After Independence, Delhi did not get the attention it deserved because it was a Union Territory.Certainly, the Bhavans that cluster at the centre of Lutyens' Delhi were constructed -- ponderous architectural follies totally divorced from the life of the people. But the citizens, without a government that was answerable to them, found themselves up against a bureaucratic brick wall whenever they tried to improve their lot. Hence the move towards statehood for the Capital. Unfortunately, it has turned out to be more of the same. The only sign of progress is a road development project which owes more to Japanese large-heartedness than Indian enterprise. Delhi remains starved of power and water. The massive urban sprawl created by poorly planned development remains disgustingly a sprawl. Pollution levels are so high that breathing constitutes a health hazard. The power crisis is so disastrous that the Delhi Vidyut Board has not even been able to keep to its load-shedding schedule, forcing some people to go without power for half a day every day. Delhi is literally on the brink of urban meltdown. Both theCentral and Delhi governments have sought recourse in the last resort of the ineffectual politician: cosmetology. The `surprise visit' finds intensive use. The Union Minister for Health infiltrated a city hospital in order to observe nurses and doctors in their natural habitat. Delhi's Chief Minister took electricity department officials by surprise. Both succeeded in getting the best out of photo ops. Both failed to better the situation.

Delhi's problem is not skin-deep. It is the result of years of official indifference. And, specifically, a consistent failure to appreciate the fact that a nation's first city is, by definition, above all other cities. It has special needs and deserves special consideration. So far, the powers that be in Delhi have concentrated all their consideration upon Lutyens' Delhi and the diplomatic enclaves. But now that India is staking a claim to world power status, the government ought to ensure that it has a capital to go with it. If it continues to administer Capitalpunishment upon the people of Delhi, it will destroy the very image of India.