No doubt, public memory is short. However, the waving of wads of notes in the Lok Sabha just before the Note of Confidence-Sorry, Vote of Confidence- on July 22 will stay in public memory for a long time.

The BJP MP Argal has said that he decided to have the 'sting' done after the UPA had asked for proof of horse-trading. He said he refused to receive the cash at Amar Singh's residence and insisted that it be delivered at his residence, so that he can have it recorded.



The latest indications are that the Speaker is unlikely to accede to the BJP-CPM demand for making public, the sting tape. It might, repeat, might be handed over to the Lok Sabha privileges committee.

Another curious aspect to the whole episode is that the very TV channel, which handed over the tape to the Speaker's office, has now expressed uncertainty about the authenticity of the contents. Yes, there are wheels within wheels.

Meanwhile the senior BJP leader L K Advani has made a strong case before Speaker Somnath Chatterjee for making public the sting operation. According to him, it was a violation of the 'Right to Information' of the Indians by the channel to hold back the telecast.

I feel the people of India have the right to know what the tape contains. Any delay could raise suspicions that it might have been doctored. It is all the more proper, therefore that it should be telecast without any further delay