Raconteur Euphony

Rahul vs Modi – The Ultimate face off

2012-12-13T06:05:00.000-08:00

The objective of writing this blog is simple. If something is the biggest event of this year, the most talked about by the badgering journalists and intellectual Political Scientists, is who will rule the office at 7, Race Course Road in 2014 . Will it be the young Rahul Gandhi or shrewd clairvoyant Narendra Modi. For me as layman, this is just the start of the real democratic values, where I have a option to speak and vote against two candidates with different personalities and attributes, with well defined Policies. But I will not compare this debate or analysis with Romney vs Obama or David Cameron vs Gordon Brown ,as we indians are still naive enough to understand the key issues,debate and retrospect to vote even after sixty years of Independence.

But the question which still lies ,and bangs our head,day in and day out and the utmost important and valuable for all of us “Who will lead India in 2014 ”

Rahul Gandhi, the scion of Gandhi-Nehru Dynasty is not new to us. Every five years, after Nehru’s Death, it has been a holy law,a Gandhi pushed from the top, who has channelized policies for India, made the strategic vision and decided the fate of 1.22 billion people for a growing economy. From Nehruvian Socialist ideology to Open Liberal Economic Policies, India has certainly came a long way, from Jawahar to Rajiv and now ManMohan Singh(the other Non-Gandhi at highest post after Narsimha Rao) .

My first analysis would be to evaluate our candidates(Rahul & Modi) and leave the decision to you as a voter to understand,analyse and interpret both persona and thinking patterns, so that you can decide who should lead our country in future.

The objective is as a voter there should not be iota of doubt in your mind about the Candidates and finally yes the decision is yours, as your decision is going to effect the millions of people and your stamp to the predication that India will overtake China as a growing economy by 2030, with its economic and public policies.

So here we are, looking into absolute postmortem of qualities of two great men, one representative of the age old party of India and other being the harbinger of development plank at Gujarat.

Rahul Gandhi, the only son of Rajiv and Sonia , shot into fame, during the period of 1994, when he took the name Raul Vinci while studying at Trinity College Cambridge.

http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_rahul-completed-education-in-us-under-a-false-name_1251616

The media paparazzi was always interested in the first family, wanted every hot scoop to be served and with every dimension of media opened in India, Gandhis were easy targets. Rahul was no different. He and his sister Priyanka always remained the cynosure of Indian Media and whatever happened in their Coterie, even the best of their loyalists were busy giving scoops to media.

After his dad’s death, The whole Gandhi family was shattered. Noone thought and understood and felt that the crown of thorns(BEING PM), has more liabilities than good words to serve. Rajiv and Indira both had to pay a price for the position they carried for years. Rahul was no different. He wanted to learn and achieve, not in a fast way but much slower way. Rahul’s target was very clear. He materialized the “Youth Congress” the base of Congress to make sure that lot many more youths join the organization, which was loathed hated and ignored by middle class for not following up with their torturous life and falling economy.

The Indian middle class( Which is prime importance to me, as the rich dont vote and the poor dont have a perception) considers any Gandhi to be a stooge where the background work is being done by the administrative officers or the capable people of Congress who shot fame on daily basis in Congress karyakarini meetings. Apparently,Rahul was ready to roll on the path of Politics and his time had came, that’s what his loyalists said for 2014.

But lets analyse Rahul for what he has been and not in the perspective of what has been projected by media.

1. The first and foremost part is your interest and understanding of Indian Politics which actually comes from the daily happening debates in Parliament. if you are not regular in debates and have low presence , shows your lousiness and ineffectiveness as a leader.

Some of the major facts which were noted and never came in Media about Rahul Gandhi ;-

-The national MP attendance average in the parliament is 77%. Rahul Gandhi's attendance is 47%.

- National average for questions asked by MPs in parliament is 119. Rahul Gandhi asked ZERO questions.

- The national average for Debates attended by MPs is 15.6. Rahul Gandhi attended ZERO debates.

source: PRS Legislative

(http://www.prsindia.org/index.php?name=mptracklok&action=details&mpl_id=373&state=&party=&constituency=&searchword=rahul%20gandhi&searchphrase=any&gender=&education=&age1=&age2=)

2. Recently he spoke nothing as big as issue of FDI retail. The FDI was such a important topic of discussion over the years, and BJP was so obstinate of not passing the bill. Rahul Gandhi never came forward to discuss on such in-chief issues.

3. The final baramoter is the place where you have been voted/ elected. Last I remember is his visit to Amethi, his favorite destination which has been the den of Gandhis for all over the years.

There are few facts of Amethi about development :-

Some developmental indicators:

-Amethi has 39.5% literacy level (national average being around 65%),

-Around 50% population is below poverty line

-Only 15% population has access to electricity

-Vaccination level is below 16%

-Around 16% of children die below age of 5 years

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/rahul-gandhi-samajwadi-party-lok-sabha-constituency-amethi/1/217237.html

http://www.zimbio.com/Rahul+Gandhi/articles/92kZBuvH1qG/Priyanka+Gandhi+Vadra+Amethi+UP+slipped+backwards

http://news.rediff.com/report/2010/sep/09/purulia-better-off-than-amethi-says-cpim.htm

I think Amethi is not Singapore or Hong Kong. Rahul had the biggest disaster UP where he used his full-forced machinery to woo the voters, but failed. Most of the times, he was seen tearing off papers or giving a nincompoop speech which was so taken as a jibe by media and mostly by Twiterrati, his fan club.

Recently, he made his debut in the last day of elections in Gujarat. He compared Rs 3 Kilo Potato prices with Rs 10 Kilo Chips. May be 10 years before, the world would have accepted his Big Bang theory but India is more Intellectual and Intelligent. You cannot pop up your non-sense and expect that people will vote just because you are a heir of the biggest political party in India.

