EDITORIAL
Friends,
Yes, we are truly into the 10th year of our publication. This is the 2nd issue of the year. But we are not celebrating. Wonder why! Yes, you guessed right. Our paid readers, that is our subscribers are not as much to feel good. It is true that every month, the number of copies mailed increases. Some new subscribers, but some free mailed, to create awareness. Yes, it is the free mailed readers who are neither saying, that they are not keen to receive it nor they are becoming regular paid readers. While we must reiterate that this is an effort at awareness and there is cost implication in the exercise. This request is for all our readers, subscribers to help us sustain. Ours is a non-profit movement. For the larger good, do become subscribers.
India is indeed a happening place, from heart warming to heart rending, from bizzare to incredible. Month began with the continuing Karnataka circus. "He who pays the piper has the right to call the tune" is an old English adage, which appears to have come to haunt the Yediyurappa + Co in Karnataka.
Although the problems for the Karnataka government appears to be over for a while, it is sure to fester in coming days. Any government propped up by money power has got to be on its knees at the beck and call of money muscle. When the government was installed some 14 months ago, it was very clear that those who funded buying of MLAs to reach the magic majority, would one day ask for its price. That Reddy brothers wanted power without any leash is not the point, but the undeserved money power they acquired over a period by plundering the national mineral wealth, by literally buying everybody who mattered, is a very dangerous development for any civil society. All concerned must come to realise that, how corruption can lead to concentration of money power which can usurp all power to the detriment of every democratic institution and to the negation of very spirit of the constitution. How another Reddy family in the neighbouring state of Andhra is also biding for its time to strike, only because of the money clout that it can flaunt. It is indeed an extremely sad development for India’s democratic way of life.
There was this innocuous news from Chennai sometime ago, but our 24X7 TV channels strangely didn’t play it up. As usual one-man Janata Party president Subramaniam Swamy (SS) is at it again, pr
icking up the establishment. SS distributed recently, photocopies of a letter at a press conference in Chennai. This letter was reportedly written by Union Minister MK Alagiri’s P.A., to the Indian Ambassador in Uzbekistan, one S.M. Shah, asking the ambassador to ensure "all co-operation and help" to two businessmen friends of the minister who were visiting there looking for investment opps. As is generally laid down protocol, such requests are routed through MEA. But this was clearly a violation and amounted to "lobbying for ministers business friends". Hence, SS demanded that Alagiri should quit. While, it is too much to expect Alagiri or for that matter any of DMK ministers in UPA govt. to resign for whatever misdemeanour of any seriousness, admittedly they have developed an approach of nonchalance. They simply do not care, whatever the media or the opposition cries hoarse, as long as our cleanest Prime Minister has no comment to offer or justifies meekly that such actions as not abnormal. We had the case of Balu misusing his good offices as minister in the earlier UPA govt, and how PM simply blew the wind out of the media and oppositions’ sail by stating that there is nothing really wrong in it. With Sardar Manmohan Singh storm in the tea cup is quite routine.
Again the news that "Iran puts Pak in the Dock", need not surprise anybody who have studied Pakistan well. In Pakistan it’s the Sunnis who call the shot, in fact most of Muslim world is Sunni. However, in Pakistan the skirmishes between Sunni and Shia followers is known. Iran being Shia dominated, Sunni controlled ISI playing villian in Iran cannot be ruled out. The suicide bombing that killed 5 senior commanders and 37 others some weeks ago in Tehran, had prompted the official response to accuse the Pakistani sources for the bombing. Of course as usual Iran included U.S. and U.K. as partners in the attack, which probably is not so. U.S. and U.K. are unlikely to join hands with Pakistan in any terror attack, even if it is Iran, that is targeted. Ahmedmeijad asked his Pakistani counter part Zardari that "Pakistan government needs to help arrest and punish the criminals as soon as possible" he even demanded their extradition. The Iran’s Foreign Minister summoned Pakistani ambassador and told him that "The perpetrators of this attack came to Iran from Pakistan". Revolutionary Guard Chief Gen. Mohd. Ali Jafari vowed to de
liver "a crushing" response. For Islamic Republic of Pakistan this hard riposte from another Islamic country shall be very hard morsel to swallow. Yes indeed ‘those who live by the sword shall, one day, perish by the sword", that’s the reality Pakistan has to face.
Everything is not alright with some of these Engish dailies. One paper carried a front page news "Vande Maataram Remains out of tune with Islam". This particular daily has a penchant for sensationalising such news with front page headlines. That a good part of the community was opposed to the singing of this national song was a well known fact. Besides there was no force for the singing either. Hence, for this Darul Uloom to issue a fresh fatwa was simply uncalled for and very retrograde. Such overbearing over-enthusiasm, to keep rubbing an old, but not really a festering, wound is the height of insensitivity to a sensitive issue. Then you have this stupid media men playing it up. But what is sad is, whenever there is a bright spark they are generally pushed incognito to a corner or not published at all. This English daily is published from the same place where another Kannada daily also is published, probably far more circulated than this English daily. This Kannada daily carried after two days a more heart warming news in its 6th Nov. Bhopal datelined item "Vande Maataram: Muslim group supports". The news carried details of supportive statements of organisations like All India Muslim Thyohar Committee (AIMTC) and National Secular Forum of India (NSFI). Although we need not go into the details of these supportive statements, it is very important to highlight that the said English paper did not carry this or any similar story. It took more pleasure in highlighting the divide rather than the unity, that is the sad aspect of our press freedom, a freedom without the corresponding responsibility.
