Amid fighter shortage: Inside story of how Vajpayee worked with rivals to save 1996 Sukhoi-30 deal

Amid the repeated complaints of the shortfall of fighter squadrons in the IAF-- the most recent one being the chief Amar Preet Singh mentioning it on Air Force Day--- watch ThePrint special series 'First Person Second Draft', where Editor-in-chief Shekhar Gupta tells you the story of how IAF’s Su-30 dream would’ve crashed but for the sagacity of Narasimha Rao, Vajpayee, Jaswant Singh and Mulayam Singh Yadav in 1996, originally published on 23 November, 2017.
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[@ThePrintIndia]

Exclusive content, privileges & more - Subscribe to ThePrint for special benefits: theprint.in/subscribe/

[@debabrataroy3081]

Two of India's best Prime Ministers, that too in one story! I think India was very lucky that two statesmen like Rao and Vajpayee were there to lead her through the precarious 90s. Both of them together can be credited for much of India's success today.

[@well_said7846]

@shortentertainment93 Very true!

[@varun2250]

​@shortentertainment93Indira Ji made India's national security much stronger but she's the root cause for the Soci alist - Com muni st style of economy that lead the civilization to bankruptcy by 1990's. It took a lot of non- nakli- Gandhi's to get us out of that situation.

[@pp_01123]

@shortentertainment93 They both have more negatives than positives! While Rao and Vajpayee have more positive and they don't have big blots!

[@ThePrintIndia]

Thank you for watching and writing in, Debabrata. I'm glad you liked this episode...best wishes, Shekhar

[@hemikovsky]

@shortentertainment93 Modi is a total Fraud. Coward!

[@rohit_dalmia]

Total gem of an episode!

[@user-ng5xr2ju2z]

It is the biggest mistake of independent india, even bigger than 'socialism' of the pre-91 era, to have not given Vajpayee and Rao enough time in office. Even the haters of BJP today admire Vajpayee a lot, what a gem he was. Bringing a garbage INC in 2004 which pissed all over Narasimha Rao's legacy was a huge huge mistake.

[@gotfan7743]

LOL..Vajpayee is admired today because he no longer lives. When he was PM every dirty trick was employed to bring his government down. I believe you were not alive back then or you might have been a kid. You do not understand the propaganda of Congress and Leftists.

[@prasadputrevu]

And we probably gonna do the same in the coming years electing RaGa.

[@Ninjashank]

@@prasadputrevu Hope that day never comes, and Raga in his infinite wisdom, finds more creative ways to defeat congress. I'm counting on it :)

[@User-mncbjlfjrebxkl]

@@prasadputrevu Rahul Gandhi is a buffoon. If it weren't for his slaves , Congress would ruling India by now.

[@jawedmanowar657]

And UPA 1 legacy and Dr Singh Singing of Nuclear agreements with NPC grp and US leading crunching US sanctions and world formally accepting India as an nuclear super power And due to Nuclear sanctions india was facing tremendous Hardship And after sanctions lifting india went for massive growth from IT to Telcom to India company going global eg Tata ventured out and acquired foreign companies and doing bussines with dollar

[@harshalshah8845]

I never had any respect for Mulayam Singh Yadav, especially when he advocated that India should pay reparations to pakistan due to the sanctions they faced after nuclear tests. This story made me reconsider my opinion.

[@Ninjashank]

well, take it with a bag of salt. It's anecdotal evidence :) .... Think padma awards, and all that :) :)

[@Prayukth]

Back when we had leaders and not actors in power.

[@seventhuser904]

You have a PM who has revolutionized the Manufacturing sector of India especially Defense. We all know what the conditions were in 2014. Sometimes it's good to give the credit where it is due.

[@rishirajsharma7207]

People commented same when Vajpayee was in power , and Rajiv Gandhi was great or Indira , only thing was you were not born back then

[@escee6280]

​@shortentertainment93 but if you call spade a spade, then Modi is not taking national security seriously! Fighter jet squadrons dwindling with a serious shortage of jets but what did Modi do for the last ten years! He simply bought only 36 rafale jets instead of procuring 126 ! Is this how IAF is going to fight ?

[@escee6280]

@shortentertainment93 Modi ji will awake after next Balakot !! Israel showed what fighter jets can do in a war!