Having Said so, I still feel Rahul has the energy and motivation to be the future of India. But he needs time and experience.He needs to establish and prove himself(like the others) ,by experienced ones, to understand India.He needs first to fire his loyal coterie service and read what common man thinks and want.Then only he can feel the need of the billion Indians and can lead them with full support.

Narendra Modi

On the contrast, Narendra Bhai DamodarDas Modi is a RSS swamsevak, and third of son of Damodardas Mulchand Modi and his wife Heeraben. His fame, when he became the right hand man of Lal Krishna Advani during 1990, for his Ayodhya Yatra. This time Gujarat was going through a change in Politics. Shankar Singh Vhagela who had a amazing camaraderie with Modi had left BJP and Keshu Bhai Patel had become the CM. Modi was given responsibility of National Secretary that helped the organization to develop beautifully in various parts of India. He was called a cool- and composed administrator. In 2001, Modi was made for the big role. He became CM as Keshubhai left the post. Gujarat BJP at that time was a political arena between its own people, somewhat what we see for the Central BJP today. Modi not only gave the party a direction but also helped in growing Gujarat. Gujarat never stopped in the leadership of Modi.

1. Modi's presence in Gujarat assembly has never been questioned. He has been present in all important debates and discussions in Gujarat assembly.

2. Gujarat Economic facts :-

There was a research paper on :-

“Economic Growth in Gujarat in Relation to the Nation and Other States in Recent Times”

- Gujarat has outperformed Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Maharashtra in growing crops and setting up industries, but is a laggard when growth in service sector is concerned.

- The unique feature of Gujarat’s Growth Story is how the state has maintained high per capita income with an equally robust manufacturing rate, states the paper. It arrived at the deduction by studying agriculture, manufacturing and services in two different phases , 1992-94 to 2003-04 and the period thereafter, after policy reforms in 1991.

- Vast migrations to Gujarat and increasing use of capital intensive machinery have allowed the state to maintain its advantage, mentions the paper. Efficient water management and supply of quality power to industrial consumers are credited equally for the positive growth story.

The paper by Bibekdeb Roy(Economist) which made him lose his job, is a amazing analysis where Gujarat stands in contradiction to other states.

http://www.rediff.com/news/interview/gujarat-development-is-mainly-roads-electricity-water/20121114.htm

Disaster Management :-

When Modi was handed Gujarat, Gujarat was fighting with its own existence. The disastrous Earthquake had jolted Gujarat and had moved its development back to ages. Gujarat was going through the process of rehabilitation. Not only Modi had developed a strategic vision for Gujarat but also made sure that BJP as a party coexisted with its own leaders. He gave a vision to party and state and became the most workaholic leader.

While Modi was going beautifully with Gujarat, his administration came to pressure in 2002 when Ghodhra carnage happened. That lead to riots all over the state killing innocent people and many homeless. Modi was taken aback when minorities protested against his double standard attitude against the mob who killed many civilians.

Modi had two new challenges at that point of time :-

1. To first establish his credibility to Muslims in the state with good growth and development.

2. To fight against the media which was in continuous process of degrading his reputation and badmouthing his “ Vibrant Story “ .

He made the development in Rural Gujarat where the real Gujarati lived, and he was assured that Modi was really special for him. Even the Muslims in Gujarat felt the change and the unhealed wounds of 2002 were soon taken by dreams and vision of growth and prosperity.No doubt the speech of Vastanvi praise was a not a political gimmick but as a result of his continuous growth efforts with the Sadhbhavna Mission (17^th September 2011) for three days which caught many eye balls of Scoop-hungry Media, was on bulls eye,the hearts of people.The critics thought it was just a political gameplan of shedding the crocodile tears to get vote, others felt that it was a way for Modi to make a space for himself in minority hearts who have actually lost too much in 2002.

Today Gujarat has changed. It may be Google+ hangout or his 3D chat , everyone speaks about Gujarat. Every proactive CM follows Modi’s success story. Modi has started this new barometer of competition of growth and economy of why "My state is better than yours". People perspective has changed. He is the fresh new breeze. He is the hope.

No doubt, I and you will decide in 2014, who will change the fate of India. On one side, I have a leader who has vast experience and the talent to run a successful administration. On other side, we have a naive,newbie Dynasty scion, who has lot to learn and explore.

We as a nation have gone through lot many disasters.From Emergency to Falling Economy,we have faced many wrong faiths and juggernaut where we have been dependent on advice and direction of few sycophants having no requisite knowledge of the situation.

Now, We are constantly in glitch of falling World Economy. We need someone who can channelize progress and faith, trust and growth ,belief and unity. This India needs to decide and it will be on 2014 , the day you caste your vote and we will decide on the parameters spoken above but also remember as I say so, we need both Rahul and Modi for smooth functioning of Democracy and cant work alone. We need both sides to be understood well.

Remember the ad of Tata Tea where the protagonist speaks to a leader on his question about qualification and mocks "What Qualification to be a Neta" and he says with confidence "The Qualification needed to run my country". Thats what we need in our leader, that degree of Experience and knowledge and Clairvoyance and commitment.

Rahul, I would say, its not like India is negative about you, but you need first to learn and experience, the real Indian. Wake up some day, have just Vadapau, take a government bus, travel to a slum, find how people live there, start living like them few days, understand what "Hunger" and being " Hungry" means, and then u understand what Indians do to fulfill their need, and the day you do it, without anyone noticing it, you will understand a Indian. To add further, I would reinstate and reiterate again what Nitish Kumar said long back " Run a state, get experience, then Run my country".

