Wednesday, December 16, 2015

Kejriwal ‘s way of defending corruption

The politician, who came to power on the anti-corruption plank, is now defending the corrupt. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal projected himself among Delhiites as number one crusader against corruption in the country during his days of agitation before coming to power. The day he came to power, he changed his tack. He is no longer fighting against corruption. He appeared to be upset the moment he got the news that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) raided his Principal Secretary Rajendra Kumar's office, which he terms as his office, for his involvement in corruption that occurred between 2007 and 20013. CBI raid had nothing to do with CM Kejriwal. It is also open that his Principal Secretary Kumar was very close to him. CM tried to project the CBI raid as an attempt of the Modi govt to harass him, which it could not do politically. Kejriwal alleged that CBI raided his office to collect the files related to DDCA corruption in which Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley is allegedly involved. The case of corruption against Rajendra Kumar was filed by former member secretary of Delhi Dialogue Ashis Joshi with CBI. The swiftness with which the CBI pursued this case despite the acute shortage of manpower shows its ulterior motive at the behest of its master. Supreme Court termed the CBI as a caged parrot some years back during the previous regime. It is also a fact that no govt. at the Centre ever allowed the CBI to act independently. CBI has been flagrantly misused by both Congress and non-Congress government. Govt. always used it to bring its political opponents on line. So, Kejriwal's allegation that CBI scanned the files to find out those related to DDCA is not out of place. It is also a grave charge against the Finance Minister. And instead of terming Kejriwal's talk as rubbish, Jaitely must also come clean on it. As far as the defence of Rajendra Kumar by Kejriwal is concerned in the case of corruption, it places him in very poor light. Though there is no charge of corruption against CM Kejriwal on personal level, his closeness with his Prinicipal Secretary also makes his intention suspect. Was the Kejriwal unaware of the antecedent of the IAS officer whom he appointed as his Principal Secretary? When his Principal Secretary was not above board, how could it be possible that he would be able to give clean govt. to Delhiites? As far as theatrics is concerned, Delhi CM is number one. He wants to take political mileage out of it. Since he came to power, his govt. chooses the path of confrontation with the BJP govt. at the Centre. Delhi appears to have come to a standstill. It has not moved an inch from the place where former CM Sheila Dixit left it due to the Kejriwal’s involvement in controversy 24/7. As far as corruption is concerned, there must not be concession to anyone on this front. There are 3 more complaints against kumar which are being probed. The CBI has claimed it has seized about Rs. 13 lakh cash in raids, including Rs. 3 lakh in foreign currency from his home. Rs.10 lakh has been recovered from co-accused GK Nanda. This is a case pertaining corruption but the irony is that the Delhi government which was voted to power to fight corruption, is now terming CBI action against corruption, as political vendetta.

Tuesday, December 15, 2015

India wants talk on terror sponsored by Pak from across the boarder in J & K

Nation favours talk, but its focus must only be on terrorism sponsored by Pak from across the border in Jammu and Kashmir. It is good that talk between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharif in Paris on the sidelines of Climate Summit yielded fruit. It resulted in the meeting between NSA Ajit Doval and his Pakistani counterpart Nasser Khan Janjua in Bangkok in Thailand. Indian Foreign Secretary Jaishankar and his Pakistani counterpart also met in Bangkok. The talks between two NSAs were on terrorism and they turned out to be fruitful. It is because of the successful talk between the two NSAs that paved the way for foreign minister Sushma Swaraj’s visit to Pakistan to participate in the Heart of Asia conference on Afghanistan. India’s participation was to be there because it was on Afghanistan, which has significance for the country in various ways. India’s interest is also involved in Afghanistan. During her visit, she met her Pakistani counterpart Sartaj Aziz and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in Pakistan. Sushama Swaraj stated in Parliament that Pakistan gave assurance to expedite Mumbai attack of 26/11 trial. She said that both sides agreed to hold comprehensive talks. She also said that both sides asked their respective foreign Secretary to fix schedules and modalities of the talks. It is a good beginning and there is consensus on the issue of talks with Pakistan in the country. But it is also taken into account that Pak never delivered on its promises and the position reached to square one after every talk between the two neighbours. It is also to be taken into consideration that there has been no change in policy of Pakistan in regard to separatist Hurriyat Conference of Jammu and Kashmir. It is due to meeting between Pak High Commissioner Abdul Bast and separatist Hurriyat represantives in Delhi in the recent past that NSA level talks had to be cancelled. It shows that Pakistan did not learn any lesson nor did it have any affinity with the separatist groups, and again Abdul Basit invited separatist leader Sayyad Ali Shah Geelani, who advocates merger of Jammu and Kashmir with Pakistan, for talks and briefed his representative on Sushma Swaraj’s talk with Pak Foreign Minister Sartaj Aziz and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in Pakistan. Now, the question here arises when it a well-acknowledged fact that Jammu and Kashmir is the integral part of India and it will remain so, what necessity does Pak feel to talk to separatist and secessionist forces of the state. It shows that Pak conscience is not clear in regard to J & K. It is one side of the story and the other side is that on one hand Pak appears to be interested in carrying forward talks on terror with India and Mumbai attack mastermind Hafiz continued to spew venom against India on the other. He publicly makes it clear that India could not prove guilt against him in the last 7 years and Insallah it can not do. Though Hafiz Sayeed’s speech is not allowed to be telecast by Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Act (PERMA), he uploaded a two-minute video on the Twitter handle of Sushma Swaraj. Pak needs to act against Hafiz Sayeed immediately as a part of positive signal. India has only to talk with Pakistan primarily on the issue of terror in Jammu and Kashmir and elsewhere in India in the first place.

Wednesday, December 9, 2015

Confrontation jeopardises GST

The hope of getting GST Bill, which is vital for carrying economic reforms forward with speed, is getting dimmer and dimmer with the increasing confrontation over National Herald case between BJP and Congress. Congress President Sonia Gandhi and her son and party vice president Rahul Gandhi have been summoned to appear before the court in this case. Congress terms it as political vendetta of ruling party against the opposition. National Herald, an English Daily, was started by the first Prime Minister and the tallest Congress leader late Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru. He had written 72 editorials for the paper and his analytical write-up on the first atomic explosion test in 1954 under the Title 'Mauth Ka Saudagar' was up to the mark. It was run by Associated Journal Pvt.Ltd.(AJL). It was like the mouthpiece of the Congress Party on which only senior party leaders were on its board of directors. When AJL ran into the debt of Rs. 90 crore, a charitable company under Company Act 25 called Young India was formed in which Sonia and Rhaul had 38 per cent shares each and the rest share holders were Moti Lal Bora, Oscar Faernandes, Suman Dubey and Sam Pitroda. The Board of Directors of Young India took over AJL and paid off its debt of Rs. 90. The news paper publication was stopped in 2008 due to financial crunch. It is estimated that AJL has immovable property worth over Rs. 2000 crore spread over the country. The control of all the immovable property went to Young India. Though Young India is a charitable company of which even Board of Directors can not sell its property or use it for the purpose of any commercial benefit, how is the case of corruption against Sonia, Rahul and others to be made out? Subramanim Swamy charged Sonia, Rahul and other members of Congress party who are on Board of Director with grabbing the AJL property through Young India. He charges them with the criminal breach of trust. Swamy is not an ordinary member of the BJP. He is its central committee member. Though it appears to be his profession to implicate his political opponents in court cases without any rhyme or reason, he has also caused a great hurdle in passing the GST bill in Parliament as Congress describes court summons as political vendetta. While govt. and the nation as well needs earnestly to pass the GST Bill to give impetus to the economic reforms process in the countrty, the disgruntled party leader like Subramanium Swamy jeopardised the hope of passing it by antagonizing the main opposition Congress party. Without the support of Congress Party in Parliament, the GST Bill can not be passed. Due to the inevitable role of the Congress party in passing the GST Bill, PM Modi had reached out to the opposition and showed an example of statesmanship by inviting Congress President Sonia Gandhi and former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh to talk over tea about how to pass it . Congress also appeared co-operative in regard to GST. But the court summons in the case of no value in terms of corruption have brought the ruling BJP and the main opposition Congress on the path confrontation, resulting in the logjam in Parliament.

Monday, December 7, 2015

Set Indo-Pak talk process in motion

A very short meeting of a few seconds between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharif on the sidelines of UN Climate Summit in Paris appears to have paved way for starting the talk process. It is good to start talk process between the two neighbours at different levels but at the same it is to be ensured that it could be held in peaceful atmosphere. It is only possible when Pak stops sponsoring terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir; and there must also be hold on ceasefire violations from across the border in which innocent army officers, jawans and civilians living in the village adjacent to the border on the Indian side . India must also make it clear and try to impress on Pakistan amidst talk process that terror and talk can not go together. The crux of the talk as far as India is concerned is the complete cease on terror. There must not be any attempt to infiltrate terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir under the cover of firing on the border by Pakistani troops. After Modi-Sharif meeting in Paris, National Security Advisors of Pakistan and India have talked in Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, away from the venues of the two countries. Indian Foreign Secretary Jaishankar has also met his Pakistani counterpart in Bangkok. Both the sides have expressed to carry forward the talk process that was put on held since September. Talk between the two countries is the only means to resolve all outstanding issues. No problem can be solved with gun. India's main problem with Pakistan is the issue of terrorism that the later has failed to address to despite several pleadings by the former. Terrorist groups based in Pakistan are operating from there against India of which Mumbai attack of 26/11 is the stark example. Despite sending several dossiers about handing over the mastermind of Mumbai attack Hafiz Sayeed, Pak has always looked the other way while he is freely moving in the country. India's most wanted gangster and underworld don Dawood Ibrahim involved in Mumbai serial blasts is living in Pakistan very completely. To carry forward any peace talk, it is necessary for the Nawaz Sharif govt. to come out of his Army and ISI and keep control of the situation as the democratically elected govt. Both the countries have been holding talks since their inception. But the result that came out of them in all these years is before us. So, the beginning of talk is good must there must be concrete result on the ground. As far as the issue of Jammu and Kashmir is concerned, it is a settled one. Jammu and Kashmir is the integral part of India and it will remain so. If there is any issue left to be resolved is how to take back Pakistan Occupied Kashmir and merge it with India to complete a legitimate process unification of a nation. External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj is also to travel to Islamabad on Tuesday on a two-day visit during which she will hold talks with her Pakistani counterpart Sartaj Aziz and attend a multilateral conference on Afghanistan.She will lead Indian delegation for 'Heart of Asia' 5th Ministerial Meeting on Afghanistan on December 9 in Islamabad External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj will make a statement on 10th December in the Parliament on the meeting between National Security Advisors of India and Pakistan in Bangkok on Sunday. Nation must know what transpired in the meeting between NSA Ajit Doval and his Pakistani counterpart and the talk between Foreign Secretary Jaishankar and his Pakistani counterpart in Bangkok. Has anything come positive out of their talks?

