshmukh and Patil are baying for their blood pointing out their failure to implement the report and its impact on the minority votes.

A Congress MLA from Mumbai claimed, "After the trial of bomb blast there was a widespread feeling among the minority community that there is no justice for them as those involved in the 1992-92 riots are scot-free."

However, a minister from state cabinet feels, "Opening cases against the Sena leaders and police officials after such a long time will only help the BJP-Sena combine to consolidate 'Hindu votes'."

Besides, if both parties' leadership senses, this is the issue which might bring them to power once again, then they could stick together. Perhaps unintentionally, but we might end up saving the alliance which is on the verge of breaking up, he claimed.

Meanwhile, Mumbai city BJP president and MLA Prakash Mehta issued a statement alleging, "Deshmukh's order to act on the Srikrishna Commission is nothing but an eye wash. The state government has lost credibility among the minority community over the blatant encroachment of Wakf land, and trying to divert their attention."