The way Karnataka Chief Minister is offering poojas to every conceivable Hindu god is only reducing him to be a laughing stock. He must check this tendency to seek publicly, divine blessing at the drop of a hat, with paparazzi in toe. Under all circumstances he must do his best and leave the rest to the god, who is there only to look after all of us. While yielding to the pressure of Reddy’s to drop Minister Shobha K and Principal Secretary Baligar, he has reportedly cried. But Mr. C.M., your crying would have become appropriate and laudable if it was for those unfortunate victims of North Karnataka flood, who lost their all. And the entire ruling clique was conspicuous by its absence, including the BMB (Bellary Money Bags). Yes these victims are poor, powerless and money less, even media had no time for them during this brazen Yeddi Reddy drama.
Stating, ‘India has come a long way since 1962,’ Shashi Tharoor(ST), the junior MEA, has only stated the obvious. He was reacting to some intellectuals’ reminding Indians ‘not to forget 1962’ with regard to China. ST termed the statement as silly. Yes indeed, despite China’s ‘deep dissatisfaction’ at the visit of Dalai Lama to Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh, India wouldn’t care less. It ‘played host in style’ to the visiting Spiritual Head of Tibetan Buddhists, to the extreme unhappiness of China. Of course China, as an emerging regional power could
have behaved with more circumspection than indulging in completely avoidable rhetoric, which only made India call the Chinese bluff.
The news "Indian team returns without quizzing Headley" made an amusing reading. Amusing for the simple reason, "the team of sleuths from the IB(Intelligence Bureau) and RAW(Research and Analysis Wing) has left for New Delhi after a fruitless wait for a week to get permission to interrogate Headley, who is reported to have made number of visits to India" informed the news report. Half a dozen guys, supposedly brainy, with police intelligence background travel half the world from New Delhi to Washington without proper arrangement to attend to their supposed assignment to interrogate a suspected American terrorist along with his accomplice, a Pakistani Canadian. And at the end of a week of wasted time and money, these bunch of jokers return to New Delhi drawing blank. Now who managed this fiasco and who shall pay for this inept and stupid bureaucratic bungling? Haven’t we read that these central police intelligence agencies, more often than not, go in circles?
There was this recent report from the Central Vigilance Committee that they found only 123 government officials, whom it had found to be corrupt. Can any one imagine, with people like N Vithal, going hammer and tong about the supposedly sad and bad state of probity in public life, that CVC with all the resources at its command could only nail 123 bureaucrats for all these years of its existence. Is it a shame, sham or a joke? At-least one news paper called it "CVC plays a cruel joke". In an India where it is easily over 90% politicians being corrupt, with the exception of some political parties, where this % may not be as high, and bureaucrats in matching %, to say that it could nail only 123 officials in all its existence, is an extremely sad commentary on the lack of seriousness displayed by this all important autonomous body of the GOI. One concerned English news paper even lampooned the "achievement" of CVC by wondering, how CVC did not celebrate the great "Eureka Moment" by taking out full page ad in the print media to announce its earth-shaking discovery! This tongue-in-check comment is not entirely misplaced, considering that the strength of the central bureaucracy alone exceeds five million and CVC found only 123 among them to be corrupt. What is interesting is, this 123 includes a good number of clerks and junior engineers & other functionaries who would probably settle for a few thousands here and there, leaving ‘sharks’, who talk in crores, free to roam about. No wonder these IAS officers have recently conveyed that their assets or information thereon should be beyond the perview of RTI. Is it the lack of will of CVC or the power of the well entrenched bureaucrats that has put paid to its role as a pioneer body to unearth the all pervading corruption that has corroded the very vitals of our national governmental machinery?
That brings us to the story of an influential politician’s son, who was accused and jailed for the murder of one Jessica Lal and had reportedly roasted her dead body on the Tandoor of the restaurant where she worked. That this horrendous barbaric act was the single most important ground for his incarceration for life, did not deter the Punjab police and the Delhi administration to grant parole is not the point. But, the accused bluffed his way thru’ with the full knowledge of the police and the Delhi administration’s lack of seriousness in applying itself. Criminal that this Manu Sharma is, had no compunction in ditching the very people who believed the ‘cock and bull’ story of his mother’s illness and went around partying in night-clubs celebrating his temporary freedom. However the glaring insensitivity has been that of Sheela Dikshit, the Delhi CM, and that of Ram Jethmalani, the defence lawyer, who justified the parole to be completely in order. Indeed it is to the credit of Advocate General of Haryana, who in a panel discussion in NDTV cut the indomitable Jethmalani to size and gave a mouthful by his frank and no holds barred observations. When shall we change our attitude of being more concerned?