Thursday, December 3, 2015

Chennai requires immediate help

The entire nation should come forward to help Chennai in this hour of tragedy. Chennai and other parts of Tamil Nadu have been experiencing the heaviest rain ever. The rain is so vicious that the life has been thrown out of gear. And all activities have come to a standstill. Life has been paralyzed in rain affected Chennai and other parts of Tamil Nadu. Near about 300 lives has been lost. There sees only water and water in Chennai and other parts of Tamil Nadu. Only life has not been lost but there has also been a great loss of property due to the heavy and incessant rain. Road, rail and air traffic have been badly affected. The airport has been closed till Sunday. Passengers are stranded at railway stations and airport. Roads and rail tracks have also been damaged on a large scale. The state of Tamil Nadu deserves help from all quarters in this hour of tragedy. It is difficult to make estimate of the loss of property due to disastrous rains and floods in Tamil at this point of time but it is expected to be burgeoning. There are several contributory factors behind this monstrous rain. As this disastrous rain in Chennai have broken the record of 100 years, it also sends warning to governments all over the world that if they continued to tempering with nature, went all out for industrialization and failed to learn any lesson from this tragedy, the more is in store for the human beings. Ill-conceived town planning, choked drains, continued deforestation for setting up of industry for the economic development by the successive government and paying no attention towards maintaining an ecological balance have caused this type of disastrous rains. Most of the cities are ill-planned. There has not been made the way out for the logged water, which has created a great problem for the people of Chennai. All ponds have filled in the city to build buildings on them. UN Climate Change Summit is underway in Paris, and the rains that have lashed Chennai must have reverberated there. The world leaders assembled in Paris are required to pay their attention towards Chennai rains and should think how the environment could be kept clean so that the human beings could live lives to the full healthily. Untimely and frequent rains, droughts, floods, cyclone etc in different parts of India as well as world give clear signal that we are not doing justice to the nature. Untimely heavy rains and drought reflect that if the emission of carbon was not cut without any loss of time, the mother earth will no longer be livable. Central govt. has pumped all sorts of help into Chennai to bring out the people there out of tragedy. A message should also go out that the entire nation is behind Tamil Nadu in this hour of tragedy. Centre provides all sorts of relief materials and undertakes rescue operations. NDRF team and Army jawans are also undertaking a massive relief and rescue operations. The entire city of Chennai and its adjoining places are in deep water. Entire city looks like a sea. There is water everywhere. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has instructed his entire Cabinet to supervise relief and rescue operations in Chennai. The Centre is constantly keeping a close watch on the situation in rain-battered parts of Tamil Nadu with a series of review meetings. PM Modi promptly held a meeting with senior Union ministers to take stock of the flood situation in the state.

Wednesday, December 2, 2015

Set Agenda before talks

The issue of initiating any talk at any level between India and Pakistan can not be taken casually. Though there is very little possibility of the outcome from the talk with Pakistan, it is also the requirement of the situation not to switch it off permanently. The impromptu meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharif in Paris on the sidelines of Climate Summit shows some positive signs that both have realized that being neighbouring countries, we cannot shut the door of talks for ever. Though Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has said that his talks with PM Modi have been good, no reaction has been made from Indian side that nation could know. Ruling BJP has said that it was a chance and courtesy meeting, and no a formality should be should be attached to this. But the posture of sitting very close to each other and talking with all seriousness clearly reflects that one was forwarding another view point properly. The issue may be of Climate Summit or of the prevailing relation between the two neighbours or how to break the deadlock to start talk process, but one thing is clear both leaders are inclined to initiate dialogue process. Whatever transpired between the PMs of two neighbouring countries, Indian govt. too should have made it public as the issue is related to national interest. It may a courtesy meeting and that must be maintained. But what had happened in New York during the UN General Assembly Summit when the two PMs Narendra Modi and Nawaz Sharif were staying in the same hotel and despite that what to talk of any meeting on the sidelines, both even refrained from saying Hi, Hello or beckoning to each other. What necessitated in two months that both realized to talk even for a very short period of two minutes on the sidelines of Paris Climate Summit that nation wants to know. Narendra Modi govt. is required to tell the nation why PM talked to his Pakistani counterpart Sharif when there has been no change on the ground. Has the ceasefire violation come down? Has Pakistan taken action against Hafiz Sayeed, Dawood and other terror groups involved in creating mayhem in India? The answer is,’ no’. India demands and sends one dossier after another dossier to Pakistan to handover Hafiz Sayeed, the mastermind of Mumbai attack, most wanted terrorist Dawood, Zakir-ur-Lakhvi and others so that they could be brought to justice for their inhuman acts. Neither infiltration of terrorists from across the border, the killings of Indian Army officers and Jawans in terror violence nor frequent cross border violations by Pakistan have stopped. In the given situation, India must set its agenda of talks first. It is not doll's play that whenever mood permitted both countries talked and whenever it did not permit, broke down all talking relations. The relations between the two countries can not be governed by whims and fancies. They must be based on the ground reality. After the Mumbai attacks, India stopped talking with Pakistan. India took a stand that until and unless Pakistan acted against the terror outfits operating from its soil against India and handing over Hafiz Sayeed, Dawaood and other wanted terrorists to it, it would not talk. India had already made it clear terror and talk can not go together. The govt. of India of the day must take clear stand on policy with Pakistan and ensure that there is no confusion whatsoever on its part at least in regard to its hostile neighbor Pakistan.

Tuesday, December 1, 2015

Jan Lokpal worse than Lokpal

The drama of Jan Lokpal by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has now proved to be a farce. This drama was enacted under Anna Hazare, social activist of national repute. The main actor in Jan Lokpal drama during the days of Anna Hazare-led agitation was none other than Arvind Kejriwal. The entire agitation of Anna Hazare was for the appointment of Jan Lokpal for removal of corruption. Kejriwal was then following Anna Hazare step by step. The Jan Lokpal enunciated by Anna Hazare, Kejriwal and other agitators was centred against the corruption in Dr. Manmohan Singh led govt. at the Centre at that time. They demanded that the panel meant for the appointment of Jan Lokpal must not have any political leader on it. It must be constituted of eminent judges and people known for honesty and integrity in the country. Anna agitation gathered tremendous support from all quarters, and the then Dr. Manmohan Singh UPA govt. had to bow down before it and passed Lokpal Bill, about which CM Arvind Kejriwal said that It would not even be able to arrest a rat. He meant to say that it was too weak to act. Now his own Jan Lokpal Bill which his APP govt. tabled in Delhi assembly has been severely criticized and described by none than his former Comrades in arm Prashan Bhushan and Yogendra Yadav as worse than the Lokpal appointed by the Centre. Prashant Bhushan and Yadav were also with Anna Hazare and Kejriwal agitating shoulder to shoulder for Jan Lokpal. Kejriwal's Jan Lokpal’s power and function will be guided by the Delhi government as it would have no employee to investigate any case of corruption. Delhi govt. official will investigate the corruption case under Jan Lokpal. The appointment panel would consist of four members, three of them will be from political class and one will be the Chief Justice of Delhi High Court. Among the three politicians on the panel two are from ruling party one is CM himself and other is the Speaker of the assembly and the fourth one will be the main opposition leader in Delhi assembly. The constitution process of Kejriwal's Jan Lokpal is favourably balanced towards the ruling party. There is no search committee as to who could be fit to become Jan Lokpal. The intention of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in appointing Jan Lokpal is also suspect. Apart from keeping everything related to its appointment under Delhi govt., it has kept Central ministers and all Central govt. offices in Delhi under its purview. One thing is clear for all and Delhi govt. too that no law can be made by it without the approval of the Central govt. It is neither possible nor constitutionally valid that the Central govt. could be placed under the scanner of Delhi govt. So, it is a foregone conclusion that Central govt. would reject Kejriwal govt.’s Jan Lokpal. Kejriwal may have landslide victory in the assembly elections, but now his true colours are coming to fore. He only wants one man show and only interested to centralize all powers in his own hands. Delhiites are not fool. They are watching AAP govt. silently. It appears to them that Delhi has come to a standstill since Arvind Kejriwal came to power. Delhi is there where the Sheila Dikshit govt. left it at least in terms of development.

