Monday, October 30, 2017

Shadow boxing between BJP and Shiv Sena

Shiv Sena is the oldest ally of BJP. It is in govt. with BJP in Maharashtra and at the Centre. There is more or less ideological similarity between the two parties. BJP is the bigger partner both in Maharashtra and at the Centre. Shiv Sena's political influence is confined to Maharashtra only while BJP is not only the national party but also emerged as the largest one of the nation. Just after a year and half of Narendra Modi govt. at the Centre, Shiv Sena started expressing reservation against the BJP openly. Though BJP has restrained so far in giving tit for tat to BJP to some extent, it now appears that breaking point between the two is about to be reached. Shiv Sena's Mouthpiece Samana's editorial stridently criticized the Demonetization and GST moves of the Narendra Modi Govt. In addition to that Sena Spokesperson Sanjay's Raut statement that now there is no longer Modi wave and Congress Vice-President Rahul Gandhi is capable of leading the nation will certainly sour relations between the two oldest allies. Shiv Sena's founder Bal Thackery also did not enjoy a very good relationship with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. There is no cordiality of the past between the two parties - Shiv Sena and BJP- being represented by Bal Thackery and Vajpayee- Advani duo respectively left anymore. And if this situation continued to prevail, it would not be a surprise that both the allies would choose their own way. The root cause of strain in a relation between Shiv Sena and BJP is that the former is not getting as much weight in Fadnavis-led BJP govt. in the state of Maharashtra. At the Centre also, BJP in Modi regime attaches any importance to Shiv Sena. It is also the fear of Shiv Sena that the rising popularity of BJP and its tilt towards Sharad Pawar - led NCP in Maharashtra may cause a split in it. Praising Rahul Gandhi and demeaning Prime Minister Narendra Modi by the Shiv Sena's spokesperson must have political importance. BJP may not react to Sanjay Raut in the same tone and tenor, but the knot has already set in relation with Shiv Sena. Shiv Sena has officially criticized Demonetization and GST and observing the ire of small and middle-class business persons at these two economic decisions, it has predicted that BJP might loose Gujarat this time. The thinking of Shiv Sena has always been low, narrow, parochial and regional. It may not openly espouse the cause of regionalism, but its breakaway group Maharashtra Navnirman Samiti (MNS) led by Bal Thackeray's nephew Raj Thackeray openly resorts to goondaism against the autorickshaw drivers, Rickshaw pullers, small business persons, hawkers and others in Mumbai from north India, especially Uttar Pradesh and Bihar and the state police and administration remain a mute spectator. BJP is the ruling party. BJP being largest national party, it should have immediately snapped its ties with this narrow and parochial party like Shiv Sena. Though Maharashtra Govt. is helpless in acting against the goons of MNS, who beat hawkers and auto rickshaw drivers from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, hawkers have given them befitting reply. We are not supporting violence in any way by any side. But when no way is left and the govt. becomes silent over the alleged crime of Raj Thackeray's goons, the situation demands tit for tat. Mumbai is a cosmopolitan city. It is not only Indians but the people from all over the world visit. So, its cosmopolitan character must be kept intact. It will be better for BJP to snap the tie with Shiv Sena as early as possible. Otherwise, its own image is tarnished in the company of Shiv Sena. When Shiv Sena says that Modi wave has faded away, it means it has now no hope with BJP.

