Rahul Gandhi's four-day visit to thirteen districts of Orissa in March might have ruffled feathers within the party and the ruling BJD-BJP, but was seen as a sincere effort in trying to meet the people and understand their problems. The visit was reminiscent of his father's famous visit to Orissa particularly to Kalhandi in the eighties after India Today reported sale of a child by the parents due to crushing poverty.
Rahul Gandhi visited remote villages in Koraput and Ganjam districts where he was told not to go because of security reasons. Rahul Gandhi commented on the state's poverty. Orissa is rich, not you, he said. Aides who were travelling with him told this writer that the meeting with the tribal people had gone down well. He also said mining in the hills of Orissa would damage the environment. This 'Discover India' tour was supposed to set the tone for his discovery of India tour. That was then.
Orissa is now burning. After the murder of a VHP leader in Kandhamal district on Janmasthami day, Bajrang Dal and VHP thugs have burnt more than a dozen churches, killed more than 17 people and attacking Christians in eastern Orissa-all this in the presence of the. Despite shoot-on-sight orders the violence continues in Orissa. It is a distinct characterstic of the Indian state where despite a large presence of security personnel in such situations have their way be it in Gujarat or Orissa. Though the Maoists have admitted to the killing, VHP and Bajrang Dal leaders have squarely blamed the Christians behind the murder. Christian groups have sought the deployment of the Indian Army. Like as usual, the state and the Centre will take time to stop the violence and bring in some swift and effective action. It is time Rahul Gandhi visited Orissa before it snowballs further.
If he can shed his political skin and talk as an Indian rallying for the cause of a Kalavati or a Sasikala in the parliament during the trust vote proceedings, why can't he now visit Kandhamal. It is now that the state needs him, when it is burning.
During his March visit, close aides had given him a white paper on the problems confronting the state and religious violence was one. The paper clearly stated the causes and reasons for the religious violence in the state. So, it is not as if Rahul Gandhi does not know the communal antecedents in the state. In that case, should he not be in Orissa than touring Allahabad?
Orissa can never be rich till the time the social fabric of the state attains a certain level of civility. Whichever establishment is in power needs to understand this and work towards primarily diagnosing the problems like naxalism, poverty, tribal issues, health, employment and environmental degradation and solving them. The state needs a balm. Rahul Gandhi can bring in that balming effect, calm tempers, assuage emotions and appeal to all rabid thugs who are on a killing spree.
Orissa needs him now.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Class Action
To say that the launch of Telugu actor Chiranjeevi's political party, Praja Rajyam, had all the trappings of the 150 odd films he has done in his career will be a gross understatement. On two aspects, that he knows best, his launch had outdone his films- in scale and drama. It had the epic scale of Cecil De B Mille's Ben Hur. Chiranjeevi sent a clear message to his political adversaries yesterday that he has the ability to pull and draw hundreds and thousands of people from across the length and the coast of the state, something only south Indian actors are endowed with. But among all of them who have taken a plunge into politics, Chiranjeevi's magnetism for drawing huge crowds has been the best so far.
The venue was symbolic in all political sense and sensibilities. It was on this Avilala Tank ground that the 1992 AICC plenary was held. Against the backdrop of a deafening roar, Chiranjeevi asked a physically challenged youth to unveil the party's white and green flag with a blazing sun in the centre.
His speech, running into two hours, was almost like watching one of his films except that it was a monologue. He said he wanted to fight political corruption at the top as it was the fountainhead of graft. Importantly, he said his party will be committed to socialism and empowerment of the poor and downtrodden. My party belongs to women, backward classes, farmers, workers and youth, he said. While touching upon almost all pressing problems confronting the state, he said he would do a scientific assessment of all them before arriving at solutions. His rally posters had Gandhi, Mother Teresa, Jyotiba Phule clearly indicating on which side of the social spectrum he stands.
Going by initial commentaries, he plans to unsettle the Congress and TDP bases in coastal Andhra, where he has powerful grip. The Left parties, Telangana Rasthriya Samithi and BJP have erupted already sprung up to say they are open to future alliances provided Chiru's agenda is in sync with theirs. Going by the spectacle of the launch and the cinematic spell he holds over Andhra Pradesh, it is not upto the BJP to decide but it will be upto PR to decide who to embrace and hold hands with.
He has even advocated sensitive handling of the Telengana issue and Naxalism in the state, something that his political adversaries have so far found it challenging.
