Recall the Governor of Karnataka

The unprecedented and unprincipled action of Shri Hans Raj Bhardwaj, Governor of Karnataka recommending imposition of Presidential rule in the State has raised many questions of misuse of constitutional authority. Ever since his appointment as Governor of the State Mr. Bhardwaj has not been acting as representative of the President which he is supposed to be under the Constitution of India but as a representative of the political party to which he belonged. This is most unfortunate and undignified. He was a former law Minister of the country and is supposed to know the constitutional provisions and the procedure to be adopted while making such a recommendation.

2. Without going into details of the happenings in the State Assembly and the decision of the Supreme Court, the fact remains that the state legislature is in position and there is no law and order situation, the grounds under which such a recommendation is made. The Governor could have directed the Government to prove its majority in the House which he deliberately avoided. The prejudicial acts of Mr. Bhardwaj against the State Government have not only lowered is image in the eyes of public as well as raised questions about his competence to hold this Office.He should, therefore, be recalled by the President
In case we want to preserve our democratic traditions, no political person should be appointed as Governor. Only apolitical persons of eminence from various walks of life who command respect should be considered for appoint.

End of Obama the Master Terrorist

The post Osama Bin Laden scenario of Pak-American - Afghanistan relationships will undergo a spectucular change. It is correct that with his elimination the symbol of terrorism may have disappeared but the substance remains. A few facts about Pakistan's role in running the giant hatchery of terrorism which were viewed with skepticism by some countries are now confirmed and proved beyond doubt. The shelter provided to the terror czar within its highest security zone leaves nothing more to imagine for the hypocritical role Pakistan has been playing so far. Whatever statements President Obama may make about co-operation with Pakistan the loss of confidence and trust is too wide and beyond repair.

The Pakistan's ambition of supremacy in Afhgan affairs is never going to materalise as it should now prepare itself to face internal strife and public wrath for compromising their national sovereignty. India has also to learn a lesson or two from this episode viz. never to trust U.S.A. And not to hesitate for taking firm action against the enemy of State wherever they may be located.

Employing Domestic Helps without verification

The rescue of kidnapped Delhi toddler Ishaan by Delhi Police in record time of two days merits kudos for Delhi police for the great job done. Normally, Delhi Police is the target of public criticism for their various acts of omissions and commissions and insensitive towards people's grievances. We should,therefore, be graceful by expressing appreciation and gratitude which they richly deserve in the present case.

2. The present incident of employing Maids for house hold chores without verifying their antecedents through the Police authorities despite repeated campaigns by the Police is not isolated one. The common argument advanced by the employers is that the verification process takes unduly long time and by that time they lose the prospective employee. This is not a sustainable argument as personal safety and property is more important than than an unverified employee. There have have been numerous cases of murders, burglaries,kidnappings in Delhi committed by the domestic helps who were employed at random. People should realise the amount of public money involved in tracing the culprits through a number of teams formed by the Police who are sent to various parts of the country. It will, perhaps, not be inappropriate if the amount involved is recovered from the concerned family in case they had employed a person without verifying his/her antecedents.

Let us be compassionate toArunima

It is most disgusting to find controversies being created by unscrupulous railway authorities about the cause and circumstances of Arunima's injuries in the rail accident. Here is a young and promising girl who is maimed for life and her dreams of future have crashed and who has lost her leg and is still lying in hospital. The entire nation has expressed sympathy and given liberal financial support for treatment etc. This would have been the response of the people in any other similar case and it should be so. But the insensitive Railway Police at this hour of her personal grief and healing process is rubbing salt on her wounds as well as causing mental trauma by countering her claims of travel and her qualifications. This is inhuman and unethical. At this point of time she needs rest and mental peace which is paramount for her recovery. The crime rate in Railways is so diverse and of such high dimension that no amount of detergent can wash its Police force clean. So some one should restrain it from making untimely and iressponsible public statements in the present case.

Mean Vendetta

The deposition of a senior IPS Officer Mr. Bhatt against Mr. Narender Modi the Chief Minister of Gujarat after 9 years of the riots accusing him of having told the Police Officers in a meeting to allow Hindus to take revenge against Muslims for the train tragedy has come in sequence of similar accusations. That it took 9 years for the Officer to make this revelations and that he did not open his mouth before any of the numerous Inquiry Committees and Commissions that were appointed in this connection apparently casts doubts on his credibility.