Saturday, October 28, 2017

Pak is deaf to US warning This is not the first time that the US has given a strong message to Pakistan to act against terrorists living in safe havens there. This type of message has been given to it a number of times in recent years. And all the US messages to Pak went unheeded. Pakistan never acted against terror on the US suggestion, advice, instruction, and dictation. The stark example of this is about the US most wanted terrorist Al-Qaeda boss Osama-bin-Laden, who was in safe havens in Abbottabad near Karachi in Pakistan, before being killed in the raid of his residence by the SEAL (US national navy). Pakistan had always been in denial mode about the whereabouts of Osama-bib-Laden while he was living there in safe havens. The duplicity of Pakistan is no longer a secret. It is known worldwide. The US is required to take direct action against Pakistan to show the world, especially, India that it wants at heart to fight against terrorism to finish. Though Pakistan has denied about the US wish list of about 100 terrorists whom the US wants to be handed over, the name of India’s most wanted terrorist Hafiz Saeed and Masood Azhar are not on it. The US list does not contain the name of Hafiz Saed, the Mumbai terror attack mastermind who carries a bounty of 10 million dollars on his head, but has been under house arrest since January.Mostly the terrorists belonging to Haqqani network figured on the list. To fight against terrorism and act against the nation which aids, abets and support terrorism, it is necessary to take hard steps on the ground. Merely giving verbal warning time and again cannot serve the purpose. Rather, it emboldens the nation which sponsors terrorism. US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said he had a frank exchange with Pakistan leadership on US expectations in a fight against terror. Tillerson himself had made the US position clear, at a press briefing on the last leg of his 8-day visit in Geneva.During his recent visit to Pakistan, he said he had a frank exchange of views with the Pakistani leadership and made it clear that nothing could be achieved by lecturing, but the US was very clear about expectations and what it was asking. The US too should have clear intent while dealing with the issue of terrorism. If it continued to keep its interest uppermost as far as terrorism is concerned, its fight cannot be taken to the logical end. The time has come for the US to act against Pakistan. It is always in denial mode on the issue of providing safe havens to terrorism. So, it deserves to be given a hard blow to open its mind. Otherwise, the warning after warning will go in vain.

Friday, October 27, 2017

Tighten law and order machineries in UP

Since the BJP government of Chief Minister Yogi Aditynath came to power in Uttar Pradesh, no sign of improvement on law and order front in the state has been seen. Rather, it has deteriorated sharply. It appears that law and order is an insurmountable problem in the state. The people of Uttar Pradesh had been yearning for good governance and law and order in the state for the last 15 years. Mulayam- Mayawati- Akhilesh Yadav government in the last 15 years before this assembly election in the state was known for all sorts of misgovernance. People were very much vexed and troubled because of deteriorating law and order in the state. So, they wanted to change in government. To get rid of anti-social and criminal elements, people voted BJP to power with a massive mandate. The five-time MP and Hindutva face of the BJP Yogi Adityanath was elected the leader of the ruling legislature party leader and was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh. As Yogiji appears to be a hard taskmaster, people expected that he would tighten the law and order machinery immediately. The criminal elements will be driven away from the state as Yogi's administration was not expected to tolerate any nonsensical act. But the reality on the ground even in the BJP regime of CM Yogi Adityanath tells a different story. Murder, rape extortion, theft, loot, kidnapping etc. continue to take place in the state as it used to happen in the previous regimes. They have become the order of the day. Political executive in the democracy is the boss of bureaucrats. Bureaucrats cannot move a step without taking orders from their political bosses. Yogi Aiditya Nath is the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh. It is not a general state but the largest among states. It is a politically most important state in the country. Since Narendra Modi became Prime Minister, he started cleanliness campaign by taking the lead from the front to sweep the dirty corners in the city. PM or CM has much more tasks to work out than mere cleaning the Verandah, road, and courtyard. If the political executives are so much concerned about the cleanliness in the surrounding, they can easily take a personal interest in entrusting the task to the person concerned from the civic body. The time of PM and CM is very precious. It must not be squandered. If the Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had spent time with police officials of the state in regard to tightening the law and order situation, India would not have been defamed outside in the foreign country for the assault on a Swiss couple at Fatehpur Sikri, near Agra. So, Mr. Chief Minister it would be better if you had visited some police stations to ask them why the incident of crime is not controlled. Whatever happened with the Swiss couple must be condemned by one and all. UP police must bring the culprit back to justice. Five persons have reportedly been arrested in connection with the assault on a Swiss couple at Fatehpur Sikri, near Agra. The attack on foreigners is so serious that even External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj has also sought a report on it from the state government. It is the total failure of the Yogi govt. As law and order is a state subject, the state govt. must be held responsible for its failure.

