Postmortem of Somnath Bharti's Khirki extention case

Every well informed person in India today knows what the Khirki extention case stands for, and for those who aren't, the media did everything to bring it to their notice. For past one week now, MLA Somnath Bharti and AAP has been under fire from media, opposition (BJP) and ally (Congress) alike for their role in this case. Bharti has been even charged with molestation and labelled 'Racist' by the Ugandan woman accused of drug trafficking and Prostitution. Delhi CM Kejriwal supporting Bharti demanded suspension of the Police personnel that refused to carry out the MLA's directions and with his supporters once again went for a Dharna. The whole Fiasco seems to have ended for now after sending an SHO on leave for a week. While Somnath Bharti has been made into a villain in this whole fiasco, He remains Hero for the residents of the Khirki extension. Now that the file seems to have been closed on this matter, lets try to look at it from an unbiased perspective. 

NB: Those who are pressed on time or low on patience, may chose to jump to the 'Summary'. 

What was the Police doing before Somnath Bharti?
I saw Yogendra Yadav while defending Bharti mention about prior complains by the residents of Khirki Extention. The same is also mentioned in AAP's website. Even with Three written complains and numerous verbal complains about alleged illegal activities (including sale of Drugs), why was Police not doing their job? With ABP News' video of the residents supporting the same argument, there remains no doubt that the Police were knowingly turning a blind eye on the matter. It does not take a lot to figure out the reasons for the same. Now, does it?

Confirming the complaints by the residents:
While defending his actions and complaining about the inaction of the Police, Somnath Bharti mentioned that he had confirmed by sending a man in guise of a customer. Also, while they raided the place, the Nigerian girls were caught red handed.

No FIR, No Lady Police: 
every video run on all the news channels against Somnath Bharti mentions that there was no FIR, and without an FIR no one can be arrested. Also, not a single Lady Police was spotted in any of the videos at the time of raid. This is exactly where Somnath Bharti lost the cause. Being a Lawyer himself, he should have known the procedures. 

Urine sample on road? Molestation? Racist slurs?
There have been initial headlines about one of the African women being made to urinate in public. In the same article, its alleged that they were forced to give urine sample in public and later taken to hospital for examination and then allowed to return home. Isn't consistency missing here? Though the charges are grave, they keep changing from urinating on road to Providing urine Sample; which soon even escalated to charges of Molestation and hurling Racial slurs! Though I do not dare to speculate that the charges are totally false, Clearly there is exaggeration. 

Threat to women's safety?
Somnath Bharti was soon summoned by the  Delhi commission for Women on the charges of threatening women's safety. At this point it is interesting to note how quickly the women that were allegedly running a sex racket now had turned into innocent victims. One of the women even made Bharti sound like the notorious Ku Klux Klan (KKK) and reported, 
"They said we should leave their country or else they would kill us one by one. Is being black a crime?" clearly, this statement was to get sympathy and thus escape the charges. 

SUMMARY:

Even if motives of Somnath bharti are not questioned, his methods definitely bore disastrous consequences for himself and his party. Especially when the Nation is emotionally super sensitive with women's  issues, the matter demanded a very delicate handling of the whole situation. Agreed that the Police did not take required action when the residents filed complaints; Bharti being a lawyer himself should have resorted to other legal means to get Police to file an Fir first. Nalin Kohli of BJP in a debate on Zee Business channel on the same issue pointed out that Bharti could have in this case got Police to file an FIR through a court or a Magistrate's directions. The least Bharti could have done was to carry out a sting and ensure that there were Lady Police during the raid. Instead Bharti along with the residents decided to carry out a witch hunt. Lets get a little Bollywood-ish and try to imagine the consequences if someone influential could get a mob to complain about a certain person to an MLA for personal vendetta? 

On the other hand, while we debate about Bharti threatening safety of women charged with running Sex racket and drug paddling, shouldn't we dare ourselves to explore the consequences should the charges on the women prove to be true? How many pointing fingers on Bharti would really feel safe living with their family in a locality with a Brothel? Will any woman feel safe while even crossing such a place? Wouldn't this be again a threat to the resident women? Shouldn't we be pointing fingers at Delhi Police too?

Arvind Kejriwal defending Somnath Bharti demanded suspension of the Police Personnel involved. With his this demand, he went for a Dharna; which he couldn't have timed worse! 
It all appeared that it was all just an ego clash between the Police and AAP.  Also, the language being used by few of AAP's leaders add to the misery. 

I do not question AAP's intentions, but I do doubt their caliber. More than serious leaders, they act like rebillios teenagers, who instead of trying to untie the Gordian knot, cut it into pieces. Time and again with their sloppy handling of matters  have only strengthened my doubts on AAP's capability; but while we criticise AAP, let us try not be irrational. 

Blasts, Congress and Digvijay Singh

We do not take seriously what Digvijay Singh has to say; No one does. But when his words on recent blasts seem like an echo of what some other Congress leaders said after a previous blast, disgust erupts. 

On blast outside BJP office in Bangalore on  17th April 2013, which left 16 people injured, including 11 policemen, Shakeel Ahmad had this to say : twitter link

On ABP News debate on the same subject, Roshan Baig raised his suspicion saying "is this just a coincidence? when elections are so close and BJP is losing its credibility day-by-day, ye patakha phoot'ta hae. daal mein kuchh kaala hae".

