Let us deal with Maoism with sanity

The barbaric act of Maoists in mercilessly slaying the innocent members of a political party as
well as members of security forces accompanying them is a hot subject matter of discussions in both the print and electronic media. In every democratic establishment there is a room for dissent and opposition but resort to violence is not a acceptable form of protest. The so called Maoists have, however, followed the misplaced ideology of Mao Zedong that power flows from the barrel of Gun. This ideology has been buried even by his compatriots due to its failures. Chinese communists have realised the importance of economic development over violent means for success.

Unfortunately the copy cats of long dead Mao have not aquiesced to the changed political scenario world over. They have been successful to a large extent in mobilising the innocent tribals by exploiting their poverty through fear and false promises of rosy future by revolt against the democratic institutions of the country. The Government on its part has not followed any mature and concrete policy to wean away the tribals from the destructive path. It has been following the use of force against the discontent rather than reconciliation process thus hardening the attitudes. Even now the retaliation and use of force is being advocated by Goverment sources as a remedy.
Reconciliation and discussions are being viewed with suspicion in the heat of moment due to recent carnage mainly because of massacre of VIPs. There were more horrific massacres viz. that of 57 officers of security forces which did not evoke equal heat. Any way, we should realise and learn from similar events in Nepal and elsewhere that force is not the solution. Even the Prime Minister designate of Pakistan, Nawaz Shariff has offered to hold talks with Taliban. We are following the same policy in Kashmir. So it is in the interest of all sides to pursue a policy which brings peace and prosperity to the poor people of the region and they will automatically abandon the war mongers who are playing to the tunes of our enemies.















































Democratic Pakistan

It is quite heartening to observe that our neighbour Pakistan's politicians and people have at long last realised the importance and virtues of democracy though belatedly. The Pak Army may have realised that they cannot wield the baton in civilian governance. It is sort of revolution in the pattern of governance in Pak polity.

The Pak citizens were tired of the tyranny of military's interference in their every day life,extreme corruption in administration, loss of safety and security and the growing internal militancy. Their every day frustration emboldened them to challenge these evil forces when they got the opportunity to vote and despite threats they opted for change towards peace. The fundamentalists had threatened the woman against voting and they are the ones who came out in large numbers to the polling booths challenging the radicals to shame. It is a proof that you cannot suppress the people for long and prevent them from moving with the changes of time.

We in India have genuine reasons to hope that with this change and the emergence of Nawaz Shrief as Prime Minister of Pakistan our bilateral relations will improve and many problems that have been bugging both the countries will be relaxed if not eliminated soon. We should realize that the priority for the new Government in Pakistan is first to attend its bad shape of economy, failing infrastructure, law & order and the militancy. After they have established their confidence among their masses by attending to the essential issues, they can look towards India. Although our optimism is not misplaced, we have to give sufficient time to Pak Government to negotiate with us for amicable solution of issues that have been irritants between the two countries.









Nitish Kumar more worried about Modi than Bihar

The proceedings of the Janta Dal(United) national meet have given birth to a strange new trend to the political culture. Normally, such meets are designed to consolidate & strengthen its cadres, discuss about the growth, governance, development activities and economic policies in the States ruled by it and the country as a whole. None of these serious issues received any importance at the said meet.

2. The main focus of the speech of Nitish Kumar, Chief Minister of Bihar was directed at Narender Modi bashing under the hallucination in his mind about Modi being projected as the Prime Ministerial candidate. This really embarrassed the leaders and cadres of JD(U) because there are many more pressing & urgent problems facing Bihar which require consideration & action. Nitish Kumar forgot in his enthusiasm that he represents a regional party and its national presence is because of its 17 years alliance with BJP. His irresponsible and untimely criticism has almost brought JD(U) on the brink of breakdown with BJP which its mature and sagacious leader Sharad Yadav has solidly cemented over the years. In the light of forthcoming general elections, the top priority of the opposition political parties is to plan strategy to replace the existing party in power and not create internal controversies. There is also no doubt that at present Narendra Modi has established himself undisputed national leader but the elections are far away and one cannot predict the future course of events. Nitish Kumar has downgraded himself by his untimely utterances as well as damaged the interests of his party.