[@AP-do6sv]

Vajpayee was voted out by liberandus on the same pretext of secularism, democracy in threat etc etc.

[@Ninjashank]

Rafael had no scandal but Rajiv was involved in bofors! Don’t equate the two Sg.

Many people call the Bofors deal as a scam because of a hidden payment to Bofors, Sweden. Very few people know that along with the Bofors guns a critical piece of equipment called flash x-ray photography machine was also supplied. This is ostensibly used to take fast photographs of the artillery shell when it is propelled inside the thick barrel of the gun using intense x-rays. Again, ostensibly it was to be used to calibrate the range of Bofors gun. This was a dual use machine. This machine can also take fast photos of the trigger and safety mechanisms used inside a sealed deliverable nuclear bomb as they operated. A very critical equipment indeed and it was on the prohibited list of international export controls to India. India was at the time weaponizing its nuclear explosive technology. As PM of India, do you publicize this or quietly make the payment and get the much needed equipment for the country? The Western powers knew about it and probably the then Swedish PM Olaf Palme paid with his life for this indiscretion. His murder is still not solved. Of course, a certain Indian newspaper reporter based abroad made it a big issue of corruption by Rajiv Gandhi and the Indian public believed her and the newspaper that published it.

[@samodhmadhavan]

You can only wake up people who are sleeping not ones who act . Keep acting

[@Ninjashank]

Please share some reference. Learnt a new thing today!

[@GinzaGeorge]

Nice to hear this. Thank you

[@os4879]

Loved this segment i.e First person Second Draft. Should have it more often.

[@ThePrintIndia]

Thank you, my friend. I'm glad you liked it. I will try to do it as often as I can...best wishes, Shekhar

[@Invincible5678-u8v]

Back those days when there were real politicians and not actors

[@sigma-sigma1]

The intial deal of su-30 during deve-gowda primeministership in 1996 and the subsequent deal for license, production of su-30 mki during vajapayee government after the finish of kargil war is what has resulted in India having some 250+ su-30 mki an f-15 class of fighters which is was what has made iaf to be counted among the elite airforces of the world.

[@Chiga-lt6vq]

Ngl we ain't any elite airforce Did u forget the balakot fiasco ?

[@the_Nameless_One99]

Vajpayee was too good to be true! The fact that he and Rao had come together earlier during the economic crisis too and now during this! I think him losing the 2004 elections sent the wrong message to the BJP, that you cannot be that good or honest in politics!

[@truthandjusticeareonlyword63]

This shows how much a statesman Vajpayee was even when his govt was branded untouchable or lost vote of confidence by 1 vote yet he thought in national interest where as Rahul Gandhi openly goes and sides with khalistanis Chinese Pakistanis and all other anti India forces and plays their role in India as opposition role!!

[@Torquethetrail]

That's beautiful sir.... I can't even imagine India without the SU30 MKI.... The present political leadership should learn to go beyond political rivalry for larger national interests and security....

[@kiranhoskere9932]

What a wonderful episode. You made my day Shekarji

[@explorer8824]

Now Raul Vinci and khangress created so much mess about Rafael that air force is suffering in capabilities.

[@victor256in]

This would not happen if the opposition was Rahul's Congress now. They would run to their NGO friends, NY times after taking instructions and funds from the Chinese embassy.

[@hannanhub1717]

What about arrogance of paw paw and kala dari

The Soviet Union had crumbled by 1996 and once famous Russian aircraft design bureaus were gone. The Sukhoi design bureau had an excellent aircraft prototype in its hands which was a product of the cold war. It was far superior to the Western fighter aircraft in its class. It took 25 to 30 years to design, build, test, and then build the assembly lines for a new generation fighter aircraft then. Russia had everything ready for Su-30 aircraft except it did not have any customers for the aircraft. Russian military did not have any money to buy this aircraft after the collapse of USSR. When an established aircraft assembly line is closed, all of the highly trained and knowledgeable engineers and technicians simply disperse and vanish. Russians were facing that prospect for the Sukhoi aircraft factory. Then somebody arrived at this decision. "We have a great fighter aircraft which can compete in the international marketplace. Why not sell it to other countries?" But without anything to deliver immediately, they needed cash to start assembling the plane. Here was where the special friendship between India and Russia came handy. They invited a team from India to see the capabilities of this superlative plane and offered it at a rock-bottom price of 30 million dollars. The team came back and rest is history as narrated by Mr. SG. Malaysia also purchased Su-30 at around the same time. Su-30 MKI for India, MKM for Malaysia, and MKA for Algeria. Now the price of Su-30 is around 60 million dollars.