Tuesday, October 24, 2017

At last, Govt. to initiate dialogue in J&K

Centre has rightly decided to start a sustained dialogue in Jammu and Kashmir. Former Director of Intelligence Bureau Dineshwar Sharma will be the Govt. representative in the dialogue. Since the Narendra Modi-led NDA govt. came to power, the situation in Jammu and Kashmir went from bad to worse. Infiltration, militant violence, ceasefire violations and killing of civilians and military personnel increased without any check. All the promises of improving the situation in Jammu and Kashmir made by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the Lok Sabha elections in 2014 proved to be hollow ones. The situation in Jammu and Kashmir got worse and worse. It appeared that the Narendra Modi-led NDA govt. had no Kashmir policy. The BJP which was ideologically dead against the People's Democratic Party of Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti lost no time in sewing coalition with it to form govt. PDP-BJP coalition govt. is in place in Jammu and Kashmir. BJP is ruling at the Centre in Delhi. In the given situation, the deteriorating condition in the trouble-torn state of Jammu and Kashmir is the result of prevailing confusion in the Govt. at the Centre. Earlier, Centre was against any talks with separatist conglomerate Hurriyat Conference. The faction-ridden Hurriyat Conference is playing in Jammu and Kashmir to the tune of Pakistan. Hurriyat leaders are openly financed and supported by Pak Govt. to create trouble in the Valley. With the revelation of money being received by Hurriyat leaders from Pakistan, the common innocent people of Jammu and Kashmir now can easily be impressed that the separatist leaders are only using them for their personal gains. This is possible only in talks with all the shareholders in Jammu and Kashmir. The Govt.'s interlocutor on Jammu and Kashmir may even try to talk with the youth of the state who have been misled by the separatist leaders. The people of Jammu and Kashmir are required to be dealt with delicately so that they could feel that they are also part and parcel of India. They are as much Indian as anyone else belonging to any corner of the country. At last, Prime MInister Narendra Modi has taken very good decision to start dialogue process in Jammu and Kashmir. Any difference, grievance and complaints can be resolved through sustained dialogue. The govt.'s special representative Dineshwar Sharma is an expert hand to deal with the separatists. He is already involved with the dialogue process with different separatist leaders of different northeastern states. Dialogue process is the only option to resolve Kashmir problems. No problem can be resolved at gunpoint. The majority of the youth in Jammu and Kashmir has been misled. They must be brought to the national mainstream. The major announcement was made by the Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh while addressing a press conference in New Delhi. Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh said that former director of Intelligence Bureau, Dineshwar Sharma will be the Government's representative in the dialogue. The Home Minister said that the Govt. is serious about the issue of Jammu and Kashmir. It would be better if the Govt. had shown seriousness about Jammu and Kashmir a little earlier. Though the start is already late, still there is much time left with the Govt. to initiate the sustained dialogue process with all the stakeholders in Jammu and Kashmir within the ambit of the Constitution of India.

Monday, October 23, 2017

Poll bugle in Gujarat

Poll bugle in Gujarat, but the schedule of the assembly elections is yet to be announced by the Election Commission. Despite criticism by the opposition parties, which push the EC in the dock over the delay, no seriousness is visible. Opposition parties allege that EC has come under the influence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi by not announcing the Gujarat assembly election date along with Himachal Pradesh. It has been done to favour the ruling party there as the Oppn parties allege. Election Commission should now announce the date of elections immediately. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is the single star election campaigner of BJP and Rahul Gandhi is the whole and sole of the opposition Congress party. Both have been addressing one rally after another to woo voters in the state. The Gujarat assembly elections are equally important for both BJP and Congress. This election is a test for BJP whether its popularity is intact or not and what is in store for it in 2019 while Congress has the opportunity to revive and get back its pre-imminent position in the state. BJP has been ruling Gujarat for the last 22 years. Prime Minister Narendra Modi already served the state as its Chief Minister for 12 years before being elected as the Prime Minister of India. PM Modi also happens to be belonging to Gujarat. Gujarat is also PM's home state. With the rule in the state for 22 years without any interruption, BJP's base is on a sound foundation. But the reports pouring in from Gujarat clearly indicates that this time it is not going to be as easy as it used to be in the previous elections. Congress has been the main opposition party in the state. It has been out of power for the last 22 years. The wind this time is not favourably blowing in favour of the BJP. The small and middle-class business community is up in arms against BJP Govt. at the Centre over GST and demonetization. Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani is himself helplessness to pacify them. But PM Modi is still the BJP's star attraction in the Gujarat assembly elections. He is not only PM but also the face of BJP in the Gujarat assembly elections. It also appears from the gathering at his election meeting that the people are no longer as much enthusiastic in support of BJP as they used to be in previous elections. Congress is the main opposition party in the Gujarat assembly. It is trying its best to get back its pre-imminent position in the state. It is hobnobbing with the young Patidar leader Hardik Patel, OBC star campaigner Alpesh Thakor and the lawyer and SC/ ST voice in Gujarat Jignesh Mewani. OBC leader Alpesh Thakor has reportedly joined the Congress at the rally being addressed by Congress Vice- President Rahul Gandhi. Congress has reportedly sent feelers to Hardik Patel and Jignesh Mewani to join Congress. If all the three young faces of Gujarat- Hardik Patel, Jignesh Mewani and Alpesh Thakor- came together to support Congress in the assembly elections, the severe headache will certainly develop among BJP leaders. But the BJP's greatest mascot is none other than the PM. PM Modi has the charisma to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat. Before the announcement of the election date, both Congress and BJP are fighting each other to score a brownie point. The war of words between Congress and BJP is going on to the tune of war drums. Apart from Congress, AAP may contest in Gujarat elections, though it is going to be a non-entity. If the Modi magic failed to click in Gujarat, the assembly elections' results may give clear signal what is to come for the party in 2019 Lok Sabha elections.

