A psycho-profile of Mr Vajpayee is best left to scholars, but it is safe to argue that the one thing Atalji appears to lack is a statesman’s courage. Admittedly, that kind of courage is a rare commodity in an Indian politician, nevertheless I would have thought that the prime minister has little to lose if he hits out. He is at the fag end of a long and generally distinguished career crowned by the ultimate prize. Happily, he has the opportunity to win one additional prize. He can try and turn the BJP into a legitimate rightwing combine along the lines of the Republicans in the US, or the Christian Democrats of Germany, or the Conservatives of Britain. I say try because in the first instance he will most probably lose the battle, but he—or those who come after him—can hope to win the war.