[@JATINKUMAR-qu4vi]

👌

[@deeeKaay]

Few more behind the scene architects of Su-30 deal were Mr Lamba, then Indian ambassador to Russia, Manmohan Singh, then Fin Min and on tech ops evaluation by Kicha Swami, later on CAS and Hon’ble Abdul Kalam, then SA to RM. This deal remains the finest piece of diplomacy and national interest across party lines as you brought out. Yelstine election was the real reason for advance. This deal was deeply examined by Justice Venketswami commission post Tehelka expose by the most sharp and learned commission counsel who later on became SG. The aircraft remains formidable in its class and is the real backbone of India’s fighting force. This deal is a finest example of diplomacy and political statesmanship by the political class of that era. Such collaboration on national interest is missing in today’s political landscape in India.

[@87pad]

gem of an episode. Thanks for making such episodes

[@vinod6996]

Thank you Mr Sekhar for the in depth coverage. We miss those kind of leaders now a days

[@rogermilla2358]

Compare to the Opposition's disgraceful conduct on the Rafale matter - that too after sabotaging the forces for a full decade under AK Antony.

[@VenugopalanV-v5x]

I feel that A.K Antony perhaps is the only Congress Leader who has the capacity to speak truth. I wonder why he did not prevent that very bad fake story of Nambi Narayanan ISRO spy scandel. That is a scar on A.K. Antony's otherwise respectable political journey.

[@venugopalkoka2888]

Beautiful episode! Renews one’s faith in Indian democracy.

[@morrissimon4399]

SG ji can only narrate such stories with such charm. Thank you, Sir ❤

[@MoonDweller1337]

Need more episodes like this!

[@karthikkkk1239]

one of the finest episodes from the print.

[@suryanarayanasankagiri6530]

Wow. Only Shekhar Gupta ji can narrate such stories. Amazing and heartening.

[@ThePrintIndia]

That's very kind of you. I am so glad you enjoyed this episode. There will certainly be more of this...best wishes, Shekhar

[@Nikhil-tj4pn]

This level of national interest I wish to see in todays politics. No matter who is in power or in opposition issues like these deserves support from the whole political spectrum. India must win no matter which party losses.

[@abhishekjoshi7925]

IAF’s Choice was Mirage and not SU30 MKI, still it was forced upon them and even now use of them is limited for being large in size, even being more advanced.

[@nitinkhattri1484]

su-30 is a heavy bomber fighter jet..su30 is far better then mirage in carring heavy payload..

[@abhishekjoshi7925]

@@nitinkhattri1484 accepted I’m not questioning the capabilities, have already mentioned that it’s more advanced issue here is its size not capabilities as it gets easily caught in radar. IAF needs to work on reducing its signature which is a tough job.

[@ajqkit7gt]

Completely agree. Whether in Kargil or Balakot, IAF's choice of aircraft has always been Mirage 2000.

[@ashishmittal1998]

What a beautiful story.. of tall leaders who put the nation's interest above petty politics. Gives one hope in the current negative and polarised political environment given that parties involved are the same. Thank you for sharing this nugget

[@rejijai9120]

Beautiful story, more such please

[@ThePrintIndia]

Thank you, my friend. The idea is to do it as often as possible...best wishes, Shekhar

[@awadheshkalia]

Very interesting. Takes respect for the politicians of that era a few notches up.

[@ThePrintIndia]

Quite right. Thank you, my friend. I am so glad you enjoyed this episode....best wishes, Shekhar

[@anthonybuddini2828]

What an eye opener❤

[@ashugurtoo4835]

Good to know ... brilliant 👏

[@advaityachandhoke1406]

If only today's opposition was understanding enough to keep National Interests ahead of their political interests. The maturity shown by former PM Vajpayee ji to allow a defence deal to go through after verifying so that it doesn't get scuttled unnecessarily which would have ultimately hurt India's defence very badly needs to be learnt by politicians today, specially when IAF is in desperate need of modern fighters to maintain adequate deterrence.

