Singh is King .
As the dust settles, we see the 200 mark up for Congress. None would have believed this just 24 hours back! The 15th Lok Sabha has certainly stirred the voter. And also the political parties. Suddenly we find the word introspection flowing from every tongue! BJP and the Left need to introspect their disaster whilst the Congress needs to understand why this windfall!! Dr.Singh goes in the annals of history as only the second Prime Minister to get re-elected for consecutive terms after a full first term. So much for a weak Prime Minister!
16th of May goes down in Indian History as the day when the Indian Politics has been rewritten. The Indian voter has woken up to the realities of today. He braved the harsh climate only to usher in a clinical revolution. And he did this silently and efficiently. It had to happen this way. The last five years saw the main party struggling for effective governance due to the heavy baggage of the allies. Each pulling it tangent to the other thus giving little room for proper movement. It was more like "One step forward...one step backward...one step sideways. The Left played the role of a belligerent bully though they did some good too. But in a nutshell, they did more harm than good. They also became arrogant and boisterous and took the nation for granted. Today they stand decimated loosing more than half their seats, but Prakash Karat shows little signs of regret, remorse and shame.
I have always maintained that the regional parties have a different agenda and normally collides with the larger national agenda. I believe that the two must be kept separate in order to maximize effective management at both the levels. I have advocated that the voter needs to be more mature. I wrote in my blog on the 10th of March, “ And yes, do look at the role at the centre played by the regional parties in the past. Have they been an asset or a hurdle? Each demanding their own pound of flesh at just the wrong time. Would it be better to have a single large party in the center or a coalition of just two or three…a badly fractured mandate normally ushers instability. Let us avoid this at all costs. We all know if multiple parties are involved in government formation, then decision making is hampered and is of poor quality. We should have distinct benchmarks for legislative and parliament elections. We should not be averse to vote for one party at the centre and another in the state…” I stand vindicated today as the tally of almost ALL the regional parties ahs taken a beating.
The voter has rejected the smaller parties and has actually voted for Congress and the BJP-the two national parties. The sign is good as policies and programs can be planned better. Regional parties need to concentrate in their specific areas and focus on development. I had written about Mayawati also and predicted what struck her on the 16th! Her arrogance and over confidence of her own so called social engineering left her fumbling as even the Congress breezed past her.
The voter has given the benefit of doubt and felt the Congress could not deliver due to the heavily fractured mandate of 2004. The verdict now is a confirmation that India wants stability - the resurgence of Congress in Uttar Pradesh confirms this. The voter has given the mandate to the Congress and will also hold it accountable. The onus now lies squarely on the door of Congress. Indian voter has given a low priority of other issues like the price rise, terrorism and so on. The mandate is for Dr Man Mohan Singh to finish the unfinished agenda. The voter has decided that Dr Singh is a strong leader who is capable of delivering.
And yes, the voter will also demand results-the price for the faith placed. Make no mistake, this is a mandate for finishing the unfinished agenda. People say it reflects secularism. I do not agree. BJP has lost some seats but has also shown Varun Gandhi and Menaka Gandhi winning.
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Nitish...kya mamoo banaya!!
Nitish plays all aces!!
Quite sometime back I saw a film called Mask starring Jim Carey. Recently I saw the Indian version of the Mask, starring Nitish Kumar! If Jim Carey was amazing then Nitish has rewritten Indian Politics with a mind boggling act!! He played the soothest of ragas to the easily gullible Muslims of Bihar! His wonderful melody of “naa naa naa ray Modi” struck deep into the hearts of the secularists. And when the floored voter reached the ballot machine, his ears were still ringing with the “naa naa” and he pressed the button for Nitish. And he was a happy and content man. He had voted for the most secular man on the horizon…preferred over Laloo and Paswan.
Nitish must have chuckled in private! What prized fools these voters are! My mask was so well fitting that they could see not what I had hidden!! With the setting of the sun he prepared himself for the next agenda. Nitish must have sat in front of the mirror and smiled and then made an inter state call, “When shall we meet again, brother Modi”!! Surely on the Dias in Punjab! Came the reply from the butcher of Gujarat! Modi looked at the mirror once again and burst into an unstoppable laughter! I went to the dargahs, the masjids with a cap. And they fell for me !! Kya Topi peha dee!! Mamoo bana diya Bihar kee public ko!!
And then what we saw in the NDA rally made me suggest that Nitish should be nominated for the Oscars. What an incredible performance! The meeting with Modi showed the real happiness felt by Nitish. He had played his role to perfection. Now the time to come to real life….and this he did with a huge grin on his face as he held Modi’s hand aloft. It was a new kind of a High Five! And the two together made a perfect couple…one bluntly against secularism and the other the soft spoken Bihari who butchered secularism with the same sadistic approach albeit under the garb of a Sufi!!
