Moscow, Nov 12: Asserting that governance by coalition is particularly suited for Indian conditions, Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee has said that this enabled better sensitivity to all shades of sectoral and regional interests. "Coalition politics in India is an indicator of the level of maturity in India's democratic traditions," he said in an interview to 'Rossiskaya Gazeta'.

He said the fact that the current coalition has stayed intact for over five years was a tribute to its constituent parties. It was also an indicator of what all was possible when politicians decide to come together for the larger interests of the country, he said.

"I believe that governance by coalition is particularly suited for Indian conditions, since it enables better sensitivity to all shades of sector and regional interests," he said. Asked how he spent his vacation, the Prime Minister said heading a government of a country with the size and complexity of India did not leave him with much time for vacations.

"But, at least once a year, I do try to get away for a few days to Manali, which is in the foothills of Himalayas. The serene surroundings of this hill station enables me to relax and recharge by batteries," he added.

Bureau Report