Maharashtra Politics : a bollywood love triangle

Last evening I had a few friends come over to my place. Instead of chatting about fashion, relationships and the usual topics, we often discuss literature, Politics and current affairs. (Yes, we are geeks and we are boring!) Since it was the day of Vidhansabha election results in Maharashtra and Haryana, obviously the same was our topic of discussion (read bakchodi). Almost all results were out and BJP had emerged as the largest party with 123 seats, yet not enough to form government on its own. Shiv Sena with 63 seats emerged as second largest party. The rest fared as follows :

With all the high voltage pre-poll political drama in Maharashtra, that witnessed split in not one but two alliances, the scene was nothing less than a political equivalent of an Ekta Kapur Sas-Bahu melodrama. NCP soon offered its support for a BJP government from outside unconditionally. With this new kahani mein twist, we all could see a perfect Bollywood love-triangle. "What if this Love-triangle was from the movie Devdas?" - with that thought in mind, we continued our Bakaiti session and equating parties with characters from the movie. Here is the outcome.

Right from the tug-of-war between Sena and BJP for seats to their breakup and then all the vituperative epithets used by Sena for Modi, Sena's behavior was more like an insolent girlfriend who had put her foot down on a demand, which lead to a breakup and then she dumps the blame on the other. Not just Paro, but Angry Paro!

A few members were expelled from Congress for opposing Sonia Gandhi's claim over the post of Prime Minister, back in 1999. These members came together and formed NCP. withing next 6 months the same party joined hands with Congress in Maharashtra to form government and then Joined UPA in the center as well. Hence, right from its 'accidental' conception, NCP has always enjoyed chair. Ever ready to partner with other parties for the pleasure of power, today after its split with Congress, its eyeing BJP; any guesses why? If Chair and Beds are furnitures and Politics, a brothel, we've found our Chandramukhi - Beautiful, shrewd and Fatal!

No points for guessing, which role resembles BJP; but since the whole scenario revolved around not the party but Modi, we had to nominate Modi for the role of Devdas, but a different Devdas. You see, as per the story, Devdas gets drunk and screws up his own health. Modi on the other hand is a teetotaller. So, what would he drink? MILK! And instead screwing up the whole situation even more like the original Devdas, Modi rolls up his sleeves and gets down to business. Hence, Modi isnt Devdas, but a Sanghi Devdas!

So, if Modi is Sanghi Devdas, who fits the bill for Chunni Babu? Ofcourse, the one and only Amit Shah! but again this Chunni Babu does not help his friend screw his life even more, but does everything he can to ensure his friend's victory. Thats Amit shah - a Sanghi Chunni Babu!

One party that has been trying to mediate a deal between Shiv Sena and BJP right when the tussle about the seats began has been the Republican Party of India (RPI). Even post polls, RPI chief Ramdas Athavle has remained hopeful of a Sena-BJP reconciliation. Yes, thats our Dharam da!

Born in an affluent family but low on morals, Congress has not only lost its ally, but now also helplessly watches it make advances towards its rival. Congress is a Cocky villain and hence Kali Babu... a Secular Kaali Babu.

An aggressive character with negative shades that has a presence on the scene as good as a cameo, provides a bit of comic relief and as the story advances which is soon rendered irrelevant is Kumud Bhabhi. Enough said!

Just when everyone thought we had discussed all the characters and parties and were busy making jokes on the last character, and predicting about new alliances, Ashraf Ali entered the scene.

Wait, what! isn't that a character from ... errm, from Gadar, ek prem katha?
yes, you guessed it right.
So isn't this kinda an intrusion?
Exactly!

Now chew on this : All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul-Muslimeen, AIMIM - a Communal party based in Hyderabad known for its floor leader Akbaruddin Owaisi's venomous hate speech against Hindus, won 2 seats in Maharashtra.

Supriya Sule : Feminism or Tokenism?