I am appalled by the perversity of a man who professed equal treatment. I am saddened not by his deeds but the route he took to achieve his agenda. He has trampled innocence and honesty ruthlessly. He has hit the aam aadmi where it hurts. If he wanted to appease the butcher of Gujarat, then fine, he has the right to do so. Many are doing. Why take the route of playing with the emotions of the entire society? Sharing the dais with Modi was not a crime. He could have done so. But why mislead and tell utter lies to those who trusted you????
Nitish, now you are as bare as you are in the bathroom. The fooled public can see through you, though a wee bit late. You played your cards well but now everyone knows the real Nitish who wholly endorses the Modi Genocide. Nitish… Modi… bhai bhai!
This is all about the double speak so prevalent in our society. There are many Nitish Kumars masquerading in our society with the façade of innocence oozing from all over!!What needs to be done is that such double crossers should be given a strong dose of their own medicine. Yes, the “awam” got fooled this time. As a responsible citizen of India, we should not have a short public memory. Elections will come again. Teach them a lesson that will be a lesson to the chameleons of Indian politics.
And elections are round the corner…not too far, says my crystal ball!!
Quite sometime back I saw a film called Mask starring Jim Carey. Recently I saw the Indian version of the Mask, starring Nitish Kumar! If Jim Carey was amazing then Nitish has rewritten Indian Politics with a mind boggling act!! He played the soothest of ragas to the easily gullible Muslims of Bihar! His wonderful melody of “naa naa naa ray Modi” struck deep into the hearts of the secularists. And when the floored voter reached the ballot machine, his ears were still ringing with the “naa naa” and he pressed the button for Nitish. And he was a happy and content man. He had voted for the most secular man on the horizon…preferred over Laloo and Paswan.
Nitish must have chuckled in private! What prized fools these voters are! My mask was so well fitting that they could see not what I had hidden!! With the setting of the sun he prepared himself for the next agenda. Nitish must have sat in front of the mirror and smiled and then made an inter state call, “When shall we meet again, brother Modi”!! Surely on the Dias in Punjab! Came the reply from the butcher of Gujarat! Modi looked at the mirror once again and burst into an unstoppable laughter! I went to the dargahs, the masjids with a cap. And they fell for me !! Kya Topi peha dee!! Mamoo bana diya Bihar kee public ko!!
And then what we saw in the NDA rally made me suggest that Nitish should be nominated for the Oscars. What an incredible performance! The meeting with Modi showed the real happiness felt by Nitish. He had played his role to perfection. Now the time to come to real life….and this he did with a huge grin on his face as he held Modi’s hand aloft. It was a new kind of a High Five! And the two together made a perfect couple…one bluntly against secularism and the other the soft spoken Bihari who butchered secularism with the same sadistic approach albeit under the garb of a Sufi!!
I am appalled by the perversity of a man who professed equal treatment. I am saddened not by his deeds but the route he took to achieve his agenda. He has trampled innocence and honesty ruthlessly. He has hit the aam aadmi where it hurts. If he wanted to appease the butcher of Gujarat, then fine, he has the right to do so. Many are doing. Why take the route of playing with the emotions of the entire society? Sharing the dais with Modi was not a crime. He could have done so. But why mislead and tell utter lies to those who trusted you????
Nitish, now you are as bare as you are in the bathroom. The fooled public can see through you, though a wee bit late. You played your cards well but now everyone knows the real Nitish who wholly endorses the Modi Genocide. Nitish… Modi… bhai bhai!
This is all about the double speak so prevalent in our society. There are many Nitish Kumars masquerading in our society with the façade of innocence oozing from all over!!What needs to be done is that such double crossers should be given a strong dose of their own medicine. Yes, the “awam” got fooled this time. As a responsible citizen of India, we should not have a short public memory. Elections will come again. Teach them a lesson that will be a lesson to the chameleons of Indian politics.
And elections are round the corner…not too far, says my crystal ball!!
Monday, May 4, 2009
Mayawati's leap to Delhi- myth or a reality?
Mayawati is in the news these days. People are talking about the role that she might play in the days to come, post 16th May. And this did set me thinking. I became Wordsworth in spirit. I imagined myself lying “upon a couch” (not with Koyel, of course!) and the images floating by. Maya, the ruler of UP, acquiring the crown to rule India. Wow! The very first picture was that of Maya in faded Wrangler Jeans. Wondering why? Ha-ha…ehm. Well, if you would go back in history and see the Mayawati when Kanshi Ram was still his own master….the curly chute and an insecure smile which needed the approval of her mentor, you would notice the sea change in per persona. Close cropped hair and a dupatta that curls around the neck and not to forget the hurried swagger that goes with her, is the fourth time CM Maya! Gone is the insecure Maya of the 90’s! So, when the PM, then surely the Jeans will slide in!! Natural progression?