Tuesday, October 17, 2017

BJP has upper hand in Himachal

As Himachal assembly is going to poll on Nov. 9, 2017, the state is in an election mode. The electoral process is set to gain momentum. The two major political parties – Congress and BJP- are busy with the selection of their candidates. If History repeats, BJP is certain to win as the state has always been alternate between the two major parties in the state. Infighting plagues the Congress party very seriously. Himachal Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh and the state Congress President Sukhbir Singh Sukhu are fighting each other in the party to establish supremacy. Virbhadra Singh is a veteran Congress leader and he is also one of the tallest political personalities of Himachal Pradesh. Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi has already announced his name as the Chief Ministerial candidate of the party in the assembly elections. He had made HP Congress President Sukhbir Singh Sukhu as the Chief of the Election Campaign Committee and Virbhadra Singh as its member. But making CM Virbhadra Singh as the Chairman of the Election Campaign Committee on Monday as announced by Janardan Dwivedi is not only puzzling for the party workers but also the general people as to what is going on in Congress Party in the state. Virbhadra Singh may be one of the most prestigious leaders of Himachal Pradesh, but the Disproportionate assets case against him undoubtedly dented his political image. Congress is also facing anti-incumbency factor in the state. The party has to do lot of explaining to the people about its performance in the last four years. Internally, the BJP in Himachal is also not united. Union Health Minister J P Nadda, who comes of Himachal, also sees CM's chair and may be inclined to the post, but former Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal has also set his eye on CM's post again. So, it is also very difficult for the BJP to announce chief ministerial candidate of the party in the state. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is the tallest leader of the BJP and his charisma has also seen the nation. He has the political ability to snatch victory from the jaw of defeat. So, it is no problem for the BJP even if it doesn’t announce the name of its chief ministerial candidate in the assembly elections. It is not new for the party. It has done in several state elections in the past.PM with excellent oratorical power has the ability to draw crowds in the large number. Congress has no match for him. History is also on the side of BJP. If that is so, the BJP will certainly win this assembly election. If Congress has to be in the reckoning to get power back, it has to put up a united face in the elections. The Congress party President Sonia Gandhi must take personal interest to keep everything in the party in order. Congress is required to be united at all costs. Whenever the Congress party tastes defeat, it is because of infighting in the party. The Congress has named Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh as head of the party's campaign committee for the November 9 Assembly polls, replacing state Congress chief Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu. Only three days back, Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi had named Sukhu as chairman of the campaign committee and made Singh its member. Gandhi has "approved" the name of Virbhadra Singh as the chairman of the campaign committee for the assembly elections in the state. Singh and Sukhu have been at loggerheads, with the chief minister demanding an immediate replacement as the PCC chief ahead of the elections. In the prevailing situation, the Congress leadership has to take the case of Himachal seriously and ask both the factions to patch up their differences as early as possible. Otherwise, Congress defeat in Himachal is a foregone conclusion.