Surfing news channels for my daily dose of current affairs while sipping late morning tea, a lady answering audience questions on ABP news caught my attentuon. This was Supriya Sule, daughter of NCP suprimo Sharad Pawar, in a program titled 'Ghoshnapatra'. Political biases aside, I must say I was impressed with the grace with which she answered some serious and tough questions, may it be about Farmers' suicides in Maharshtra or Dynasty politics.

What caunght my attention was her answers to two differnt random questions, that strangely connected on one subject.

A gentleman in flowery words questioned her about Dynasty politics. Obviously, this was directed towards her own 'Pawar-house' (*hint, pun). To which she gave example of R.R.Patil (Home Minister Maharashtra) who has no political background. Also, she mentioned about Nationalist Congress Party's efforts in incresing women's participation in politics right from grass-root level and how they have reached out to Women in rural Maharashtra.

After few other questions, another gentleman pointed out that often her name is mentioned as a candidate for the post of Maharashtra's CM...will the people see her as Maharashtra's first female CM?

The answer to this question is always a shy denial, but the way she denied was what impressed me the most. "I am against any kind of tokenism. A female CM does not guarantee safety and security for women. Uttar Pradesh had a female CM (Miss Mayavati) for four terms and we all know about the situation there." - She denied and NOT!

She cleverly denied any sexist ethusiasms and left the question on CM's post unanswered. We all know what an unanswered question means.

Every now and then we see people demanding more posts be headed by females, since that would ensure soltion to women's issues. Is this not sexism...against women? Are we saying a person should be given a certain post and celebrated only becuse the pronoun associated is 'SHE'? In doing so are we not undermining that person's talents and capabilities? And most importantly, drawing from Supria Sule's words, aren't we trading Feminism for Tokenism, thereby opening new ways for women to be exploited? (Remember how Lalu Prasad Yadav used Rabri Devi as a remote control? Oh, those who'd call it misogynitic Male dominated Society's treatement of women, remember Manmohan Singh's case?)

There is a thin line between all these 'isms'... let us not forget this in our enthusiasms for whatever sex we favour.

Narendra Modi - Sending out the right signals

We have been reading and listening to people saying "Parliament is Temple of Democracy." Finally, someone behaves like it really is! 

News channels have talked much about Modi-Advani rift, yet today we saw both Modi and Advani share a genuine hug. Advani has seen the party grow from just 2 seats to a massive majority of 282 seats for BJP alone, while the alliance, NDA, bags 336 seats! Even for a seasoned Politician like Advani, to see the sapling he and his fellow BJP leaders planted bloom into such a massive tree, must be overwhelmingly emotional. No doubt he has been spotted teary eyed a few times by reporters. The overwhelming victory seemed to get the best of Modi too, when he too got emotional during his speech, twice. Other BJP leaders too couldn't help joining in. Cynics may pass this as merely a publicity stunt, but those who understand human behavior and BJP-RSS history, their passion, and devotion for the Nation would'nt doubt the feelings. In any case, the Nation today follows every move made by Modi very closely and is full of hopes. What makes Modi so special? 

The answer is, besides his and BJP's hard work and marketing, Modi never fails to make positive and bold statements through his actions. He grabs every opportunity to send the right message. Here is a list of observations - 

Pre-election, Modi not only refrained but also refused to address and divide Indians as Muslims and Hindus, as Minority and Majority. This was the beginning of the end of Vote-bank Politics. 

While filing his nomination at Vadodra, Kiran Mahida (a Tea vendor) and Shubhanginiraje Gaekwad from the royal family of Vadodra were his two proposers. Both were carefully chosen to represent the humble and the great, a male and a female. 

Similarly, in Varanasi, the four proposers - Padmabhushan Pt. Channulal Mishra (Hindstani Classical Singer), Justice Giridhar Malviya (grandson of freedom fighter Madan Mohan Malviya), Virbhadra Nishad (Boatman) and Ashok Kumar (weaver)... all represent and symbolise different sections of the society. Before Modi, not many knew about even the role of a proposer in the process.

Post Elections, the 1st time he was spotted was while visiting his mother, hitting the right notes with people.