Conclude by what Akbar said to his siphasalar(Commander) when he won the first war " To rule a country, you need to rule the hearts of the people first and understand their needs." Hope my country selects a better leader tomorrow.

AYODHYA, WE NEED TO LOOK AHEAD, FORGET AND FORGIVE !

2012-12-07T00:03:00.002-08:00

(To write about a sensitive issue like Ayodhya is not easy. Practically, many authors and bloggers have tried writing on this, an umbrageous topic for political scientists to comment and find a solution. The quantum of this write-up has been inspired from a Wall Street Journal Article written by Krishna Pokharel and Paul Beckett which I feel is the most detailed analysis of the issue till date. I have just tried adding comments and finding solutions to the biggest blot in Indian History.)

When I was a student and loved reading history about the great Mangal Pandey .
It interests me that Mangal Pandey’s mutiny started with just the news of tearing cow flesh cartridge and that was enough for Muslims too to get irked for having pork on it. This was the start of a first joint unity of Hindus and Muslims together against the Britishers who were trying to ploy “Divide and Rule” between the two communities.What fascinates me most,that Mangal Pandey was a good soldier and its just his love for religion,in quotes, being a Brahman and not eating a cow, laid the foundation of first revolt in 1847 against the Britishers.

165 years later,we still have the same love and faith in our religion,only reason for getting mukti of our soul and the reason to pacify the gods for evil deeds ( a balance sheet which gets calculated after death thats what scriptures say). Needless to say, what happened in 6^th December 1992, was just not a reminder of our blind faith on religion but our increasing irrational thinking ways and typhlotic decisions and similar the case what happened in 1984(Sikh Riots) or the Godhra Riots 2002(Gujarat) , but what happened in 1992 was a turning point in Indian History,as they defined two different communities and made death-gap trust deficit between them. Many Historians will argue that it was not the riots which are the base but the partition in 1947 which had created a huge emotional and faith gap between the two communities in our society. Whatever! The Britishers were successful and had done the final damage.

As the story unfolds,Ayodhya started in 1949, the year just after we got independence. Ayodhya, was known for the birthplace of Ram, and land of sadhus and babas who have achieved the status of so called self-actualisation (as defined by Maslow in His theory of self-fulfillment) or for layman were in search of Nirvana(the other word for Mukti).Aydodhya means “ Unconquerable” in Sanskrit.

There was a sadhu called Abhiram Das, a musucular priest in mid-40s, had arrived here in the town 15 years from the country side of Bihar, and he made a mission to build Ram-temple there.The mosque was built by Barbar, who had built it 400 years before, destroying the Ram Temple (as the Hindu ideologies say) when he came to India.Abhiram Das once told his disciples that he has seen a dream of Ram in appearance in the central building, His thoughts were echoed by Guru Dutt Singh, a magistrate of Ayodhya ,whose son had a similar dream.

India at that point of time was going through a change. Muslims comprised only 24.4 percent of population. Though most left after the partition, but still many were in India which section of Congressis felt was a kind of chocolate minority appeasement strategy by Nehru as per his Socilaistic Ideology which finally laid the foundation of making of Hindu Maha Sabha. The Hindu Maha Sabha blamed Congress for Partition but even though there was a polarization of thoughts which have started taking place, Hindus and Muslim continued to work together(the strong bond they developed fighting Britishers) for the development of nation with single Nehruvian Vision and Ideology.

But destiny had something else written for India.Guru Dutt Singh met Mr KK Nayar (The administrator in Indian Administrative Service), staunch Hindu activist ,and they planned the foundation for building Ram Temple in Ayodhya.

It was real or a malicious attempt by Guru Dutt Singh and KK Nayar in proving that Ram Lalla was really born in Ayodhya temple, its not clear from different instances in history how the idol went inside the Babri Masjid but with presence of Idol in Masjid, Ram was finally born. It was a excitement among Sadhus and the believers in Aydodhya who believed in God more than their own existing soul.

This was the day when seeds of animosity were sown and the history was ready to see the fruits of this deadly rivalry. Its said Jawahar Lal Nehru was not happy with the proceedings and he was too slow in his action.He wrote to Govind Ballabh Pant about his unhappiness of the incident and said it’s a attack to the “secular” structure of Indian Society but was not able to do nothing much about it.

By this time,noone was allowed to go inside the disputed site. A local magistrate had got a order to seize the disputed site. As a interim arrangement, a team of priests was made, to look after the idol of Ramlala.

Apparently,another anonymous, Mr Visharad Singh, who was a secretary of Hindu Mahasabha got a temporary injunction for right to worship and prevent government officials to take the deity out of the disputed site.

The next day, Ansiur Rehman, a 30 year old, Muslim filed the first petition. About 20 affidavits were put across, which said that it was against the Islamic law to pray there.(Today people question the authenticity of the affidavits),This was the first sign of resentment even if it just from one man Ansuir Rehman had raised it. Petitions ,counter petitions were filed,Hindu Mahasabha changed into Jan Sangh, and later formulated into BJP. In 1964, the court consolidated all four suits of Gopal Singh Visharad, the sadhu from the Digambar Akhara,the Nirmohi Akhara, and the waqf board.

Till this time Ram Mandir/Babri Masjid issue was literally dead. Petitions, counter petitions were there which made court busy, but noone paid much heed to it.But destiny was something different for India. The issue was born back from graves from where people have cremated it long back.

The then PM Rajiv Gandhi was trying to make a balance between Hindus and Muslims because of famous Shah Bano Case. The Shah Bano case, made him look like a instigator of Muslim appeasement and thus to create balance,he opened the locks of Ram Mandir, with assurance this will make Hindus happy and he felt that peace will be restored between the two communities.The decision backfired completely.