There is this justifiable brouhaha on the incredible tenacity of cricketer Sachin Tendulker. It is indeed a feat to be lasting 20 years in cricket at the top of the rung and still going strong. Despite intense media and public scrutiny he has proved time and again that ‘Tendulkar’ as a brand cannot be replaced. Of course no
body is indispensable, but the footprints of this little maestro is indeed indelible, unlike the one's, on the shifting sands of time. It is, as if he walked on a wet concrete floor, and left for posterity the foot prints that here walked the greatest cricketer of our time. Of course, like those, who said, its time that he leaves the arena in a blaze of glory, when at times he used to get out very early. But like phoenix he always resurrected like that 175 at Hyderabad. He is personally a treasure house of records which is difficult to break. But at times, a creeping thought did cross an incisive mind, 'did he worry too much about records?’. Of course, he swore time and again that he kept the country above all other considerations. Then it happened in Mohali. He faced 68 balls and scored 40 runs. He fell short of 7 runs to achieve his 17000 mark in ODI. India lost that match by 24 runs. It was a low scoring match. Tendulkars 40 runs included 6 boundaries from 6 balls which made 24 runs, that left only 16 runs for the balance 62 balls. Assuming, he got this 16 runs from 16 balls, which is extremely unlikely, he faced 46 dot balls, which is very unTendulkar like. Thus it left lot of Indians wondering, was he trying to reach his 17000 in this match itself and was very cautious not to lose his wicket before scoring 47 runs to reach the target? It’s a lurking feeling. Is it wrong for an Indian to think this way, under the circumstances? Surely, this isolated incident cannot cloud his unprecedented exclusive class as a ‘batsman par excellence’ for all time to come. Then you have this case of Ferrari ‘gifted’ by the Italian car company, and how Tendulkar tried to get duty exemption and got the gift of duty free from the then NDA government. Having got from the country, institutions and its people enormous love and wealth was it right for Tendulkar to look for freebies?! That was very unIndian and very unsportsmanlike. But one very important trait is his demeanor as a good human being remained unchanged despite his iconic status. Lets wish that he celebrates his silver jubilee with the Indian cricket.
Karnataka CJ: PD Dinakaran’s issue is getting murkier by the day. In Delhi the Supreme Court bar has threatened agitation if Dinakaran is elevated to the Supreme Court, and demanded 'if he is indispensable?' In Bangalore, the Advocate Association had resolved to abstain from all court proceeding as long as CJ: Dinakaran continued judicial sitting. But a special sitting by the Karnataka High Court judges stayed the resolution, which led to confrontation the following day. The advocates reportedly beat up some photographers, lawyers who were attending the CJs court and media men and forced the CJ: to cancel his sitting. Forcing other two judges from sitting, advocates reportedly locked them up for over 2 hours while not allowing the proceedings to go on. The next day court carried out sitting with police security. In Chennai some CPM affiliated farmers reportedly seized Dinakaran’s land which was allegedly encroached by him, making things difficult for CJ: Dinakaran from all sides. In the mean while, 4 chief justices of different courts were elevated to Supreme Court, leaving Dinakaran in the cold. In the fitness of things, shouldn’t CJ: Dinakaran go on long leave for the issue to settle one way or the other?!
"Dhaka hand over ULFA leaders to India" is indeed very positive development from the new Bangladeshi leadership of Sheikh Hasina.
That was indeed a very friendly act by the eastern neighbour, something our western neighbour Pakistan would loath to do, despite the massive opportunities they have of doing such good neighbourly acts. Of course, the leadership in Bangladesh before the last election had always worked against Indian interest and joined hands with the Pakistani ISI is supporting anti India elements operating in Bangladesh. Government in New Delhi should nurse this new friend in Sheikh Hasina. Mr. Pranab Mukherjee is well placed to improve the positive relationship with the eastern neighbour. He has the application of mind, ability to articulate pro-India interest for the betterment of both countries. Bangladesh shall be definitely better off if they cultivate meaningful Indian friendship. Mandarins in MEA should grab the opportunity to go pro-active on the issue of bilateral relationship.
The news that Rahul Gandhi, the Congress general secretary, is contemplating putting a ban at 70 years of age for all candidates as cut off for elections, is a good news for the political life of this country. Its
good for the youth and is a positive development. For too long, these octogenarians were lording it over the political destiny of the country, with lot of deserving youth languishing all over the country. This move by the scion of the first political family shall send strong signals to all political parties to put on notice the national political geriatric club to leave the arena gracefully. You have Karunakarans, Karunanidhies, Advanies and Basus and many others from across the political spectrum. Although it is a positive development this 70 age bar should be made, not just a cut off year for election, it should be made as cut off for political life itself. In other words all election eligibility should cut off at 65, so that at 70 they shall retire. If that happens, to a great extent younger generation shall find some space in the nations political life. Lets hope it happens.
Pakistan continued to be in turmoil without any let up with General turned former President Pervez Musharaff bragging about things only to find some media space for himself. There appears to be serious leadership crisis in Pakistan. With problems between Zardari and Gilani, the PM, Zardari & Musharaff and now between Pakistan 'Ratna', Nishan-i-Imtiaz AQ Khan bad mouthing Musharaff, and Nawab Sheriff doing precious nothing and his brother the Punjab C.M. in dock for financial impropriety. In fact present Pakistani government is seriously considering an Interpol alert for Parvez Musharraf, to face trial in Pakistan, ever since he called Zardari 'a criminal and a fraud'. Musharraf, travelling outside the country, has not returned since April last.
The problem with Pakistan is that its leaders are worried only for themselves and their families, with nations interest left at fringes. Ofcourse, the present crisis is all made in Pakistan. Whole of Pakistan including civil society thought India is Hindu and therefore should be put down and hence encouraged all kinds of anti – India activities, whether by civil society, religious bigots, or army’s lumpen elements. But, sometime chicken do come home to roost as Frankenstein’s Monster. Unfortunately it has become very serious. The attack on ISI head quarters at Peshawar was the ultimate. But will Pakistan learn its lessons is a question that is going in circles for a meaningful answer.