Monday, October 16, 2017

Signal of Cong resurgence and wake-up call for BJP

The by-election result of the Gurdaspur Parliamentary elections is a wake-up call for the ruling BJP at the Centre and the clear indication of Congress resurgence to some extent. It was the bastion of BJP. Its MP film actor late Vinod Khanna represented Gurdaspur constituency thrice in the Lok Sabha. It was because of his death that by-election was necessitated there. There is Congress govt. in Punjab. So, Congress being strong there politically may be natural but the margin by which the BJP candidate was defeated must be a matter of serious concern for the party. It now clearly appears that the demonetization move of Prime Minister Narendra Modi did not yield any result as was expected. In addition to demonetization, the hastily implemented and ill-conceived GST also did not go down well with the small, middle and big businessmen. The proof of the adverse impact of these two economic measures can be seen in the fall of GDP growth by two percents. One thing also is evident all around that an atmosphere of economic gloom spreads all over. The market shows no enthusiasm despite the time of Deepawali. The employment is not generated in proportion to the growing number of unemployed. There is no bright spot anywhere. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP must introspect that where they are going wrong that the people in only three years are appearing to be against the govt. They had given overwhelming support to Prime Minister Modi in 2014 Lok Sabha elections. So, the govt. must initiate economic measures to provide succour to the people. All economic activities have come to a standstill due to the implementation of GST without giving any proper training to the businessmen community. They are absolutely not satisfied with the Modi govt. It has also been experienced that in the NDA regime the gulf between the poor and the rich is widening. The rich are becoming richer and while the poor are becoming poorer. Modi govt. is required to think seriously about the falling economic condition of the people. Modi Govt. must realize one thing that the longstanding and idealistic speech cannot fill the stomach of the poor. The poor and the unemployed youth need employment to earn their livelihood. The common people of the country have nothing to do with this or that political party. They want the govt. that works for them. The Gurdaspur by-election result is the reflection of people's discontent with the ruling BJP at the Centre. If the BJP holds Congress corrupt, by which parameter it holds Akali Dal in Punjab honest to be made alliance partner. As long as the BJP will remain with Akali Dal, it would not resurge in Punjab. Now, only a year and 10 months have left to go to Lok Sabha elections in 2019. So, the ruling NDA must do something to revive the economy fast. Otherwise, it will also have to face people's wrath in the Lok Sabha elections. It has been in govt. so it will have to answer the questions put by the people to BJP leaders. The Congress has registered a massive victory in the Gurdaspur, as party candidate Sunil Jakhar won by a margin of 1,93,219 votes. The six-month-old govt. of Congress passed a litmus test by winning the election by such a huge margin. The Congress had fielded veteran leader Sunil Jakhar to contest the by-elections against the BJP-SAD alliance candidate, businessman Swaran Salaria and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) candidate, Retired Major General Suresh Khajuria.Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) could not save its security deposit. Gurdaspur result clearly shows that the people are not satisfied with the work of the BJP govt. at the Centre. Though by-election result generally goes in favour of the ruling party in the state, it is definitely taken seriously by the BJP.

Saturday, October 14, 2017

Keen contest in Himachal Pradesh assembly elections

The date of Himachal Pradesh assembly elections has been announced by the Election Commission. The difference between the date of commencement of election and declaration of its result is 38 days. It itself appears ocular. It has also surprised the nation that why the date of Gujarat assembly elections was not announced along with the Himachal. It appears that Election Commission which has so far been independent has come under the pressure of NDA govt. at the Centre. Election Commission is a constitutional body. It comprises three Election Commissioners and one among them is the Chief Election Commissioner. CEC AK Jyoti was the Chief Secretary of the Gujarat Govt. before being made CEC. Jyoti being the CEC and Gujarat election date being not announced along with Himachal create an impression among the people that he favours the ruling party at the Centre by giving them two to four days to announce some schemes, policy, and programmes to tempt the Gujaratis towards BJP as PM is to visit the state in the next week. With the announcement of the election, the model code of conduct is automatically enforced and after that Govt. can make no announcement about its promises and policies for the people to influence them. Though it has been the history of assembly elections in Himachal Pradesh that it alternates between Congress and BJP after every five years, this time outcome may be different. There is an anti-incumbency factor against the Congress govt. of Virbhdra Singh in the state. In addition to anti-incumbency, there is also the Disproportionate assets case against CM Virbhadra Singh. ED is already pursuing its investigation against him. In addition to this, CM and the Himachal Pradesh Congress president don't see eye to eye. Congress party is faced with the issue of infighting. Though Virbhadra is still the tallest leader of Himachal and his name has already been announced as Chief Ministerial candidate in the assembly elections by the Congress, his boat doesn’t appear to be sailing through. On the other side, the BJP is poised for victory in the assembly elections. But the irony with the party is also that no one leader emerges as the consensus candidate for the post of Chief Minister. Former Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal is already in the race. Himachal BJP leader and the Union Health Minister JP Nadda is also eyeing the post of Chief Minister of the state. It is also difficult for the BJP to evolve consensus over the issue of leadership for the post of Chief Minister in the state. BJP may not announce its CM candidate as it has been doing in North Indian states normally. It had not announced the name of Chief Minister in Delhi and UP elections. It lost Delhi but it won Uttar Pradesh. So, it appears pretty certain that the election in Himachal Pradesh will be Prime Minister Narendra Modi versus CM Virbhadra Singh. There is still an attraction for Virbhadra in Himachal Pradesh. It appears clear that due to not reaching consensus on the issue of leadership in the state in the BJP, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be the face of the party in the state. There are several leaders in the BJP in Himachal who are of Chief Ministerial material. Prem Kumar Dhumal and JP Nadda are prominent among them. So, it appears that the BJP leadership has shelved the issue and like UP if it won the election, it would elect its legislative party leader very easily. The chances for BJP in the state look bright if the electoral history of the state is anything to go by. But as Virbhadra is himself old war-scarred Congress leader, it would not be easy for BJP to thrash him. The election in Himachal is going to be keenly contested. It is not easy either for BJP or Congress to win. Let us see what happens. But the upper hand in the election is of BJP in Himachal Pradesh.