His 1st public address was at Vadodra, 2nd at Ahmedabad and 3rd at Varanasi after visiting Kashi-Vishwanath temple and performing Ganga aarati. The 3 cities symbolise his journey from State to National Politics. His speeches ensured a strong connect with every individual who voted for him, finding the same with the ones who didn't. Offering prayers, he made sure to put an end to 'pseudo-secular' vote bank appeasement politics. 

The most probable name for his successor as Gujrat CM is Anandiben patel - Women empowerment in action.

Pre and post elections  Modi talked about development...development for everyone - for the young and the old, for poor and rich, for men and women. His talks about technology made him popular among the younger generation. He respects India's customs and Traditions. He comes from a humble family. His relatives still live a humble life. All this makes it possible for him to connect emotionally and ideologically with people from different walks of life. How about the other politicians start taking notes?

Elections2014 - Not all those who lost are defeated

No battle is won without losing a few brave soldiers. Elections aren't very different when it comes to victory and defeat. With the outstanding victory BJP registered, there were few candidates who lost too. Out of many, the most shocking was the news about the defeat of Shahnawaz Hussain and Arun Jeitley. Smriti Irani even with a defeat, made her fans proud. It is important to analyse the reasons for the loss of these Stalwarts.
  

Shahnawaz Hussain lost from a narrow margin of 9,000 votes! now that takes away the pain from the sting a bit. no?

Arun Jaitley on the other hand became a victim of BJP and his own mistakes and his opponents' effective strategies. First the Navjot Singh Siddhu's issue and then when finally his candidature was confirmed, Congress decided to pull out one of its Big Guns - Ex-CM Capt Amrinder Singh. While Capt Amrinder Singh focused on local issues, Arun Jaitley focused on National issues, which ofcourse helped people to find a connect with Capt. Amrinder Singh and not Arun Jaitley. Capt. Amrinder Singh in addition raised the issue of Jaitley being an 'outsider'.

What impresses me about Jaitley is that neither during election campaigns nor in defeat, did Arun Jaitley ever abandon his Gentlemanly behavior. During the campaign in Amritsar, the two opponents were seen greeting each other warmly during a morning walk. After the results were declared he made sure to greet Capt. Amrinder Singh for his victory - something other Politicians need to learn from Jaitley. 

Last but not the least, Our very own 'India's Bahu' - Smriti Zubin Irani! what a brilliant Lady - Her Poise, Her Grace and her command over language! While AAP kept trying to make the battle in Amethi look like 'RaGa V/s  Kumar Vishwas', as soon as Smriti Irani entered the battle field, it was only Her against RaGa. Kumar Vishwas was no where in the scene, which was even reflected in the poll results when Kumar Vishwas lost his deposit! Kumar Vishwas had managed to secure only 25,527 votes - a humiliating defeat. The margin between Smriti Irani and RaGa was 1.08 Lakh - not a Huge gap, considering previous margins registered by the Gandhi scion. 

Not all those who have lost are defeated. So, along with the victorious, let us not forget the dedicated soldiers who gave a tough fight to their mighty opponents and who made sure that a huge part of the resources and efforts of the other party were concentrated in defeating them. In many ways, they served as a mighty shield that helped keep others safe. A huge Salute and a round of applause for them. 

Inferences drawn from 'Har-Har Modi' issue

As the election campaign for Narendra Modi moved forward with cries of 'Har Har Modi, Ghar Ghar Modi', a controversy too followed. Many devout Hindus and 'Secular' Congress leaders took objection on the use of this slogan, but it was Shankaracharya Shri Swaroopanand Saraswati of Jyotirpeeth who strongly condemned the use of 'Har Har Modi' slogan. Modi promptly requested his supporters to do the same. While the slogan has been MODIfied as 'Har dil Modi, Ghar ghar Modi', there are few interesting things to note about this whole incidence.