His rise to stardom, like his dear friend Rajinikanth, is something that is stuff of movies and legends. Where else can you find the son of a constable rising to a superstar but in our movies? And now he has used the very same stardom and the support of his fans to launch his party. My parents looked after me for 22 years, but you have carried me for 30 years on your shoulders. Therefore, I wanted to play a bigger role in ushering a change in your lives, he said in almost a melodramatic fashion.
Critics have been swift in rubbishing his poverty stricken past and his spartan claims after the launch of the party. They must have quivered, shuddered at the thought of the sea of humanity who came in waves to see their matinee idol.
The Congress responded by saying PR will not have any effect on the party in the state rather it will affect the spoils of TDP. He had already met senior BJP leader LK Advani. The state unit has already asked the actor turned politician to come clear on Telengana issue as though he has been running the state's political affairs for donkey's years.
It would be appropriate to see how he performs than to speculate which way will Chiranjeevi swing. What is to be seen is whether the sea of humanity can be translated into votes.
During an election rally the DMK supremo, Karunanidhi had once said if only his supporters who gathered to listen to his speeches came to vote. That would apply for Chiranjeevi as well. Till then he can enjoy his new role.
The venue was symbolic in all political sense and sensibilities. It was on this Avilala Tank ground that the 1992 AICC plenary was held. Against the backdrop of a deafening roar, Chiranjeevi asked a physically challenged youth to unveil the party's white and green flag with a blazing sun in the centre.
His speech, running into two hours, was almost like watching one of his films except that it was a monologue. He said he wanted to fight political corruption at the top as it was the fountainhead of graft. Importantly, he said his party will be committed to socialism and empowerment of the poor and downtrodden. My party belongs to women, backward classes, farmers, workers and youth, he said. While touching upon almost all pressing problems confronting the state, he said he would do a scientific assessment of all them before arriving at solutions. His rally posters had Gandhi, Mother Teresa, Jyotiba Phule clearly indicating on which side of the social spectrum he stands.
Going by initial commentaries, he plans to unsettle the Congress and TDP bases in coastal Andhra, where he has powerful grip. The Left parties, Telangana Rasthriya Samithi and BJP have erupted already sprung up to say they are open to future alliances provided Chiru's agenda is in sync with theirs. Going by the spectacle of the launch and the cinematic spell he holds over Andhra Pradesh, it is not upto the BJP to decide but it will be upto PR to decide who to embrace and hold hands with.
He has even advocated sensitive handling of the Telengana issue and Naxalism in the state, something that his political adversaries have so far found it challenging.
His rise to stardom, like his dear friend Rajinikanth, is something that is stuff of movies and legends. Where else can you find the son of a constable rising to a superstar but in our movies? And now he has used the very same stardom and the support of his fans to launch his party. My parents looked after me for 22 years, but you have carried me for 30 years on your shoulders. Therefore, I wanted to play a bigger role in ushering a change in your lives, he said in almost a melodramatic fashion.
Critics have been swift in rubbishing his poverty stricken past and his spartan claims after the launch of the party. They must have quivered, shuddered at the thought of the sea of humanity who came in waves to see their matinee idol.
The Congress responded by saying PR will not have any effect on the party in the state rather it will affect the spoils of TDP. He had already met senior BJP leader LK Advani. The state unit has already asked the actor turned politician to come clear on Telengana issue as though he has been running the state's political affairs for donkey's years.
It would be appropriate to see how he performs than to speculate which way will Chiranjeevi swing. What is to be seen is whether the sea of humanity can be translated into votes.
During an election rally the DMK supremo, Karunanidhi had once said if only his supporters who gathered to listen to his speeches came to vote. That would apply for Chiranjeevi as well. Till then he can enjoy his new role.
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Shibu Soren soaring?
India's northern state of Jharkhand is becoming a case study of sorts in political possibilities. Firstly, an independent MLA with support of mainstream parties like Congress and RJD, was made the Chief Minister. This was a rare case but isn't politics an art where such rareities are made possible. Two, a strong regional leader, who till few days back was slated to take as a Union Minister, is set to return as CM. Interestingly, much like in Karnataka, independents including the outgoing CM will be the lifeline of the new leadership. Or will it not?
A spate of developments following the Trust Vote in Parliament over nuclear agreement with USA has led to a situation where Shibu Soren of Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), a man credited with the creation of this state, is all set to hold the mantle as Chief Minister.