2. In a similar fashion Satish Bhushan and his family are now being accused of acquiring properties in Allahabad and Noida in illegal manners years after they were purchased. The timings of these accusations is obviously mired in political rivalries and is motivated by political considerations. Tomorrow some public Officer may depose that Rajiv Gandhi or some other Minister exhorted the Police to allow the murder of Sikhs in 1984 following the assassination of Indira Gandhi. This is promoting dangerous precedents. There must be a law of limitation in the criminal procedure and the person making allegations after the prescribed period should be punished.

Digging Dirt- Lok Pal Committee

It is disturbing to see that a most popular movement in the history of independent India against the cancer of corruption is being attempted to derail by some vested interests as they have flourished under the present system and do not want proposed measures to nip the evil. The corruption level in the country has reached the unbearable level affecting rich and poor high and low sections of the society. The mass uprising of the people against the scourge was spontaneous and without the flag of any political party. Unfortunately, it is being politicised for ulterior motives. The Committee set up to draft the bill is to concentrate on the mechanism of the Lok Pal and its operating system. It has nothing to do with the profiles of the members of the Committee.

2. Hardly one meeting of the Committee has been held and that two in a most amiable manner that the profits of doom have started firing dirty missiles at the members of Civil Society. Tomorrow, some other sponsored Group will retaliate with smear campaign against the government representatives in the Committee. It is a malicious diversionary tactics and should be condemned. The objective is to plug the cause of corruption and set up suitable enforcement machinery. We should focus on this and not asbotage it.

Confessions of a Pak Terrorist for 26/11 carnage

The news about Pak terrorist Rana's confession that Pakistan government and ISI plotted 26/11 attack in Mumbai is not an unknown revelation that is going to help India nailing Pakistan. So let us not treat it as a piece of news or a valuable exposure.Ajmal Kasab, one of the terrorist involved in the said heinous crime has already made similar exposures but with little effect on Pak authorities. So the recent exposure by Rana in USA will hardly change the stand of Pak authorities. The United States has already expressed its anguish about the terror activities being indirectly promoted in Pakistan by the tacit approval of Pakistan authorities.

2. It is well established that there is virtually no independent government in Pakistan and the country is being ruled by the dictates of Army and ISI. The civilian government is only a facade for ceremonial presentation before the world. We know from our several past attempts to broker peace with that country that nothing fructified. The recent peace talks at Mohali and Secretary level talks have not in any way reduced the militant activities against India. But we must continue the talks without high hopes.

Right to Recall

The crusade launched by Gandhian Social activist Anna Hazre against corruption has not only galvanized the entire nation against this scourge but has also proved the might of people's voice. One of the most important outcome of this movement is the awakening generated among the youth of this country for active participation in national issues. So far this vital section of the nation had adopted a passive attitude towards national issues.
2. One of the most effective tool to check corruption and the corrupt politicians is the right to recall from public offices like Panchayats and Legislatures by the electorates. This is practised in a few democratic countries of the world to a great advantage .This keeps the elected representatives on high alert and only the honest and upright persons choose to stand for elections. Anna Hazare had pointed towards the need for this provision but not so effectively. Now that a non-political movement for cleansing the system has been launched and is in full swing, it will be appropriate to include this demand also before the enthusiasm subsides.

Lok Pal Bill & Corruption in India

It is gratifying to see that a single social worker, Anna Hazare has galvanizes the entire Indian nation against the cancer of corruption afflicting the country irrespective of cast, creed and political associations. It shows the enormity of the problem as well as the fact that you don't need an army of followers to fight for a just cause and that a single selfless worker can awaken the masses. The extent of corruption in this country stats with procurement of a Birth Certificate till obtaining the Death Certificate. The intervening period of life is smeared in corruption in seeking admissions in Schools/Colleges, procuring a job and other civic facilities etc. Etc. People have become reluctantly become used to it over a period of time.

2. The present agitation is mainly centered around the drat Bill for the appointment of Lok Pal and his powers etc. It is expected that the issues will be resolved in a day or two and the Lok Pal will be in position say after a few months The question arises whether the corruption will disappear after this appointment. The answer is in negative because we have institutions like Chief Vigilance Commissioner and Lok Ayukts for the same purpose but corruption in all walks of life has flourished despite them. The main reason being the complex prosecution and judicial system which favours the accused rather than the victim.