UP today is black and blue all over. No, it is not the bashing that has resulted in the state being black and blue. Or maybe it is? Lucknow has scores of statues peering at every passer by. Soon Lucknow will change from the city of Nawabs to the city of murtis. Nawabs are extinct but the murtis are very much visible and on the rise- in elephantine proportion!
Let us see the progress that the state has made since she took charge….it is a task as tedious as hunting a needle in a haystack! Where is the needle? Hunt…hunt…hunt. Maya’s forte has been the caste equation, not governance. Nitiesh Kumar in neighboring Bihar is a much better administrator and provides competent governance. Sheila Dixit is miles ahead of even Nitiesh.
Honestly speaking, a PM needs to be an ideal kind of a person. Someone who is above board, who inspires the nation, who provides confidence, who can take sound decisions at just the right time. Some one with a vision. And yes, he should be far from being vindictive. Let me confess that there is none on the horizon who fits the above!! Be it Dr Singh, Mr. Advani or anyone else. We lack genuine PM material.
But let us come back to Maya Memsaheb. I am still in a world of fantasy visualizing Maya sitting amidst Obama’s and Browns and Sarkozy’s in a G20 summit. And then Sarkozy and Carla inviting Maya to France…Carla and Maya exchanging notes on fashion and make up!! My fantasy is shattered by a call from Shoaib. Not Akhtar but Qureshi. And he kind of dampened everything by suggesting that the Queen may still not wear the crown..and probably not at all. Maya may not get the mandate that the TV channels along with their self proclaimed expert panels are predicting. Here goes another PM in waiting! The reality is that India does not need a Zardari. Right? Do we? And the voters are keen to prove the psephologists and the other pundits wrong.
Maya the politician is skillful and competent. Period. Maya the PM is a fantasy in a midsummer night’s dream. Alice in wonderland was a great story but never a reality. But then, Indian Politics is more unpredictable than an Alice in a Midsummer night’s dream!
Who knows?
UP today is black and blue all over. No, it is not the bashing that has resulted in the state being black and blue. Or maybe it is? Lucknow has scores of statues peering at every passer by. Soon Lucknow will change from the city of Nawabs to the city of murtis. Nawabs are extinct but the murtis are very much visible and on the rise- in elephantine proportion!
Let us see the progress that the state has made since she took charge….it is a task as tedious as hunting a needle in a haystack! Where is the needle? Hunt…hunt…hunt. Maya’s forte has been the caste equation, not governance. Nitiesh Kumar in neighboring Bihar is a much better administrator and provides competent governance. Sheila Dixit is miles ahead of even Nitiesh.
Honestly speaking, a PM needs to be an ideal kind of a person. Someone who is above board, who inspires the nation, who provides confidence, who can take sound decisions at just the right time. Some one with a vision. And yes, he should be far from being vindictive. Let me confess that there is none on the horizon who fits the above!! Be it Dr Singh, Mr. Advani or anyone else. We lack genuine PM material.
But let us come back to Maya Memsaheb. I am still in a world of fantasy visualizing Maya sitting amidst Obama’s and Browns and Sarkozy’s in a G20 summit. And then Sarkozy and Carla inviting Maya to France…Carla and Maya exchanging notes on fashion and make up!! My fantasy is shattered by a call from Shoaib. Not Akhtar but Qureshi. And he kind of dampened everything by suggesting that the Queen may still not wear the crown..and probably not at all. Maya may not get the mandate that the TV channels along with their self proclaimed expert panels are predicting. Here goes another PM in waiting! The reality is that India does not need a Zardari. Right? Do we? And the voters are keen to prove the psephologists and the other pundits wrong.
Maya the politician is skillful and competent. Period. Maya the PM is a fantasy in a midsummer night’s dream. Alice in wonderland was a great story but never a reality. But then, Indian Politics is more unpredictable than an Alice in a Midsummer night’s dream!
Who knows?
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Obama is capable?
Obama is capable?
Obama’s 100 days in office is like an all rounder in a cricket team! A bits and pieces man, capable of putting up his hand when required but not really one who has expertise in a particular area. At least as on date.Obama is not like Mathew Hayden or a Brett Lee but more like Symonds.
We saw Obama reaching out to the Europeans( including Turks) and the Arabs/Israelis. He had a tough swagger and a drawl when addressing the Pakistani and the Taliban. His tone was warm and affectionate when shaking hands with the master economist Dr Man Mohan Singh.