The recent order of Union Home Ministry banning the prepaid mobile telephony services in Jammu & Kashmir is a welcome development and was long over due. Most stateless operators in crime and engaged in violent activities depend largely for their operations on this mobile telephone. Since prepaid did not require stringent norms of identity it was being extensively exploited by these syndicates which include terrorists. While we are about it, what is long overdue and has to be banned is the use of dark films on car windows and windscreens. This is one of the biggest source of illegal activities. Despite having been pointed many times, probably the political intervention has put paid to this practice being banned. This is an extremely serious issue involving both security of the country as well as causing social disturbances. In most countries using dark films on car windows is highly regulated. As usual we only learn after the hard lesson. Yeh Mera India.
The news that "State witnessing nearly 50% decline in School Dropouts" is certainly a good one, in these depressed times. A Joint Director under Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, (SSA) from Bangalore, talking to the media, have claimed that as compared to 2008/09, in 2009/10, the school dropout figures came down to 35637 from 72000, a decline of over 50%. It is true that there is no independent confirmation of the exact decline, but it is indeed true that measures like Akshar Dasoha mid-day meal scheme have brought about drastic check to this free fall angle of the decline. But any statistics provided by the government department has to be taken with a pinch of salt for its authenticity, since it is always the practice of government departments to inflate the positive and reduce the negative and go to the market to make appropriate noise. Even here, the statistics informs of 2009/10, when we have not yet completed 2009, let alone 2010. When it comes to brief ministries or media, figures provided by any government body is normally 2/3 years old, if not older. Hence how can we take this figures of 2008/2009 and 2009/10 on its face value?
In an India of 21st century, most Indians do say that "I am an Indian first, and all else follow". Sachin Tendulkar said just that, "I am a Maharashtrian and I am extremely proud of that. But I am an Indian first. And Mumbai belongs to all Indians". But people like Bal Thackray thinks that
he speaks on behalf of all Marathi speaking people. It surely irritate lot of Maharashtrians, and there are many like Ketkar of Loksatta and Nitin Wagle of Mahanagar besides Tendulkars and those faceless crowd. Fact that Congress has come to power in Maharashtra opposing Bal Thackray’s party, with over 144 seats is overwhelmingly Maharashtrian ladies and gentlemen. It is time Bal Thackray should read the writing on the wall. Shiv Sena influence is on the decline, a fact Bal Thackaray has to accept.
Plundering by Reddy brothers, the iron ore deposits in and around Bellary has gone on unabated. The delayed action by Andhra government is the only saving grace, with the Karnataka government closing its eye for obvious reasons. Not only Reddy’s are pocketing the huge money earned from these mines, without any license fees being paid to Karnataka, they are enormously increasing their political power with the use of this illegal earning. It is a shame that CM Yediyurappa has sold his freedom of thought and action when it comes to the welfare of Karnataka, all to save his chair.
Things can get extremely precarious, unless some modality is worked out to rein in these Reddy clout. Not only they should do things which are legally tenable, they should also pay what is due to the government without complaining. The Chief Minister should be able to appraise the high command to make Reddys to realise their duties also, besides their clamoring for rights. Only then there can be some semblance of group working towards some common objectives. Hope some rationale is worked out in an otherwise chaotic situation within the corridors of Vidhana Saudha, in Bangalore. Having businessmen as politician is bad for the country is a lesson to be learnt.
If Mulyam Singh had called the beauty queen of yesteryears Nafisa Ali as opportunist, he is only stating the obvious. She is a typical aayaaram – gayaaram. She didn’t get Congress nomination, so she left for SP and even without joining the party (that’s what she claimed) she contested the election and lost. Having lost, she is ‘disillusioned’ with the party and she leaves as fast as she came, like a breeze. Reportedly she is back in Congress. They are all fair–weather friends. In politics, like in business, there is neither a permanent friend nor a permanent enemy, only permanent interest. As long as you reap the benefits of public life without having to pay anything, any party is fine. Person like Nafisa Ali can even become the chief of minority cell of BJP, if it is offered to her with perks that go with it. She will be game despite the fact she purchased the nude paintinting of Bharath Maata from maverick Hussain, to keep her political bosses in good humour. She was never a lover of paintings, she was only making a political statement. And such opportunists you find them everywhere and in every party. Now, the days of Congress revival looks little better, hence exodus is to Congress. Some are looking for seats in parliament or legislature some are looking for gubernatorial crumbs, or some other parking slots. Long live India despite these leaches who want to enjoy state largesse for doing precious nothing.
This madman called David Headly, an American on paper but with Pakistani blood in his veins reportedly stated about retaliating against India, has to be seen as a Pakistani Muslim converted to Christianity to hoodwink the world at large. His arrest should open up a question how many Muslims have become Christians and they all have to be investigated in the larger interest of global security. We do not normally see Muslims getting converted to other religions, since the indoctrination of Muslims is very deep. Hence the arrest of this Dawood alias David Headly should open up a Channel of newer thinking.
For the kind of debate it generated, the national song Vandey Maataram has been taken up in Focus. We have tried to discuss the politics involved in the rendition of this song in our socio-political stage. Surely all will have their own take on the subject. Do revert with your inputs. We do value them. Rest of the issues are as usual.