The Opening of lock was open-up/start up of another controversy. Rajiv Gandhi didnt get enough seats next time.VP singh, who made the government, did tried solving the issue with help of Swaminathan Gurumurthy, his advisor, but he was not able to take any strong decision as he flip-flopped on both sides.Similar was the case of Chandershkar who followed.

The Ram Jan Bhoomi Movement was born( First by Vishwha Hindu Parishad and later by BJP which gave political colours) and Lal Krishna Advani saw the movement during Narsimha Rao's regime ,as a opportunity to get national attention and make BJP part of a big national religious movement. Advani planned to reach Ayodhya on Oct 30 1990 , with a valley of kersevaks with Uma Bharati and other BJP leaders.Advani said that people loved his chariot and thought it as divine.

The then Atal Bihari Vajpayee( a liberal Right Winger in BJP who became PM later), had actually condemned and stopped Lal Krishna Advani from associating himself, but cannot prevent as the decision as it was in common taken by all BJP stalwarts. Vajpayee dissociated himself from the movement.

On Dec 6, 1992, the karsevaks, had reached Ayodhya in large numbers.Narsimha Rao was told that only Kar Sewa will be done and being in minority govt ( with suppport of BJP thats what Political strategists say) he was made assured nothing will happen. Kalyan Singh was also noted and told about the situation.Its said that Kar Sewaks had gone berserk and they demolished the century old Masjid which instigated deadly riots all over the country. Blood-Shed, Thousands of Innocents were killed , many Homeless and many thousands became orphans,who didnt even knew the meaning of "religion" .

Vajpayee (the tallest leader of BJP who later became PM), called the day as "National Shame in the history of India".Many in BJP said, that even Advani and Uma Bharati didnt knew such blunder will happen, which the liberals and Political commentators deny and critize about it.

The Umesh Chandra Pandey’s petition which opened the locks of Disputed area and Zafrayab Jilani who took Babri mosque restoration as a movement in Ayodhya, became two poles of two different communities filled with hatred,dying for each other's blood with bitter animosity and hatred.

Hindus and Muslims, on both sides had received millions wounds after the infamous demolition of 1992. The riots which happened in 16 cities all across, made India divided, killed innocent people, made many homeless and the future of India ,could not have looked much darker than at a crucial time when the world was growing economically and socially and India was looked upon as a leader in Asian Belt countering China.

It has been said by Social Scientists that the Muslim dissociation from mainstream society due to the riots of 1992 and fear has been the main reason of growth of terrorism and Innocent killings all over the years. It’s heard that in Mumbai one of the attackers said, "You did Babri Masjid , now have our bullets".

The Question which raises and will be raised every day, where have we changed? Or is it we have just followed our fanatic religious leaders and nincompoop politicians blindly. Never had this occurred in our minds, that Religion has taught love,tolerance and respect for each other. Never we felt the shame that the name "Ram" and " Rahim" means the same.Well, Its this land where Sai Shirdi came,and spread the religion of love and acceptance.

Its again the same day,and I am celebrating Id and Diwali together. I dont find a difference between them and us. The new generation of Muslims and Hindus are different kind of intellectuals, who know the difference between religion and Blind faith. They study together in Convent schools, learn English and even share lunch boxes at times.Their parents meet socially, in gatherings and they do have inter-religious marriages. Nothing is seen as Taboo in Modern India anymore. I remember one of my friends who did such a inter-religious marriage discussed with me the kind of camaraderie they carried and the faith they had for each other.

Modern India has grown so long from Mandirs and Masjids. Its important for us, to teach the language of love and affection and brotherhood to the new fresh minds, and not the blood of History. We need to focus more than Masjid and Mandir to growth and Development . It is not Shaurya Diwas ,but yes Sadhbhavna, unity of every community we should celebrate .

We need to forget 1984,1992 and 2002. We need to take dip in Ganga and go to Haj. We need to bond. Thats where my nation lies.

JUSTICE DENIED : BHOPAL GAS TRAGEDY

2012-12-03T03:58:00.001-08:00

Its again the same fateful night. The horror and uneasiness of that night still brings the chill down my spine. Even if I was just three years old and it was difficult for me to remember and speak on what was happening, still what my memories tell me, my mom and dad were in fear, and I was in arms of mother, and brother was holding the hands of dad. I remember running on the pavements of Bhopal to a safe place,called IndraPuri, near Saket Nager area where I lived, when the sudden news of gas leakage bombed the place at 2-3 December 1984 frightful night. Bhopal is a small place, so, such kind of news spread like fire. People had woken up late at night with fear and with apprehensions and beliefs, pretending that everything will be fine by the morning. Even if I was a kid to understand things, I still can think and remember the fearful faces, which still sometimes haunts me when I close my eyes.

Anyways, time went by. When I was ten and fully capable to understand , I came to know Bhopal Gas Tragedy was one of the biggest tragedy of the civilization. One of the tragedies which is being compared with Chernobyl disaster , where the human negligence and human failure became the reason of death of innocent lives. Over 5,00,000 people were supposed to get infected with Methyl Iso-Cyanate(MIC) a dangerous toxic gas, which can kill people instantaneously. According to a estimate, around 558,125 injuries including 38,478 temporary partial and approximately 3,900 severely and permanently disabling injuries were recorded.

The UCIL which was held primarily responsible for the disaster had Warren Anderson, as their head. The night warren Anderson was soon taken in custody. RD Pradhan who was the Home Secretary at that point of time was told to act upon by PV Narsimha Rao , the Home Minister , to release Anderson(as per Arjun Singh’s statement). Even if there is no clear proof of what actually happened, fingers were raised to Rajiv Gandhi and his team being succumbed to international pressure to release Anderson. Its said that during the gas disaster, Arjun Singh took a flight to Allahabad and went to a chapel near his childhood school to get moral courage. The critics say he had actually ran away to avoid face – off with the victims and even feared his life.There was a slogan which became famous

“Gas nikli adhi raat, Arjun bhaga ratoon raat”.

