Mr Advani, Sir…

I am relieved that you seem to have done your math on the political abacus, and figured out that 123 is indeed 123, not a wolf in sheep’s clothing.

I am relieved that you seem to have done your math on the political abacus, and figured out that 123 is indeed 123, not a wolf in sheep’s clothing. However, there’s another puzzle that needs your attention. You see, of late, our prime minister, who has always been partial to white, appears to be imperceptibly dressed in, uh, saffron robes.

I will explain why shortly. But first, in a country where colour and creed is always more important than logic and reason, let me present my own credentials. I am neither Hindu nor Muslim, inclined neither to Left nor Right, not a political commentator, strategy analyst or nuclear expert. But I do admit to being a humble student of hindu philosophy.

That’s why, if you will forgive my impertinence, sir, I strongly suspect that Dr Manmohan Singh is exactly the kind of prime minister a proponent of hindutva like yourself would wish for this country: a true karma yogi.

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For the benefit of the uninitiated who may be privy to this letter, let me explain that a karma yogi is someone who does his or her duty (swadharma) for the greater good rather than personal gain, with detachment from the consequences (vairagya). Now Dr Singh’s unshakeable conviction that the 123 Agreement will propel India into the 21st century despite its potential threat to his own government, exemplifies this definition, wouldn’t you agree?

Moreover, the prime minister’s assertion that his government has “nothing to hide on the nuclear deal” is a rare show of “satya” or truth. And the agreement’s emphasis on energy production rather than testing weapons of mass destruction makes it a fine example of “ahimsa” or non-violence. Both, as you know, are fundamental principles of raja yoga, the royal path of the yoga sutras, but obviously, neither seem to have any takers in your Sangh Parivar.

Fortunately, by letting “posterity be the judge” of his nuclear pact, our prime minister also appears to be a disciple of jnana yoga, which endorses the spirit of self-inquiry and puts the big picture above the petty detail. The jnani, says the Gita, is guided by viveka or “right understanding” and “clarity of purpose.” Yet sadly, the BJP’s rather specious blockade of the agreement, followed by a blundering u-turn prompted by political expedience, demonstrates neither.

Still, you’re right. With his ideas of social justice, concern for the suspects of the UK terror attack, and pacifism with Pakistan, Manmohanji is a hopeless softie. Yet, isn’t compassion the quality of a real bhakt? Correct me if I am wrong: bhakti yoga is the path of devotion, and a true bhakt sees God in every living thing, regardless of caste and creed.

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In short, Mr Advani, the Sikh who occupies the PMO is a good Hindu. Unfortunately, this is precisely the reason he may never go down in history as a good prime minister. Or even complete his term. That’s why, as our PM-in-waiting, I wish you all the best.