[@John11747]

This was very interesting and fascinating information.... Thnx... 👍❤

[@vvk594]

Good one sir.

[@surendrabarsode8959]

1. No wonder Shekhar is missing all this inside peeps in decision making at the top most level in the country for last 10 years of Modi. He also knows that this is going continue for many more terms!! 2. Why should any journalist, who has not taken oath of secrecy, know of such inside decisions making as it is taking place? It seems we had too much of a long rope for the journalists. 3. Of course, as a reader or viewer, it is a great thrilling story. And of course, we all trust Shekhar with his national interest commitment, even if he is a sickular !!

[@MistyMusings-n7x]

Brilliant ❤ You had shared this story in one of your earlier episodes I forget to name now. But this event highlights the quality of our politicians then. Now we have someone crying at significant junctures, other shouts 'khatakhat' in hoarse voice, while all of them wearing contradictions on their sleeves. No wonder the quality of politics is at such a low today. 😢

[@DrRjDrummer]

Shekar Sir ! I am a Subscriber of The Print media from many years . My opinion was that you need to work on the sound effects as while using earphones i feel that the sound is not as sharp a it used to be and there is more loudness and reverb . please do consider my request as voice and sound modulation plays a major role in the media . It is not only with your videos but also with other journalists as well. Please do change settings or whatever is required as I am a admirer of your narration too . thank you

[@2010anilshukla]

Delightful episode in turbulent times 👍

[@ThePrintIndia]

Thank you, my friend. I am glad you enjoyed this episode...best wishes, Shekhar

[@mailtorajrao]

Excellent episode!

[@ThePrintIndia]

Thank you, my friend. I am so glad you enjoyed this episode. There will certainly be more of this...best wishes, Shekhar

[@mailtorajrao]

@@ThePrintIndia Thank you!

[@sandeepreddy2712]

We should appreciate one thing, in this deal we got a transfer of technology and HAL is making Sukhois for IAF. It's indeed a great deal.

[@karansharma9645]

Good job sir i like you work

[@manojchakrabarty758]

Don't go for Quantity...Go for Quality.

[@veerurama]

We cannot overlook a possibility here.. Like Mulayam singh pointed out to SG at one point, senior politicians may be communicating and taking decisions in the interest of the nation WITHOUT THE MEDIA HAVING ANY KNOWLEDGE ABOUT IT! If something like it is ACTUALLY happening, I would be proud and happy about it when I come to know about it later, may be after a couple of decades...

[@Terracotta-warriors_Sea]

It seems Indian journalists and defence commentators have better understanding than IAF

Wow, great... Let this become a norm

[@manivannanchokkalingam8251]

ty 😊

[@pappupass6979]

Great episode. We may still find patriots in every party capable to rise above the party lines, just that parivar vaad keeps decision making to immature politicians at the helm of the family.

[@vehlmurali9835]

Bjp is honorable unlike pappu & fabf

[@JeffThomascm]

Good episode

[@infinitejourney...]

Atal Bihari Vajpyee 🙏

[@FahadHasin]

Such a delightful episode. I wish we still have such back channels ongoing, but I suspect that's just wishful thinking..

[@joshihemant2568]

Oh!! That makes me understand, why A.K.Antony, delayed the Rafale purchase!! He didn't had any money to pay! ( To Dassault)!! Narsimha rao was fortunate enough, to pay Russia though!!😂🎉

[@harisundar8698]

Vajpayee was such a statesman. To see the state of leader of opposition today really hurts us and Indian politics. The level that Rahul Gandhi has taken it to is an embarrassment to the legendary politicians of yesteryear’s.

[@Bloo2314]

Rare man, Mr Bajpayee.

[@Subhendu_Banerjee]

Politics then was so much more inclusive. I hope that trend returns sooner than later.

[@indrajitkarmakar6293]

Improvement of sound system is required

[@vinodkumarbalakrishna533]

What happened on 10th September1947 at parluament in Delhi?

[@Ashwekar]

Episodes like this is exactly why I am a paid subscriber if thePrint,

[@arnabdutta9326]

Fighter jet procurement should not be a political hot potato. National security need not be pulled into politics.