Obama has done his homework well
All rounders can come in very handy but in the long run, they cannot be effective for specific tasks. 100 days have been handled well but his tryst with destiny seeks a longer period…60 to a 120 months. And that is a long period. That is why I feel that he should don the mantle of a specialist at the earliest.
Middle East and Pakistan are two huge problems. The Arab Israel conflict needs a man who knows what he wants and also what he can deliver. The past has seen promises which could never be delivered. It was loathsome and dishonest. The need of the hour is to set the parameters for peace talks. This is a vital issue and will reflect the intentions and capabilities of the white house in general and Obama in particular. The recent posturing by him has given hopes to the genocide struck Palestinians. The two nation theory needs to be worked upon. There can never be peace in the world unless there is peace in the Middle East. There can be no peace unless there is a stable country of the Palestinians. Isreal and Palestine need to coexist as two nations. And Obama has to understand and execute that. He can do it if he follows the advise of the wise. Middle East beckons Obama.
Pakistan is passing through a very turbulent time. Partially self generated and partially by the forces that seek to rock Pakistan. And Obama knows the facts and should see through the crocodile tears that seem to flow from all corners! A stable and progressive Pakistan is a must for the regions growth. But will this be allowed to happen? Obama should ensure the holding back of the boat rockers.
And that brings me to the last issue. The G20 meeting. All was not sweet and neat. The Europeans did not appreciate the Anglo Saxon proposals, though this was not said overtly. But the French/German bonhomie did blow the top. Obama probably understands the same and knows that the G20 was not as big a hit as the media made it out to be. One needs to only look into the British media to see the skeptism and distrust. Obama has handled the economic crises fairly well and he probably knows that he cannot rely on the outcome of the G20 summit. He needs to be cautious and conservative
Obama’s 100 days in office is like an all rounder in a cricket team! A bits and pieces man, capable of putting up his hand when required but not really one who has expertise in a particular area. At least as on date.Obama is not like Mathew Hayden or a Brett Lee but more like Symonds.
We saw Obama reaching out to the Europeans( including Turks) and the Arabs/Israelis. He had a tough swagger and a drawl when addressing the Pakistani and the Taliban. His tone was warm and affectionate when shaking hands with the master economist Dr Man Mohan Singh.
Obama has done his homework well
All rounders can come in very handy but in the long run, they cannot be effective for specific tasks. 100 days have been handled well but his tryst with destiny seeks a longer period…60 to a 120 months. And that is a long period. That is why I feel that he should don the mantle of a specialist at the earliest.
Middle East and Pakistan are two huge problems. The Arab Israel conflict needs a man who knows what he wants and also what he can deliver. The past has seen promises which could never be delivered. It was loathsome and dishonest. The need of the hour is to set the parameters for peace talks. This is a vital issue and will reflect the intentions and capabilities of the white house in general and Obama in particular. The recent posturing by him has given hopes to the genocide struck Palestinians. The two nation theory needs to be worked upon. There can never be peace in the world unless there is peace in the Middle East. There can be no peace unless there is a stable country of the Palestinians. Isreal and Palestine need to coexist as two nations. And Obama has to understand and execute that. He can do it if he follows the advise of the wise. Middle East beckons Obama.
Pakistan is passing through a very turbulent time. Partially self generated and partially by the forces that seek to rock Pakistan. And Obama knows the facts and should see through the crocodile tears that seem to flow from all corners! A stable and progressive Pakistan is a must for the regions growth. But will this be allowed to happen? Obama should ensure the holding back of the boat rockers.
And that brings me to the last issue. The G20 meeting. All was not sweet and neat. The Europeans did not appreciate the Anglo Saxon proposals, though this was not said overtly. But the French/German bonhomie did blow the top. Obama probably understands the same and knows that the G20 was not as big a hit as the media made it out to be. One needs to only look into the British media to see the skeptism and distrust. Obama has handled the economic crises fairly well and he probably knows that he cannot rely on the outcome of the G20 summit. He needs to be cautious and conservative
Give teeth to the Election Commission !
So much for the huge TV advertising exhorting people to go and exercise their franchise! Although a damp squib at the end of the day, it was not unexpected. Probably it tells a story in itself. Briefly, the audience does not hold the filmy sitarey in any high esteem. They lacked credibility. Audience felt that they did it as yet another commercial advertisement. Yes. That is what I look at it. And they did not feel the need to respond to commercials. Lesson learnt is that the next time, we wish to bring about any change in the aam aadmi, then let it be though people who are loaded with credibility. A Dr.Zakir Naik, Shri Shri Ravi Shankar or a swami Ramdev would bring better results.