3. What is required simultaneously is to make suitable amendments in the legal frame work. At the same time the public spirited men who have a God sent opportunity of the entire nation supporting the cause should exhort the people to refrain from receiving and offering bribes. This will meet the purpose of this movement.

Ignore Wikileaks

The Wilileaks about India are mainly cables sent by American diplomats posted in the country to look after American interests in various fields viz. political, economic,social etc. Etc. This is so in the case of all countries whose diplomats are posted abroad. These representatives exchange information with their countries about the happenings in the country of their posting which is the call of their duties. The views expressed in such exchanges need not be factually correct and may be biased influenced by personal prejudices etc. These are internal communications
Which are often spiced or sensationalised by the reporting officers to score brownie points from their governments. They have no legal relevance but only academic interest for the country reported upon.

2. It is therefore, astonishing as to why our political parties are giving too much attention and importance to the contents of these cables and wasting the nation's time and resources in discussing and debating in Parliament and outside. There are more important issues to debate and decide than the views expressed in these scraps of cables.Are we going to bother about what Russian and Chinese diplomats have written about us to their governments? Let us put an end to this topic and carry on with our core activities with the attitude of "who bothers what they say about us".

Notes for Votes

The Wikileaks revelations regarding cash for votes during vote of confidence in Indian Parliament does not describe anything new about the working of UPA Government that we are not aware of. For the past almost one year we have been learning about the scams, frauds and conspiracies that the Government functionaries have been immensely involved in. It is like Scam of the day headlines that people of the country daily read in the News Papers and watch on the visual media The Government has totally become immune and insensitive to these charges since they control the investigating agencies and also realise the ineffective opposition parties. It is not the first time that money power has been used to stay in power.Starting from the Shibu Soren episode it has been a continuous. Modus operandi to cling to power.

2. What is perturbing the Indian masses is the fact that these unprecedented scale of corruption cases are happening under the steward ship of Dr. Manmohan Singh who carries the tag of impeccable integrity. How long this tag can stick to him is a question of time.What is preventing him to step aside from the coterie of corrupt if he is not able to control them. He has seen enough power and corruption under his feet and has now become ineffective to govern and should abdicate gracefully.

Laptops, Grinders and Mixers for Votes

It is distressing to learn that during the election rallies in Tamil Nadu, both major political parties in the State are luring the voters with promises to give Lap Tops. Mixer, grinders etc. If voted to power. It is am unhealthy and unethical trend in a democratic system which can contaminate the entire country's election process in due course if not checked early.

2. One wonders how this form of corrupt practice is being ignored by the Election Commissioner. Offer of cash or in kind to solicit undue favours is normally punishable under the Corruption Act. There may be a legal lacunae in the strategy being followed by these politicos to escape the hand of law but the fact remains that morally it is an act of corrupt practice and merits punishment. There is an urgent need to take suitable measures to curb this practice and amend the law, if necessary. When such parties come to power and wish to meet half of these promises the common man will be grinded to pay double the cost of these freebies by way of taxes.

Mayhem in Libya by U.S.A..

The revolutionary movements starting from Jasmine Revolution in Tunisia that spread in countries ruled by Despotic regimes in Middle East has regrettably taken a heavy toll of human lives. In all these countries there were voluntary uprisings by the masses suppressed by autocratic and brutal rulers for a long time. There was no direct or indirect support from outside forces. The human sacrifices in independence struggles are an integral part of such movements.

2. However, the situation in Libya has taken an ugly and dangerous turn. Col.Gadaffi has been clinging to power for more than forty years and has beaten all records of atrocities and brutalities inflicted on his people. The Libyan people inspired by the freedom movements in their neighbourhood picked up courage to revolt. They very clearly and vehemently declared that it was their struggle and no outside support was required. When the Gadaffi unleashed extreme force to suppress the movement to the point of genocide. United Nations Security Council passed Resolution 1973 authorising limited force to enforce "No fly Zone" to save human lives. The U.S.A. the self styled Policeman of the world declared that it will not participate in military action in the region. However, the facts are now transparent. The loss of human life in Libya in two days as a result of Air attacks by U.S. and allied forces is much more than Gadaffi could have in two months.