After 27 years, Anderson now is 92, still is living a luxurious life, sitting on the dead bodies of innocent victims.T he commission under Justice NK Singh didn’t find anything and was wounded faster. In 1991, the local Bhopal authorities declared Anderson a manslaughter, which carries a penalty of 10 years prison. He was declared fugitive by Chief Judicial Magistrate of Bhopal on 1 February 1992. The US supreme Court refused to hear appeal from the lower federal courts and the case was closed.

With such erudite intellectual Foreign Policy think Thanks who have attained demi-God status working in government offices, the babus of the Government were not able to draft a good foreign policy to get Anderson Back.

Gosh! With a pain in my heart I should say, May be after 27 years, the homicide channelised by State Government and corrupt Babus in association with private MNC’s doesnot matter to us, but people at Bhopal continue to live under the fear of 2-3 December and the death they witnessed that night, which they are carrying forward to next generation.

A OPEN LETTER TO BJP AAKAS

2012-11-28T04:36:00.002-08:00

Dear BJP,

It has finally made me to write something about your party. You have lost it in all sense, Seriously! What people perceive about you doesnot matter , as you are too busy bashing each other but am writing with a dull hope that may be this sensitive letter will finally make u do some introspection. I always perceived BJP as a party with a difference (The way it was working for people).With Congress(a failed ruling party) being at center for so many years, I felt BJP will be a fruitful opposition having good moral values and will fill the gap of development and growth what we as a voter have lost for so many years. The values originated because of the roots- RSS (Rasthriya Sawayamsevak Sangh), built on so called Right Wing Ideology. The mission of RSS was Vasudhev Kutumbakam where the thought was to make space for every rational human being in this planet.

The RSS was started by Dr. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar , a doctor from Nagpur who wanted to fight against British Colonialism and Muslim Separatism. RSS was more into social activities rather than political one.But with leadership change to M.S. Golwalkar & KS Sudharshan later a staunch Hindu ideology came and from being together as a whole to core Hindutva Ideology (where Congress minority appeasement was too a major reason) ,they started believing more in Ek Desh-Ek Jaati concept, where they believed that one community can only bring prosperity and growth in India. The macabre tales of RSS being part of such Anti-Muslim Campaigns became seriously horrendous.

The first problem with this concept was , they lost direct faith in minorities, who play a major role in changing the statistics in politics.With Babri Masjid Demolition (a unforgettable and regretful incident) still creates fear in their minds which Congress has cunningly used time and again,really lost it brutally in that tactics of Powergame . Minorities have anyways never voted for BJP.

In this negativity, There was just one breeze of fresh air and that was Atal Bihari Vajpayee. The man who had amazing oratory skills and the charisma to make everyone believe in him and he was the only USP which BJP fought to last Lok Sabha Elections victory.After Atal Era, the so called saviours of BJP including the Sushma Sawaraj or Arun Jaitley, or great grand dad Lal Krishna Advani neither had the public appeal, nor that street leader aggression to change system.Yes, to bring a change you need to have that kind of attitude. People should know you, respect you, believe you and can vouch upon you.Starting from cantankerous Mamta Banerjee or spiteful Mayawati , they knew how to channelise the aam aadmi dream of prosperity and hope,which you guys have not taken seriously .You do nothing the whole year to get even attention(Sometimes I feel you are too part of Gandhi coterie, the times I calculate Advani Ji has said sorry to Sonia Gandhi ).Even Arvind Kejriwal speaks more logical and practical than you outside Parliament. He makes people believe that change can be brought and there are ways. Even he has developed a intellectual team, who are better than your sitting ducks.

Recently, the biggest problem which you are facing is Nitin Gadkari. He has seriously became a liability and even every Tom, dick and Harry is speaking about him. From Ram to Shatrughan, every character of your so called dream of “Ram Rajya” has spoken negative against your President, and they don’t bother to get suspended or being thrown out. Party Democracy is good but this is not party democracy, but mud slinging match between politicians who belong to same party. Your team is like a team of losers who will Goal on home side and feel good about it . No doubt Yedurappa too is a addition. You guys can learn from Congress.From Khurshid, to Chidamabram to ManMohan everyone came to scanner ,but was noone was charged, neither prosecuted. They didnt said negative against the First Family, No. They cannot dare to. You have to maintain democracy but with discipline. But that too doesnot mean you should allow corruption. Corruption allegations are same as corruption in public life.

But not to fear, You have your only hope and trump card called Narendra Modi. If he becomes your PM candidate you have a chance to win, people of all communities may have faith in development and thats the only good sign. Narendra Modi has managed to get the attention of every community and somehow the minorities have too started believing in him. No doubt he even wins from minority dominated areas with Big margin. Change BJP, Stop playing petty politics with each other or else what my analysis speaks , there is a huge chance new Aam Aadmi Party of loudmouth Kejriwal may capture your urban votes and if that happens you will wiped out. I hope you are listening!

Afghani Qourma and Kababs : Is it only the food that attracts Pakistan ?

2012-11-26T04:46:00.003-08:00

What is that attracts Pakistan to Afghanistan , is a important question for strategic think tanks all over the years. Pakistan has used Afghan land for the purpose of Military training, for preparation of Jihadi groups and that interconnected because, they were using a foreign land for all their destructive activities which gave them a kind of cushion for their foreign strategies and denial statements issued till date.

