Riots in U.K. more an economic issue than a Law & Order situation

There is criticism in U.K. about the soft approach of the authorities in dealing with the rioters in London and else where.No doubt It is the duty of the Government to maintain law and order and to punish the guilty.However,no amount of state force can control the underlying and simmering discontent of a deprived society for long although it may temporarily appear to have curbed it. The main cause of this sudden outburst leading to looting and arson is the huge economic disparities between the haves and have nots. Unfortunately, the gap is growing at enormous pace in all the free economies of the world and India is no exception.

2. We have to view this situation from national perspective and take urgent steps to review the required social and economic steps. In fact we are already facing this situation in the Mao infested States where we have not been able to nip this menace through the use of force. The spate of criminal activities in the form of kidnappings for ransom, extortions and robberies etc. are indicators of economic mis-match between the rich and poor. To add fuel to the fire the ever soaring inflation and high cost of essential food articles is contributing to the social divide.

Afzal Guru deserves quick hanging- Not publicity

The publicity being given to the Ministry of Home's recommendation on Afzal Guru's mercy petition both by print and electronic media is uncalled for and detrimental to the judicial process. It had already assumed political connotations and a shuttle cock match between the Government and Opposition and had been lingering for years. Are we trying to make hero of a criminal who has been sentenced to death by the due process of law of a democratic country? The separatists and terrorist organisations in J&K have openly challenged the judgement and decisions on mercy petition and are threatening to disturb peace and tranquility in the State. These anti national people cannot be allowed to challenge our democratic institutions and procedures. Will they also behave in the same manner in the case of Kasab who has also been sentenced to death for similar offence? They should be made to imagine the type of fate these terrorists would have met in the countries who follow the Sharia laws. In any case the Media should exercise restraint in this case as they do so for many condemned convicts.

Select the right persons in political set ups

The sordid drama enacted by disgraced B S Yeddyurappa the out going Chief Minister of Karnatak following his indictment by Lokayukta for corruption and land grabbing is a matter of concern for all political parties in the country. Despite directives from his Party High Command to step away from Office, he has been trying all tricks like astrology, majority support cast considerations and unreasonable conditions to cling to power either in the party or in government. It indicates the levels to which the politicians can stoop low in their greed for power and money. BJP has taken the right decision to reject all his frivolous conditions to save its image in the public eye. It also realises that the allegations against Yeddyurappa will ultimately find place in public prosecution and it will greatly undermine the image of the party.

2. This is not the only case of its kind that has happened in the country where a Chief Minister has defied the orders of its party high command when asked to relinquish office on charges of corruption or misgovernment. Political parties of all hues in the country have faced almost similar situations. One of the reason for this malady is the wrong choice of the leader who secure their nomination on the basis of money power. This all around corruption leads to chain reactions of corrupt practices by those who crown themselves through corruption. All political parties should conduct introspection and make proper selection of candidates to save the democratic norms.

Scam a Day

Our country has assumed the reputation of "Scam a Day" country.. Hardly a day passes when we do not learn about one Scam or the other in the print and visual media. The latest revelations about mining scam involving the Chief Minister , his colleagues and a former Chief Minister in the sordid corruption saga should make all the political parties hang their heads in shame as they are sullying the name of the largest democracy in the world by including the known corrupt persons in the States and Centre Governments. This is not the type of democracy people want where a common man rots in jail for years for a minor offence but the Scamsters accused of defrauding the nation for millions/trillions of rupees come out unscathed. The investigating agencies are threatened by the powerful offenders as the Lokayukat of Karnataka is being harassed through phone tapings etc. In the face of all these one wonders what will be achieved by having a Lok Pal who will face the same type of problems.

2. It is time now that the nation should unite to route out this menace by evolving a mechanism through all party meeting and to bring suitable amendments in the electoral laws where the tainted and accused persons holding public Offices are immediately unseated and dealt with sternly and immediately.

Look After yourself- Hillary Clinton

The present visit of Hillary Clinton, U.S. Secretary of State to India has been a non-event as it has belied all expectations both political as well as economic. Although the Government of India was under illusions of securing support particularly in taming Pakistan and its terrorism workshops, Hillarly was blunt in conveying that it is your problem and you are supposed to look after it. She also did not mince words saying that Pakistan is a greater victim of terrorism. In other words. India should only expect statements of condemnations whenever any terror activity takes place on its soil. Thi position was clear from day one Barack Obama took over as President of USA. We should not forget the treatment meted out to our investigated team in the case of David Headly, a major player in Mumbai'26/11 carnage.

2. The present visit has solely been motivated by promotion of unilateral trade involving U.S. Interests and not bilateral trade. They have also cheated us in the case of Nuclear Civil Treaty and want to water down the proposed Nuclear Liability Bill to suit the interests of American suppliers of equipments. Should we not take adequate measures to keep a distance from such a unreliable and undependable so called ally?