Monday, November 30, 2015

Save the earth and humanity

The climate risk grows day by day and world leaders have been unable to reach an agreement, which should be binding and acceptable for both developed and developing nations, after one Climate Summit after another. Lessening the temperature by cutting the emission of Carbon Dioxide is the toughest challenge before the world. Nation works for development for its people. When their very existence is in jeopardy, what use is that of the development? The Paris Climate Summit - Conference of Parties 21, is very important as it comes close on the heels of United Nations warning that 2015 is set to be the warmest year. The first and foremost task before the world leaders gathered in Paris to participate in conference of Climate Change is to development unanimity between developed, developing and under developed countries. Paris Climate Change Summit is one of the biggest gatherings of world leaders out of United Nations General Assembly. With participation from 190 countries in all, the summit will be attended by 40,000 delegates, journalists, observers and exhibitors. They have assembled in Paris to reach a deal to reduce global temperatures. The developed nations have greater responsibility to save the world as well as humanity from the growing climate risk. They must deliver on the promise they made of contributing 100 million dollar to developing nations and they are also required to provide all technological help to developing nation in procuring clean energy. Their approach towards the developing country must not be discriminatory. It is only due to the all our race for industrialization in developed countries that the temperature of the earth has risen alarmingly. As far as India is concerned, it has the capability and the biggest democratic to show the world a vision how to deal with the growing challenge of cutting down of the emission of carbon dioxide on the earth. It is only because of deforestation for the sake of industrialization that the hills are melting and there occur landslide, abnormal rain, drought, rising sea level and the temperature of the earth. If the emission level of carbon is not checked without any loss of time, the existence of all living beings will be wiped out from the earth. There is high expectation from the Paris Climate Change globally. If we did not learn from the natural calamities in the recent past that how they harmed the living beings, it would be our gravest folly. World leaders pledging for immediate action, calls that time is running out, International bodies urging nations to wake up and act and summits over summits, nothing has really turned out to be effective at least that's what the data says. World Meteorological Organization's conclusion that Greenhouse gas levels in the atmosphere reached a record high for the 30th year in a row clearly shows ineffectiveness of the measures taken over the decades. Unwillingness of developed countries to do more for cutting emissions and the dilly dallying towards contributions for funds they pledged in 2009's Copenhagen summit to help developing nations is key to the trust deficit. Developing countries are demanding a robust agreement that expands economic opportunities, not one that erodes their interests even as climate risks grow.

Wednesday, November 25, 2015

Evolve consensus for constructive session

The winter session of Parliament begins from Nov. 26. The monsoon session has already been sacrificed at the altar of Vyapam and Lalit Modi scandals. The crores of public exchequer were wasted. No problem confronting the nation was discussed and debated to find out the solution. Neither the treasury nor the opposition bench budged from their stated stand, resulting in the total deadlock in Parliament. All democratic norms were thrown to the winds. Some of the important bills necessary for parliamentary approval to carry forward the economic reforms in the country are to be discussed in this winter session. It is necessary for the economy of the nation to be brought on fast track for creation of new jobs for youths. Both the ruling and the opposition know it well. But due to the vested interests of the both for political reasons best known to them, they are not prepared to evolve consensus in Parliament even in the interest of the nation. It is true that the govt. has greater responsibility to run the Parliament smoothly for the development of the country. It does not mean that opposition has no responsibility in running the Parliament. It too should be flexible in the interest of nation and co-operate with the government, especially, on those bills which even the opposition leaders think them necessary to be passed for carrying forward the economic reforms in interest of the people. Govt. should also be receptive to the demands made by the opposition for discussion on the issue confronting the nation. It must also give impression that it is not escapist on any issue raised by the opposition. The most important thing is that the Parliament must not be used to promote certain political agenda by treasury or opposition bench either. Parliament must not be converted into a fish market where no constructive business is possible. With the telecasting of parliamentary proceedings live, some of the ruling and the opposition party MPs deliberately behave in an ugly manner or rush into the well of the house so that they could catch the attention of camera to show them to their constituency members on TV. They do it deliberately at the cost of parliamentary business only to be in the limelight of the media. Parliament is the temple of democracy and the highest seat of debate and discussion of the issues confronting the nation. People elect their representatives to Parliament with the hope and aspiration that they would discuss and debate the issues that they are confronting in rural and urban areas. They do not elect them for creating bedlam and forcing adjournment of Parliament. The time of the Parliament is very precious. It must not be wasted. Both the treasury and the opposition benches must take considered view of the issue sans any party political interest. Nation hopes that this winter session of Parliament will be constructive and fruitful. The bills related to economic development are expected to be passed after thorough debate and discussion. Both the treasury and the opposition benches must set an example before the country that how they work together inside the Parliament in the winter session.

Tuesday, November 24, 2015

React positively The ruling BJP leaders and Ministers must make positive reaction to the statement made by any of the celebrity, writer, artist and scientist on the growing intolerance in the country. It is true that intolerance has grown fast since Narendra Modi-led NDA came to power. After Bollywood super star Shahrukh Khan, another super star Aamir Khan has also stated about the apprehension developing in the mind of his wife to the extent of leaving the country because of growing intolerance. He says that he also cannot deny it. It should be taken seriously instead of treating it as his individual outpouring against the government. Near about 70 writers, artists and scientists have returned their awards to government in protest against the growing intolerance in the country. The ruling establishment should have thought that the incident of Dadri lynching, burning of two Dalit children alive, blackening the faces of writer and MLA in Mumbai and Delhi respectively clearly reflect the growing intolerance. All these reflect that the tendency is growing among a section of the people closely linked to ruling party in society to muzzle the voice of dissent. They want to physically remove all those who oppose them. They speak against their opponents in filthy languages. In the prevailing situation if Aamir Khan's wife expressed fear for her son about which he stated at a function, what is wrong in it? Aamir's wife has expressed the ground reality. The ruling BJP should have acted to assuage the hurt feeling of a section of society instead of charging them of raising voice about intolerance at the instigation of the opposition party. India is a democratic secular republic where the people have got freedom of expression. What to eat and what not to eat or how to dress is a personal affair of the people. Govt. has no business to interfere with the personal affair of the people. Indian Constitution has given right to expression to the people and there can not be any discrimination against any Indian on the basis of religion, colour, caste, creed and community. It does not behove of a governor of a state to say that India is only for Hindus. The post of Governor is a very high constitutional post. Modi government should have immediately taken serious note of anti-constitutional statement like this made by none other than the governor of a state . The statement like this creates fear in the minds of the people of other religions in the country. Rastriya Swayangsevak Sangh (RSS), the doting parent of the ruling BJP, has also raised the issue of constructing Ram Mandir at the disputed site in Ayodhya , which it describes as the best true tribute to the late International President of Vishwa Hindu Parishad Ashok Singhal. BJP is the political arm of the RSS. Converting secular democratic India into a Hindu Rashtra is its main conception. Raking up the issue of constructing Ram Temple by none other than RSS boss Mohan Bhagwat on the occasion of paying tribute to Late VHP boss naturally creates fear in the minds of minority. Instead of addressing the issue of intolerance, Modi govt. sees the clamour over it as a conspiracy against it.

Monday, November 23, 2015

Samajwadi birthday bash in kingly style

Samajwadi Party supremo and one of the senior most political leaders of the country Mulayam Singh Yadav's birth day celebration was celebrated at his home village of Safai with all fanfares, shows and lavishness, throwing all norms of socialism to winds. It is the new definition of Samajwad that Mulayam gave by holding his 76th birthday celebration in kingly style. He has reportedly himself said that socialism no longer is the symbol of poverty. With the dominance of capitalism, if Mulayam’s birthday bash is anything to go by, socialism has now also started believing in luxury and lavishness at the cost of state exchequer. All the prominent Samajwadi leaders,his Chief Minister son Akhilesh Yadav, ministers, Bollywood stars and all VIPs have participated in Mulayam's birthday bash, and all sorts of expensive entertainment programmes were organized for the guests. Safai was done up like a bride at the cost of state exchequer. It is nothing but the mockery of all principles of socialism. This extravaganza is being displayed in the state where more than 50 of its districts have been announced drought-hits. Farmers are committing suicide and the state accounts for 22 percent of the population of the poor in the country. Recently a report appeared in a news paper which depicts the condition of unemployment in the state where for the vacancy of more than three hundred posts of peon were notified , and among candidates who applied against the vacancy were graduates, post graduates, Doctorate and Engineering degree holders. This is the condition of the state on one hand and display of dazzling light and lavishness on display in Safai on the other hand. Uttar Pradesh is the biggest state of the country. But it also leads the nation in illiteracy, poverty, unemployment and under-development on one hand and the tallest leader of the state ruling party is squandering crores of rupees on the birthday bash on the other. What is this? This is sheer misuse of public money and self-aggrandizement. Samajwadi stalwarts like Jayprakash Narayan and Ram Manohar Lohia might be feeling unrest in their graves over the extravaganza displayed on the birthday bash of one of their disciples. Mulayam Singh Yadav should have realized that the people in the state are struggling to meet their both ends on the one hand and the display of a lavish party on his birthday is in no way justified on the other. His grand birthday bash also sends the message out among the people that the leaders of the ruling party consider the state as his/her fiefdom. Ruling party leaders do all this to show that they are in command of the state and the people are their subjects, not masters. In the prevailing situation of famine in the state of Uttar Pradesh, the extravaganza on the birthday bash of the most powerful leader of the ruling Samajwadi party shows how they made mockery of the problems being faced by farmers and labourers . The people of Uttar Pradesh are watching the misuse of public exchequer silently and they will give their verdict in the coming assembly elections in 2017.

