What is happening to our defense minister, A K Antony? Is he losing the sense of propriety at the brink of losing power - for a few years, at least? What else can we deduce from his recent rants about the impossibility of the military taking over power in India? And he is reiterating the remarks at every stage and meeting he gets a chance to open his mouth - which is not too often, we know.
One important consideration the civilian administrators must not forget is that the army should be kept at arm's length always. Keep them pleased, but not overly so. Keep them occupied, but the work should be moderate in times of peace. But Antony is putting unnecessary ideas in the army men's heads. A coup may be impossible, but any revolution would seem to be so, until it is realized in an effortless way. Antony's impossible thing may change to improbable after a few debates, then become implausible, then difficult, then predictable, and on and on.
Indian army is very disciplined and instilled with a sense of civic responsibility. Let's keep them so. Why wake up the monster in peace time?
