Daniel Lak: Indian Government is focusing on the bomb, the bus and the budget

India's Hindu nationalist led coalition government completed a year in office on Friday amid celebrations by supporters and predictions of instability by the opposition.

The Delhi to Lahore bus service opened this week

The government, led by BJP leader, Atal Behari Vajpayee, says its top accomplishments are growing rapprochement with Pakistan, India's nuclear tests last May and a recent budget predicting better days ahead for the Indian economy.

And although many didn't think the government would survive this long, Mr Vajpayee recently told state run television that his government's very survival proves that there's no alternative to it.

Tough times

He also admitted that there had been tough times over the past 12 months.

Nuclear tests and missile developments boosted popularity at home but attracted fierce international criticism

The government has been criticised for many things, including its handling of international outrage to the nuclear tests and an economy that seemed to be in constant slump until just recently.

But now Mr Vajpayee's personal popularity ratings are buoying his government.

The recent budget was well received and the prime minister's trip to Lahore last month has brought about a feeling that relations with Pakistan are improving.

Celebrations

Chandra Mitra, Editor of Pioneer newspaper debates the year's events with Mani Shankar Aiyer of the opposition Congress party

That's probably why India invited the Pakistani rock group, Junoon, to play at the celebrations in Delhi. So it looks like the stage is set for some lively festivities despite a recent challenge to the show based on objections from conservationists who say the stage is too close to an ancient Muslim tomb.

The challenge failed and the concert audience will now apparently include the Prime Minister.