Voting percentage being nominal speaks volumes about the apathy that has crept in our society. People could not see any change coming in even if they had gone and voted. Hence, the less than warm response. I believe that the Election Commission has a bigger role to play than what it does today. From a mere admonishing or an advisory role, the commission needs to be given plenty of teeth. They need to be seen as those who can bite..not just bark. The bite needs to be strong and potent. The Politician has a skin of a Hippopotamus and average teeth will elicit no response. Hence, the need for Dracula type incisors and canines. Give the EC more powers. Powers to stop one from contesting. Powers to ensure discipline throughout the election period. Perhaps even later.
The aam aadmi has lost faith in the politician. And this leads to loss of faith in the electoral system. I read in Hindu newspaper that names of minority community voters were missing in various parts of Bengaluru. Hundreds of voters could not vote since their names were not there. This inspite of the fact that they had legitimate identification papers to prove. Quite a pity that when such incidents happen, the faith in the electoral process takes a dive. And such acts of omissions and commissions are spread all over the nation.
The future of the nation appears hazy. I feel that our democracy can be really vibrant only if the processes are reviewed. A clarity in our national future can be achieved only if objectivity is practiced without any fear. EC needs to formulate rules and regulations that ensures weeding out of the unwanted, criminal from entering the public system. Crafty hate spreaders , slimy business sharks, double faced slithery politicians should be knocked down with a swift and a powerful blow.
How about introducing the concept of community service for the contenders? One can be eligible for elections only if one has put in a minimum period in community service. Like when one joins an elite business group, one starts as a trainee. Our politicians should serve as trainees during which they do community service. Five years and then being eligible for elections. For contesting the Parliamentary elections, one has to be at least a graduate. Then, ministers should have excellent academic records to prove ones potential. One cannot be considered for the post of a minister unless he averages 70% overall. Management Institutes have a minimum cut off marks for candidates. Follow the same for appointing ministers . Why not? Managers run a company; these politicians run the entire nation. We need the best who can manage the nation effectively. And yes, total transparency should be maintained.
Voting percentage being nominal speaks volumes about the apathy that has crept in our society. People could not see any change coming in even if they had gone and voted. Hence, the less than warm response. I believe that the Election Commission has a bigger role to play than what it does today. From a mere admonishing or an advisory role, the commission needs to be given plenty of teeth. They need to be seen as those who can bite..not just bark. The bite needs to be strong and potent. The Politician has a skin of a Hippopotamus and average teeth will elicit no response. Hence, the need for Dracula type incisors and canines. Give the EC more powers. Powers to stop one from contesting. Powers to ensure discipline throughout the election period. Perhaps even later.
The aam aadmi has lost faith in the politician. And this leads to loss of faith in the electoral system. I read in Hindu newspaper that names of minority community voters were missing in various parts of Bengaluru. Hundreds of voters could not vote since their names were not there. This inspite of the fact that they had legitimate identification papers to prove. Quite a pity that when such incidents happen, the faith in the electoral process takes a dive. And such acts of omissions and commissions are spread all over the nation.
The future of the nation appears hazy. I feel that our democracy can be really vibrant only if the processes are reviewed. A clarity in our national future can be achieved only if objectivity is practiced without any fear. EC needs to formulate rules and regulations that ensures weeding out of the unwanted, criminal from entering the public system. Crafty hate spreaders , slimy business sharks, double faced slithery politicians should be knocked down with a swift and a powerful blow.
How about introducing the concept of community service for the contenders? One can be eligible for elections only if one has put in a minimum period in community service. Like when one joins an elite business group, one starts as a trainee. Our politicians should serve as trainees during which they do community service. Five years and then being eligible for elections. For contesting the Parliamentary elections, one has to be at least a graduate. Then, ministers should have excellent academic records to prove ones potential. One cannot be considered for the post of a minister unless he averages 70% overall. Management Institutes have a minimum cut off marks for candidates. Follow the same for appointing ministers . Why not? Managers run a company; these politicians run the entire nation. We need the best who can manage the nation effectively. And yes, total transparency should be maintained.
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Let's create Voting Circles -for enlightened voting
Look for the Hidden agenda!!
What a scene in India as we prepare for the hustings! Maneka blasts Maya…Maya return fire with more fire! ManMohan Singh replies coolly to the allegations by Advani on his being a “bakri’ PM…then a take off by Advani for a duel which was turned down as none were Knights in ( or sans)Armour…Modi adds to the fuel of calling ManMohan Singh a weakling….Sibal launches into a heavy verbal assault on Advani being anything but a “Lohpurush”… the Three Musketeers from UP/Bihar adding the final icing on the hustings cake, and Arun Shourie voicing that the fake degree holder from UK, Varun Gandhi is well versed whilst Rahul Gandhi is an “innocent Kid”!! and who can set aside a visibly lost Sanjay Dutt at the beck and call of His Master-the one and only Amar Singh!!