Blurred inclusive vision

The 75 minutes marathon speech delivered by Rahul Gandhi in a true Shakespearan theatrical style at the conclave of Conclave of Indian Industry deserved the applause it received as it was full of jokes, anecdotes and useful lessons about governance. Rahul was honest in enumerating the multiple ailments afflicting the nation like lack of economic growth, highest rate of inflation,corruption, dismal poverty and growing unemployment. These horrifying bugs were also also mentioned by our economist Prime Minister a week earlier.
2. Since the country is now readying for the next general elections a few months away, we are being subjected to rhetorics of different political hues. But the litany of issues raised by Rahul Gandhi has a special significance.One wonders whether he is indulging in self condemnation for the ills of governance as a Vice President of the ruling Party? Congress has been ruling this country for more than six decades and now continuously for nine years and is unquestionably responsible for all the mess enumerated by Rahul Gandhi. Neither Rahul Gandhi nor Prime Minister have talked about the solutions to these maladies. The concept of inclusive growth to the general public so far has signified growth of Kalamadis, A. Raja and Robert Vadras. There is no promise of any remedial steps to tide over the critical situation the nation is facing today but an irritating rebuke that no one person can solve these issues. So help us God.











Political ambitions of Justice Katju

We have been listening to the statement-a-day from Justice Katju, Chairman. Press Council of India. He seems to have followed the maxim of make controversial statements to attract public attention. He has made several such controversial statements on various topics political and non political viz. Narender Modi, Mamta Bannerjee, Sanjay Dutt etc. Etc. which do not fall under the domain of his official duties. He has not been able to overcome his ego centric desires and appears to be motivated by political ambitions. As a former Judge, these activities were not expected of him.

2. His latest salvo questioning the democratic set up of the country and equating the people of the country as sheep and cattle is most derogatory and uncalled for. He further threatens that he will not vote and would prefer to be called as a Congress ally to prove his secular credentials. This displays his inherent political inclinations & ambitions. He is at liberty to join any political group but need to be aware that the people of this country whom he equates with sheep and cattle will shun such a herdsman. The Government should also take care about the persons suitability while making statutory appointments.

Militants vs. Surrendered Militants

            The sordid public display of spat between Delhi Police & J&K authorities over the arrest of Syed Liyaqat Ali Shah an acknowledged terrorist is quite disgusting. The J&K authorities claim that he has come as a part of the rehabilitation plan for the terrorists who surrender and Shah is one of those who has come from Pakistan to surrender. The Delhi police on the contrary repudiate this contention on the basis of potential inputs received from the intelligence agencies about his role in the proposed terror strike in the Capital. Their stand that it is on the basis of his interrogation that raids in a Jama Masjid Hotel led to the recovery of huge cache of arms & ammunition as well as information about a terrorist who checked into the hotel.

2. Now our Home Minister has bucked under the pressure of Chief Minister Omar Abdulla and entrusted NIA to conduct an enquiry into this matter. Whatever may be the case, question arises how such a sensitive matter is being publicised? Does it not come under Official Secrets Act and that we are giving leads to the terror out fits.

3. We have the most recent example of five of our CRPF who sacrificed their lives in a terror attack in Bemina which was facilitated by a surrendered militant. Is J&K Government only interested in rehabilitation of terrorists accused of murders and devastation and not that of peaceful Kashmiri Pandits living in abject poverty because of these terrorists. Omar Abdullah who deserves credit for bringing peace to the State seems to be drifting away from the right course and needs to re-asses the rehabilitation policies. It is also important that intelligent agencies inputs should not be made public which are detriment to safety considerations.






























Diplomacy -Italian Style

The confused actions of Italian authorities in regard to the undertaking given in the Supreme Court of India for the return of two of its citizens accused of murder has shocked the entire world and raised questions about diplomatic privilleges and immunities. Whereas we cannot absolve the Indian authorities who fell into the trap of of Italian conspirators, the Italian authorities are guilty of abusing the hospitality and faith of diplomatic privileges extended by India. Contrary of the position taken by them, it is gross misuse of  local hopatlity & violation of Vienna convention.


2. In the first place Italian authorities should not have interfered in the criminal proceedings against two of its citizens charged of serious offence of murder except counsellor access and secondly seeking their visit to Italy to cast votes in an election and assurance of return backed by a sworn Affidavit to the Supreme Court was a ploy. No where in the world a criminal charged with murder is allowed to visit his country or his home within the country to cast his vote. The entire sequence of events smacks of a well planned conspiracy.

3. For the past some sometimes we are witness to the decline in moral, cultural and ethical values in Italy which was a centre of civilisation once. We have examples of Ottavio Quotrocchi, Chopper Deal, Berlusconi's adventures and now this. Do they deserve any civil treatment from us?