Friday, November 20, 2015

People’s expectation is very high in Bihar from CM Nitish Kumar

Nitish Kumar has been sworn in as the CM of Bihar for the fifth time. The just concluded assembly election was a litmus test for him which he passed with distinction. He led Grand Alliance, which decimated Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led NDA in Bihar. PM Modi, who is not only the most popular leader of BJP but also of the country, was Nitish Kumar's number one rival in the elections. It was the development image that Chief Minister Nitish Kumar achieved in the last 10 years of his regime proved to be extremely beneficial for him in the just concluded assembly elections. It was his development image that crippled all opposition, howsoever formidable it might be. He was the face of Grand Alliance comprising Lalu's RJD, Congress and JD(U) and the opposition NDA comprising BJP, LJP, HAM and Kushwaha's party. NDA was led by PM Modi and the Grand Alliance was led by CM Nitish Kumar. Despite addressing a number of mammoth rallies, PM Modi did not make much impression on the people of Bihar to vote NDA. The development oriented CM Nitish Kumar became able to impress on the people that he would work for the development of the state with doubly force if re-elected to power. The people of Bihar reposed faith in him and voted his grand Alliance to power with overwhelming majority. This is the third time in a row that the people of the state recognized his vision, development-oriented policies and programmes. CM Nitish Kumar is counted among the honest political leaders of the country. Despite being Chief Minister of the state for nearly about 9 years, no charge of corruption has been leveled against him even by the opposition party. He has an unblemished political career. He has not only been a successful CM of Bihar but also a shrewd politician to make a winning strategy. He is also well-educated and engineer-turned politician. Now Nitish Kumar govt. has been formed, and his opposition propagated during the campaigning of assembly elections that if GA came to power, its govt. under Nitish Kumar would be remote controlled by RJD boss Lalu Prasad Yadav. Opposition propagated that in the Nitish-led GA govt. in Bihar, there may be Lalu's two sons in his Cabinet as ministers. And they would place hurdles in Nitish's development programmes and act for their political agenda as the opposition thinks. But the opposition must know that first of all it is 2015 and not 90s and it is Nitish Kumar not Rabri Devi who was allegedly remote controlled by Lalu Yadav . It is CM Nitish Kumar who always stood for a principled politics and good governance. Lalu Yadav has also realized that the massive mandate that the GA got is because of the development-oriented face of CM Nitish Kumar. It is correct that Lalu's RJD as emerged as the largest political party in the state but it is at the same time appropriate to say that on the issue of development, clean, good governance and rule of law, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar can not compromise. Development, clean,good governance and rule of law are much more endeared to CM Nitish Kumar than power. People have a very high expectation from his government in this stint. CM Kumar would have to work hard to come up to people's expectation. The people of Bihar also pitch forked CM Nitish Kumar on the national politics and there is all possibility that Kumar may emerge as the rallying point of all political leaders who are opposed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. If the presence of a number of CMs and national political leaders of different parties at his today’s swearing-in ceremony, Nitish Kumar is sure to emerge as a strong contender to power of Delhi in 2019.

Thursday, November 19, 2015

Not enough to exude confidence among the masses

Diversity is India's specialty and it has tremendous social strength, including pluralism. This is the comment that Prime Minister made in the world's prestigious Magazine Economists. But if he had taken hard measures against his own party leaders who made statements which acted like fuel to fire, the situation of intolerance would not have reached to this level in the country where more than 70 writers, artists and scientists returned their national awards to protest it. This is the third time that PM Modi has talked about tolerance, pluralism and our unity in diversity. We have to keep them intact. Unity in diversity is our specialty and valued legacy which we have to keep intact at all costs. It is our age-old specialty for which India is known all over the world. Prime Minister may give grandstanding statements and views delineating the importance of our legacies such as unity in diversity, pluralism and tolerance but his lecture did not make any impression on the fringe group within his political party BJP. The BJP leaders have in a planned way allegedly given inflammatory speeches against a section of society and of a particular community after the incidents of Dadri lynching by a mob over the rumour of slaughtering of calf and eating beef and the burning of two Dalit children alive to polarize the society for political benefit in Bihar elections, which were underway. That PM Modi failed to stop. Prime Minister Narendra Modi being the leader of the nation must take the divisionary voices of BJP leaders seriously and act against them immediately. No BJP motor mouths have been punished so far. The productivity and development have come to a standstill under the prevailing circumstance. There appears to be an atmosphere of fear all around the country. It is natural for the people to have very high expectation from the Narendra Modi government. But when the country’s attention is grabbed by divisionary and troublesome statements, the tempo of development is bound to be affected. People have voted overwhelmingly in favour of PM Modi with an expectation that he would bring relief to them in all aspects of life. On the contrary when the people see nothing on the ground in the name of improvement; they are bound to be disillusioned, which has been clearly reflected in the Bihar assembly results where BJP has been decimated. PM Modi has to take stringent action against the BJP motor mouths so that a message could go out in society that he not only speaks in favour of pluralism and diversity but also act against all those whose speech tears the secular fabric of society. When Prime Minister Narendra Modi came to power in May 2014 with massive mandate from the people, a new hope arose among them. But in the last 17 months the one tragic incident after another and no relief on price rise front have disillusioned the people with NDA govt. It is not only Economist but also almost all news magazines and news papers of national and international repute wrote highly of him. But only after 17 months, all have started writing stingingly against his government and consider Bihar assembly defeat as the defeat of Prime Minister Modi. So Prime Minster should know that merely taking high moral ground, keeping silent on the burning issues that confront the nation and failing to act against the fringe BJP leaders can not serve any purpose.

Wednesday, November 18, 2015

Need of united effort to deal with terror menace

In the wake of ISIS attack in Paris that killed 140 innocent people and injured, it is necessary for all countries, especially India which has born the brunt of terrorism most, to keep themselves in preparedness to thwart any terror attack. ISIS is one degree upper than Al-Qaida. Al-qaida, Taliban, Lashkar, Jaishe Mohammad and others of the same ilk may pose danger anytime anywhere in the country. In the recent months, on every Friday after the Nawaz congregation in Jammu and Kashmir, the flags of ISIS, Pak are being waved openly. It indicates that ISIS and Pak-based terror outfits are on look out for opportunity to strike. Our central intelligence agencies must share information with the state intelligence agencies and vice versa. The government of India must make sure that should be no lacunae in coordinating with one another for gathering information. Either the intelligence failure or not acting on it has been the main reason behind failure to thwart the terror attack. It was the sheer failure of intelligence report due to which the French police failed to have a scent of the terror attack in advance. To wipe out terrorism from the face of the earth, it is necessary for the entire world to share single platform, intelligence, thought and view how to achieve the desired result for peace and progress of the people. There should be a campaign against terrorism without any discrimination and bias. Terror is terror. It can not be good. It is always bad. The terrorist attack in any country and the killing of the people in any country must be treated equally. It is completely unjustified that if the terror attack takes place in the powerful country, it is serious and if it takes place in the developing country, it is normal. Until and unless the terror is treated equally with iron hand, it can not be wiped out. First of all, there should be singling out of all those countries, howsoever powerful they might be, which are involved in abetting, financing and sponsoring terror to serve their vested interest. Whichever country is found to be involved in promoting terror to hurt its enemy must be thrown in isolation and all sources of terror funding must be cut off immediately. One thing is crystal clear that no religion teaches intolerance and killing of the innocent people for its sake. Every religion is pious, sacred, perfect and benevolent. ISIS misguides the youths all over the world that they are fighting on the call of their religion. It is for the sake of religion that they are fighting. Whether it is Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, Christian, Budhdhist or Jainism, no religion permits the shedding of blood. The killing in Paris terror attack must be condemned in the strongest possible term by the entire world. And every nation has the responsibility to impress on its youths not to be misled by the terror organization. Both hard and judicious majors need to be taken to wipe our terrorism. No community can be held responsible for the terror attack in any nation. It is some misguided, disgruntled and frustrated people who have adopted terrorism. Terrorism is the number one enemy of humanity.

Tuesday, November 17, 2015

President's disapproval

President Pranab Mukherjee has rightly said the awards should be cherished and valued by those who receive them. He has disapproved the returning of awards by a section of writers, artists and scientists over growing intolerance in the country. Those writers, artists and scientists who have returned their awards should know that this honour has been given by the nation, and not by any government. The nation has recognized their work, merit and contribution to the promotion of literature, arts and science and that is why they have been awarded. The growing intolerance is nothing to do with the returning of the awards. It is the failure of the government to contain it. Prime Narendra Modi has developed a habit of keeping quiet over the burning issue confronting the society. The way Iqlakh was lynched by a mob in Dadri is a stark example of intolerance. But Prime Minister Narendra Modi did not open his mouth on the tragic incident, and only referred President's statement to keep country's legacy of unity in diversity, secularism and tolerance intact to follow after 10 days during an election campaign in Bihar. It shows how lightly PM takes the issue, which directly linked to our country's valued principle. Undoubtedly, the growing intolerance is perceptible in every sphere of life under the dispensation of the govt. of the day. With the tacit support from a political section connected with the government, the voice of dissent is being crushed in the country. This may have angered the writers, artists and scientists and because of that they returned over the failure of the govt. to protect the voice of dissent in the country. President has rightly said that sensitive minds sometimes get disturbed by some incidents in society. But, expression of concern over such events should be balanced. Emotions should not overrun reason, and disagreement should be expressed through debate and discussion. President advice to the returnees of awards is correct, but at the same time the govt. of the day has responsibility to look into why they did it. There must be appreciation and criticism with open mind. Prime Narendra Modi has not spoken a single word on the returning of awards over growing intolerance. His govt. has so far made no initiative to invite them for talks. Every problem can be solved through debate, discussion and talk. At least 75 writers, historians, filmmakers and scientists have returned prestigious awards to protest what they say is an attempt by right-wing organizations to muzzle free speech and individual rights, citing murder of rationalist MM Kalburgi, mob lynching of a Muslim man in Uttar Pradesh over rumours of beef consumption and murder of two Dalit children in Faridabad. The returning of awards has also come under criticism from within the intelligentsia. The feeling of the intelligentsia may have been hurt by growing intolerance which compelled them to return awards in hopeless situation created with the help of the powers that be. It is the responsibility of Narendra Modi govt. to look into the reasons and think why they are returning the awards. The returning of awards by the intelligentsia of the society is their disgust in the prevailing intolerant situation in the country. President Pranab Mukherjee's valued advice must be considered seriously by the intelligentsia so that there could now be no return of award.

