But of course that is precisely why the BJP is forced to look to spread its wings even as its rank and file worries about ideological dilution forced by the broad-basing of its coalition. An alliance in which its dominant numbers were in no way counterbalanced by a single large bloc of MPs such as that of the AIADMK would have suited the party very well. Allies with smaller numbers in Parliament would generally counterbalance each other more evenly, have more modest ambitions and display a correspondingly smaller ability to rock the boat. This is an obvious enough point: the dismissal of an irate Buta Singh cost the BJP no more than one MP's support, whereas the departure of Sedapatti R. Muthaiah caused a tantrum in Chennai that had thepotential to cost this government its life.

But if a widely-dispersed coalition of 18 allies cannot ensure minimal stability in government, what is the basis for thinking that two or three more would do so? The fact of the matter is that the BJP is hamstrung by the large number of MPs at Jayalalitha's command and there is little it can do except try to keep the lady in good humour or accept the frailty of its government as its inevitable condition. It is not necessarily logical to expect either that another coalition partner which commanded a relatively large number of seats -- Chandrababu Naidu's Telugu Desam Party, for instance, the most obvious target of the BJP's affections -- would counterbalance the AIADMK. It is entirely conceivable, even likely, that instead of one individual's bullying, the BJP would then be subject to two. What is more, it is a good question where the BJP is to find such prospective partners with the exception of Naidu, and he seems to be quite happy to remain outside the BJPcoalition. The party would like to split Laloo Prasad Yadav's Rashtriya Janata Dal and Mulayam Singh Yadav's Samajwadi Party, but success is hardly assured. Still, if at all this government is to last out a respectable period in power, and it is surely anxious to ensure that it does, its best hope lies in picking up small numbers of MPs from various groupings. No doubt such arrivals too would want their pound of flesh but they would probably neither be powerful enough nor indeed inclined to hold the government perpetually to ransom.

Certainly no easy options are available. The BJP is probably right strategically to look out for more reliable allies than are hitherto available to it. On the other hand, its prospects of success in this endeavour are not particularly bright. Certainly it has little to show for its efforts in this direction so far. It might be better served in the end by focusing on that part of the national council resolution which seeks to ``consolidate'' its present alliance. And this, itmust be stressed, involves as much an ability -- not too much in evidence as yet -- to say no as being accommodating and even-handed with its allies.