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This is with reference to "Disinvestment in danger" (Business Line, October 14). The article highlights the problems faced by the Disinvestment Minister, Mr Arun Shourie, in trying to push the divestment of HPCL and BPCL.

As pointed out, the main opposition is from Cabinet colleagues and allies. The reactions of the Petroleum Minister soon after the apex court order bears testimony to this. The comment of the former disinvestments chairman that Mr Shourie should not have acted in "unseemly haste" is worthy of consideration. The protest of the NDA convenor was also not taken into account.

All these point out that there is something wrong in the whole process of divestment, especially the petroleum majors.

The divestment process is on the derailment track not because of the apex court order, but because of the lack of the unanimity in the ruling coalition and the absence of a clear political consensus. The NDA, which has completed four years of rule, should initiate discussions with the entire political spectrum in the country to build up a consensus for a divestment policy.

C. P. Velayudhan Nair

Kochi

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