Yes, we are truly into the 10th year of our publication. This is the 2nd issue of the year. But we are not celebrating. Wonder why! Yes, you guessed right. Our paid readers, that is our subscribers are not as much to feel good. It is true that every month, the number of copies mailed increases. Some new subscribers, but some free mailed, to create awareness. Yes, it is the free mailed readers who are neither saying, that they are not keen to receive it nor they are becoming regular paid readers. While we must reiterate that this is an effort at awareness and there is cost implication in the exercise. This request is for all our readers, subscribers to help us sustain. Ours is a non-profit movement. For the larger good, do become subscribers.
India is indeed a happening place, from heart warming to heart rending, from bizzare to incredible. Month began with the continuing Karnataka circus. "He who pays the piper has the right to call the tune" is an old English adage, which appears to have come to haunt the Yediyurappa + Co in Karnataka.
Although the problems for the Karnataka government appears to be over for a while, it is sure to fester in coming days. Any government propped up by money power has got to be on its knees at the beck and call of money muscle. When the government was installed some 14 months ago, it was very clear that those who funded buying of MLAs to reach the magic majority, would one day ask for its price. That Reddy brothers wanted power without any leash is not the point, but the undeserved money power they acquired over a period by plundering the national mineral wealth, by literally buying everybody who mattered, is a very dangerous development for any civil society. All concerned must come to realise that, how corruption can lead to concentration of money power which can usurp all power to the detriment of every democratic institution and to the negation of very spirit of the constitution. How another Reddy family in the neighbouring state of Andhra is also biding for its time to strike, only because of the money clout that it can flaunt. It is indeed an extremely sad development for India’s democratic way of life.
There was this innocuous news from Chennai sometime ago, but our 24X7 TV channels strangely didn’t play it up. As usual one-man Janata Party president Subramaniam Swamy (SS) is at it again, pr
icking up the establishment. SS distributed recently, photocopies of a letter at a press conference in Chennai. This letter was reportedly written by Union Minister MK Alagiri’s P.A., to the Indian Ambassador in Uzbekistan, one S.M. Shah, asking the ambassador to ensure "all co-operation and help" to two businessmen friends of the minister who were visiting there looking for investment opps. As is generally laid down protocol, such requests are routed through MEA. But this was clearly a violation and amounted to "lobbying for ministers business friends". Hence, SS demanded that Alagiri should quit. While, it is too much to expect Alagiri or for that matter any of DMK ministers in UPA govt. to resign for whatever misdemeanour of any seriousness, admittedly they have developed an approach of nonchalance. They simply do not care, whatever the media or the opposition cries hoarse, as long as our cleanest Prime Minister has no comment to offer or justifies meekly that such actions as not abnormal. We had the case of Balu misusing his good offices as minister in the earlier UPA govt, and how PM simply blew the wind out of the media and oppositions’ sail by stating that there is nothing really wrong in it. With Sardar Manmohan Singh storm in the tea cup is quite routine.Again the news that "Iran puts Pak in the Dock", need not surprise anybody who have studied Pakistan well. In Pakistan it’s the Sunnis who call the shot, in fact most of Muslim world is Sunni. However, in Pakistan the skirmishes between Sunni and Shia followers is known. Iran being Shia dominated, Sunni controlled ISI playing villian in Iran cannot be ruled out. The suicide bombing that killed 5 senior commanders and 37 others some weeks ago in Tehran, had prompted the official response to accuse the Pakistani sources for the bombing. Of course as usual Iran included U.S. and U.K. as partners in the attack, which probably is not so. U.S. and U.K. are unlikely to join hands with Pakistan in any terror attack, even if it is Iran, that is targeted. Ahmedmeijad asked his Pakistani counter part Zardari that "Pakistan government needs to help arrest and punish the criminals as soon as possible" he even demanded their extradition. The Iran’s Foreign Minister summoned Pakistani ambassador and told him that "The perpetrators of this attack came to Iran from Pakistan". Revolutionary Guard Chief Gen. Mohd. Ali Jafari vowed to de
liver "a crushing" response. For Islamic Republic of Pakistan this hard riposte from another Islamic country shall be very hard morsel to swallow. Yes indeed ‘those who live by the sword shall, one day, perish by the sword", that’s the reality Pakistan has to face.
Everything is not alright with some of these Engish dailies. One paper carried a front page news "Vande Maataram Remains out of tune with Islam". This particular daily has a penchant for sensationalising such news with front page headlines. That a good part of the community was opposed to the singing of this national song was a well known fact. Besides there was no force for the singing either. Hence, for this Darul Uloom to issue a fresh fatwa was simply uncalled for and very retrograde. Such overbearing over-enthusiasm, to keep rubbing an old, but not really a festering, wound is the height of insensitivity to a sensitive issue. Then you have this stupid media men playing it up. But what is sad is, whenever there is a bright spark they are generally pushed incognito to a corner or not published at all. This English daily is published from the same place where another Kannada daily also is published, probably far more circulated than this English daily. This Kannada daily carried after two days a more heart warming news in its 6th Nov. Bhopal datelined item "Vande Maataram: Muslim group supports". The news carried details of supportive statements of organisations like All India Muslim Thyohar Committee (AIMTC) and National Secular Forum of India (NSFI). Although we need not go into the details of these supportive statements, it is very important to highlight that the said English paper did not carry this or any similar story. It took more pleasure in highlighting the divide rather than the unity, that is the sad aspect of our press freedom, a freedom without the corresponding responsibility.
