The 'candid' speech has been welcomed widely. 'Der aye, doorust aye' (better late than never), nodded Shahid Siddiqui on NDTV. The Archbishop of Delhi also seemed appreciative, even gratified at the PM's assurance that his government would ensure freedom of people to adopt and retain a religion. Barkha Dutt, the anchor, was exasperated at the cussedness of Rajya Sabha MP Derek O'Brien who repeatedly pointed out that the belated declaration was a 'course correction' after the electoral drubbing BJP received in Delhi and in the by-elections held last week.
"But he has spoken…," Dutt pouted. What more do you expect him to do, she seemed to be asking. O'Brien remained combative. His smirks indicated he was far from convinced that the PM had changed his spots. Reminding viewers that the Rajya Sabha was stalled during much of the winter session in December because of the PM's refusal to address the issue of communal harmony in the House, he questioned the timing, barely a week before the Parliament begins its budget session on February 23. Dutt now asked if the opposition would again stall the House "even after the PM has spoken…", a full toss that O'Brien managed to duck.