Emphasis on Continuity, Not Change

H K Paranjape Given the nature of the motley groups that constitute the Janata Dal and the National Front and their precarious existence in power with the outside support of the BJP and the Left Front, the lack of a clear direction and thrust in economic policy is perhaps unavoidable. Though their mandate is for a real change, the political philosophy of the group as a whole is too vague to permit bold policy initiatives. That is why one finds so much emphasis on continuity and consensus, instead of imaginative advances in new directions. Further, the bureaucracy, which has been as much responsible for the country's ills as the political leaders, continues to rule the roost. Leave alone any basic administrative reform, what is alarming is the naive faith of the new government leaders in the bureaucracy as & neutral and efficient instrument of change.