Saturday, November 14, 2015

Unprecedented reception

It was an unprecedented welcome to Prime Minister Narendra Modi by Britishers as well as Indian diasporas at Wembley in London. After the US, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to UK is hogging the headlines of national and international news papers. Undoubtedly, his visit to almost all foreign countries have been successful barring in our backyard Nepal where despite tumultuous welcome to him, it provides space to China to our annoyance and blames India for blockading the supply of petroleum products like, diesel and LPG and giving support to Madhesis. So, instant media focus on PM’s foreign trips and their wide coverage of the jamboree of Indian diasporas to welcome him on foreign land make no meaning for the nation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is first to address British Parliament, though it was not in session yet all MPs were in attendance. It is also true that he has put a sense of nationalism among the Indian diasporas living in different countries. The people of Indian origin in the US at Madison Square welcomed Prime Minister Modi very warmly and he with his excellent oratorical quality made them hilarious and infused a sense of help to the country of their origin. The way Prime Minister Narendra Modi was given rousing welcome with red carpet laying all around for him in England, which had ruled on us, is unprecedented. British Prime Minister welcomed PM Modi with open heart and heaped praise on him profusely. He assured him of helping India in its attempt of making Digital India and Skill India a total success. Britishers have been our masters and we have got freedom from them. But we have felt nowhere uneven behavior on the part of either the Queen Elizabeth or British Prime Minister David Camron with Prime Minister Modi. As India has a very big market and it has also immense potential with being the third largest economy, all the western countries prefer to look towards India. Market has been the deciding factor in determining and establishing relation. The down turn in China and economic upward of India have changed the world perception on economic front. India is also an emerging economy and there seems no sign of world-wide economic slump on it. It has resilience to weather off any economic downturn at any point of time. Trade and business have been the main theme of the talk between PM Modi and his British counterpart Camroon. British PM Camron's body language while exhorting the Wembley crowd to welcome PM Modi clearly reflects that he needs Indian market as much as India needs British investment. Despite being a successful Japan, China, US, UK etc. visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and singing of agreements in regard to business, trade and investment with them, nothing is perceptible on the ground. Undoubtedly, PM Modi has raised India's image abroad as foreign countries have realized that India too wants business and it has finally put its feet on the path of economic reforms very strongly. Prime Minister Narendra Modi spent the Friday morning at Chequers where he continued his discussions with his counterpart PM David Cameron.The two leaders took a walk in the compounds of Chequers Court which is the country house retreat of the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. It has been the private retreat of the Prime Minister since 1921. The two leaders also planted a sapling to mark the visit.

Monday, November 9, 2015

Bihar is verdict against intolerance, price rise and false promises

The Bihar verdict has given a clear message against growing intolerance, price rise, politics over beef, uncalled for statement on reservation by ruling BJP's doting parent Mohan Bhagwat that it is to be reviewed and the false promises made by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the last Lok Sabha election campaignings as Prime Ministerial candidate. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had made tall promises to the people during Lok Sabha election campaigns that if he was elected to power, his govt. would give relief to the people on all fronts. He had promised to bring down prices of the essential commodities, including food items, which was very high during the last phase of the previous UPA govt., and bring back black money stashed in foreign banks within hundred days. PM Modi had promised that the amount of black money was so heavy that after bringing it back, his govt. would give 15 to 20 lakhs in the account of every Indian. He said that he would fulfill his promises in 100 days only. 17 months have elapsed neither any black money was brought back nor Rs. 15 to 20 lakh was deposited with any Indian bank account holder. Instead of any ease on any front, the prices of all essential commodities rose higher and higher without any check in with his coming to power. The pulse and onion prices broke the all previous records. That is why Biharis rejected the BJP in this state assembly election. Bihar verdict may be described as the victory of pulse over beef. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was the single face of the BJP in the state of Bihar. He had held about 40 election rallies and entertained the audience a lot. But what his party got in return is all before us. The killing of Iqlakh over mere suspicion that he slaughtered calf and at beef, blackening of the faces of writer Sudheerendra Kulkarni in Mumbai for organizing the book launch of Pak foreign minister Mahmud Kasauri and J& K independent MLA Rashid Engineer in Delhi for holding beef party allegedly by Shiv Sainiks and Hindu Senas respectively clearly shows the growing intolerance in the country with Narendra Modi-led NDA govt coming to power. No secular Indian can tolerate these acts. Our Constitution does not permit any body to control and direct the people as to what to eat, how to dress and which religion to adopt. Bihar is testimony to the fact that it has never supported sectarian, divisive and communal agenda with which Modi-led NDA govt. tried to go ahead. It would reign in unbridled BJP motor mouths. Biharis too had overwhelmingly voted to BJP in the last general elections but when they found that PM Modi believed only in tall talking and doing nothing on the ground, they showed their displeasure in the just concluded Bihar assembly elections. Undoubtedly, the criteria for voting in Bihar has been caste since the first elections and it has increased election after elections, but this type of massive victory recorded by the Grand Alliance of Congress, RJD and JD(U) under the leadership of CM Nitish Kumar can not be possible with only caste-based voting. CM Nitish Kumar-led Grand Alliance has swept the elections and pulverized the rival PM Modi-led NDA in Bihar. And Bihar verdict would have far reaching political consequences on national level. It has also shown that PM Modi-led NDA is no longer invincible. It has given an impetus to the opposition. Bihar verdict itself shows that the people irrespective of caste, creed, community and region voted for Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, who is development-oriented. Biharis reposed faith in him very strongly. No political leader can stand up to CM Ninish Kumar at this point of time in the Bihar. This verdict may pitch-fork him as a contender to PM Modi at national level. The time is running out for Prime Minister Narendra Modi and if he failed to read the writing on the wall and continued to keep himself silent on various tormenting incidents in the country, the people would no longer hear his grandstanding speeches.

Saturday, November 7, 2015

Don't see the prevailing situation with jaundiced eyes

Undoubtedly, Anupam Kher is a famous Bollywood actor, but the march for India against intolerance led by him to counter protests by writers and artistes against "rising intolerance “lends little credence because of his being close to the ruling party. He also happens to be the husband of BJP MP Kirron Kher. So it is natural that he would speak for Narendra Modi-led NDA govt. The counter march taken out by film actors and writers, who support BJP, reflects that they have chosen the path of confrontation. It would be better for the country if Anupam Kher had taken initiative in arranging talks between Modi govt. and writers, film makers and scientists who have returned their national awards in protest against growing intolerance in the country. Instead of mollifying them, BJP supporter writers and film personalities have aggravated the situation by taking out march for India against intolerance to counter protests. Anumpam Kher says that award Wapsi is to defame the country by projecting a wrong picture of the situation. It appears from his statement that he is blind to whatever is happening all over the country in pursuit of establishing the supremacy of the religion of the majority. What is Dadri lynching over the suspicion of Calf slaughtering and eating beef? Why was Akhlaq killed on mere suspicion that he slaughtered calf and ate the beef? It is the naked example of intolerance. The situation of intolerance has reached to such a pass that the news about it is being made headlines even in prestigious foreign news papers and News magazine. The blackening of writer Sudheerendra Kularni only for organizing the launch of Pak foreign minister Mehmud Kasauri's book launch in Mumbai allegedly Shiv Sainiks and the blackening of the face of independent J& K MLA Rashid Engineer allegedly by Hindu hardliners after being thrashed in the assembly by BJP MLA for holding the beef party clearly reflect that there is no freedom of expression and personal liberty. The killing of writers and rationalists allegedly by Hindu hardliners, who are bent on establishing the supremacy of Hindu religion over others, clearly reflects that there is no space for sense of reasoning. Food choice is a matter of personal affairs. What we should eat or what should we not eat can not be decided by others. What do we call this type of situation? It is nothing but intolerance. Anupam Kher has led a march to Rashtrapati Bhavan alleging that the "award-wapsi" campaign was to defame the country by projecting a "wrong" picture of the situation. It clearly appears that he sees all things with jaundiced eyes. At least 75 members of the intelligentsia have returned national or literary awards in an escalation of protests by writers, historians, filmmakers and scientists over "growing intolerance", voicing fears that the country's robust democracy might be "coming apart" in the current atmosphere. Instead of inviting writers, film makers and scientists, who have returned awards in protest against growing intolerance, for talks to know their point of view, the BJP-led government has dismissed the protest as "manufactured rebellion" and "politically" motivated.

Friday, November 6, 2015

Pay immediate attention to Nepal

The strained relation with Nepal is not good for India and vice versa. A misunderstanding has developed in Nepal that the scarcity of petroleum products in the country is being deliberately created by India. As India's response to the newly chartered Constitution has been lukewarm, Nepal took it otherwise. India openly expressed its reservation on the failure of Nepali Constitution maker s to incorporate proportional representation for Madhesi population of the country. Madhesis have been excluded from the high posts like President, Prime Minister and High Court judges. It is nothing but sheer injustice. But the situation is required to be dealt with tactfully by prevailing on Nepal that the constitution must be inclusive in democracy. And no section of society should feel alienated. The recent death of an Indian student in police firing in Nepal and India’s angry response to it has also made the situation worse. Madhesis have been agitating against the adoption of new constitution, which they describe as discriminatory, for several months. Police had suppressed their agitation time and again. There are people to people relation between Madhesis and Indians. They are very much similar in nature and practice to Indians. As China has always been look out to distance India's neighbouring country as they have done with Pakistan, they grabbed the opportunity and supplied diesel and petrol to meet the requirement of Nepal. India failed the gauze the situating developing in Nepal in time. It is nothing but the failure of India's foreign policy. Nepal has been our traditional friend. Both India and Nepal are close-door neighbours and enjoyed very good relation. Nepal's two third of trade is with India. India is the best destination of Nepalese for livelihood. A largest number of Nepalese lives in India. China and Pakistan are their least concerns. In the given situation, Nepal’s bonhomie with China is nothing but the failure of India's foreign policy. Nepal was dependent on 67% of petroleum consumption on India but when it found that there had been blockade on its supply. So, Nepal looked towards China for petrol, diesel and LPG, which is very bad signal for India. But at the same India also can not bear with Nepal govt. discrimination with Madhesis population. So, India required dealing with the situation tactfully and diplomatically. With Narendra Modi becoming Prime Minister of India, he made two quick visits to Nepal and his govt.'s instant response with relief material to its earthquake, which caused wreckage, brought Nepal closure to India. It is the newly chartered constitution which has caused strain between the two countries. Though China can not continue to supply petroleum products like Petrol, diesel and LPG due to difficult road route, India must start sending trucks of essential commodities and petroleum products to Nepal. It is India's success in its foreign policy if it keeps the neighbours in good humour. The good relation with neighbour would not allow any other nation to set its foot in our backyard.