Let us look after victims of Mumbai attack first

The dastardly serial blasts in Mumbai by terror groups on Wednesday have brought untold misery and tragedy to the families of more than twenty who Lost their lives and about 140 seriously injured besides huge damage to the state and private property.Mumbai is unfortunate to have been a repeated victim of similar disasters in the past. While the investigating agencies are still engaged in their task of piecing the required threads to identify the suspects behind this sinister attack and the victims are fighting for their lives in various hospitals, politicians of various hues are busy in rubbing salt on the wounds of victims by issuing uncalled for and irresponsible statements.

Digvijay Singh the advocate of corrupt and scamsters

The Congress General Secretary Digvijay Singh is trying his best to gain his position in the Guiness Book of Records for his foot in the mouth controversial statements on all subjects and against all persons around him. His recent statement declaring Suresh Kalamadi and Ashok Chavan as innocents indicates his proximity to these persons which in the normal course would have invoked investigation proceedings against him. Both the accused persons have been charged of corruption of unprecedented level and Kalamadi is cooling his heels in Prison and even denied bail by the Judicial Court. The statement of Digvijay Singh although claimed to be his personal opinion cannot be accepted as personal so long he holds the office of General Secretary of the ruling Party. That the said Party has been tolerating his foul language against Baba Ram Dev, Anna Hazare and even his co-party member P. Chidambaram indicates some behind the scene moves supporting his uncalled for outbursts. This is neither in the interest of the Party nor the country. The sooner he is tamed better it will be for the both.

Who is ruling this country?

The news about the audacious and irresponsible behaviour of Mukul Roy the Minister of State for Railways in brazen insensitivity towards the victims of two tragic rail accidents in the country is most despicable and inhuman. While the whole country was grieving for the unfortunate victims and residents of the surrounding villages, truck drivers and cyclists came out in drones to render voluntarily to help the victims of accident the dis-honourable Minister(he has forfeited his title for being addressed as Honourable) refused to visit the site of accidents despite Prime Minister's orders. This further strengthens the common man's growing aversion towards politicians. His argument that he is not the Railway Minister and Prime Minister is further indicates the perversity of his mind even in a national disaster.

2. This incident cannot be treated as a casual stubbornness of a disgruntled individual but needs serious review about the existing governance pattern. The opposition charge about dysfunctional and powerless Prime Minister gains strength and credibility. This is not Coalition Dharma but Adharma. What was expected was a strong rebuke to the Minister from her Party Chief but she chose to remain silent and in all probability will seek his elevation in the Cabinet. How proud will be the nation to have such insensitive self seekers to rule over them?

Lok Pal Bill and Politicians

The all party meeting convened by the Government to discuss Lok Pal Bill was more as a tea party gathering as neither the Government was transparent about the contents of the proposed Bill nor the political parties were sincere to make their stands clear. If the parties wanted to discuss the Bill while it was introduced in the Parliament one wonders about the objective of convening this meeting. The only ostensible purpose appeared to unite against the emergence of Civil rights movements which is perceived to be a potential threat to the political parties.


It should not be forgotten that it was the Civil Right groups that galvanised the nation against the mounting corruption in the country and the political parties did precious little all these years to combat the menace of cancerous corruption spreading the entire system of governance. In fact most of the culprits belonged to the political class.

The ruse of elected representatives absolute right to decide about social reforms, managing the corrupt and corruption cannot be accepted by the people at large who feel crushed and frustrated by the political parties whom they voted in power in good faith and belief. That majority of these political parties cheated the nation needs no elaboration. There have been unprecedented number of scams and frauds of huge magnitude and the initial reluctance of the Government to shield the guilty has completely shaken the faith of the people. It is in this context that the civil right movements evolve amongst the people and play corrective role. We are witnessing this in the Middle East and it should act as a wake up call for us also. It is the high time now that an effective mechanism be set up to meet the challenge to restore the confidence of the people in the institutions of democracy which includes the fundamental rights of speech and expression of all citizens. If the government is now challenging the Civil Right Group's authority, then why they have been holding official meetings with them.

Let there be firm action against corruption now

It is a matter of great relief and happiness that Baba Ram Dev has broken his fast. This fast followed the high handed and detestable action of the Police at midnight on peaceful demonstrators gathered at Ramlila Grounds protesting against Corruption in the country and demands to bring back black money stashed abroad. It is expected that the Government has now learnt its lessons for its shoddy action and shall make immediate moves against corruption. Similarly, Baba Ram Dev should help and co-operate with the Government to achieve this goal in a peaceful and orderly manner in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution. The frame work for suitable provisions in law should be evolved on the pattern of Joint Committee of Civil Society and Government preferably keeping away the political parties. Further, there should not be acrimonious statements from either side so that this serious matter is handled in a harmonious and effective manner in national interest.

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".