It was a pleasant surprise to see Congress for once talking about Hindu sentiments. Yes, we are talking about the same Congress that in its arrogance had even put a question mark on existence of Raam! Recently a Congress Leader, P. Shankar Rao, was in news for constructing a temple dedicated to Sonia Gandhi. Even in past, Sonia Gandhi has been portrayed as Goddess Durga in posters. 



The sycophants do not only exist in Congress, but in every party. A good example is the case of BJP's Hemant Bohra from Jodhpur, Rajasthan, who printed a poster depicting Vasundhra Raje as Goddess Annapoorna. 

Why limit ourselves to Politics?

Sport Personalities like 

Sachin Tendulkar and MS Dhoni too were found in similar controversy. 

While Hindu Saints have been demanding a ban on Cow slaughter, India becomes leader in Beef exports. No heed was payed to their cries when they marched to Delhi to save river Yamuna. Swami Nigamanand died after fasting for 73 days to save holy river Ganga, but no one seemed to care. I have immense respect for Shankaracharya Shri Swaroopanand Saraswati as religious scholar, and eagerly want to know his views on all the above mentioned incidences. I would love to know why he only chose to speak on 'Har Har Modi', and not on any other issue? But I doubt, these questions will ever be answered. 

In any case, whats interesting is that Modi supporters stopped using the slogan after Modi's request, and not because of Shankaracharya's criticism. Usually labelled 'Communal', Hindu masses rejected a Religious Head's views for a leader who talks about development. I try to compare this with Shahi Imam's recent visit to Sonia Gandhi and his endorsement of Mamata Banerjee. Azam Khan addresses a conference of Madrassa managers and Principals to secure his party's Muslim vote bank. This only hints that these religious heads hold a good influence over a huge Muslim population. what inference do I draw from this?  

I'm sure any sane mind will agree with me when I say Religion should not be allowed to control politics of a Nation. While the Majority seems to have learnt this lesson, the Minority yet seems to be in need of time to accept this fact. 

In light of these facts, let us now argue the definition of 'Communalism'. 

Elections 2014 : a lesson from Mahabharat for indecisive minds

As we draw closer to the Lok Sabha Elections 2014, a lot of people still seem to be confused as to who deserves their vote. A new party raises its voice against corruption and enters into politics claiming itself to be honest, but soon loses its credibility. The ruling party tries to appear Honest, secular and pro-development but its track record speaks otherwise. The opposition's PM candidate though has a track record that speaks for itself, the party also has few members that face corruption charges. Other parties that aspire to rule the Nation as 3rd front, have their own closets full of skeletons. In short, no party is spotless. 

Those who plan to vote based on religion and caste, or for some other personal gains, have little confusion. Ignorance is bliss, right? And equally true is the corollary - 'He who increases knowledge, increases sorrows.'  The ones that know the true value of their vote and are aware of every party's blots are left disillusioned. The desire to find an 'ideal' party, with spotless track record and that can solve people's problems immediately, turns this disillusionment into utter confusion. Such 'aware' individuals are thus not able to pick a side. And even when they do, they don't let their choice spare anyone from their criticism. Blindly following any party is dangerous and Criticism is good...BUT timing is crucial. Most of such individuals fail to realise this.

This predicament reminds me of a story from Mahabharat -

The most powerful of all the warriors present at the beginning of the great war was Barbareek (बरबरीक). Barbareek, Grandson of Bheem and Son of Ghatotkach, after completing his education, had Promised his Guru that he would only fight for the weaker side in a battle, and so, in the beginning, he joined the Pandavas. Pandavas rejoiced while Kauravas were alarmed. But it was only Shree Krishna who was able to see what this really could lead to, and hence Barbareek was prevented from joining any side. Why was the most powerful warrior present at that time, who could have finished the war in matter of minutes, not allowed to join the war? because his promise to his Guru would not let him remain on one side. He would join the weaker side and kill warriors of the other side till the stronger side is now reduced to the weaker one. And so, he would again switch sides, till all are killed and only he remains. 

Powerful enough to change the course of the war, but too confused to pick a side and stick with it - Barbareek represents today's aware, disillusioned and confused individuals. Such enlightened minds are excellent when it comes to constructive criticism. But is this the right time for such discussions? 

