God-sent opportunity

With reference to “A vote for competence” (September 4), the editorial states that the integrity of Nirmala Sitharaman (pictured) may have been taken into account ahead of her selection in view of the heavy defence purchases that are expected. Similar views have been repeated ad nauseam by many other commentators since the allotment of her portfolio. But there is a need to asses her selection on other parameters, too. Sadly, the lingering shadows of the Bofors controversy, continuously overplayed by those opposing the Congress party, have reduced the status and stature of the defence minister of a country boasting one