Wednesday, October 11, 2017

Political violence must stop

Whichever political party indulges in violence to settle scores with its opponent is against the essence of democracy. There is no place for violence in the democracy. Every political party has right to criticize against its rival in politics. But resorting to violence to settle the score with the rival party cadre is a crime. So, it must be dealt as such. BJP charges Kerala Govt. and the Left parties with murdering its political workers. Political violence is not new to Kerala. It has been happening since long. CPI (M) is ruling there and the BJP is trying its best to establish its feet in the state. BJP has launched Janraksha Yatra against the ongoing political violence in the state of Kerala. Violence by any political party to settle scores with opponents is not permissible in the regime of democratically elected govt. in the state. The rule of law is meant for all and it must be enforced to maintain peace and amity in the state. Whether it is BJP, Congress, Left parties or others, the violence committed by anyone is unjustified and outlawed. CPI(M) govt. in Kerala must not allow the anti-social or criminal elements to take law into their own hands. No matter which party the assailants or attackers belong to, the police must act against them under due process of law. It is the responsibility of Pinarayi Vijayan govt. to maintain law and order in the state at all costs. BJP charges the CPI(M) with state atrocities against its cadres. In the recent past, several BJP or RSS cadres have allegedly been killed by the CPI(M) cadres. Meanwhile, political violence continued unabated in the state. Another BJP worker and auto-rickshaw driver Suresh Sudheesh was attacked in Thalassery in Kannur on Tuesday. He has been admitted to a private hospital. The incident took place near Ponniam bridge in Thalassery. BJP has accused CPM workers of the attack. Police are probing the incident. Political violence in Kerala dates back to decades. Since 2001, at least 120 BJP workers had been killed in the state. Of these 84 were killed in Kannur only. 14 of the killings have been conducted in Pinarai, the hometown of Kerala Chief Minister P Vijayan.To attract the media and national attention, the top leaders of BJP have taken upon themselves to push CPI(M) govt. into the corner by launching Janraksha Campaign in Kerala against ongoing political violence Democracy does not allow violence. There must be opposition in the democracy. The ruling political party in the state or at Centre must not promote violence with the help of state machinery. CPI(M) is ruling in the state of Kerala and BJP is at the Centre. Both are ruling political parties. Their cadres have clashed against one another frequently with the police as mute spectators. Whether it is BJP or CPI(M) cadre, the killing of anyone is a criminal act. So, violence must not be allowed. No cadre of any political party should be encouraged to resort to violence to settle the issue. BJP has taken the murder of its cadres in Kerala seriously. So, most of its central leaders have joined Janraksha campaign in the state. BJP's Janraksha Yatra, the campaign against the ongoing violence in the left ruled Kerala has entered its second week. Even Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan also joined the Janraksha Yatra.Union Minister of State for external affairs, General (Retd.) V. K. Singh has also attended the Janraksha Yatra. He has alleged that nearly 250 people have been killed in Kerala owing to political violence in the state. Union Minister of State for health and family welfare, Ashwini Choubey also led a Janraksha Yatra from Delhi's Arambagh to the CPM office in Gole Market. BJP is taking out marches in various parts of the country protesting the killings of BJP and RSS workers and has accused the communist cadre of the violence. Whoever is responsible for the ongoing political violence in the state of Kerala must be exposed before the nation. At present, it is the duty of the state govt. to provide security to all political activists irrespective of their political affiliations.

