While this is important historical information, the major political parties have not made much of it. None of the key players are around anymore. The Soviet Union has gone.

Brilliance as an economist is not a substitute for political acumen. To be a successful prime minister, you need loads of political acumen. Manmohan Singh needs to acquire this -- fast.

Clearly, the BJP doesn't want to give much time to the opposition parties to regroup. But I think ... the earliest dates could be late April.

Ambiguity is Vajpayee's strength, ... His roots are in poetry and literature, and I think that's a big advantage.

Clearly, the BJP doesn't want to give much time to the opposition parties to regroup, ... But I think ... the earliest dates could be late April.

They should set a very clear priority for the government. There is such a large penumbra of issues. The party needs to come to grips with the reality that it has to be coherent politically.