Can't Fool all the People all the times

              

   The news item that Smt. Sonia Gandhi, Chairperson UPA accompanied by  Rahu Gandhi Vice President of Indian National Congress visited the family of 16th December, brave heart and promised material support to them has not impressed any one nor added to their stature and credibility. Its political gimmick is too transparent to be covered under any sheet.

 

2. The youth of India particularly in Delhi can neither forget nor forgive the rain of Police Lathis and jets of showers blown over them in the biting cold of December 2012 when they were protesting peacefully in the lawns of India Gate and Rajpath against the brutal rape of the beloved child of the family visited by the aforesaid duo. The youth of the entire nation were protesting in their respective towns and cities but the designated youth leader was conspicuous not only from his absence from the scene but also did not utter a word of condemnation against the police atrocities against the innocent youths. Surprisingly, he continues to arrogate himself as the leader of the youth. Let him or his honchos  tap their conscience and atone for the lapses.

3.  The incident in question deserves in depth change over of criminal laws and should not be given political shrouds as people are gullible to the extent politicians estimate them to be.

 

Respect is Commanded, not Demanded

This is with reference to the cribblings of S.Janaki and Sushil Kumar about their claims for Padma Awards.. It is really unfortunate that Sushil Kumar and S. Janki should have raised the issue of self assessment of Padma awards and their eligibility. These awards were instituted to recognize and honour citizens for their excellent performances in various fields viz. Art & science, public service, sports etc. Etc. The four categories established for the purpose indicate the scale or grade of achievements by the selected persons which is determined by a Committee constituted every year before the Republic Day. The Committee comprises human beings who cannot be described infallible in their judgement. But the principles of humility and etiquette refrains any one from disputing the scale of rewards of any nature.The Padma rewards are given on voluntary basis in cases of appreciation and are seperate from rewards given to employees for their work performance.


2. It is pertinent to state that these awards are honorific and confer respect and recognition of achievement but no material advantages . There is a popular saying that respect is commanded and not demanded. So it will be wise for Sushil Kumar and Ms. Janki to restrain their emotions and expectations and leave it to others to judge them. There is no denying the fact that for sometimes past these awards have become subject of undue pressures.

Bus Gang Rape- Shame of Indian Society

The Bus gang rape in Delhi has lowered the head of Delhi in shame and has figured in international Media news. At home there has been great hoopla in the Parliament, members of all political parties condemning the brutal act and demanding death penalty, ritual candle light processions and public anger in the streets and educational institutions. Social Scientists, Psychologists have demonstrated their academic skills in analysis of the reasons behind this sordid episode.


2. There have been almost similar cases of varying gravity in the Capital during the current year. But after lapse of a few days, the bubble of anger and emotions subsides and the perverse stalkers are back on business on the roads. Will this case also face the same fate?
3. While there is an express need to make the laws more stringent and Police force more effective, this alone will not help. This problem needs to be viewed in social context. The Society is rapidly turning materialistic and greed for money has sacrificed the family and moral values. Parents have no time to attend to the family except provision of comfort goods. There is no time to impart religious or moral education to the wards.

4. Simultaneously, there has been mushroom growth of pseudo religious groups where devotees go for obeisance and wishes for more money and the pseudo Gurus are motivated with the desire to amass wealth and political powers. In our pre-partition days there was a compulsory period of Moral Education in all Schools upto higher Secondary level.We have renowned Scholars & Moralists in all the religions like Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, Bapu Murari, Jagad Gurus Ram Dev, Swami Agnivesh to name a few who can start a movement of moral education (abandoning the political stream) to reform the rot in society as no enforcement agency like Police force who is a product of same society nor the laws, howsoever stringent can purify the rot.




















       

Abjure Divide & Rule Policy

        
The Constitutional amendment Bill to provide for reservations in civil services is a dangerous proposition which will not only knock out the secular fabric of our Constitution but also sow the seeds of communal divide in the administrative services of the country. The founders of our Constitution particularly Baba Sahib Ambedkar were visionaries who laboured hard to ensure the stability, integrity and secularity of the nation and provided the framework
 2. In order to keep the interest of weaker sections of the society, provisions were made for reservations in making appointments in civil services for a period of ten years
as per the situation and traditions prevailing at that time. These reservations were linked on caste basis. After the lapse of prescribed period of ten years,however, these provisions have perpetuated and further more complicated with demands for inclusions of more Castes and not on economic considerations.
                                                   
3. Almost all the political parties are playing Caste based politics and have destroyed the Secular character of the country. In the existing situation in civil services also there is an undercurrent of hostility between the general category employees and those from the reserved category. The reservations in promotions will further aggravate the situation and adversely affect performance.