The way Karnataka Chief Minister is offering poojas to every conceivable Hindu god is only reducing him to be a laughing stock. He must check this tendency to seek publicly, divine blessing at the drop of a hat, with paparazzi in toe. Under all circumstances he must do his best and leave the rest to the god, who is there only to look after all of us. While yielding to the pressure of Reddy’s to drop Minister Shobha K and Principal Secretary Baligar, he has reportedly cried. But Mr. C.M., your crying would have become appropriate and laudable if it was for those unfortunate victims of North Karnataka flood, who lost their all. And the entire ruling clique was conspicuous by its absence, including the BMB (Bellary Money Bags). Yes these victims are poor, powerless and money less, even media had no time for them during this brazen Yeddi Reddy drama.
Stating, ‘India has come a long way since 1962,’ Shashi Tharoor(ST), the junior MEA, has only stated the obvious. He was reacting to some intellectuals’ reminding Indians ‘not to forget 1962’ with regard to China. ST termed the statement as silly. Yes indeed, despite China’s ‘deep dissatisfaction’ at the visit of Dalai Lama to Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh, India wouldn’t care less. It ‘played host in style’ to the visiting Spiritual Head of Tibetan Buddhists, to the extreme unhappiness of China. Of course China, as an emerging regional power could
have behaved with more circumspection than indulging in completely avoidable rhetoric, which only made India call the Chinese bluff.
The news "Indian team returns without quizzing Headley" made an amusing reading. Amusing for the simple reason, "the team of sleuths from the IB(Intelligence Bureau) and RAW(Research and Analysis Wing) has left for New Delhi after a fruitless wait for a week to get permission to interrogate Headley, who is reported to have made number of visits to India" informed the news report. Half a dozen guys, supposedly brainy, with police intelligence background travel half the world from New Delhi to Washington without proper arrangement to attend to their supposed assignment to interrogate a suspected American terrorist along with his accomplice, a Pakistani Canadian. And at the end of a week of wasted time and money, these bunch of jokers return to New Delhi drawing blank. Now who managed this fiasco and who shall pay for this inept and stupid bureaucratic bungling? Haven’t we read that these central police intelligence agencies, more often than not, go in circles?
There was this recent report from the Central Vigilance Committee that they found only 123 government officials, whom it had found to be corrupt. Can any one imagine, with people like N Vithal, going hammer and tong about the supposedly sad and bad state of probity in public life, that CVC with all the resources at its command could only nail 123 bureaucrats for all these years of its existence. Is it a shame, sham or a joke? At-least one news paper called it "CVC plays a cruel joke". In an India where it is easily over 90% politicians being corrupt, with the exception of some political parties, where this % may not be as high, and bureaucrats in matching %, to say that it could nail only 123 officials in all its existence, is an extremely sad commentary on the lack of seriousness displayed by this all important autonomous body of the GOI. One concerned English news paper even lampooned the "achievement" of CVC by wondering, how CVC did not celebrate the great "Eureka Moment" by taking out full page ad in the print media to announce its earth-shaking discovery! This tongue-in-check comment is not entirely misplaced, considering that the strength of the central bureaucracy alone exceeds five million and CVC found only 123 among them to be corrupt. What is interesting is, this 123 includes a good number of clerks and junior engineers & other functionaries who would probably settle for a few thousands here and there, leaving ‘sharks’, who talk in crores, free to roam about. No wonder these IAS officers have recently conveyed that their assets or information thereon should be beyond the perview of RTI. Is it the lack of will of CVC or the power of the well entrenched bureaucrats that has put paid to its role as a pioneer body to unearth the all pervading corruption that has corroded the very vitals of our national governmental machinery?
That brings us to the story of an influential politician’s son, who was accused and jailed for the murder of one Jessica Lal and had reportedly roasted her dead body on the Tandoor of the restaurant where she worked. That this horrendous barbaric act was the single most important ground for his incarceration for life, did not deter the Punjab police and the Delhi administration to grant parole is not the point. But, the accused bluffed his way thru’ with the full knowledge of the police and the Delhi administration’s lack of seriousness in applying itself. Criminal that this Manu Sharma is, had no compunction in ditching the very people who believed the ‘cock and bull’ story of his mother’s illness and went around partying in night-clubs celebrating his temporary freedom. However the glaring insensitivity has been that of Sheela Dikshit, the Delhi CM, and that of Ram Jethmalani, the defence lawyer, who justified the parole to be completely in order. Indeed it is to the credit of Advocate General of Haryana, who in a panel discussion in NDTV cut the indomitable Jethmalani to size and gave a mouthful by his frank and no holds barred observations. When shall we change our attitude of being more concerned?