Tuesday, October 10, 2017

Abnormal rise in Delhi Metro fare

At last, Metro fare was raised unbearably by Delhi Metro Rail Corporation, which is straight under the control of Central Govt. The Metro fare hike will directly affect the livelihood of Delhiites as it is connected with it. AAP Govt. and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had strongly opposed the proposal for Metro fare hike, but no heed was paid by the Central govt. Central Govt. is of the view that without adequate expense on the Metro, it cannot provide world-class service. It is right that good service demands good cost. But as Delhi Metro is the lifeline of Delhiites and all of them are not in a position to afford the increased fare, it appears the backbreaking move against the metro riders. They would have to stop availing Metro service and choose some other sources of conveyance cheaper than the Metro. All are not equally well off in Delhi that they would have no problem with the increased fare. More than 80 percent of office goers go to their offices by Metro to reach in time. Metro is preferred because it provides satisfactory, fast and punctual service to the commuters. To go to the office in time daily, Metro is the first and last priority of all Delhiites. As there is no disruption normally in the movement of Metro from this corner to that corner in Delhi, Delhiites had the privilege of doing the job anywhere in the city and distance no longer remained any hurdle for them. In about one and half hours, one can make a round of Delhi. This is the miracle of Delhi Metro. So, a steep rise in Delhi Metro fare will create many problems for, especially, the petty job holders and daily wages earner. They live in one corner because of cheap accommodation in the area and work in another corner only due to the Metro service. It could only be possible because of the running of Metro train. Only in May this year, the Metro fare was raised from Rs.8 to 10 as its first slab. Its impact was felt by Metro in the decreasing trends in its passengers. Now as the steep rise in fare was introduced, the number of commuters will definitely go down. Despite the letter written by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal to Hardeep Singh Puri, the Minister of State for Tourism, to handover DMRC to Delhi Govt. to manage without raising fare of the Metro, no attention was paid. Instead, Suri said that Metro would meet the same fate as DTC it its fare was not hiked. It is a matter of common knowledge that without adequate expense, one cannot avail good service. But matter here is that the commuters who would avail the high class if they had the capacity to afford the increased fare. So, while increasing the fare in the name of providing better service, the DMRC must have kept in view the affordability of the Metro commuters in Delhi. If the Metro needs immediate financial support to keep it running in the same condition, the Govt. should have taken responsibility of providing adequate funds. Burdening the poor Delhiites more and more is not a good idea of the Narendra Modi govt. Delhiites are not in a position to afford the increased Metro fare. Metro riding is becoming costlier and costlier year by year. Delhi Metro is the lifeline of Delhiites. But it gets costlier from today.As part of the two-phase revision of Metro fares recommended by the Committee, the fare would remain Rs. 10 for the first 2 km, but will subsequently increase by Rs. 10 in each slab, going up to a maximum of Rs. 60.The Metro fares were last revised in May when the minimum tariff was raised from Rs. 8 to Rs. 10.The revised fare structure will be: up to 2 km - Rs. 10, 2-5 km - Rs. 20, 5-12 km - Rs. 30, 12-21 km - Rs. 40, 21-32 km - Rs. 50 and for journeys beyond 32 km - Rs. 60.