Pick a side and join the battle.

Let us hang Modi

I am not loyal to any party but to reason, and for that reason my loyalties keep shifting, leaving only one thing for certain - show me injustice and I shall join any and every protest against it. And hence today I try to distance myself from Modi!

But, before we go ahead and discuss more about Modi, here is a small exercise for the readers. Irrespective of our Faith and ideology, we all have atleast one person that we love the most. Right? I want you to think of that person. Done? 

now scroll down



Have you really thought of THE person?




No cheating please...




is it your Father?




or your Mother?




Or one of your Grand Parents?




Or your spouse/Boyfriend/Girlfriend?




or your Kids?




Or simply a special friend?




Now Imagine that, 
you see that person off at train station one day and the next day you see on news that the train that person was on was burnt. You frantically try to connect with that person but you fail. You try every means possible only to find that that person was one of the victims of the arson and that He/She too was burnt alive, locked inside the train coach. 

I'm sure you'd want to  harm me for making you to go through this mental torture. My apologies, but if just the thought of this whole incidence fills one with anguish and rage, what must the grief be of those who lost their loved ones in Sabarmati express? 

Let us, to this pain add the memory of the exodus and genocide of Kashmiri Pundits and the fact that it was totally ignored as if it never happened and the fear that it may again happen to any other state of India, to a place where you and your family resides. 

Post Godhra riots, the impression is that only Muslims lost their loved ones and that the number was in thousands. Here is the truth - 790 muslims and 254 Hindus died in the riots. Now lets do the Maths - 
790 + (254+58) = 1102 (58 victims of Sabarmati Express)
therefore, 
28.31 % Hindu and 71.69% Muslim victims. 

My heart breaks to even imagine how it would have felt to go through such perilous times, for every Muslim, for every Hindu...for every Human being!
But, no matter how gross it was to do the math of dead bodies, it helps us see how easily the 28% were totally ignored and forgotten. It shows us the bitter truth about the Secularism of our Media and elite liberals that choose to ignore the tears of the Majority. 

Post 2002 there has not been a single case of riots in Gujrat. Had there been one, the media would have hounded Modi. Some would say that this peace only exists due to fear. To every reader, regardless of Her/His faith/religion/background, I ask, will you prefer to lose you loved ones and your property destroyed or peace, even if it exists due to fear? I would, without hesitation, chose peace. 

Still, lets hang Modi. 
but for what reason? For riots or for not being able to stop the riots?
Clearly, the trigger for the riots was Sabarmati Express. Hence lets hang him for not being able to stop the riots. Right?
Let us ignore Supreme Court's verdict. Who cares what the apex court of our Nation says. We shall stick to what media, Politicians and elite leftists and liberals wants us to believe.

But, in this clip, in front of his bitter rivals, Digvijay Singh and Fahrooq Abdulah, he reveals when the riots broke out, the Gujrat govt. sent fax to the neighboring states Chattisgarh, Maharshatra and Madhya Pradesh to send help for riot control. The request was denied. Wouldnt his arguments be thrashed by these two if they could? Even with the limited Police force, the riots were brought under control in 3 days. Assam riots continued for 3 months and the '84 riots in 3 days claimed over 8000 lives. Do I need to give statistics for genocide of Kashimiri Pundits? Shouldn't we demand the same for the culprits in these cases too? or is it that Hindus and Sikhs are better off dead?


I have heard some conspiracy theorists saying that the Sabarmati Express incident was pre-planned by BJP-RSS. Now, thats a new angle. Here is another one - what if it really was pre-planned and those that planned it made it look like it was pre-planned by the 'Saffron terrorists'? If we were to stick to a conspiracy theory, which one should we stick to? Obviously, the one that has been repeated over and over again. After all, whatever is repeated several times, ultimately becomes the truth. No? 