It's been a dream that Soren, fondly called Guruji, has nurtured and it augurs well for the people of the state who find in him a liberator.
The tricky composition of the 81-member Assembly, however, makes the task of mustering the requisite number a little difficult for Guruji. But with the incumbent CM Madhu Koda finally resigning paving the way for Guruji, it could only be minor hiccups that would be bothering him.
Monday is a crucial day and it is hoped Guruji would emerge victorious.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
UPA must act NOW on Jammu - Kashmir
The Valley continues to simmer and Jammu burns with rage. And what we have as a solution to the Amarnath Shrine land impasse is a stoic silence from a laggard government whose only intent and wish, it seems, is to let this volatile phase peter off somehow. But sadly for the UPA government at the Centre, this is turning out to be a predicament difficult to bury or bypass. Ahead of crucial elections in the state and elsewhere in the country, this could turn out to be a bad omen for the government if not dealt with alacrity and compassion.
This also displays in no uncertain terms that Indian government, irrespective of which party is in power, continues to lack will when it comes to resolving tricky issues.
India’s northernmost state of Jammu & Kashmir comprising three regions – plain Jammu, hilly Kashmir, and Ladakh – has been in the throes of revolt for over a month now over allocation of a tract of land by the Governor to the Amarnath Shrine Board, in charge of Hindu’s holy shrine of Amarnath which is thronged by lakhs every year.
The Muslim dominated Valley has been protesting this terming the allocation as encroachment on their “own” land. Hindus in the Jammu region, who have felt discriminated against for decades, seem to be saying enough is enough. They feel given the socio-political and cultural compulsions successive governments have adopted partisan stance against them which has led to such “high-handed” attitude of the people of the valley.
Being religious, the issue has struck an emotional chord with people of all strata and this has led to continued rebellion including blockade of the Valley – Jammu is the vital nerve that connects economically significant Kashmir valley to the rest of the country and vice versa. Among others, the whole country savours the juicy apple and oranges from the Valley. Other than affecting traders, this blockade has also led to squeeze on essential supplies to the Valley and people are turning volatile.
On Tuesday alone 16 innocent lives were lost in Police firing in Kashmir Valley and 85 were injured. One example of how the government has let this tricky issue blow beyond its sleeves is the fact that after 13 years curfew had to be imposed in all the 10 districts of the valley. In Jammu too the situation remains tense and people are just not letting the steam subside.
The second-all party meeting to discuss the issue on Tuesday had bore no fruits either and a hapless government continues to duck and dawdle. Being religious, the issue also has national appeal and with media beaming images of a restless and volatile people, their brethren Valley and Jammu, people are sitting back and taking note.
It’s a rather simple issue turned vexed by sheer lack of imagination. Time government acted and resolved it.
The beautiful state and its people, not to forget their rich cultural and religious heritage, deserve a better attention than hemming and hawing.
Saturday, August 9, 2008
Will Singh remain a King?
Today morning when I opened my email, I got a mail from one of my journalist friend from Chandigarh with a huge picture as attachment and “Singh is King” as the subject line. As I opened the picture I was shocked at the first glance but could not stop myself from laughing loudly at last. The picture was actually the poster from the recently released film “Singh is King” and in place of original actor’s and actress’s face it was none other than our PM Manmohan Singh raising his right hand high and holding Sonia Gandhi with his left hand.
True Singh really turned out to be a King and also shunned the notion that he was a political novice. However, his real test would be during the next elections when lot of these issue that we have seen playing in July would come back haunting to him: most notably the note-for-vote scam.
As we get set to witness the next general election, it is also time for us to closely watch the political maneuverings. It would be interesting to watch how the many regional parties shape up in the run up to the elections. It is pertinent to note that in the final analysis, all these parties would have to gravitate towards either UPA or NDA. It would be too premature to talk of UNPA as its constituents are known for their consistent inconsistency.
It would be too premature also, for instance, to think that Mayawati would remain aligned to UNPA and so on, not to ask of smaller parties like TRS (which is already hobnobbing with BJP), TDP, AGP and INLD.
Only time will tell.
By Monish Mazumdar
True Singh really turned out to be a King and also shunned the notion that he was a political novice. However, his real test would be during the next elections when lot of these issue that we have seen playing in July would come back haunting to him: most notably the note-for-vote scam.
As we get set to witness the next general election, it is also time for us to closely watch the political maneuverings. It would be interesting to watch how the many regional parties shape up in the run up to the elections. It is pertinent to note that in the final analysis, all these parties would have to gravitate towards either UPA or NDA. It would be too premature to talk of UNPA as its constituents are known for their consistent inconsistency.
