Now is the time for all good men (and women) to come to the aid of the party.” Only there is no party, just the atmosphere being created for it. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalitha hinted at a non-Congress, non-BJP front when she talked about inter-state regional cooperation. The meeting of minds between Jayalalitha, and Naveen Patnaik was evident during the long hours spent in ripping apart the proposed National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC).

The poor showing by the Congress and the BJP in assembly elections has stirred the latent ambition among regional satraps for one more shot at forming a third front government in Delhi. To dismiss this loose grouping with no ideological base, as a joker in the pack would be a grave mistake. Of course, if you play rummy, you would know that a joker could win you a hand.