Let us overlook the praises for Modi by Maulana Ghulam Vastanvi, at the cost of his post of Deoband's rector and Maulana Mahmood Madani, general secretary of Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind. These Maulanas obviously know shit about Godhra as compared to Arundhati Roy. Right?

Let us forsake all reasons and believe what we are made to believe, let us cease to think and let our religious beliefs take over our logic. Let us hang Modi! For if we dont, chances are, there wont be any riots anymore in the country and hence no other political party will get any chance to fan religious and communal sentiments of the downtrodden 'Aam Juntaa' for their petty gains. 

Manish Tewari and Congress' silent revolution

After election commission's declaration of dates for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, Just a few moments ago, I saw Congress spokesperson Manish Tewari giving his statement in Hindi saying -

"The 2014 elections are going to be fought between two ideologies. On one hand there is a party that has given sacrifices for the nation and its freedom, while on the other hand there is this party with a very narrow psyche and that believes in dividing people."...he further added,"Congress has brought a silent revolution in the country."

With that statement, I know, he was referring to Maun-Mohan Singh; And I couldnt agree more on this with Mr. Tewari. But how does the Congress party become a party that gave sacrifices for the nation? Was he talking about Nehru-Gandhi family's assassinated members? or was he referring to India's freedom struggle? In either scenarios, the claim is ridiculous. 

Did Congress, as Manish Tewari claims, sacrificed for India's freedom struggle? No! The Indian National Congress that fought for India's freedom was led by Mahatma Gandhi, and it was Mahatma Gandhi himself who wanted this party to be dissolved after India won its freedom. Also, to say India won its freedom only due to the efforts of INC will be a gross mistake, neglecting innumerable sacrifices of the brave revolutionaries and those Martyrs that did not agree with congress' ideology.

If Manish Tewari was referring to assassinations of Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi...firstly, he is reiteration what Rahul Gandhi has been saying all along. Though I sympathise with him, their 'sacrifices' do not give their progeny the right to rule the nation. Especially, when the aspirant has no administrative experience and an IQ that has been laughed upon. Also, when did the Nehru-Gandhi family become the Party? My bad. We are talking about Congress here, which obviously is run by 'the family'. Secondly, let me remind the readers, it was the same Indira Gandhi that imposed emergency on the nation. She was only a step away from becoming a Dictator! (and by saying that, I'm not trying to justify her assassination.) Also, it does not suit to absolve Rajiv Gandhi of '84 anti-Sikh riots that claimed over 8,000 lives, while they keep hounding Narendra Modi for 2002 that were promptly controlled in 3 days time, but sadly with a loss of 1,044 lives (790 muslims and 254 Hindus). I hate to recall Rajiv Gandhi's famous words, "When a giant tree falls, the Earth shakes."

At best, Mr. Manish Tewari, the upcoming Lok Sabha Elections can be described as Dynasty Vs Development. Everything else is only votebank politics. 

An open letter on Aamir Khan's 'Fractured' reasoning

While the prices of everyday commodities have sky-rocketed and the economic growth of the nation itself is 'Fractured', Aamir Khan favors a fractured verdict in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. In his words,

"It's not fair to give mandate to single political party in the upcoming polls."

Then, what is fare? letting people starve due to increasing inflation? People dying in bomb blasts and other terrorist activities? Deserving candidates being denied college seats due to quota system and adding more seats and categories based on religion into this system? Our soldiers being beheaded and their bodies being mutilated? Locals being driven out from their own homes by the Bangladeshi refugees in Assam? or ethnic cleansing of Kashmiri Pundits? Attempts to pass a communal law such as 'Anti-Communal violence bill' in the name of secularism? Women being openly molested in streets in wide daylight? Neighboring countries trying to snatch our lands? dividing the Nation in the name of religion, region and casts? Unemployment? Corruption or screwing with taxpayer's hard earned money on unnecessary subsidies and scams?

