Voices

India Today, February 1, 1999
Feb 1, 1999

"The Third Front is made up of dealers and not leaders. That is why they are seeking desperate alliances."
Chandra Shekhar, former prime minister

"Why is the saffron brigade silent about those who desert their Indian nationality and clamour for US green cards?"
Sitaram Yechury, CPI(M) politburo member, on the VHP's obsession with conversions

"Surely Gandhi is dead today, when India and Pakistan are matching muscles and testing nuclear devices."
Ben Kingsley, actor, well known for his lead role in the Oscar-winning film Gandhi

"There is no point in appeasing one by annoying the other."
Kushabhau Thakre, BJP chief, on the tussle for cabinet berths

"We can't go on tolerating humiliation from the BJP. Enough is enough."
Mamata Banerjee, Trinamool Congress chief

"You can't really blame Indian cricket alone. I think the same thing has happened in Indian politics."
Kapil Dev, former cricketer, criticising the frequent changes effected by selectors over the years

"I always hoped the best person will win and I tried hard to be the best."
Gul Panag, Femina Miss India 1999, on winning the crown