Minister for External Affairs SM Krishna addressing the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) started his speech by reading out the text of the Portuguese Foreign Minister’s speech instead of his own. After welcoming the Portuguese speaking nation Brazil for accompanying him at this conference, and after he had progressed further in his speech, it dawned on him and his aides that something did not sound right. The error was rectified. He started all over again by reading his own speech. This episode has profound implications. It has opened my eyes to a truth that has been eluding us all for a long time. One must thank Mr Krishna for highlighting it.

What if the error had not been noticed and Mr Krishna had continued with the Portuguese Minister’s speech?

Suddenly, blindingly, the truth hit me. The UPA government is on the right track and doing a magnificent job. Only we misunderstand its intentions and performance. I shall point out just two examples indicating why we might be forming the wrong opinion about the government.

We all blithely believe that there is dissidence within government ranks and ministers freely criticize each other and the Prime Minister. What we fail to appreciate is that in all probability the so called dissidents are by mistake reading out the speeches to be delivered by the BJP leaders! Their loyalty should not on that account be questioned. Similarly there is widespread criticism of this government for kowtowing to China. Again, all that might be happening is that Ministry of External Affairs’ spokespersons by mistake are reading out the statements prepared by Beijing’s foreign office.

All that the government needs to do in future is to ensure that ministers acquaint themselves before hand with what they are ordered to read out. And also, their officials should make sure that ministers are denied access to speeches and statements prepared by their political opponents. Once that is accomplished the UPA government’s popularity will soar!