                     4. When we look back towards our freedom struggle, we always blamed Britishers for the Divide & Rule policy. Are our rulers not following the same cursed policy to disintegrate the country? Why can't we take lessons from the democratic countries like USA ,Britain and other European nations where principal of equality is followed in letters and spirits. The future generations will not forgive us for these Caste based divisions.

Keep Civil Servants away from Political Games

The ugly spat between the ruling party and the opposition over the spectrum allocation is turning murkier every day with allegations and counter allegations. The Government had denied initially that there was no loss in the allocation and even if it was it was merely notional. When the skeletons tumbled out of its closset it started a vilification game against the C.A.G. Now that P.A.C has finalised its report, it has put on show a former civil servant to claim that there was much less loss than projected by CAG. It is really interesting to note that the Government is now not contesting the loss nor lack of its integrity in the deal but the amount of loss. Does it absolve it from the charges of corruption?

                               2. The other sordid part of this game is involving Civil Servants in the political games. The Bureaucracy in India was build in the frame of a stable steel structure which could withstand the influence of changes in Governments and political masters and function with honesty and integrity. It is tragic that this structure is being dismembered by political forces of the country. The Civil Servants are being politicised and corrupted with greedy offers etc. This will wreck the roots of democracy in our country and follow the Spoils system. The conduct of R.P. Singh who has levelled charges against his own boss and his alleged admission of having succumbed to pressures in signing the Report is condemnable and deserves action under the Civil Services Conduct Rules. The political parties need to keep the civil servants away from their games.

Media should act with moderation

                   The butcher of Mumbai is dead and buried now. But this news has been handled in a most unprofessional manner by the Media particularly the visual media to a frustrating level. All the TV channels started broadcasts of the news, holding group discussions about the merits and demerits of the punishment from morning till late evening. This has provided anti national forces material against our country. Kasab was a terrorists responsible for mass massacre of innocent civilians and was convicted through the due process of law of the land and awarded death penalty. In any other country particularly in the West Asian country he would have been beheaded in public without any trial and any one speaking against the sentence would have faced the same punishment.


     2. No doubt it was a news for the Media to highlight but not in the manner to indirectly lionise him and question the process of law and the punishment awarded by judiciary. It should have been a one line news as similar crimes are reported. We expect Media to act mature to exercise moderation and display maturity in their reporting of sensitive news.

Bleeding Gaza

    The entire world is shocked to view the sight of bleeding and dying images of young innocent children, women and men as a result of the senseless conflict in Isreal & Gaza. It is abundantly clear that it was Hamas the terrorist wing of the international radical group which initiated the rocket firing on the Israel territory. Until then there was peace on both sides except the traditional hostility.The Isreal had to act in self defence for the security of its citizens and take retaliatory action.


                  2. The Hamas or any other organisation behind this bloody scuffle could not be unaware about its strength vis-Avis the might of Isreal and the consequences. The Hamas cannot absolve itself from the colossal loss of human lives and property their actions have caused to particularly civilians of Gaza as well as Isreal. There will be cease fire after some time but the families of innocent kins killed will bear the scars life long. The temporary ceasefire will not solve this problem unless the terrorism is routed out from the soil of earth through concerted global efforts.

Well deserved rebuke by Supreme Court

The well deserved rebuke to the Government by Supreme Court in the 2 G spectrum auction should caution it from the way it has been responding to numerous scams that have tarnished its image in the public minds. Instead of taking correctional route it is misguided by its advisers to go in for defensive mode and politicise the issues.


       2. The only purpose of the Government to partially auction the spectrum instead of the entire 122 cancelled licences as ordered by the Supreme Court was to gain browny points and ridicule the findings of the CAG. The unbecoming and satirical statements made by some Ministers against the Comptroller & Auditor General, a constitutional authority over his loss assessment in the spectrum allocation have now fallen flat on its face following the Court's comments. It will now give more fuel to the opposition to fire the Government. It is time for the Government and its Ministers to act with more maturity and use civilised language towards its adversaries and particularly incumbents of constitutional Offices.

Great Sacrilage

The shameless clashes between two groups of Sikh Prabhandak Committees at Gurudwara, Rakab Ganj, New Delhi on 8th November have shocked and shattered the believers of all faiths. The two groups freely used swords and other weapons against each other spilling blood on the holy ground. That it happened just a weak before the birthday of Shri Guru Nanak Dev ji, the founder of Sikh religion is highly deplorable and condemnable.
                           
