N-tests were essential: Kanchi swami

“How can this country see the idleness without assessing its own strength, particularly when there is danger lurking?” he asked in defence of the controversial tests.

He was of the view that the Central government cleared the decks for the blasts only to ward off the danger from outside the country, pointing out that the BJP government cannot after all manufacture a nuclear weapon within four months of coming to power.

Finding fault with the press and media for not properly understanding the background of the country’snuclear achievement, the acharya recalled a similar test conducted when Indira Gandhi was in power. The country’s leaders had steadfastly promoted research in atomic and nuclear energy ever since the country became independent. Nearly 50 years later, India acquired the knowledge and power in the vital sector. The scientists were ready to prove their worth even when PV Narasimha Rao, Deve Gowda and IK Gujral wielded power. “I know this on first hand authority but for some reason the tests were not carried out.”