Thursday, November 5, 2015

Reign in motor mouths

The way Super star Shahrukh Khan, who is also lovingly called king Khan, was attacked by BJP motor mouths- Kailash Vijayvargia, Yogi Aditya Nath and others of the same ilk - merely for expressing disgust over the increasing intolerance in the country on his 50th birthday is a cause of great concern for the entire nation. He has rightly said that religious intolerance will take us to dark ages. He has made India proud with his extra-ordinary cinematic, artistic and entertaining skills. And all Indians are proud of him. PM should reign in his party motor mouths to keep our country’s chief characteristic -unity in diversity- intact. Shahrukh Khan is one of the most popular Bollywood actors of our country. He is popular not only in his own country but also the world over. He earned pride, glamour and prestige for the country. His Indianness can not be questioned. Comparing Khan with the dreaded Pak-based and India's most wanted terrorist Hafiz Sayeed by the BJP MP is a great disservice for the nation. BJP leaders, MPs and Ministers are habituated to asking all Indians who ever raised voice against the Narendra Modi government at the Centre to go Pakistan. They even said that Khan spoke in the language of Hafiz Sayeed and accused him of treason. What is this? It is completely nonsensical behavior towards our luminary. BJP and its leaders must know that the father of Shahrukh Khan was a veteran freedom fighter. His father became freedom fighter at a very young age. Khan's family had migrated to India from Pakistan after the partition. So his nationality and patriotism is unquestioned. He is known world over as one of the biggest Bollywood stars with innumerable number of fans in India as well as abroad. The way Dadri lyching and blackening of Sudheerendra Kulkarni's face in Mumbai for organizing the launch of Pak former foreign minister Mehmud Kasauri’ book and Independent J&K MLA Engineer Rashid's MLA in Delhi for organizing beef party by the Hindu hardliners is nothing but increasing intolerance in society. Engineer Rashid had already been manhandled by BJP MLA in J&K assembly itself. The situation becomes dangerous when BJP and even Prime Minister Narendra Modi's warning to party leaders not to make statements that encourage intolerance and create division in society have fallen on deaf hear. The motor mouths of BJP continued to shoot whenever any opposition political leader or celebrity expressed his or her view on increasing intolerance in society and against the government. Why did the Narendra Modi-led NDA govt. instead of describing the return of national awards by several writers, scientists and celebrities of different fields in protest against the intolerance as manufactured act not call them for talks to know their point of views? The killing of rationalists- Narendra Dabholkar, Govind Pansare - and renowned literary personality Dr. Kalburgi - allegedly by the Hindu hardliners who are bent on establishing orthodox social order even in 21st century is nothing but a naked example of intolerance . Prime Minister Narendra Modi should realize immediately that now the time has come to reign in his party's unbridled leaders and minister, who compare the two Dalit children who were burnt alive, with dogs. It shows their insensitivity to the people who belong to weaker section and religious minority. India is a secular democratic republic. The govt. can discriminate against the people who belong to minority community. India's secular fabric must be kept intact.

Wednesday, November 4, 2015

Lowest level of political discourse in Bihar elections

The people have witnessed the lowest level of politics by both the contenders of power in Bihar. Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led NDA is pitted against Chief Minister Nitish Kumar-led Grand Alliance in the ongoing Bihar assembly elections. The fifth and final phase of election comes to an end on Nov.5 and counting of votes will be held on Nov. 8. Both the contenders of power claim of their victory. This Bihar assembly election is the most keenly contested one in the history of independent India. It is the day of result i.e. Nov 8 on which people will come to know who won or who lost. Whichever side wins, the margin of victory will be very thin. There is neck to neck fight between NDA and GA. NDA is led by PM Modi while GA is led by CM Nitish Kumar. PM Narendra Modi himself is the face of NDA while GA has projected CM Nitish Kumar as its face in Bihar assembly elections. PM Modi has been the single star campaigner of NDA. He has broken all previous records of campaigning in assembly elections in a state by any other former PM. He has held more than 40 rallies in the ongoing Bihar assembly elections. His prestige as PM is at stake in this election. As the result of the assembly elections will have far reaching political ramifications both at the Centre and in the state, both sides have put everything at the stake to win. There is do or die situation for both the contenders. Both NDA and GA avowedly say that they are fighting elections on the agenda of development and good governance but neither of them allows the issue of religion, caste and community go untouched. Since 1952 elections, Bihar has always witnessed as caste being the single most important factor in casting of votes. The same situation of caste-wise voting has taken place in this ongoing Bihar election. As the people of Bihar are politically very conscious, it is difficult for any analyst or pollster to make prediction. The ramifications of Bihar assembly election result will put question mark on unquestioned leadership of PM Modi in NDA if it looses. If the GA looses, there will be the end of Lalu’s political career, question mark on Nitish political future and hopeless in Congress with the leadership. The Bihar assembly elections show that the politicians are only interested in power and they have nothing to do with development. It also shows that even the leader of the stature of Prime Minister can go to the lowest level of politics. It is no matter whether it is communal, caste or religious issue, politicians can focus on any of these three issues to garner votes. Grand Alliance under the leadership of CM Nitish Kumar is the conglomeration of secular democratic politics whereas NDA under the leadership of PM Modi represents the right of the Centre. Not even a single day has passed in Bihar poll campaign on which the leaders from both sides have gone all time low. Grand Alliance has edge over NDA certainly in one area. It is the leadership of CM Nitish Kumar, who has been a development-oriented politician and on this count he is unmatched in the state. No political leader across the party line stands up to Kumar in Bihar. It is because of differences within the Bihar BJP that the central leadership did not project any party leader in the state BJP as its chief ministerial candidate. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is himself the sailor of Bihar BJP boat to the shore. Now only three days are left to go when we would come to know who emerged victorious in nation's one of the most keenly contested assembly elections.

Tuesday, November 3, 2015

Check sky-rocketing price If one thing was behind the disillusionment of the people with the previous UPA government, it was the run away price of all essential commodities, including all food items. And because of its failure to check the rising prices, the people saw hope in the promises made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the Lok Sabha election campaigns as prime ministerial candidate of BJP. The common people and the youths of the country were completely carried away by his grandstanding slogan. It is not only the price rise but also communal harmony, creation of jobs and peaceful co-existence on which Modi govt. has failed to deliver any result. The common people of the country are finding extremely difficult to fill their stomachs. Their back is being broken by the unbridled price of essential commodities, including food items. The price of green vegetables is going up and up. Onion is already bringing tears to the people eyes. The price of Pulses has broken all previous record and presently they at all time high. Some raids in different parts of the nation have also exposed the level of black marketing and hoarding by business men. It is true that inclement weather has also contributed to price rise of food items. The question arises now that the price of food items largely depends agricultural production, which is mostly dependent on rain, and if that is the ground reality, what was the need for making tall promises. The price of Arhar pulse has crossed Rs. 200 a Kg and onion Rs. 80 a Kg. Both pulse and onion are the staple food of the poor. But in the given situation of price rise, they can not afford to buy pulses and onion. Prime Minister Modi is an excellent orator, but he never mentions nor does give a hint at price rise issue during his month-long Bihar poll campaigns. The ruling BJP says that during its rule, the prestige of the country has gone high abroad. But what does it mean for the poor who are struggling hard to meet their both ends. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had promised during his Lok Sabha poll campaigns that if he was elected to power, he would bring the black money stashed away in foreign banks back, and the amount is so high that every India would have Rs. 15-20 lakhs in their bank accounts. But it has so far proved an eyewash. If the result of Munuicipal elections in Maharashtra and Panchayat elections in Uttar Pradesh is anything to go by, the hopelessness with Modi-led NDA govt. among the people is clearly reflected and it also shows the sharp fall in PM Modi’s popularity . If a global account report on price rise is to be considered, it is higher by 18 percent than that of the price rise in Pakistan. On the price rise issue, Modi-led NDA govt. has left Pak behind. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also failed to push forward the reforms process and check the rising intolerance in society. If the intolerance would be dismissed as manufactured by the Modi govt., the foreign investors would certainly think twice before investing in India.

Friday, September 4, 2015

Both UPA and NDA remote controlled

Three - day RSS coordination meeting with BJP is going to conclude today. It has been reported that all Ministers of Narendra Modi Cabinet were in attendance at the RSS meeting in Delhi and have given presentation of their functionings before it. Rashtriya Swayam Sevak Sangh (RSS) is a socio-cultural organization and its offshoots have been working in different fields with exemplary dedication. No body doubts its credentials in national service. But it is not a constitutional body to which Modi's ministers have to be accountable. In personal life, they may present before RSS, but as minister he/she is not accountable to it. RSS is also the doting father of BJP. BJP has interpersonal relation all the affiliates of the RSS. They are interdependent on one another. The ministers are to accountable to the PM. However, almost all ministers of Modi Cabinet lined up at RSS meet. RSS is a good organization for the nation but this does not give it a license to review government functioning and ask the entire Cabinet to be present before it. It is also an ideological mentor of the ruling BJP. BJP takes inspiration and dictation from it how to carry out government functioning smoothly from it. Prime Narendra Modi is also likely to address the RSS coordination meeting with BPJ. Modi's Cabinet is not accountable to RSS but the democratically elected Prime Minister Narendra Modi. And PM is accountable to the people. PM Modi has himself been a Swayam Sevak of RSS. He may have special regard for it. But being the Prime Minister, he is only accountable to the people of India, who have elected him. The fact is that RSS has a great influence on BJP and it guides the govt. Without the consent of RSS, Modi-led NDA govt.can not move even a step. PM Modi is also expected to be in attendance at RSS meet. There was an allegation against the UPA govt. that it dare not go forward on its own. The opposition BJP at that time alleged that UPA government was run from 10, Janpath, the official residence of Congress Prsident Sonia Gandhi. It was remote controlled by her. She is the elected member of Lok sabha and President of the ruling Congress party. NAC was constitutionally created body which gave approval to all govt. policies and programmes. RSS is neither a constitutionally created body nor an elected one by the people. So, on the issue of remote control model function, there is no difference between previous UPA and the Narendra Modi-led NDA government. It is also remote controlled by Nagpur, the headquarters of RSS. Giving presentation by the Narendra Modi's Council of Ministers before RSS is unconstitutional. It must stop. RSS may have helped BJP win LS elections and Narendra Modi elect PM, but it has no constitutional sanctity to take account of the BJP govt. at the Centre. It is said that Corporate world also helpled Narendra Modi-led BJP win LS elections but it does not mean that the government would accountable to them.

