Give Him A Break

Most of these above-mentioned friends are highly ambitious people, currently whiling away their hours in obscure think-tanks, academia and journalism.They are edgy eager-beavers hovering around the corridors of power. Now is their opportunity. Their 'friend' has become PM so why not push him to dish out a few jobs—Rajya Sabha seats, ambassadorships, special advisors attached to ministers, chairmanships of policy groups, etc. Currently a hectic race is on for the prime minister's press advisor (since the prime minister knows most senior, serving and retired, journalists on a first-name basis, the best press advisor for I.K. Gujral would be I.K. Gujral).

Mr Gujral already carries the burden of the United Front and the country—the second one probably lighter. Let us not put additional burdens on his shoulders. If you are a friend, a true friend, of I.K. Gujral and would like to see him succeed as prime minister, you can do your bit. By not asking him for any favours.