[@nitinpatel1039]

Hal messed everything not eve first order Tejas mk1a delivery started, govt will now get into panic mode additional 2-3 squadron of rafale will be ordered, bigger issue for India is most likely technological lag vi's a bus Pakistan and China due to fifth generation fighter in, couple of year

[@maitreytelang2312]

It's not HAL's fault at all! General Electric is dealing engine deliveries; what can HAL do about it?

[@RahulSingh-my4vh]

wholesome episode to watch and made me feel good about our political system atleast in some way. Thank you for bringing out this "feel goood" story :)

[@ajqkit7gt]

1) Has there been any scandal in arms purchase from Russia? I don't remember. I am happy to stand corrected. Corruption allegations are usual only on deals with European arms manufacturers - Bofors, HDW submarines, AW101, Tatra trucks etc. Purchases from Russia and US are usually govt to govt deals and hence no middle men. 2) India was able to buy SU30 with ToT at a very attractive price because Russia was going through a very difficult phase. Not possible today. And let me also predict that India will find it very difficult to get Rafale ToT from Dassault.

[@arijitdakshi820]

Missed opportunities to Make in India after the licensed production of MiG-21 and MiG-27: MiG-29, F-20 Tigershark, Mirage 2000, F-16, F-18, Saab Viggen, Gripen etc.

[@ivihari]

Su 30MKIs are 12.5 Sq Not 15 Sq They are 272 but now there are 260, as 12 are lost in accidents.

[@arthurrod7638]

Even if your claim is correct, 260 ÷ 18 = 14.4 squadrons... how did you get 12.5 squadrons? 🤔

[@ivihari]

@@arthurrod7638 hi so each Sq have 21 planes as 3 will be in reserves or maintenance

[@sanjaydutta1736]

Our present leadership lacks any such understanding across party lines . In fact quality of leadership has detoriated

[@ShubhamTiwari-mu8do]

Though it's a good case of all parties coming together for national interest the ball was in BJP's court of they wanted to play a spoilsport which they did not. Had it been congress in opposition with Mulayam they would have tried to stop like what they tried with fabricated stories in Rafale deal

[@monikadave5911]

I sometimes wonder how gradually the choice of issues for ctc has changed drastically. Isn't it necessary to express opinion on many other highly relevant issues?

[@vijayraju6182]

Vajpayee a great statesman.

[@karthigeyang.2917]

Opposition needs to extend arms on national interest topics across party lines. BJP played that role effectively during Hay Days of Congress run Government. Hope Congress reciprocates similar now when BJP run Government is in power. One thing with RaGa at helm in Congress, this is distant dream given that RaGa has no working experience never took any cabinet or ministerial position assuming that he will be de facto PM material. That’s hurting India now.

[@vvk594]

Leaders should be of that stature. Country first rest next.

[@harisaran1752]

Rahu mein itna maturity nahi hey

[@HarmanHundal01]

Rather the 56 inch tongue is the one lacking maturity

[@puneetgupta87]

C for congress C for corruption ...

[@lordfire5723]

Follow on order was not possible even if it was a get go u just need to see how many Rafael have been delivered to french air force after the delivery of indian Rafael the shortage of supply chain is a real problem in weaponry.

[@backtotheroots5509]

Imagine RaGa at the other end as LOP.

[@RandeepWadehra]

I hope and wish similar political equations are maintained today.

[@avi5705]

It was BJP in opposition and that's why deal went on successfully.....Congress would have never seen national interest.

[@trivikramkamath5444]

Ha ha when indi loses shekhar speaks in past and international issues like bechara husband in front of wife.

[@samantrae]

Sir, media tab bhi Fale ho gaya tha. media aaaj bhi fale hai !!! fale fale fale.

[@SrinivasaSadagopan]

SG very noncondescendingly spoke about the Rafale purchase going to SC but failed to tell the subscribers - the rejection of the petition in total. Probably because it was a facepalm moment for the cabal company.

[@puneetgupta87]

fear of media brought India a good deal , i wish we can buy more Rafael

People are getting carried away by the use of air power by Israel against HAMAS and Hezbollah. In fact, both these entities do not have any anti-aircraft capability. Hence, Israel is having open uncontested skies for its air operations. But still it is using drones extensively to patrol its territory. Even Iran may not have any anti-aircraft capability against the modern aircraft and drones used by Israel. The air fighting capability is moving away from manned fighter aircraft to unmanned attack drones. These drones are less expensive, precise, have long endurance, stealthy, and can be operated by pilots from a long way off. US drone pilots operate American drones which are flying in the Middle East and Afghanistan from the US bases. There is less training time needed for these pilots and they are faraway from harm's way. The Indian air force top brass are still living in their bygone glory days. The platforms like Sukhois, MiGs, Rafales, Mirages, and Jaguars are already flying into sunset. Let the government of India take an informed decision on the requirements of a modern air force.