Islamabad from the day one, had tried hard that Kabul supported Pashtun and Baloch nationalism should not join together against them. In 1973, starting from Burhanuddin Rabbani, Gulbuddin Hekmatyar and Ahmed Shah Massoud had received training in training camps in Pakistan, so that they support all Pakistani foreign policies to their regard. Even though Kabul never accepted the Durand Line, Pakistan tried its best to make Afghanistan bend to its Knees and use it as a weapon whenever required to attack its enemies.

Till the time when US interfered in Afghanistan (The prime reason was said to be Osama) , Pakistan’s interest in the region got neglected and they felt isolated in International arena. US too spend a lot to make sure that Internal security of Afghanistan got strengthened and now they can leave Afghanistan by 2014. The Question now the right time for US to leave Afghanistan when Pakistan still has interest in the region and India and US both cannot go back with their fight against terrorism.

The question is important as well as the Americans claim that efficiency and efficacy of ANSF( Afghanistan National Security Forces) comprising the Afghan National Army ( ANA) and Afghan National Police( ANP) comprising around 352000 by October 2012, which is fairly a good number. The Chicago Summit too decided to spend around 4.1 billion Dollars on Afghanistan which is a good amount. With all these preparations going around, US and NATO forces when leave Afghanistan there would be a tussle between the Afghanistan administration(Hamid Karzai) and the hiding militant forces to capture Control again. That may be the dangerous time when Pakistan will regain interest in Afghani Quorma and kababs. For India, we need to remain vigilant. We have been stabbed twice with Mumbai Blasts and 26/11.

The Silent Killer

2012-11-25T04:25:00.002-08:00

ManMohan Singh’s recent drive for reforms needs to be applauded. The fact,he has instigated the reforms at a time when he was in severe criticism, was alleged with so many scams and had to make a fight back in his defense in Congress as well to prove to Sonia and Rahul that UPA-II still has something to be proud about. As for BJP, I didn’t understood the cynicism and criticism against ManMohan’s reform drive and the negative perception when they said that we will become sales guys bringing FDI in retail. Probably, they have not read Economics or Policy to comment on the same and I would suggest BJP to positively criticize when required. ManMohan was the man who started the drive in 1991 under Narsimha Govt and due to his good understanding of economics and finance, we were able to move out from a bankrupt nation and became a developing nation with a amazing growth rate.

ManMohan Singh had all the genius with him including Montek Singh Ahulwalia, P Chidambaram and somewhere Pranab Mukherjee also there till he made a mess with Vodafone issue and GAAR, they all knew how to manage the growth of Indian economy and the strategies how to do it. ManMohan Singh’s initiatives also happened at a time when he was facing the risk of no-confidence motion from Mamta Banerjee and the opposition which grew stronger because of daily exposes made by CAG on one-side, Kejriwal on other and then there was Z news channel and others to speak. The Urban voter does understand all these changes will certainly give good results and there is a sense of positivity back again for UPA.

But with all these events which were so good, I would still urge UPA to look into administrative issues, curb Corruption, make decision making and Judicial more contemporary and proactive, make the executive, and legislature more open and pass the LokPal Bill in its original form which will make everything more accountable.The reforms should be backed with stringent policy on reforms which can curb unethical competition.

Till then, I will say the Singh is Back and ready to roar.

The Curious Case of Arvind Kejriwal

2012-11-24T02:21:00.001-08:00

His eyes had the depth that anyone can allure a quick attention. The moustache,kind of Bhagat Singh look added more charisma to his personality as his voice and speech. The first time I saw him at Jantar Mantar with Anna Hazare and Kiran Bedi, he had become weak due to his anshan for days and since the day was of Raksha Bandhan, many tied rakhis to his hand ,but he looked determined to take on with government one to one. Day by day, he questioned many big stalwarts of politics starting from Salman Khurshid to Pranab Mukherjee to Nitin Gadkari,Robert Vadra he didn’t spared anyone. The dengue mosquito of Politics, as he refers himself do has a kiss of death for corrupt politicians.

24^th November 2012, today is the day he launched his new party with new set of values and ideologies which he says has been developed for a proper framework to rework the Real LokPal Bill to be implemented by his government.His Team consists of people like Prashant Bhushan, Yogendra Yadav, Rahul Mehra, ChandraMohan, Mayank Gandhi who are a good team with intellectual values and the vision given by Anna Hazare himself.

They look united, they look determined, they look aggressive. The real challenge will start when they will win votes and become a party and get into Lok Sabha. The challenge will be in future where to keep aloof from all kind of materialistic ideologies, money power, and nepotism which can degrade the value of party ideology and vision.

I am not pessimistic, though In India most of the political parties all started with good thinking and approach but with time they have changed themselves to dynastic coteries, or fights and allegations of corruption. The courts have been more pathetic and have never punished any politician for such misdeeds. So while Congress rose from perfect socialist ideology and BJP a core Hindutva party trying to mark its base for all laterally, BSP a group for Bhaujan Samaj and SP as a contender for Thakurs and Rajputs, everyone represented a section and vote Bank.

In this cut throat competition, it would be difficult for Kejriwal to make his own niche and make sure that every Indian should be united against corruption and fulfillment of laws. Even he will face struggle within himself and his party members to ensure that the vision remains intact. Still for his fight against corruption and his sincere voice “Akela cholo Re” he will sure get full points for his Poorna Swaraj.

Dead Kasab and the hegemony of terrorist groups on India and Pakistan Relations

2012-11-23T21:36:00.003-08:00

The fact which is utmost important and for first time in history, India has hanged a terrorist( 21^th November 2012) who was responsible for attacking innocent lives on 26/11, and being inhuman enough to smile on his deeds.Kasab was charged with 11000 pages, guilty of eighty offenses against humanity, killed four cops, and have costed us 29.5 crores. Still, No action has been taken by the State of Pakistan against the mastermind of the 26/11 terrorist strikes in Mumbai.