And now a look at the manifesto. By the way, a manifesto means a public written declaration of Principles, policies, objectives. I am stating these because I want you all to note that it is a matter of Principles and Policies. Now, what is the general policy of the politicians and the parties on the manifesto itself? We all know that a manifesto is probably concealing more than it is revealing!! The main “agenda” is always the hidden agenda!! No manifesto reveals the hidden agenda and this is the main agenda. As a matter of fact, I am of the belief that the manifesto is designed to conceal the hidden agenda!! It is doctored in such a way so that it may appear as a declaration of policies to compete the others and at the same time reveal nothing of what will actually be done. But when parties spring promises like foodstuff at Rs 2.00/Kg, then we know for sure that the national economy is going for a toss!! Such sops should make the voter more alert. From where will the money come? At what cost will this be subsidized? But the manifesto of the BJP did reveal a lot than they normally do. Firstly, we now know that the Congress was correct in not tying up with the other parties for a pre poll tie up. The more candidates one fields, the more the chances of getting a higher tally in the final analysis. And this is what will give one the clout. That, probably was the reason why Congress allowed Laloo and co to go their way and they are free to contest all the seats in Bihar and UP. BJP has followed suit. Hence, a separate manifesto for the BJP after two elections sans a party manifesto. So, at the end of the day, NO party has any REAL prepoll alliance even if they pretend to have one!! Sharad Pawar proving my point.
I appreciate Amir Khan who has been promoting the idea that one MUST vote. Indeed, yes. This is a very crucial election for modern India. If in this elections we see an unprecedented voting % , we would know that the citizens have understood their responsibility. And this will bode,augur,portend well for modern India. Yes, we must vote intelligently and honestly. We must make it a point to give our best shot. In my earlier posting I had mentioned the need for a deep discussion before voting. I am also aware that money will be splashed all around to “buy” the voter. Many will succumb.But some will not. I am only hoping that those who stand by their Principles and honesty and vote intelligently and purposefully will be higher than ever before.
I would read all the manifestos. After that, delete those promises that look empty and dishonest. The see what is left. Now, I would add my wisdom gathered from past experience. Will this candidate/party work for national unity and progress ? What past does he carry? What potential does does he/she show? What “hidden” agenda could be carried by the candidate/party ?
It is time we vote by our conscience. Let us put a value to our vote. Not in terms on money but in terms of importance, in terms of how it can affect our future directions. This is vital for our future. Indeed, the rural voter may be misled as he is considered gullible and vulnerable. But I get the hunch that the rural voter has just about woken up. And along with the more enlightened urban voter, he will help to turn the tables. Let us ensure that we create a sort of a “voting circle” where we make a group of friends. Each individual takes the responsibility of taking another 10-20 people to vote. If for example we create 100 voting circles in an area and each circle ahs at least 50 members, the we are looking 5,000 members. Each ensuring at least 15 voters then we are talking of about 45,000 voters! See the power of the Voting Circle? And as a bye product, we ensure higher awareness and scrutiny of the candidates
We might just about see many Meera Sanyals, Captain Gopinaths, Mallika Sarabhais in the parliament.
What a scene in India as we prepare for the hustings! Maneka blasts Maya…Maya return fire with more fire! ManMohan Singh replies coolly to the allegations by Advani on his being a “bakri’ PM…then a take off by Advani for a duel which was turned down as none were Knights in ( or sans)Armour…Modi adds to the fuel of calling ManMohan Singh a weakling….Sibal launches into a heavy verbal assault on Advani being anything but a “Lohpurush”… the Three Musketeers from UP/Bihar adding the final icing on the hustings cake, and Arun Shourie voicing that the fake degree holder from UK, Varun Gandhi is well versed whilst Rahul Gandhi is an “innocent Kid”!! and who can set aside a visibly lost Sanjay Dutt at the beck and call of His Master-the one and only Amar Singh!!