3. The question arises as to who has authorised U.S.A. to interfere in the internal affairs of the independent countries in the world. It seems no lessons have been learnt from Iraq and Afghanistan. The people in USA are reeling under worst economic crisis and can ill afford these types of misadventures. It is not impossible that people there will some day start a mass movement against their Government and its policies. Also there will be global condemnation leading to emergence of new blocks.USA and its allies should keep this in mind.

Time to Quit Mr. Prime Minister

Weikileaks revelations about purchase of Members of Parliament in 2008 during "No Confidence" motion against the Governmentdoes not describe anything new about the working of UPA Government that we are not aware of. For the past almost one year we have been learning about the scams, frauds and conspiracies that the Government functionaries have been immensely involved in. It is like Scam of the day that people of the country read in the News Papers and watch on the visual media every day The Government has totally become immune and insensitive to these charges since they control the investigating agencies and also realise the ineffective opposition parties. It is not the first time that money power has been used to stay in power.Starting from the Shibu Soren episode it has been a continuous. Modus operandi to cling to power.

2. What is perturbing the Indian masses is the fact that these unprecedented scales of corruption cases are happening under the steward ship of Dr. Manmohan Singh who carries the tag of impeccable integrity. How long this tag can stick to him is a question of time.What is preventing him to step aside from the coterie of corrupt if he is not able to control. He has seen enough power and corruption under his regime and it is in his best interest now to step aside. His proverbial silence and statements that he was not aware do not convince any one.

Lack of Governance

The Supreme Court's rebuke to the Government's for in action in proceeding against the notorious Stud Farm owner for stashing black money to the tune of $ 8 Million in a Swiss Bank is a well deserved rap on its knuckles. It is in a series of continuous cases of Scams, Frauds and Corruption where the UPA II Government has been turning a Nelson's eye but the vibrant Media and vigilant judiciary has to intervene. The Government machinery has remained unmoved even after these exposures became public. It is evident that Enforcement Directorate has been put into a state of hibernation and the CBI has been made a robot to go after only the opponents. It is indeed a sad period in the history of the country.

2. There have clinching evidences of corruption against persons like Ottavio Qutrocchi, Lalu Prasad, Maya Watt, Mullayam Singh Yadav,Madhu Koda but the nation is aware about the soft paddling for political reasons. Then we are submerged in series of Scams like CWG, Adarsh Society and 2 Scam. The king pin of CWG Scam is roaming free and raids in his lockers etc. are being conducted year after he was accused, A.Raja who was given a clean chit earlier is getting VIP treatment in Jail and information is still being collected against Mumbai Congress Chief Kripashankar Singh.If the Government and its agencies cannot probe and prosecute these cases, let these functions be out sourced to private agencies. Similarly, Swiss Banks may be permitted to open Branches in the country for Tax Free deposits, at least the money will remain in the country.

3. Lastly, is it a Coalition Dharma or the Corruption Dharma that restrains. Unfortunately, Prime Minister is losing credibility to govern as personal integrity is not a substitute for ineffective governance.







The Budget & Aam Aadmi

The Budget proposals announced by Pranab Mukherjee our veteran Finance Minister are disappointing to the common man. Although our Prime Minister has patted the back of Fiance Minister for his proposals he has kicked at the back of the common man. The greatest concern of the common man at present is the dragon of inflation and black money and both these seem to have been ignored deliberately.The reason advanced is that inflation is inevitable for growth and the common man squeezed by surging essential commodity prices, low income and unemployment rightly questions "whose growth"? The rulers have perhaps, revised the definition of common man and have lost contacts with realities of life. It is possible to have growth with low rate of inflation by following appropriate fiscal measures and matching the conceptual and implementation of programmes.

2. It is a pro-corporate Budget with emphasis on industrial growth. Although it is being claimed that rural sector is being given financial assistance by way of low rate of interest on loans to boost agriculture production, it is a shallow claim. It is an established fact that agriculture in India is a gamble in rains and the Government has little role to play. It should have made sufficient allocations for storage of food grains that are lost every year to pests and rodents as well as exposure to natural elements.

3. The Budget has also deliberately ignored the Black money and corruption plaguing the country. The estimated 500 lakh Crores of money stashed in foreign banks, if brought back skillfully can turn our budget from deficit to surplus and escalate our GDP. But considering the impending elections in four states where use of black money is an essential ingredient it was not the appropriate time. A scheme of voluntary disclosure has has also been set aside.