Hafiz Saeed, the head of LET, is still free and has retreated that he will attack India again and said Kasab is a hero, who will inspire further attacks. What was more disgusting, that even if Pakistan has clearly stated that Kasab is not a Pakistani, amazingly, Tehreek-e-Insaf head Imran Khan wants Sarabjit to be hanged, to make it equal for Pakistan with Kasab. Now the question really is, what will be the new scenario of India Pakistan relations post- hanging of Ajmal Kasab.

The history says Pakistan has always retaliated and will do retaliate the same. Neither I see any hope for the issues which India Pakistan has discussed and talked for a very long time. With Daud Ibrahim, and other conspirators of Mumbai Blasts still with them, I don’t think India can anyways turn around the mindset of Pakistan Administrative set-up. India should also not forget about Afzal Guru who still has not been punished for his act of attacking the parliament, the temple of Democracy.

The government cannot deny to act for fear of reverse consequences. We have been attacked being a soft target and not taking security issues seriously. The fact is the terrorist groups are bound to attack and it’s a sheer idiocy to think that they will not, and so we should atleast prepare beforehand. Let us first punish those who have done damage to our country and finally develop a stringent Foreign and defence policy. We are soft in making relations but not soft enough to be victim of Terrorist attacks all the time.

“Jaywalking or Freedom of Expression"

2012-11-19T22:35:00.001-08:00

Its Monday. I am walking on pavement in the streets of Pune, and still can feel the heat of Death of Bala Saheb Thackeray. “HINDU WRIDAYSAMRAT” was written in bold letters, something in Marathi, which I cannot understand , but can make out, was a message to Hindus about the sad demise of the leader. Well Interestingly, Pune has more Raj Thackeray than Bala Saheb Thackeray effect, but still the respect do exists for the leader who is being considered the protagonist of Hindutva and the only saviour of the ideology.

I don’t know what the Political analysts may say, whether it was Power or love/gratitude for the leader, the demise of Bala Saheb was taken as a sad loss by every fraternity. They say they have lost a age from Indian Politics. Many gathered at Shivaji Park to bid adieu to their beloved leader, it was a amazing footage to see Raj and Uddhav being together and accepting condolences.

The script was good and well written till this day, when finally Mumbai Police arrested two girls for writing negative post on Bala Saheb and Sena activists were fast enough to lodge a complaint and astonishingly Mumbai Police was more fast enough to respond. Gosh!We are not addicted for such fast response. Then started the reaction. Lot of Hue and Cry was made by Facebook/Twitter activists and few important questions raised by them :-

First being the charge on the girls, section 66 A 505(2) IT act, said to be draconian and can make your life hell by the slightest freedom of expression on net which said to be intentionally hurt the sentiments of any community. At the same time, Kapil Sibal, the face of law and administration of UPA, accepted there is a grave chance that 66 A can be wrongly used by Police because of its interpretations. The question which now becomes implicit and clear is wether the law is clear or its just a contradiction of the “Freedom of Expression” in article 19,20,21,22, which if done will be only big reason of many grave mistakes.

Well, as not being a legal expert, it would not be right for me to comment on IT act, 66 A, or the laws laid by our constitution, but it would be at least to my concern, if I have to ask a lawyer before posting something in any social networking site. We are the biggest democracy after US and India is being given respect for being the oldest follower of the rules of democracy. We struggled hard from Britishers to end autocracy. It’s the duty of the government and we the Intellectual think tank of India to understand that such rules and policies should not effect the Freedom of Expression which is our fundamental right. Saying So, its important for Bloggers like us to comment and not provoke any community intentionally. We have to make a balance between the Rights and Duties given to us.

India Pakistan relations is like estranged husband & wife

2012-09-10T22:53:00.004-07:00

The New Visa agreement between India and Pakistan is a new benchmark in relationship between India and Pakistan on September 9 2012.

The 34 year old Hinna Rabanni Khar and 80 plus old Krishna didn’t looked like ideal compatriots, though they were successful, in finalizing new “Visa Agreement”. The agreement had lot of issues being resolved , joint statement of India/ Pakistan given

http://ibnlive.in.com/news/full-text-indiapakistan-joint-statement/289690-3.html

though it never went into details regarding Siachen, Wullar Barrage / Tulbul Navigation Project, Sir Creek, Peace & Security including CBMs, Jammu & Kashmir,and promotion of Friendly Exchanges or 26/11 trials and just highlighted the meetings done and the need of improvement.

Though the tourist and pilgrimage visits have been restricted to 15 persons, the process time has not exceeded for more than 45 days. List of 21 products have been permissible for cross border exchange by both sides.

Looking at the agreement it’s kind of a sugar coated chocolate for Pakistan, but for Indian perspective , it’s a serious threat to Security and integrity of Nation. Even though Government has failed in keeping strict Visa norms, Pakistan has used this lacunae for outsourcing terrorists and planning attacks on Indian sovereignty.

The pressure on Krishna was quite clear on September Nine. First, The Visa Agreement was a clear way of moving media attention from Coal Gate. Second, Khar had overshadowed Krishna in the final re battle with media. Krishna looked confused, had to read his script and even got confused from questions raised by media.

http://www.firstpost.com/fwire/khar-overshadows-a-seasoned-krishna-islamabad-diary-449332.html?utm_source=fwire&utm_medium=hp

Well, for the peace lovers in India, the VISA agreement still remains a milestone, and India getting handover of Sayed Zabiuddin Ansari aka Abu Hamza aka Abu Jundal from Saudi Arabia could have soured relations a bit, Terrorism and Infiltration by wrong means still remains big worry for government.