It would be too premature also, for instance, to think that Mayawati would remain aligned to UNPA and so on, not to ask of smaller parties like TRS (which is already hobnobbing with BJP), TDP, AGP and INLD.
Only time will tell.
By Monish Mazumdar
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
A pic worth a 1000 words? Ask journos
A picture is worth a 1000 words, said someone. And if he saw how his worldly wisdom is put to use today, he would be turning upside down inside his grave!
Picture this: Four leaders of the ruling Indian coalition representing three main parties come together to counter the barrage of assaults from the Opposition Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) over the note-for-vote scandal that hit the Parliament on July 22 when PM Manmohan Singh was seeking a Trust Vote over Indo-US Nuclear Agreement. RJD’s Lalu Yadav, LJP’s Ram Vilas Paswan and SP’s Mulayam Singh Yadav and Amar Singh come together to counter attacks from BJP, a political compulsion to say the least. This show of solidarity, sprung up in the aftermath of BJP’s attack, has been necessitated by the need of the parties to flock together and reiterate their opposition to the “communal” forces in the country.
Picture this as well: A day after this some newspapers (including some prestigious English dailies) have gone gaga over the coming together of these leaders. Some have gone to the extent of saying that this marks a new phase in the cow belt politics (major northern Indian states UP and Bihar, which send over 120 elected leaders to the Parliament, are referred to as the cow belt). Their logic: the leaders such as Lalu, Paswan and Yadav have come together after a long time. They forgot Lalu and Paswan have been together since this government was formed over four years ago while Mulayam is not anti-thesis to Lalu and vice versa. And they all represent the ruling coalition of UPA. A mere clasping of hands could trigger so much political analyses!
While it would be wrong to dismiss the analysis altogether, there is little doubt that the journalists have attempted to read a bit too much into this picture of solidarity triggered by the CD controversy.
And this: There also little doubt that those who propounded this theory, and possibly fed the journos, may have been able to at least momentarily create niggling doubts in the minds of Congress managers over the growing warmth among cow belt charmers. But this may have been too short-lived after all.
I will not be flummoxed to read analyses on how Mayawati’s whisperings to Sonia Gandhi, when they were catapulted into proximity at Late HK Surjeet’s cremation the other day, is beginning to jolt Amar Singh and Mulayam Singh Yadav!
Didn't you hear, a picture is worth a 1000 words!
Picture this: Four leaders of the ruling Indian coalition representing three main parties come together to counter the barrage of assaults from the Opposition Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) over the note-for-vote scandal that hit the Parliament on July 22 when PM Manmohan Singh was seeking a Trust Vote over Indo-US Nuclear Agreement. RJD’s Lalu Yadav, LJP’s Ram Vilas Paswan and SP’s Mulayam Singh Yadav and Amar Singh come together to counter attacks from BJP, a political compulsion to say the least. This show of solidarity, sprung up in the aftermath of BJP’s attack, has been necessitated by the need of the parties to flock together and reiterate their opposition to the “communal” forces in the country.
Picture this as well: A day after this some newspapers (including some prestigious English dailies) have gone gaga over the coming together of these leaders. Some have gone to the extent of saying that this marks a new phase in the cow belt politics (major northern Indian states UP and Bihar, which send over 120 elected leaders to the Parliament, are referred to as the cow belt). Their logic: the leaders such as Lalu, Paswan and Yadav have come together after a long time. They forgot Lalu and Paswan have been together since this government was formed over four years ago while Mulayam is not anti-thesis to Lalu and vice versa. And they all represent the ruling coalition of UPA. A mere clasping of hands could trigger so much political analyses!
While it would be wrong to dismiss the analysis altogether, there is little doubt that the journalists have attempted to read a bit too much into this picture of solidarity triggered by the CD controversy.
And this: There also little doubt that those who propounded this theory, and possibly fed the journos, may have been able to at least momentarily create niggling doubts in the minds of Congress managers over the growing warmth among cow belt charmers. But this may have been too short-lived after all.
I will not be flummoxed to read analyses on how Mayawati’s whisperings to Sonia Gandhi, when they were catapulted into proximity at Late HK Surjeet’s cremation the other day, is beginning to jolt Amar Singh and Mulayam Singh Yadav!
Didn't you hear, a picture is worth a 1000 words!
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