Misuse of Intelligence Services

traditions, is finally working against his supremacy in the party. The irony of the situation is its sharp contrast with Indira Gandhi. She had started her prime ministership under the strong vigil of the 'syn- dicate', of which indeed she was a creation. But in three years she not only broke away from the 'syndicate' but launched her own-party under her single-person leadership. Rajiv Gandhi started at the peak of power, both of the government and the party. In the fourth year of his prime ministership, he stood dwarfed at both levels, This, of course, does not mean that he will not return as prime minister. He probably will, thanks to the self-annihilating behaviour of the centrist opposition leaders. But in his second term, he will be a much weaker prime minister than he has been in the first.