. The clash was the result of greed and lust to seize control of the management of Sikh holy places in Delhi which have assets worth millions. Guru Nanak Dev ji had all along preached peace, harmony, self sacrifice,renunciation and his followers proudly cite the example of "Saccha Sauda". How some vested interests have politicised the religion is for every one to see.

                              3. Unfortunately, this trend of building grand religious properties among all faiths is doing more harm than good to the human society. The believers donations at such places which should appropriately be used for social welfare of the communities become objects of greed and misuse. That is why a majority of youth in every religion are being distracted away by religious faiths and places of worship and logical explain heart as the real place of worship. It is time, therefore, to introspect whether it is necessary create disproportionate assets of wealth at temples of worship to attract evil eyes.

Super Storm Sandy & Super Management

It is horrifying to watch the terrible devastation caused by super storm Sandy on the eastern coast of America. There have been fires and flooding in the residential areas, destruction of property, uprooting of trees ad power lines. There has been no power supplies for the past two days, no transport, no air and sea traffic.Life has virtually come to a stand still. People claim that this the worst calamity of the century. Nature has proved that it is mightier than the mightiest power on earth.

                 2. In the midst of this tragedy we have to learn a few lessons from the American nation which has braved the situation with utmost resilience and efficient disaster management. There is no panic among the citizens under the most difficult circumstances & no break down of law and order. Public utility agencies efficient response in restoration work, shifting of patients from Hospitals to safer places are commendable examples of display of coordination & discipline. The U.S. President has been himself monitoring the restoration efforts and these measures have greatly helped the morale of the people.
                      
3. Let us learn a few lessons from this as to how to act in similar situations and how the Disaster Management agencies need to function.

British overtures to Narendra Modi

We seem to be giving undue and unnecessary importance to the visit of British High Commissioner to Gujarat and meeting with Narendra Modi. The British had maintained an indiscreet distance from Modi following United States refusal to refuse Visa to Modi on the pretext of human rights violation in Gujarat. It is no secret that Britain has no international standing either on political or economic level but is virtually a valet of America. It is proverbially known as a nation of shop keepers and cares only its trading interests.



2. The action of American Govt. in refusing Visa to Modi was also in bad taste and against international conventions amounting to interference in the internal affairs of a sovereign country as Modi represents as head of a Indian State. A reciprocal action on the part of India would not have been tolerated by America. Is the present move thro' Britain is American strategy to mend fences viewing the political climate in India where Modi is emerging a contender for the top post in the coming elections? Our political system, in any case, gives no room to the foreign interference and it is the opinion of local people which counts and matters.

Cosmetic Changes of Desperate UPA Government

            This is with reference to the proposed reshuffle in Congress led UPA Government. This reshuffle is mainly attributed to bring Rahul Gandhi at the forefront of Governing strategies and is being cited as the second Kamraj Plan. Since this plan is coming in the ninth year of UPA rule (which can aptly be described as misrule) it is doubtful whether it will meet the eyes of people.

 

2.      The move is coming at the time of impending general elections in the country when the image of the ruling party has been extremely sullied following a series of scams and frauds during its regime. The churning of portfolios and induction of young leaders sponsored by Rahul Gandhi alone cannot build confidence unless the values of honesty,integrity and experience are given weightage in the proposed appointments.

 

3.     The undue consideration being given to Rahul Gandhi in the exercise will strengthen the charge of dynastic politics. His charm did not work in U.P.and certainly he has no magic wand to win the coming elections.

 

3.        During Kamraj Plan all those holding positions in the party and government were made to resign but in the current strategy. There is n Elections o move to change the President of the party and other big wigs. It is,therefore, to be seen whether the proposed cosmetic changes will bear any fruit for the Congress.

 

 

Unbecoming Behaviour of a Union Minister

The unbecoming out burst of Union Minister Salman Khushid against socialist Arvind Kejriwal challenging him to visit Farrukhabad and return therefrom displays utter frustration an sense of guilt. That Salman Khurshid who has a reputation of sauve manners and cool temperament has damaged his reputation beyond reputation by his intemperate language and aggressive Behaviour. The media probe and public perception about the dealings of his Trust leaves no one in doubt about the large scale bunglings and fraud. It would have been wiser for him to suggest that he will look into specific cases of fraud through an independent agency rather than try to cover up the misuse of funds by his agents etc. The right course for him at this stage is to resign gracefully rather than face the ignominy of a scamster.