There is this justifiable brouhaha on the incredible tenacity of cricketer Sachin Tendulker. It is indeed a feat to be lasting 20 years in cricket at the top of the rung and still going strong. Despite intense media and public scrutiny he has proved time and again that ‘Tendulkar’ as a brand cannot be replaced. Of course no
body is indispensable, but the footprints of this little maestro is indeed indelible, unlike the one's, on the shifting sands of time. It is, as if he walked on a wet concrete floor, and left for posterity the foot prints that here walked the greatest cricketer of our time. Of course, like those, who said, its time that he leaves the arena in a blaze of glory, when at times he used to get out very early. But like phoenix he always resurrected like that 175 at Hyderabad. He is personally a treasure house of records which is difficult to break. But at times, a creeping thought did cross an incisive mind, 'did he worry too much about records?’. Of course, he swore time and again that he kept the country above all other considerations. Then it happened in Mohali. He faced 68 balls and scored 40 runs. He fell short of 7 runs to achieve his 17000 mark in ODI. India lost that match by 24 runs. It was a low scoring match. Tendulkars 40 runs included 6 boundaries from 6 balls which made 24 runs, that left only 16 runs for the balance 62 balls. Assuming, he got this 16 runs from 16 balls, which is extremely unlikely, he faced 46 dot balls, which is very unTendulkar like. Thus it left lot of Indians wondering, was he trying to reach his 17000 in this match itself and was very cautious not to lose his wicket before scoring 47 runs to reach the target? It’s a lurking feeling. Is it wrong for an Indian to think this way, under the circumstances? Surely, this isolated incident cannot cloud his unprecedented exclusive class as a ‘batsman par excellence’ for all time to come. Then you have this case of Ferrari ‘gifted’ by the Italian car company, and how Tendulkar tried to get duty exemption and got the gift of duty free from the then NDA government. Having got from the country, institutions and its people enormous love and wealth was it right for Tendulkar to look for freebies?! That was very unIndian and very unsportsmanlike. But one very important trait is his demeanor as a good human being remained unchanged despite his iconic status. Lets wish that he celebrates his silver jubilee with the Indian cricket.
Karnataka CJ: PD Dinakaran’s issue is getting murkier by the day. In Delhi the Supreme Court bar has threatened agitation if Dinakaran is elevated to the Supreme Court, and demanded 'if he is indispensable?' In Bangalore, the Advocate Association had resolved to abstain from all court proceeding as long as CJ: Dinakaran continued judicial sitting. But a special sitting by the Karnataka High Court judges stayed the resolution, which led to confrontation the following day. The advocates reportedly beat up some photographers, lawyers who were attending the CJs court and media men and forced the CJ: to cancel his sitting. Forcing other two judges from sitting, advocates reportedly locked them up for over 2 hours while not allowing the proceedings to go on. The next day court carried out sitting with police security. In Chennai some CPM affiliated farmers reportedly seized Dinakaran’s land which was allegedly encroached by him, making things difficult for CJ: Dinakaran from all sides. In the mean while, 4 chief justices of different courts were elevated to Supreme Court, leaving Dinakaran in the cold. In the fitness of things, shouldn’t CJ: Dinakaran go on long leave for the issue to settle one way or the other?!
"Dhaka hand over ULFA leaders to India" is indeed very positive development from the new Bangladeshi leadership of Sheikh Hasina.
That was indeed a very friendly act by the eastern neighbour, something our western neighbour Pakistan would loath to do, despite the massive opportunities they have of doing such good neighbourly acts. Of course, the leadership in Bangladesh before the last election had always worked against Indian interest and joined hands with the Pakistani ISI is supporting anti India elements operating in Bangladesh. Government in New Delhi should nurse this new friend in Sheikh Hasina. Mr. Pranab Mukherjee is well placed to improve the positive relationship with the eastern neighbour. He has the application of mind, ability to articulate pro-India interest for the betterment of both countries. Bangladesh shall be definitely better off if they cultivate meaningful Indian friendship. Mandarins in MEA should grab the opportunity to go pro-active on the issue of bilateral relationship.
The news that Rahul Gandhi, the Congress general secretary, is contemplating putting a ban at 70 years of age for all candidates as cut off for elections, is a good news for the political life of this country. Its
good for the youth and is a positive development. For too long, these octogenarians were lording it over the political destiny of the country, with lot of deserving youth languishing all over the country. This move by the scion of the first political family shall send strong signals to all political parties to put on notice the national political geriatric club to leave the arena gracefully. You have Karunakarans, Karunanidhies, Advanies and Basus and many others from across the political spectrum. Although it is a positive development this 70 age bar should be made, not just a cut off year for election, it should be made as cut off for political life itself. In other words all election eligibility should cut off at 65, so that at 70 they shall retire. If that happens, to a great extent younger generation shall find some space in the nations political life. Lets hope it happens.
Pakistan continued to be in turmoil without any let up with General turned former President Pervez Musharaff bragging about things only to find some media space for himself. There appears to be serious leadership crisis in Pakistan. With problems between Zardari and Gilani, the PM, Zardari & Musharaff and now between Pakistan 'Ratna', Nishan-i-Imtiaz AQ Khan bad mouthing Musharaff, and Nawab Sheriff doing precious nothing and his brother the Punjab C.M. in dock for financial impropriety. In fact present Pakistani government is seriously considering an Interpol alert for Parvez Musharraf, to face trial in Pakistan, ever since he called Zardari 'a criminal and a fraud'. Musharraf, travelling outside the country, has not returned since April last.
The problem with Pakistan is that its leaders are worried only for themselves and their families, with nations interest left at fringes. Ofcourse, the present crisis is all made in Pakistan. Whole of Pakistan including civil society thought India is Hindu and therefore should be put down and hence encouraged all kinds of anti – India activities, whether by civil society, religious bigots, or army’s lumpen elements. But, sometime chicken do come home to roost as Frankenstein’s Monster. Unfortunately it has become very serious. The attack on ISI head quarters at Peshawar was the ultimate. But will Pakistan learn its lessons is a question that is going in circles for a meaningful answer.