Thursday, September 3, 2015

Getting idea from ideological mentor

The Rashtria Swayam Sevak Sangh (RSS) is holding a three day co-ordination meeting in New Delhi with BJP to instruct it how to run the government and what to do with agriculture, industry, influx of migrants from Bangladesh and OROP. Today is the second day of the three day meeting. All senior RSS leaders and its affiliates are participating in the meeting. All the top BJP leaders, ministers, including party president Amit Shah, have been in attendance. RSS is perturbed over continued the fall of government popularity among the public since the Modi-led NDA government came to power at the Centre. RSS leaders would also discuss in detail how to fight the coming Bihar assembly elections. It is believed that RSS intends to concede the demand of ORPO by the veterans of war. It is expected to put pressure on BJP to act to concede OROP. Besides that , the continued coming of migrants from across Bangladesh and Nepal in Indian districts adjacent to the border is a matter of great concerns for RSS. it is likely to alert the Modi government about upsetting the demographic equation in the districts adjacent to the border and LoC. RSS is the fountain head of inspiration for the BJP. Without the consent from the RSS, BJP can not move even a step. Though RSS claims to be a cultural organization and nothing to do with politics, it is for the sake of public speech. What is happening is all before us. It is now for the people to know what role does RSS play in BJP government at the Centre? It is BJP's conscience keeper. The previous UPA government of former PM Dr. Manmohan Singh was alleged to be running from 10, Janpath, the residence of Congress President Sonia Gandhi. It was alleged that Singh's govt. was remote controlled by Sonia. The same thing is happening with Narendra Modi-led NDA government. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is also reported to be present in the co-ordination meeting with RSS on Friday and take sermons from Sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat. Narendra Modi-led NDA govt. also appears to be running from RSS headquarters, Nagpur. Since the beginning of the RSS meeting, all the senior BJP leaders and ministers lined up to attend it and instructions. Modi govt. is also remote controlled by RSS. It acts on their advice. The RSS is likely to prod the NDA government on fears of a changing demographic profile in districts bordering Nepal and Bangladesh as the three-day coordination meeting with the BJP entered the second day on Thursday. Top ministers and BJP leaders were in attendance at the meeting being presided over by RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat at a Madhya Pradesh government guest house in the national capital. It is believed that the RSS was concerned about the census data based on religion, released by the government recently, which indicated a steep rise in Muslim population in some districts in Assam and West Bengal, attributed to influx of Muslims from Bangladesh. The RSS, however, considers Hindus fleeing from Bangladesh as refugees, making a clear distinction with Muslims who enter India illegally. The recent terror strikes in Jammu and Kashmir and the Patel reservation row in Gujarat are also expected to be taken up in one of the sessions in the next two days. The RSS is considered the BJP ideological mentor.

Monday, August 31, 2015

Grand show of strength

The Swabhiman Rally in Patna by the grand alliance of JD(U), RJD, Congress and SP clearly showed that if they remained united till the casting of the last vote in Bihar assembly elections, they would certainly come out victorious. It was organized on a big scale to exploit the Biharis' anger over DNA remark by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Bihar at Muzaffarpur rally against them. Modi had questioned CM Nitish Kumar's DNA in terms of politics, which the later depicted it to connect with all Biharis. Among the crowds assembled in Patna from all over the state at the historic Gandhi Maidan were carried away by RJD boss Lalu Yadav's one liner. This Swabhiman rally also established that Lalu is still the biggest crowd puller. Congress President Sonia Gandhi, JD(U) leader and CM Nitish Kumar and the party President Sharad Yadav, RJD Chief Lalu Yadav, SP leader and Mulayam's brother Shivpal Singh Yadav and Congress leader Gulamnabi Azad were at the front row on the dais. They represented the secular format of the nation. They have united to defeat BJP-led NDA in Bihar elections. CM Nitish Kumar emphasized PM's DNA remark and successfully painted it before the mammoth gatherings at Gandhi Maidan as an insult to Biharis because their self respect was hurt by it. The crowds were receptive to him. With the participation of Congress President Sonia Gandhi in the rally, the tag of secularism was attached to the grand alliance. Congress may have the least presence in the state, but when the question arises who is the first among secular political parties to be the torch bearer of secularism, it is the Congress party. So its mere presence in the rally would infuse a sense of security among minorities. Sonia made frontal attack on PM Modi and exposed his failure to deliver on the promises he had made to the people during LS elections as a BJP PM candidate. She mainly spoke on national issues where PM Modi has failed to deliver so far. She has rightly said that one-forth of his tenure has already elapsed, but he has not delivered on a single promise. On the day of Swabhiman Rally in Patna, PM Modi in his famous Man Ki Baat on radio broadcast said that no new ordinance would be promulgated on Land Bill and from today itself i.e. August 22, 2015 the Land Bill of 2013 enacted by UPA would come into force. This is nothing but the U-turn of Modi govt under farmers' pressure. This has been painted at the Patna rally as his bowing down before the people. CM Nitish Kumar has rightly said that Biharis may be poor, but they cannot tolerate when their self-respect is hurt. One thing that clearly comes out of the Swabhiman rally is that caste cannot be separated from elections in Bihar and all Bihar leaders played the caste cards to the full to garner support from their fellow caste men. Lalu Yadav clearly and openly questioned his cate men whether they have left him or still behind him in totality. His caste men present at the rally in full strength beckoned that they were still behind him. This Bihar election is going to be keenly contested one and future of all leaders from both camps are at stake. Whichever alliance may come out victorious; the naked display of casteist politics has no takers at least among the educated people of Bihar. They want state leaders to rise above caste.

Monday, June 29, 2015

Silence a sign of acceptance

Now it is 18th day that Lalitgate came into light, involving Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhra Raje Scindhia and Union External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj in one way or the other and since then Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been keeping quiet on this issue about which the nation wants to know his views. It is surprising why PM Modi does not open his mouth on Lalitgate. It is not an ordinary issue but of propriety and probity in public life. He must break his enigmatic silence on the issue. Otherwise, the message goes out that he has also tacit support to impropriety and corruption. Not only almost all senior BJP leaders some among them are ministers in the NDA govt. and also PM Modi never tired of questioning former PM Dr. Manmohan Singh’ silence on the issues of corruption in UPA govt and probity in public. These BJP leaders were then in opposition and Narendra Modi was party's prime ministerial candidate in Lok Sabha elections. They interpreted Manmohan's silence as the sign of accepting corruption charges. And now why not by the same yardstick, PM Modi's silence can not be interpreted as his acceptance of his ministers’ involvement in Lalitgate. It also proves his claim of providing a clean govt. free of corruption a sham. PM Modi’s claim of Zero tolerance against corruption has fallen flat. PM Modi on his radio broadcast of Man ki Baat but made no mention of the new revelation about charges against Vasundhra and Sushma. The nation, however, wants to know its Man ki Baath from the PM. Even senior most BJP leader Lalkrishna Advani, who has been pushed into Salahkar Mandal against his wishes, has rightly hinted at his party ministers in question, how he had resigned the moment his name surfaced in the Jain-Hawala diary to maintain credibility in politics. He had resigned from the membership of Lok Sabha pending investigation and when he was given clean chit by the CBI, he was again elected to Lok Sabha and participated in parliamentary activity. He resigned on the basis of his conscience call because he was sure that he never did wrong and would come out clean. He had done this even after the party leadership asked him not to do this. Despite that the conscience is neither biting Sushma nor Raje and the PM has been maintaining deafening silence. It has created the perception among the public that this Modi-led NDA government is no better than the previous UPA government on the issue of corruption and others. The entire nation wants to know why PM Modi is silent on Lalitgate. He should have come out and told the people that his ministers had committed no wrong doing and it is a false campaign of opposition to level charge against them. And if he thinks that to uphold the probity in public life to strengthen credibility in politics, he must ask his External affairs Minister Sushma and Rajasthan Chief Vasundhra Raje Scindhia pending the probe. The longer PM Modi goes into silent mode, the greater the damage is done to the party.