A well informed citizen of this Nation knows well that whenever people's verdict helped the Third front to come into power, the Government has never been able to take tough decisions.  every decision is delayed, every interest of the Nation is compromised for regional gains of the constituent parties. Even in the current scenario, its one coalition against the other - UPA against NDA. So, in reality, there is no 'One Party' thats going to contest elections. This is a time when the Nation needs a stable government and strong leadership that can lead the Nation out from the current crisis and address issues that concern us all. Sadly, none of these requirements can be met by the Third front. 

Why was Aamir Khan mum till now? What makes him voice his opinion just a few months before Nation goes for elections? Going by his past publicity stunts, its evident that Amir Khan only speaks now, to promote his show - 'Satyamev Jayate'.

Mr Aamir Khan,
'Humko hae desh ki fikar' - We care for the Nation...Seriously? you want us to believe that? I would have believed your intentions and these words had you not charged a hefty sum for doing this show or atleast donated a good chunk of your own personal earnings for issues that you raise in your show. Sharing stage with victims and heroes and shedding crocodile tears doesn't count for shit! You are a brilliant actor and I'm a fan of your acting skills; and exactly for that reason, everytime you cried on the show, it was difficult to believe that it was real. I have seen you in news, cutting people's hair and your other publicity stunts to get audience for your movies. Its not uncommon for actors these days to use people's emotions and issues to promote their movies. But there is a line that must not be crossed - Do not try to bake your bread on pyres. Thats an art best left to News media and dirty Politicians. You Sir, have crossed this line. I would have respected your freedom of expression had this comment of yours come not at such an opportune moment for the promotion of your show. You have successfully caught eyeballs for your show with this gimmick, but lost respect in the eyes of one your fans. I'm sure, compared to crores gained from the show, this isnt a loss at all. Even if I were to believe that your intentions were true, Mr. Aamir Khan, your view, at best, is myopic. 

Fuck you and fuck your show.
Sincerely 
Up yours!  

NB: those who would say "atleast he is doing something", please find out how much he earns for every episode and then say the same.

Rioting over Riots

Modi responsible for 2002 Gujrat riots.
- Rahul Gandhi, Congress.

I urge SIT probe for 1984 riots.
- Arvind Kejriwal, AAP.
(And retweets a tweet labeling Narendra Modi a 'Murderer', even after clean chit from SIT)

Kejriwal betrayed Muslims, backtracked on his promise of SIT on Batla House encounter.
- Asif Muhammad, MLA, Congress.

Muzaffarnagar riots were political.
- Ajit Singh, Chief, Rashtriya Lok Dal.

It all started with Rahul Gandhi's interview, where he blamed Modi for Gujrat riots of 2002; and one after the other they started to riot over past riots in the country and pointing fingers at each other.  The above mentioned personalities weren't the only ones to participate in the chicanery, spewing venom against the other parties and trying to establish themselves as the protector of the minorities. Those who understand politics, would know that more of such drama can be expected in coming days, as we move closer to the Loksabha Elections 2014. 

Meanwhile, srrounded with all the cacophony of the Crows (politicians) and Vultures (Media), it was interesting to note that no one bothered to make even a small mention of the Ethnic cleansing of Kashmiri Pundits from their homeland, Kashmir, in 1990, nor the recent Assam (Kokrajhar) riots. It was like they never happened; and I so wish that they never had! But since they did, why the silence? Is it because, these were the incidences that affected the people belonging to the Majority of the Nation? Do lives of Hindus don't matter or is it that since they exist in majority, a loss of few lives can be considered negligible? These are uncomfortable questions, but someone has to ask them. They must be answered.

Its sad and unfortunate to even compare human suffering, and that is exactly my point. If the sufferings of the minorities find cries for justice, why are the majority's tears ignored? That is when Mancur Olson's The logic of Collective action answers the question - 

"In Democracy, a well organised minority is Majority."

While setting aside the differences between the different sects and casts and subcasts, the Minorities fight together for their issues, the majority continues to be divided not only into different casts and subcasts but also through language and region. The people comprising the majority in India have clearly not learnt the most obvious lesson from their History; and unless they do, they are doomed to go through it all again. 

can we not be totally spineless?