The recent order of Union Home Ministry banning the prepaid mobile telephony services in Jammu & Kashmir is a welcome development and was long over due. Most stateless operators in crime and engaged in violent activities depend largely for their operations on this mobile telephone. Since prepaid did not require stringent norms of identity it was being extensively exploited by these syndicates which include terrorists. While we are about it, what is long overdue and has to be banned is the use of dark films on car windows and windscreens. This is one of the biggest source of illegal activities. Despite having been pointed many times, probably the political intervention has put paid to this practice being banned. This is an extremely serious issue involving both security of the country as well as causing social disturbances. In most countries using dark films on car windows is highly regulated. As usual we only learn after the hard lesson. Yeh Mera India.
The news that "State witnessing nearly 50% decline in School Dropouts" is certainly a good one, in these depressed times. A Joint Director under Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, (SSA) from Bangalore, talking to the media, have claimed that as compared to 2008/09, in 2009/10, the school dropout figures came down to 35637 from 72000, a decline of over 50%. It is true that there is no independent confirmation of the exact decline, but it is indeed true that measures like Akshar Dasoha mid-day meal scheme have brought about drastic check to this free fall angle of the decline. But any statistics provided by the government department has to be taken with a pinch of salt for its authenticity, since it is always the practice of government departments to inflate the positive and reduce the negative and go to the market to make appropriate noise. Even here, the statistics informs of 2009/10, when we have not yet completed 2009, let alone 2010. When it comes to brief ministries or media, figures provided by any government body is normally 2/3 years old, if not older. Hence how can we take this figures of 2008/2009 and 2009/10 on its face value?
In an India of 21st century, most Indians do say that "I am an Indian first, and all else follow". Sachin Tendulkar said just that, "I am a Maharashtrian and I am extremely proud of that. But I am an Indian first. And Mumbai belongs to all Indians". But people like Bal Thackray thinks that
he speaks on behalf of all Marathi speaking people. It surely irritate lot of Maharashtrians, and there are many like Ketkar of Loksatta and Nitin Wagle of Mahanagar besides Tendulkars and those faceless crowd. Fact that Congress has come to power in Maharashtra opposing Bal Thackray’s party, with over 144 seats is overwhelmingly Maharashtrian ladies and gentlemen. It is time Bal Thackray should read the writing on the wall. Shiv Sena influence is on the decline, a fact Bal Thackaray has to accept.
Plundering by Reddy brothers, the iron ore deposits in and around Bellary has gone on unabated. The delayed action by Andhra government is the only saving grace, with the Karnataka government closing its eye for obvious reasons. Not only Reddy’s are pocketing the huge money earned from these mines, without any license fees being paid to Karnataka, they are enormously increasing their political power with the use of this illegal earning. It is a shame that CM Yediyurappa has sold his freedom of thought and action when it comes to the welfare of Karnataka, all to save his chair.
Things can get extremely precarious, unless some modality is worked out to rein in these Reddy clout. Not only they should do things which are legally tenable, they should also pay what is due to the government without complaining. The Chief Minister should be able to appraise the high command to make Reddys to realise their duties also, besides their clamoring for rights. Only then there can be some semblance of group working towards some common objectives. Hope some rationale is worked out in an otherwise chaotic situation within the corridors of Vidhana Saudha, in Bangalore. Having businessmen as politician is bad for the country is a lesson to be learnt.
If Mulyam Singh had called the beauty queen of yesteryears Nafisa Ali as opportunist, he is only stating the obvious. She is a typical aayaaram – gayaaram. She didn’t get Congress nomination, so she left for SP and even without joining the party (that’s what she claimed) she contested the election and lost. Having lost, she is ‘disillusioned’ with the party and she leaves as fast as she came, like a breeze. Reportedly she is back in Congress. They are all fair–weather friends. In politics, like in business, there is neither a permanent friend nor a permanent enemy, only permanent interest. As long as you reap the benefits of public life without having to pay anything, any party is fine. Person like Nafisa Ali can even become the chief of minority cell of BJP, if it is offered to her with perks that go with it. She will be game despite the fact she purchased the nude paintinting of Bharath Maata from maverick Hussain, to keep her political bosses in good humour. She was never a lover of paintings, she was only making a political statement. And such opportunists you find them everywhere and in every party. Now, the days of Congress revival looks little better, hence exodus is to Congress. Some are looking for seats in parliament or legislature some are looking for gubernatorial crumbs, or some other parking slots. Long live India despite these leaches who want to enjoy state largesse for doing precious nothing.
This madman called David Headly, an American on paper but with Pakistani blood in his veins reportedly stated about retaliating against India, has to be seen as a Pakistani Muslim converted to Christianity to hoodwink the world at large. His arrest should open up a question how many Muslims have become Christians and they all have to be investigated in the larger interest of global security. We do not normally see Muslims getting converted to other religions, since the indoctrination of Muslims is very deep. Hence the arrest of this Dawood alias David Headly should open up a Channel of newer thinking.
For the kind of debate it generated, the national song Vandey Maataram has been taken up in Focus. We have tried to discuss the politics involved in the rendition of this song in our socio-political stage. Surely all will have their own take on the subject. Do revert with your inputs. We do value them. Rest of the issues are as usual.
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