A slice of life
Reviewed by Nirbhai Singh

The Audacity of Opinion (Reflections, Journeys, Musings)
by Jaswant Singh.
Manjul. Pages 676. Rs 895

The book is an anthology of essays collected from the speeches, reviews and articles published in different journals and dailies. The writings included in the present anthology are author's reflections of the contemporary political, religious and social issues that India is facing. The anthology can't be termed as a researched treatise. These essays are casual reflections on the day-to-day happenings in our society and inside the Parliament of India. The author says that he has objectively expressed his bold opinions. Objectivity is but a myth. No one can claim that one is objective unless arguments are based on logical principles. Everyone is conditioned by his environment and commitments. The author could not come out of the cocoon of his present affiliation with the political party.

Being a part of a political party, the author held the ministerial portfolios of defense, finance and external affairs in the Central Government. The book touches upon complex issues including secessionist demands, terrorism in Punjab, and state-centre relationship. Indian Constitution coins a new concept of secularism that has respect for other religions. Religious fundamentalism and communal riots or violence is the violation of spirit of the Constitution. National integration is at stake because of dominance of regionalism. Dominance of rich classes has frustrated poor sections of society. The ideal of swaraj conceived by Mahatma Gandhi seems to have been buried in the grave.

The book is spread over 19 headings and is further subdivided into 83 sub-headings. Paucity of space does not permit to discuss in detail contents of all the headings. Only a few significant topics have been taken up. The second heading contains three topics, "Politics, Parliament, Democracy," which concerns the present scenario in India. National integration is a vital problem of the country. The strong yearning for national unity may be on our minds, but sans action.

The country is split up into different pigeon-holes of regionalism and casteism. Our Constitution envisages dismantling these barriers for achieving unity of country without suppressing minorities and provincial autonomy. Linguistic problem is another issue the author has harped upon. Similarly, functioning of parliamentary and democratic systems are the burning issues. In article, The Temple Revisited the author takes up the problem of terrorism and action Blue Star of 1984. The book also discusses 'security and defense', 'nuclear conundrum...' , etc.

The author expresses his despair over disunity in post-Independence Indian politics. According to him, one-party rule at the centre has been replaced with regional and religious parties. Indian politics is on the cross-roads of political uncertainty. Connivance of politics and religion along with corruption and caste dominance should be tackled. Diplomatic relations with neighbouring countries and nuclear agreement are given significant space in the book. Twenty articles are devoted to these issues. Besides, the work has a comprehensive coverage of current socio-political issues.

The book is written in simple and clear style. It will be of immense use as a desk guide to the Indian parliamentarians and legislators, and the novices.

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