Once again, America captures one of the World's most wanted Al-Qaida suspect who was hiding in Libya, in a raid - Abu Anas Al-Libi. The al Qaeda leader captured by US special forces in Libya has been wanted by the United States for more than 15 years for his alleged links to the twin 1998 US embassy bombings in East Africa. The operation was one of two raids carried out over the weekend, in Libya and Somalia. While Libya asks for clarifications, US Secretary of State John Kerry responds saying that the raids his country conducted would send the message that terrorists can run but they can't hide. 

on May 2nd, 2011 Osama Bin Laden was killed in a similar raid by the US special forces in Abbottabad, Pakistan. 

Meanwhile...

• Dawood and Chhota shakeel not only spend a comfortable life in Pakistan and operate their crime empire in India, but are all set to launch a TV channel too! 
• Every now and then Pakistani army and Pak trained terrorists kill Indian soldiers at LOC, while Indian PM Dr. Manmohan Singh wants to have peace talks with his Pak counterpart Nawaz Sharif. 
• Not long back, even with beheadings of Indian Soldiers at LOC by Pak Troops, India's Minister of external affairs, Mr. Salman Khurshid, hosted lunch for then Pak PM Raja Parvez Ashraf who was visiting Ajmer Sharif.
• since past 14 days, the Indian army is exchanging heavy fire with infiltrators in Keran sector along the LOC in Kashmir.

I do not expect nor desire for the Indian Government to take such harsh measures as the US and Israel, but none the less, can we not be totally spineless? I know expecting the current Govt to take a military action will be too much, but why cant India's PM show some respect for the Martyred Soldiers and Nation (not asking to show self respect, He can't, for he doesn't have any.) and refrain from holding talks with Pak for a while? 

Measuring People's IQ with Toilets and Temples

1. "That Senile old Man finally Kicked the Bucket."
2. "That aged gentleman passed away." 

IFF (If and only if) you can understand the difference between these two sentences, go ahead and read the article, else this article will be a waste of your time.

Recently, while speaking to the youth in New Delhi, Narendra Modi expressed his views on sanitation as : "Pehle Shauchalaya, Phir Devalaya."
which literally translates into - "Toilet first, Temples later."
now this could have following meanings - 

1. Toilets should be built in front of Temples.
2. you should 1st go to toilets, and then visit a temple.
3. 1st build toilets, Temples later.

The News channels, that sit with a microscope waiting for a chance to stir a controversy for the sake of TRPs, isolated the statement form the context and did what they do the best. 
Yet It surprises me, the 1st two interpretations of Modi's statement weren't used!

almost a year back, the Union Rural Development Minister Jairam Ramesh had made a statement that sounds similar and stirred a controversy. Here is the complete statement:

"ab tak yaatraein Vinash ke liye hui hein, ye yatra asli vikas ke liye hae. ye yatra ek sakaratmak aur rachnatmak kam ke liye hae..ye yatra wo cheez banane ke liye hae, jo main samajhta hoon, Mandir se bhi pavitra hae, aur wo hae Shauchalaya." 

Anyone who has even a little knowledge of Hindi language would translate the words "Mandir se bhi pavitra hae" to "(Toilets are) holier/purer than Temples".
Though the intentions were right, the choice of words were derogatory. 
yet, (no surprise) the News headlines were: 

• country needs toilets more than Temples. 
• Toilets need to be given more Priority. 

Media had Absolved Jairam Ramesh of his folly. The same media only showed Modi's isolated statement again and again on TV, editing the rest of the matter. 

Here is a video link of the complete speech : Narendra Modi Full Statement on "Pehle Sochalay, Fir Devalay" - where he clearly mentions that if you have funds, you should build Toilets, before building temples. 

saying "Toilets are holier than Temples" is totally different than "you should build toilets before building Temples." While the former is Derogatory, The latter expresses concern for sanitation. 

A similar campaign was launched with RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat's statement about "India and Bharat" statement, for which the News channels had to apologise later. 

If you still don't see the difference, please again read the warning at the top of this article.