4. The lollypop of raise in Income Tax for salaried employees and senior citizen is illusory as it will be neautralised by inflation and increased expenditure in diagnostic and hospitalisation charges which have been subjected to hike in taxation. The estimates of expenditures proposed are also unreliable as every Government has far exceeded the same. To sum up,the budget does not take care of the majority of citizens who have voted it to power to take care of their essential requirements of food,fuel and consumable items.
The sponsored Analysists appearing in the visual Media and in Print Media paying tributes to the Budget proposals do not impress any one except their sponsors.









Rape=Pay compensation=Escape=Perverse Judgement

The decision of a Bench of Supreme Court in letting off three accused convicted of rape on a so called compromise formula by paying Rs.50,000/- each to the victim has shaken the conscience of nation and cast doubts about the nature of judgements that are jumping the framework of established laws of the country. It is obviously a perverse judgements that is equating rape with prostitution. How can one tag a monetary price to the most vicious crime of rape which the victim suffers from life long trauma and stigma. Even the life imprisonment in such cases cannot restore the dignity and confidence of the victim in herself and in the society.

2. It is not understood under which provision of the Cr Pc or IPC the learned judges pronounced this judgement. Is it a pre=cursor of similar judgements in offences of murder, robberies and moral turpitudes and depravity. Or an inspiration has been drawn from the practice of Blood Money paid to the kins of murdered person prevalent in some countries like Pakistan? In any case in a civilised society and country like India this is not acceptable and should be challenged.

Chief Justice not above laws of the land

The untenable stand taken by Shri K.J.Balakrishnan former Chief Justice of India to give his consent to the Income Tax authorities for disclosure of his Income Tax Returns for the period he was in Office to an RTI applicant does not conform to the standards of the highest Office he had held. His arguments of invasion of his privacy and the exposure of Pan Card number are frivolous. Even a teenager can find out his Pan Card Number on line which does not require any special technical knowledge.

2. On the contrary his reluctance to disclose the details will give rise to suspicions about his assets particularly in the context of allegations of corruption against his nearest kins viz. two son-in-laws, brother and nephew who are being investigated. The Chief Justice is expected to be fountain head of justice, integrity and honest with a transparent life. If he has furnished the true information about his income and assets to the Income Tax authorities, what scares him to share it with public? He had held a public Office and public is entitled to have the Information about his assets etc.for the period he held the Office. It will be in public and more so in his own interest that he gives his assent for parting with the information before the controversy blows out of proportion.

Phone Bugs

It was an incredible and shocking news revealing that Reliance Communications the Network Service Provider tapped phones 1.5 lakh times in just three months on the orders of Government authorities. Besides Reliance Communications there are other Service providers like Airtel,Vodafone,MTNL etc. etc. Who would have also been utilised by the authorities for similar purpose. This is appalling and suggestive of the authorities having gone crazy.

2. The power to bug the phones is intended to track the hard core criminals, anti national activities, smuggliers and drug peddlers etc. Etc. It is not to be used against political adversaries or critics of the Government or its agencies. However, the scale of bugging is suggestive of its gross misuse and possible abuse. Are we living in a democratic set up where every citizen except the criminals are under scanner. Because if the criminals were being scanned, there would not be continuous sharp increase in crime rate.

Governance & Ethical Deficit

The honest admission of Home Miniser P. Chidambaram that there has been an Governance and ethical deficit in the country restraining the growth and development deserves appreciation as well calls for remedial measures. Unfortunately the opposition parties are trying to make it a political issue. It is a national issue which should be viewed in broader prospect and not a stick to flog the ruling party. The deficit has not grown suddenly but has been widening over a period of time whether it was Congress rule or BJP rule. In fact it can be traced to social malice which has afflicted our society from which our politicians emerge.

2. The gradual decline in moral standards and insatiable greed for power and money has been distracting the politicians, bureaucrats and corporate pillars from keeping in mind their social responsibilities. Otherwise, there will not be brazen corruption, soaring crime and neck breaking inflation. What is required is a national effort by all political and non-political organisations to evolve a strategy to combat these maladies to save the country from anarchy rather than indulge in blame games.