And now a look at the manifesto. By the way, a manifesto means a public written declaration of Principles, policies, objectives. I am stating these because I want you all to note that it is a matter of Principles and Policies. Now, what is the general policy of the politicians and the parties on the manifesto itself? We all know that a manifesto is probably concealing more than it is revealing!! The main “agenda” is always the hidden agenda!! No manifesto reveals the hidden agenda and this is the main agenda. As a matter of fact, I am of the belief that the manifesto is designed to conceal the hidden agenda!! It is doctored in such a way so that it may appear as a declaration of policies to compete the others and at the same time reveal nothing of what will actually be done. But when parties spring promises like foodstuff at Rs 2.00/Kg, then we know for sure that the national economy is going for a toss!! Such sops should make the voter more alert. From where will the money come? At what cost will this be subsidized? But the manifesto of the BJP did reveal a lot than they normally do. Firstly, we now know that the Congress was correct in not tying up with the other parties for a pre poll tie up. The more candidates one fields, the more the chances of getting a higher tally in the final analysis. And this is what will give one the clout. That, probably was the reason why Congress allowed Laloo and co to go their way and they are free to contest all the seats in Bihar and UP. BJP has followed suit. Hence, a separate manifesto for the BJP after two elections sans a party manifesto. So, at the end of the day, NO party has any REAL prepoll alliance even if they pretend to have one!! Sharad Pawar proving my point.
I appreciate Amir Khan who has been promoting the idea that one MUST vote. Indeed, yes. This is a very crucial election for modern India. If in this elections we see an unprecedented voting % , we would know that the citizens have understood their responsibility. And this will bode,augur,portend well for modern India. Yes, we must vote intelligently and honestly. We must make it a point to give our best shot. In my earlier posting I had mentioned the need for a deep discussion before voting. I am also aware that money will be splashed all around to “buy” the voter. Many will succumb.But some will not. I am only hoping that those who stand by their Principles and honesty and vote intelligently and purposefully will be higher than ever before.
I would read all the manifestos. After that, delete those promises that look empty and dishonest. The see what is left. Now, I would add my wisdom gathered from past experience. Will this candidate/party work for national unity and progress ? What past does he carry? What potential does does he/she show? What “hidden” agenda could be carried by the candidate/party ?
It is time we vote by our conscience. Let us put a value to our vote. Not in terms on money but in terms of importance, in terms of how it can affect our future directions. This is vital for our future. Indeed, the rural voter may be misled as he is considered gullible and vulnerable. But I get the hunch that the rural voter has just about woken up. And along with the more enlightened urban voter, he will help to turn the tables. Let us ensure that we create a sort of a “voting circle” where we make a group of friends. Each individual takes the responsibility of taking another 10-20 people to vote. If for example we create 100 voting circles in an area and each circle ahs at least 50 members, the we are looking 5,000 members. Each ensuring at least 15 voters then we are talking of about 45,000 voters! See the power of the Voting Circle? And as a bye product, we ensure higher awareness and scrutiny of the candidates
We might just about see many Meera Sanyals, Captain Gopinaths, Mallika Sarabhais in the parliament.
Saturday, March 28, 2009
We the People-We the Indians have to rise!
It is not nice to break a promise and I hate to be the one doing so! I had thought of keeping mum on the shortcut politician-Varun G. But I am driven to despair. I am distraught at the turn of events as I see a gloating galaxy of the saffron brigade throttle the essence of democracy and ethics . And Ravi Shankar has the audacity to call this as the “noise of democracy”! Indeed, when we slit the jugular vein of democracy, there has to be at least the noise! Give me a break! What we see on the 28th of March is a blatant throat slitting of our very fabric of existence-undiluted and pure democracy. And who is to blame??
It is pathetic to see how sectarian hatred is being cradled by the crass politicians. Senior politicians were rushed to Pilibhit to ensure a huge crowd prior to the arrival of the Prince of Hindutva. Efforts were made to ensure that the whole scenario is like the home coming of the chivalrous son! The son who has conquered the demon that threatened the entire humanity.
Political parties that indulge in such ventures should be damned by the voter. We live in the Modern era of progress and development. We nurture dreams of being a super power. We challenge others to debates like the US. Our new generation aspires to conquer the world. But nothing of this is going to happen till as long as politicians continue to thrive on human divide based on caste, religion,region or language. Honestly speaking, our dreams will remain a dream because we are not in charge of our own destiny. We have given it in the hands of those who live for themselves. We are naïve to think that we can scale the Mount Everst when we cannot even cross the road for ourselves. We the People, are incompetent, incapable and devoid of zest and spirit to achieve. We the people, are in our Child stage and show no signs of going into the Adult stage. We allow thugs to prosper and then cry , “Bachao..Bachao”. what an Irony!! So near and yet so far! India has the potential but the one billion strong people of India have been made to grovel by a few!! Not a single Obama amongst the Billion??Search…my dear..search yourself.
Ah! Let me dry my tears and come back to the reality of the day. I read somewhere that Varun G says, “ I will not compromise on my principles” Bally ho! The world today has changed no doubt and so has the dictionary. Principles…what does it mean today? Certainly not Morality, ideology, ethics, values, integrity, virtue or honour!!
