Indian premier's test of character

With the opposition baying for his blood after every alleged misdemeanour committed by the Congress-led United Progress Alliance (UPA) government, Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh finally pulled out his sword for a bit of thrust and parry over the WikiLeaks bribe-for-votes expose.

Singh is putting on a belligerent face, but the spectre of US involvement in Indian politics cannot be entirely ruled out. The government is being hard pressed to erase all the fringe players who have been claiming to have played bit parts ever since India and Washington signed the nuclear deal. The stakes, however, have gone up and New Delhi must ensure that it is not seen as toeing the US line in matters of domestic and international policy.

Transparency by the government must be the key hereafter since its image has been battered by one scam after another. This could go a long way in influencing the Indian public when it decides to cast its vote, especially if the people are seeking better governance, relief from rampant corruption and economic prosperity.

In the end even though Singh acquitted himself admirably in parliament, he must know that he has only won the battle and not the war. A bigger test of character awaits him down the road.