Swamy Menace

The news report in which the commerce minister, Ramakrishna Hegde, described Subramanian Swamys decision to snap ties with the BJP-led coalition as good riddance (May 1) would make many readers go down memory lane to the days when Mr Swamy made his appearance on the political scene. With his Harvard and IIT background, he entered politics when a public debate was going on about the need for scholars and intellectuals to participate in politics. Much to the disappointment of the subscribers to this political theorem, Mr Swamy gave such Quixotic twists and turns to his political career that he has become a laughing stock.

Mr Swamy is now an expert in the art of political manipulation employing the doctrine of end justifies the means with devastating effect. He is the best demolition man, who will suffer no compunction in bringing down any political edifice, unless he is given a place to bask in the sun.

The gentleman certainly needs some shock therapy from the electorate to exile him from Parliament for the next 10 years.