We were, however, surprised that the PM felt the need to issue her statement in parliament. This indicates the seriousness with which she invested her address. The purpose of a speech of this nature in parliament is typically to secure public support for a policy stance, and is not to be taken lightly.

The question we have is what has happened to bring bilateral or multilateral relations to such a pass that this was deemed necessary. We do not know what specifically the PM was referring to in her speech. We need specifics. Who is dictating what to whom? Is the PM referring to the recent meeting of donors in Washington? Was the speech aimed at India? Was the PM expressing her displeasure at foreign ambassadors speaking to the press? We remain in the dark, and the PM's speech did not clarify things.

The PM also went on record accusing the opposition of conspiring with foreign agencies against the country. Nor is this the first time she has made such an allegation. This is a grave accusation and the PM needs to substantiate it. Her tone has been getting ever shriller on the subject of conspiracy, and this obliges her to come out with facts. The time has come for the PM to stop hinting and to say outright what she means and to provide proof to back it up.

In conclusion, then, we go along with the spirit of the PM's speech, but the time has come, should she have a case to make, to move beyond vague generalisations that muddy the water and confuse the public to share the specifics with the people. The PM should clarify what she means so that there is no room for doubt, and in the case of accusations against the opposition, she should provide evidence to back up her allegations or cease making them.