With the electoral mandate overwhelmingly in favour of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) under the leadership of Narendra Modi, it is time for the new government to settle down and get on with the serious business of governance. During the entire campaign, Modi never missed an opportunity to accuse the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance of indulging in corruption on a massive scale. But having promised a corruption-free government, the nation keenly awaits the composition of his Council of Ministers.
He must ensure that those tainted by corruption charges do not find a berth in his Cabinet, irrespective of whether they turned the political fortunes in the BJP's favour in the recent hustings, particularly in states such as Karnataka. The induction of certain heavyweights into the BJP for electoral considerations in this state had already sparked off a controversy within the the party. They must cool their heels until they are cleared not only by the courts of law but also in public perception.
Having ensured a massive majority for the party, Modi, unlike his predecessor, will not be constrained by coalition compulsions in either choosing his team or allocating portfolios. He must now deliver on his promises of a clean government.
S K Choudhury Bangalore
Letters can be mailed, faxed or e-mailed to:
The Editor, Business Standard
Nehru House, 4 Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg
New Delhi 110 002
Fax: (011) 23720201
E-mail: letters@bsmail.in
All letters must have a postal address and telephone number