Thursday, June 25, 2015

BJP loses its face over Lalitgate

BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi lose their faces on daily basis because of their failure in dismissing their two Union Ministers - External Affairs Sushma Swaraj HRD Smirti Irani- and the Chief Minister of Rajasthan Vasundhra Raje Scindhia for their alleged involvement in morally and legally wrong acts. The charge against Swaraj is that she helped the fugitive and economic offender former IPL boss and cricket tycoon Lalit Modi acquire travel documents from British govt to go to Portugal to sign an operation paper of his wife, who is cancer stricken. She and her party defend it by saying that help was on humanitarian ground. Whichever ground it may be, but one thing is clear that she helped fugitive, which is wrong morally and legally. There is a charge against Rajasthan CM Vasundhra Raje Scindhi that he signed Modi’s immigration paper as witness to back his stay in Britain on the condition that it would be kept secret from the Indian officials. A Delhi court accepted to hear a case about the fake qualification charge against Smirti Iran. Enough proofs and documents corroborating the charge have come in public domain, which make the BJP's defence and PM's silence untenable. PM Modi's silence itself reflects that there is something fishy in both Laligate and certificate imbroglio. All these charges against BJP ministers puncture its claim of high moral ground. It clearly appears that scam days have returned again. Now BJP's charge against the previous UPA government that it was mired in corruption and scandals in its tenure of ten years is now boomerang on itself just after completing only one year in office. As former PM Manmohan Singh used to take silent stand on charges against his government and ministers, PM Modi has adopted the same thing completely unaware of the perception he himself and his party are making among the people. It appears that unless and until the public outcry spills on the streets all around, Modi's tainted ministers and leaders would not resign. The parameter adopted by the Modi govt. to deal with corruption, illegality and wrong moral acts can not be one for its ministers and another for opposition party leaders. Prime Minister Modi must ask his tainted ministers to resign to uphold high moral ground of which he speaks in his every public interaction. It is will be better for him to ensure smooth functioning of the monsoon session of Parliament by dismissing his tainted minister. Otherwise, Congress leaders and workers are bound to come on the streets to demand their resignations and stall it in coming days. The tainted ministers and the CM have lost the moral ground to stay in office. If they resigned right now pending the investigation, the opposition Congress would lose its opportunity to set goalpost.

Wednesday, June 24, 2015

Spurt in attack on scribes

The increasing murderous attack on scribes in different states of the country is a serious cause of concern. In recent days, the killing of two scribes-one in Uttar Pradesh and the other in Madhya Pradesh- have unsettled the common people. The way one social media journalist in UP was allegedly beaten first and then burnt to death by the police at the behest of a minister in UP is most shocking and an attempt to throttle the voice of the people. Though UP Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav has assured the slain journalist's family members of giving Rs. 30 lakh and govt. job to the two of his sons and bringing all the accomplices to book, it means that the govt. thinks that the cost of a life is this much. No family member of any deceased would accept the govt. assistance heartily for the loss of life of its head and bread earner. The second incident of killing the journalist allegedly by mining and sand mafia is of MP. The freelance journalist was burnt alive because he had brought the illegal business and underhand dealing of mining and sand mafias to bright. The nexus of politician, mafia and the police is behind every murder wherever takes place in country. Because what they wanted to keep in concealment, the journalists bring it in full public view and force the govt. to act. According to a report, there have been more than 150 killing of media persons in the last two years. If this report is even true partially, it indicates of a deep nexus of politician-mafia-criminal- police, which has taken strong root in our society. Journalists are the voices of the people and they also serve the society as its watch dogs. They bring any sort of injustice done by any of govt. agencies to light. Journalists are considered to be the protectors of the common people’s rights in society. Wherever the govt. infringes on the right of the people, it is only the journalists who raise the voice against it. Though Narendra Modi -le NDA government talk tall on every issue, it must look into the increasing attack on scribes' lives. It is almost fifteen days since the news of the killing of the journalist appeared in news papers and the family members of the deceased journalist leveled allegation against CM Akhilesh Yadav's minister and local police, no action has been taken yet. Minister is at large without any fear of law. As far as the criminality and acts of murder of mining and sand mafia in Madhya Pradesh is concerned, there has been a flourishing business. The murder of anyone whether it is the common people, journalists , honest state govt. officials or who ever put hurdles in mining mafias' illegal business and acts, they are killed and the state govt. has always act as mute spectator. Prime Minister Narendra Modi must take the issue of increasing attack on scribes all over the country and direct the officials concerned in different states to take security measures to ensure the protection of their lives.

Monday, June 22, 2015

Team India's weakness exposed

Casual, careless, insincere and inconsistent approach by Team India to the game in One-Day series against Bangladesh on their home ground resulted in its humiliating defeat. Bangladesh defeated India very convincingly. Indian players' false belief in their might that they are superior to Bangladesh has also contributed to their defeat. Bangladesh outplayed Team India in every department of the game. Their, batting, bowling and fielding were superb. In comparison to them, Indian players appeared listless, tired, exhausted and completely unaware how to tackle the onslaught of young and promising Bangladeshi bowler Mustafir Hussain. He presented the superb piece of bowling before which all Indian batsmen starting from the top order to the tail ender appeared nervous and clueless. Team India ultimately surrendered before Bangladesh. Indian players should have also kept in mind while touring Bangladesh that they had defeated Pakistan on their home ground very badly, which reflects their strength. Team India may be burdened with tight schedules all over the year due to which their energy levels have come down to zero. In the face of exuberating, confident, fighting, energetic and aggressive Bangladeshi players, Team India could not do anything to save prestige and reputation. Team India’s experiment with two captains- one for One - Dayer and the other for Test match has also not been fruitful and beneficial. Rather it has created two power centres in the team, which has created ego problem and friction. There are many loopholes in it that requires to be plugged immediately. Over-tight scheduling of the players at home and abroad and their excessive involvement with advertising for different products to earn need to be looked into. Team India should not have taken Bangladesh very lightly and sincerely. The humiliating defeat will also have demoralizing impact on the Indian players. Not even a single player played up to their potential. It will be difficult for Team India to come out of the shocking defeat. BCCI must analysize the defeat of at the all hands of Bangladeshi team thread bare and take necessary measures to the recurrence of this type of humiliating defeat at the hands of the team, which was considered underdog.

Wednesday, June 17, 2015

No excuse to help economic offender is tenable

Union Minister Sushma Swaraj may put forward humanitarian ground for help money laundering and forex violation accused former IPL boss and Cricket tycoon Lalit Modi acquire travel documents in UK, but it is completely untenable. The question arises here is that was she un-ware of his absconding from the law? Lalit Modi is a serious economic offender so he should be treated as such. Any help to him by the person who occupies constitutional post must be treated as his accomplice. She must resign pending investigation to uphold probity in public life. It is also appears that Sushma helped Lalit Modi and in return he also obliged by getting her relative admitted in Sussex Law college in Britain and engaged her daughter in his legal team in India , which is fighting the cancellation of his passport. Her husband has been Modi's advocate for the last 20 years. And all this reflects how close she is to him. It also appears that she had family attachment with him. Here it also clearly appears that she is involved in Quid Pro Quo. Another report that surfaced yesterday says that Rajasthan Chief Minister and senior BJP leader Vasundhra Raje Scindhia had backed his immigration paper under the condition of secrecy in UK in 2011 as witness when she was opposition leader in the state. Lalit Modi is also considered to be very close to the entire BJP establishment. His photo with Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also appeared on different news channels, which reflect the proximity between the two also. The question here is that where the buck stops. Congress Party allegation holds water that as there is one man rule of Prime Minister Narendra Modi govt., it appears odd that his minister would have helped Lalit Modi without taking his consent. So, buck finally stops at PMO is not altogether out of place. The way all BJP ranks and files defended Sushma Swaraj shows that entire establishment sympathetic to Lalit Modi. Now the BJP government and the Prime Minister himself can not run away from the fact they are also treating the corruption charges in the same as the previous UPA govt. did. Though UPA already paid its price of propriety in the last Lok Sabha elections, PM Modi must realize that yardstick of law is the same for Congress and BJP. So his taking moral high ground on the issue of corruption would fall flat if he failed to seek resignation of his External Affairs minister Sushma Swaraj and BJP CM of Rajasthan any more. The resignation demand of Sushma Swaraj and Raje is getting shriller and shriller. PM should also realize that his moralistic speeches are not meant for only others but also for himself. External Affairs Minister Sushma and Raj CM Vashundhra must listen to their conscience to resign to save Narendra Modi-led NDA govt. from further embarrassment.

Tuesday, June 9, 2015

JD(U)-RJD-Cong alliance a challenge to BJP

It was the demand on the ground politically to form JD (U)-RJD- Congress alliance to fight BJP-led NDA in the coming Bihar assembly elections. The alliance of the three parties may have been formed out of compulsion and they have not come together by heart, but to give a tough fight to the rising BJP in Bihar. Although Nitish-Lalu-Congress pair has already shown its strength in the by elections for some assembly seats last year in Bihar where it had defeated BJP-led NDA convincingly, they have to repeat their performance in the whole state. It is also the ground reality that no single party JD(U), RJD or Congress can stop the victory chariot of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Bihar assembly elections alone. But when they fight together, they have the strength to defeat BJP. As far as the state leadership is concerned, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar of JD(U) is the most popular face in the state. BJP can not match JD(U)-RJD-Congress leadership of Nitish Kumar. So it is most probably going to project PM Modi as its face in assembly elections, though his popularity graph has undoubtedly fallen down after one year in power. It is also the fact that the people on the ground have not felt any change for better on any count in the last one year of Narendra Modi regime. As far as the seat distribution among JD(U)-RJD-Congress is concerned, they can settle it amicably. Congress has played a pivotal role in forming the alliance with Nitish Kumar as its candidate for chief ministership with the sole motive to stop the victory spree of BJP in Bihar after Delhi. RJD boss Lalu was initially opposed to the declaration of CM candidate before election but the Congress mounted pressure on him to toe the line otherwise he would be left alone in the state as it had already announced of no reservation in fighting elections under Nitish Kumar as CM candidate. Lalu read the writing on the wall and agreed to the leadership of Nitish Kumar. Nitish- Lalu-Congress coming together has also taken seriously the caste factor, which is the single most important factor in Bihar elections. Caste-wise both RJD and JD(U) have very strong grip on their vote banks. While JD(U) has votes among Yadavs, Kurmis, OBCs, Mahadalits and others, RJD has very support of Yadavs and Muslims. Though Congress has no strong vote base in the state, it has an important role in tilting the balance. With BJP-led NDA on upswing after the Lok Sabha history victory, the fight with JD(U)-RJD and Congress is going to be very close. Bihar being an important state politically, BJP-led NDA would also put every thing into it to come out victorious in the coming assembly elections. But the performance of JD(U)-RJD-Congress fighting together in assembly by polls last year is anything to go by, Bihar will prove to be a very tough task for PM Modi to record victory in the coming assembly.