And coming back to the young politician in a hurry, if my memory serves me right, I remember that the young hate spewing fella has earlier denied that the voice was his. Correct me if my memory fails me for I think he said on various platforms that the CD was doctored? Right? Well, now, please tell me what is his stand? Does he claim that what were being shown on the CD are not his thoughts and words? If that is true, then why all this drama about principles? Utter rubbish! If what he said in the CD is said by him and he accepts it, then yes, we could say that the fella has stuck to his guns!! The irony is that on one hand he DENIES any hate speech and at the same time wants the poor, ignorant, gullible Indian voter to believe that he ACTUALLY said it! Double game…Double dealing and looking for a Double Whammy!! Got me?
The Party and the fellow are both cahoots in this nefarious game that could spell disaster and innocent lives will be sacrificed. We need to contain before the rot sets in. The hydra headed monster of communal divide is capable of latching on like a leech. It will suck and gnaw at the vitals of our thriving secular ideals. We the Indians, shall hang our heads in shame as nations will speed past us in the race for a super power. The monster should be contained by We the people- We the Indians. If blood spills over in the streets of Pilibhit or elsewhere…WHO will be responsible?? If even a single innocent life is sacrificed…whose conscience will we appeal to? And all for what? To get one guy into the parliament?
We the people need to rise. We the Indians need to Act. Today. Tomorrow may be too late. And yes, this is not about any single individual or a single party. This is against those , regardless of caste, colour, creed or religion, region, who attempt to trample our nation- Mera Bharat Mahaan.
I wonder if Mayawati , Mulayam and Sonia Gandhi could reverse the dice? Le them field a SINGLE candidate against Varun. And then let him have it!!
It is pathetic to see how sectarian hatred is being cradled by the crass politicians. Senior politicians were rushed to Pilibhit to ensure a huge crowd prior to the arrival of the Prince of Hindutva. Efforts were made to ensure that the whole scenario is like the home coming of the chivalrous son! The son who has conquered the demon that threatened the entire humanity.
Political parties that indulge in such ventures should be damned by the voter. We live in the Modern era of progress and development. We nurture dreams of being a super power. We challenge others to debates like the US. Our new generation aspires to conquer the world. But nothing of this is going to happen till as long as politicians continue to thrive on human divide based on caste, religion,region or language. Honestly speaking, our dreams will remain a dream because we are not in charge of our own destiny. We have given it in the hands of those who live for themselves. We are naïve to think that we can scale the Mount Everst when we cannot even cross the road for ourselves. We the People, are incompetent, incapable and devoid of zest and spirit to achieve. We the people, are in our Child stage and show no signs of going into the Adult stage. We allow thugs to prosper and then cry , “Bachao..Bachao”. what an Irony!! So near and yet so far! India has the potential but the one billion strong people of India have been made to grovel by a few!! Not a single Obama amongst the Billion??Search…my dear..search yourself.
Ah! Let me dry my tears and come back to the reality of the day. I read somewhere that Varun G says, “ I will not compromise on my principles” Bally ho! The world today has changed no doubt and so has the dictionary. Principles…what does it mean today? Certainly not Morality, ideology, ethics, values, integrity, virtue or honour!!
And coming back to the young politician in a hurry, if my memory serves me right, I remember that the young hate spewing fella has earlier denied that the voice was his. Correct me if my memory fails me for I think he said on various platforms that the CD was doctored? Right? Well, now, please tell me what is his stand? Does he claim that what were being shown on the CD are not his thoughts and words? If that is true, then why all this drama about principles? Utter rubbish! If what he said in the CD is said by him and he accepts it, then yes, we could say that the fella has stuck to his guns!! The irony is that on one hand he DENIES any hate speech and at the same time wants the poor, ignorant, gullible Indian voter to believe that he ACTUALLY said it! Double game…Double dealing and looking for a Double Whammy!! Got me?
The Party and the fellow are both cahoots in this nefarious game that could spell disaster and innocent lives will be sacrificed. We need to contain before the rot sets in. The hydra headed monster of communal divide is capable of latching on like a leech. It will suck and gnaw at the vitals of our thriving secular ideals. We the Indians, shall hang our heads in shame as nations will speed past us in the race for a super power. The monster should be contained by We the people- We the Indians. If blood spills over in the streets of Pilibhit or elsewhere…WHO will be responsible?? If even a single innocent life is sacrificed…whose conscience will we appeal to? And all for what? To get one guy into the parliament?
We the people need to rise. We the Indians need to Act. Today. Tomorrow may be too late. And yes, this is not about any single individual or a single party. This is against those , regardless of caste, colour, creed or religion, region, who attempt to trample our nation- Mera Bharat Mahaan.
I wonder if Mayawati , Mulayam and Sonia Gandhi could reverse the dice? Le them field a SINGLE candidate against Varun. And then let him have it!!
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