[@IamAnnu22]

Those were the days when parties used to work for the nation, now the nation is working for the parties. In India everyone is divided now on party lines. No body- no body is working for the betterment of the nation right now even those who may make people think that i'm working 24hrs day for the good of the nation. Each and every one is a liar just here to rule and make their grip on India and govt stronger.

[@VenugopalanV-v5x]

Very relevant to this time as there is only one upmanship with the way both the main political dispensation BJP & Congress demonstrate. I don't think that both are human enough to talk to each other with the minimum respect on issues of National importance. While, I am accusing BJP leaders, I must tell here that Congress has almost joined all the Anti-Indian forces both in India and abroad which is evident from the company Rahul Gandhi keeps. Despite my criticism of RSS, I shall acknowledge that Mohan Bhaghawat did bought a very pertinent point on political discourses are touching very low ebb, each addressing with taunting epithets. Neither Modi not Gandhi's are Role Models for the younger generation of Indians.

[@sayeeshpillai5842]

Only BJP can do this noble thing to even Narasimha Rao who had faslely implicated the tallest leaders of BJP in false corruption cases

[@Dik.Muhammad.quranovirus]

If narsimha was not pm then babri masjid would not have been demolished

[@venugopal5746]

That's how opposition is supposed to be and we have this pappu

[@prashantgupta5089]

Waiting for the story of Pranab mukherjee becoming President and running circles around congress.

[@rajendranathanmnair4122]

Is Rahul Gandhi and advisors capable of handling issues national interest with the maturity they openly shows us? I doubt it very much. On an additional note now I think why Modi Govt gave the highest civikian award to their adch rival Mulayam who acted on national interest is this story is true.

[@MP_mp20]

MKI is good bird

[@JS-zc2jr]

🙏🙏 #ThePrint

[@mohansinnapillay6925]

Good information. Please ask Rahul Gandhi to watch. Stop politicizing everything and should country's interest before his dream to be Maharajah.

[@navneet8269]

France ke sath Dowal sb ne jet en, submarine,un..water drone jaise game changer mile stone agreement kaise kia ? Is per kalam nahi uthati ?? SG buddhi bharst....

[@Invincible5678-u8v]

Agreement hua😂😂 adhi news kaha pe padhte ho

[@navneet8269]

@@Invincible5678-u8v Communist aur anti.indians kisi v positive news ko berdast nahi ker pate hai.... Jeld hi pata lagega....

[@praveen_venjaramoodu]

That's the difference between great Vajpayee and selfish Modi.

[@sagarkhanolkar5080]

If you do not help the country which helped India in times of war against its enemy then you are either a dumb or a traitor.

[@rajshekhar1147]

May be this kind of cooperation happening today also. Journalists are not knowing as bjp is very secretive n opposition will not talk for same logic that Vajpayee saod.

[@devanandaalva5050]

Although divergent Political attitudes and Ambitions, the leaders belonging to the different political parties took an appropriate decision at an appropriate time, without muscle flexing or playing dirty politics, Political Parties in India, during that time played their time before coming to a final deal in welcoming Russian Sukhoi 30 s to INDIA.

[@devanandaalva5050]

Played their candid role( instead of played their time is wrong) is correct.

[@elvispatrao8666]

Regrets That u all r only worried about storyline. U press people can make a theif a king & a king a chor.. PAPA NE WAR RUK WADI PAPA

[@rajeshkumarchand8802]

The political parties and media in the present environment has to do lots of soul searching. There is nothing but animosity between the ruling dispensation and the opposition parties, as also the media is crawling when not even asked. Remember what Dr Manmohan Singh ji said, when asked about Shri Narendra Modi, as PM of India. He is going to be a disaster. There you are, democratic value system, which prevailed before 2014, has been deliberately ruined and the dictatorial attitude is in full swing.

[@somadatta338]

Lol media licking Congrees feet might be democracy for you not for us..