Cartoons will only fear Cartoons

2012-09-09T21:46:00.002-07:00

There were days when I used to unfold the newspaper and never used to find anything interesting to read. I used to see “Cartoons” made by RK Laxman (especially Common Man) and that used to frame my mind , and created a aura of existing political atmosphere in India. Cartoonists were being considered as noble professionals who not only caricatured and commented on various issues, but also mocked on government’s lackadaisical policies. Oh ! Those were the days…

Cartoonists, today when I hear this word, create fear and grief, not because of their open speech but the way they have been tormented by government, for supporting the justified. Pen is mightier than sword and well one can now say Cartoon is mightier than Government. Cartoons are a expression of free Speech, a image of True Democracy and righteousness , Cartoon is a opera of burning issues within a society. So what if Aseem Trivedi has been booked by the government , the reality is he is the victim of government controlled machinery run by autocratic political rulers.

Does the one who have arrested Aseem has respect for the Emblem ? No. Do they have respect for “Satyamev Jayate” engraved on it ? No. So what prompts them to arrest a Cartoonist who has just used a medium to express his feelings. The point is a cartoon hits harder than 100 words. They do satire on the situation built and it does has its impact on its readers. The last I heard of cartoon terror was death of Irfan Hussain http://cpj.org/killed/1999/irfan-hussain.php was a blot to free speech and democratic values and next when Mamta Banerjee was severely criticized for arresting a Jadavpur Professor. http://ibnlive.in.com/news/mamata-defends-professors-arrest-over-cartoons/248472-37-64.html.

The Question now arises is whether we are going back to dark, gloomy days of Emergency, and we have not developed inspite of economic growth and literacy rates. Is India a democratic country just on paper where we say in our Constitution in Articles 19,20,21,22 about Freedom of Expression. Yes I agree Freedom has its limits and I don’t endorse the freedom which limits the barrier of decency and intelligence.

But with Aseem Trivedi, in Jail, I challenge his Freedom of Expression in his Cartoons were well within the limits of fundamental rights.

The Government of India if gets mocked later by United Nation Organisation or various International bodies, or another Washington Post or TIME magazine op-ed , I would say, Shut up Fools, you have done the damage

Impetuous think tank, Blurred Vision and Media Cacophony

2012-09-06T04:30:00.001-07:00

Yesterday was a big day in the history of social media after its evolution as a broad way of free speech communication . Twitterati went frenzy after a post in English US daily The Washington Post by Simon Denyer where PM Manmohan Singh was criticized to cite him as http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/indias-silent-prime-minister-becomes-a-tragic-figure/2012/09/04/a88662c4-f396-11e1-adc6-87dfa8eff430_story.html
“ a dithering, ineffectual bureaucrat presiding over a deeply corrupt government.” Well the Prime Minister Office was quick to react, Simon Denyer was called up, made to meet government officials and The Washington Post was told to clarify its stand. Apparently, in afternoon, it was announced by PMO, that a formal apology has been made to PMO by Washington Post on the issue and later few renowned journalists tweeted about the authenticity of the matter.

The shrewd Simon was quick to react on the occasion, twitted about the spurious details and even had tweet to tweet battle with few journalists ,finally made the Twitter aware of the fact that neither The Washington Post has said sorry on the matter nor he intends to take his piece back on such a important issue which effects one of the strongest economic power house of the subcontinent.

Later, The Washington Post http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/blogpost/post/indian-prime-ministers-office-responds-to-washington-posts-profile-on-manmohan-singh/2012/09/05/89b66e24-f784-11e1-8b93-c4f4ab1c8d13_blog.html took a stand on it and even replied Mr Pankaj Pachauri (Official Media Advisor to PM) in his official reply mail about the stand taken which was written by Anup Khaple. The whole chain of events was enough to prove two things. First, the PMO’s myopic, ineffectual , intolerant stand on Media rants on his performance and also highlighted a deep concern on how such officials have retaliated and shown bigotry towards free media and speech. To add, they lied , spread rumors and even made people believe that the matter has been resolved. Outrageous!

The incident too made us feel about the impetuous think tank and blurred vision of PMO office which never tolerated criticism and looked severely juvenile, babyish, immature in handling the matter. The Twitter reacted very strongly emphasizing the fact, had there not been something called twitter, the social medium, the PMO would have somehow made a fictitious story look real with all added masala in it , as it’s a general belief that main stream media would never have told real story and the rumors might have converted themselves as anecdotes of Indian op-eds , purposely finding lacunae in Western media Journalistic methodologies.

But things are little different because of Twitter and yes I thank Twitter for the insights and Knowledge management where every wrong information is being criticized and challenged. The government stand looked diminutive and passive with twiterrati lampooning its intellectual think tank which literally became a serious cause of concern. A ex DGP twitted that he had heard something called “ Ram Nam ki loot” but never thought he will be able to see that in his life time.

As Shekhar Kapoor twitted that he thinks Government is on collapse mode and probably Army will take over, lot of people expressed concern, and asked him not to spread rumors to which he replied with ease that people have actually forgotten the dark days of emergency. To add support to my views of Government intolerance and impatience are also the facts which happened few days back, where few twitter handles were deliberately blocked as they seem to question lot of government policies and issues in a pragmatic, intellectual way.

Every Democratic State or government has been questioned, has been put through the Stress test of policy makers, Intellectuals, Socialists, Historians but they had the patience to hear and perseverance to resolve the burning issues. Even Obama is challenged with his debt policies , Romney has to give his tax details, so what if Indian and Western Media wants to get clarified from PM on issues of Coalgate. What is the problem if Sonia has been asked about her secret illness( in quotes as it is not secret any more) and the cost associated with it.

The canards and cacophony of Main Stream Media will always be there, but if the government remains sincere and honest in answering it, noone will question mark the Will and “ Vivek” of Governance.