Friday, October 6, 2017

A warning to Pakistan

Air Chief Marshal B. S. Dhanoa has rightly warned Pakistan that if it dared to do mischief with its tactical nuclear weapons, Indian air force has the capability and ability to locate, fix and strike across the border. Our air force has already shown its valour in 1971 war against Pakistan. But as far as the surgical strike against the terror outfits based across the border is concerned, the decision has to be taken by the govt. It is also the chief characteristics of Indian army that all its three wings- Navy, Army and Air Force- operate in a well-coordinated manner whenever the need arose in the past. Our IAF is well prepared to face any eventuality. Pakistan must know that by dangling nuclear weapons in the air, it cannot strike fear among Indian military personnel. Though Air Chief Marshal Dhanoa's reply to the question of the reporter may appear to be reflecting belligerence, Pak needs to understand that it must not be in any delusion that by dangling nuclear weapon in the air, the Indian army will hesitate to undertake any more surgical strike across the border if terror activities continued to go on. The prowess and the valour of IAF are of highest order. It is so fully equipped with weapons and fighter jets that it can strike across the border with the blink of eyes. Our Air Force is one of the best professional forces in the world. The Govt. of India must see that if Air Force is well-equipped with all the required modern weapons of the time or not. India has to keep its three wings of Army well- prepared to meet any eventuality. As far as India is concerned, it is the first target of terrorists sent by Pakistan. Pakistan is its hostile neighbour and its promotion of terror activities against India must be thwarted at all costs. Air Force has shown its concerns about the safety and security of the country. Pakistan is not only promoting terror against India its army and notorious ISI have greater say in the govt. there also. Pak army always likes to wage war against India despite being badly defeated thrice in the past. Air Chief Marshal has shown his forces' bravery that they will no longer be behind in carrying out surgical strike against Pakistan. Pakistan being the promoter of terror, it cannot face the truth. It is mischievous and wicked. Our brave air force personnel must show their bravery once to Pakistan that even the entire world would come to know that India is no longer prepared to accept any kind of humiliation. The Indian Army in September 2016 had destroyed five terror camps across the LoC. In counter-terror operations, members of the Special Forces from the army were also para-dropped at the spots. Also, as per reports, eight Indian Army soldiers were killed in ceasefire violations in 2016. This loss has risen to 14 soldiers till now in 2017. Incidents of ceasefire violation and infiltration attempts made by Pakistan more than doubled till September end of this year. The ceasefire violations in the year 2016 were 228 and this year, it has reached to 503 attempts till date. Security analysts associate the ceasefire violations with the infiltration bids which are to ingress across the LoC.

PM defends the state of economy

The state of the economy is certainly not in a good shape. There is gloomy atmosphere all around the country in every sector of economic activities. Undoubtedly, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is trying his best to improve the economic situation in the country but it will take time. He has taken several decisions to halt the falling economic growth. He has pursued structural reforms to close all doors of corruption. The encouragement of cashless mode will certainly leave no scope of corruption. The criticism of his economic moves is not only by the opposition leaders but also his own party leaders, which has upset him. That is why while addressing the Golden Jubilee Company Secretaries of India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has lashed out at the critics of his economic management. Two veteran leaders of his own party BJP and both are former Ministers- Yashwant Sinha and Arun Shourie- have already expressed their dismay on the fall of GDP by 2 percents in the last quarters. They criticized stingingly and said that PM Modi mismanaged the economy very badly. They also criticized PM's move of demonetization and introduction of GST. Former Finance Minister and veteran BJP leader Yashwant Sinha said that GST was an ill-conceived idea and it was hastily implemented. He also criticized the handling of economic affairs by the Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley. Shourie said that demonetization was as bold as a suicidal step. Brushing aside all criticism of his economic management, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has strongly defended his economic policy and compared it to the previous UPA govt. and said that in that govt. at least 8 times the GDP had fallen by two per cents. PM has rightly said that fundamentals of Indian economy is very strong so minor jolt to it would make no difference. PM has rightly said that economy of the country is on firm footing and that he will never jeopardize the country's future for the present gains. He has spoken plainly on the state of the economy as he addressed the Golden Jubilee of the Institute of Company Secretaries of India. He has rightly attacked those pessimists who were exaggerating the extent of a fall in just a single quarter of growth. The PM said that many experts are in agreement that the fundamentals of the economy are strong and reforms are positive. The Govt. over the past three years has taken several important decisions to improve ease of doing business. PM has assured that economic stability would be maintained, and govt. will take all possible steps to increase investment and speed up economic development. It is correct to say that the country's economy has seen only one such quarter after achieving three years of 7.5 percent growth. The NDA Govt. is fully prepared to restore the growth trajectory. Inflation has been brought down from double-digit levels. The data indicates how the economy is improving both in urban and rural India. FMCG's growth has also increased, and so has production of coal and electricity. The credit offtake has increased and so has investments in the mutual fund. Rural road construction has increased by 50 percent in three years as has a construction in the housing sector. There may be gloom in the economy in the prevailing situation, but spreading pessimism in about it is not in the interest of the country. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is himself making the sincere effort to bring the economy of the country back on the track and be counted as the fastest-growing economy of the world.