One right away weighs Political advantages and disadvantages of the blasts while the other not only blames it on the other party but even trevialises the issue! No one seemed to care for the injured. Just a day back, Boston too had faced a tragedy but the reactions were totally different. Our anger and disgust for these filthy Politicians came out on our blog - Blasts : Boston and Bangalore

Today, on 7 blasts in Patna which claimed 5 lives just before Narendra Modi's Hunkar Rally, Digvijay Singh spewed similar disgusting remarks! The conspiracy theorist had nothing to say about the 5 innocent individuals who lost their lives, no words to comfort their loved ones but is ready with a challenge for Nitish Kumar and his Government, hinting BJP's involvement! He shamelessly weighs how this tragedy presents itself as a "Perfect setting for Modi's Launch".

Whenever the blasts point out at Jehadi outfits, we repeatedly hear dialogues like "Terrorism has no religion"; but for such blasts, the same people don't waste time before pointing fingers.

its futile to expect any better from Digvijay Singh, but when the same behavior gets repeated again and again, It becomes difficult not to react. 

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.

remembering the Prime Minister who died Poor

 People who forget their Heroes are bound to be ruled by Villains. 

While the Politicians, News channels and common junta sing songs about Gandhi; On his Birth Anniversary, I recall three stories about Lal Bahadur Shastri - the 2nd Prime Minister of India, that made me his ardent admirer. 

1.Life and Death, in Poverty:
During Quit India Movement, Lal Bahadur Shastri, was released from jail on parole, as his Daughter was seriously ill. Shastri ji, who had no savings, couldn't save his Daughter; the drugs prescribed by the doctor were too costly. Even after all the years being in cabinet and serving as Prime Minister of India, when Shastri ji passed away, all he owned was an old car, which he had bought in installments from Govt. and for which he still owed money!

2.The 1965 War with Pakistan:
In just a year after being appointed as the Prime Minister of India in 1964, Pakistani Army skirmished with Indian forcen in August 1965, Laying claim to half the Kutch Peninsula. In his report to Lok Sabha on the matter he said :

"In the utilization of our limited resources, we have always given primacy to plans and projects for economic development. It would, therefore, be obvious for anyone who is prepared to look at things objectively that India can have no possible interest in provoking border incidents or in building up an atmosphere of strife... In these circumstances, the duty of Government is quite clear and this duty will be discharged fully and effectively... We would prefer to live in poverty for as long as necessary but we shall not allow our freedom to be subverted."

Under scheme proposed by British Prime Minister in june 1965, Pakistan obtained 10% of its original claim of 50% of the territory. 

Shastri ji on top of a captured Patton Tank.

Pakistan, now diverting attention to Kashmir, attacked in September, the same year and war broke out. Shatri ji displayed a knack for taking quick and decisive actions during the war. He swiftly took the advice of his commanders and ordered a strike across the Punjab border. (This was in stark contrast to Nehru who in a similar situation in 1962, had refused to call in the air force to relieve the pressure on the ground troops.) Result - Indian Army inflicted a crushing defeat on Pakistan! after the UN's mandated cease-fire, on 23rd September 1965 in a broadcast to the Nation, Shatri ji Stated :

"While the conflict between the armed forces of the two countries has come to an end, the more important thing for the United Nations and all those who stand for peace is to bring to an end the deeper conflict.... How can this be brought about? In our view, the only answer lies in peaceful coexistence. India has stood for the principle of coexistence and championed it all over the world. Peaceful coexistence is possible among nations no matter how deep the differences between them, how far apart they are in their political and economic systems, no matter how intense the issues that divide them." 

3.China playing monkey in the conflict of two cats: 

On 17 September 1965, while the Indo-Pak war was on, India received a letter from China alleging that the Indian army had set up army equipment in Chinese territory, and India would face China's wrath, unless the equipment was pulled down. In spite of the threat of aggression from China, Shastri ji declared: 

"China's allegation is untrue. If China attacks India it is our firm resolve to fight for our freedom. The might of China will not deter us from defending our territorial integrity." 

The Chinese did not dare to respond back.

These were just 3 incidents among the many achievements of the Politician who made no money and died leaving no great wealth behind for his family; one that within his small tenure as the 2nd Prime Minister of India, made huge contributions and who with his short physical stature achieved great feats. 

We remember you Lal Bahadur Shastri with Pride that we were fortunate to have you as our Prime Minister once...and yet with sad hearts that ...

tho you were the 2nd Prime Minister of India, 

India never got a Second Lal Bahadur Shastri.

On your Birth Anniversary, I pay you my humble respects.

Ghanta's reaction on Nawaz Sharif's 'Dehati Aurat' comment

NEWS: Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif called Manmohan Singh a 'Dehati Aurat'.

I really wish he could meet the dehati wives of the soldiers Martyred at LOC. If they ever get their hands of him, He'll not remain in a state to use this term in a derogatory manner for anyone ever!

If Manmohan Singh is Dehati Aurat, by using this term in a derogatory manner Nawaz Sharif proved that he aint Shareef at all!

The Irony is, when Nawaz Sharif called Manmohan Singh Dehati Aurat, only Narendra Modi spoke against it while Congress leaders chose to keep mum. 

I wonder, If pointing out the Truth that Pakistan has become epicenter for terrorism makes Manmohan Singh a Dehati Aurat; what should the Prime Minister of a country be termed that survives on the aid from USA for most of their needs?

In a rush while updating our status message, we by mistake termed Nawaz Sharif as President, which we regret. but in our defense..... 
Its extremely difficult to keep in mind who rules Pakistan - The President, The Prime minister, The Army, The mullah-Ulemas or the Jehadi Terrorist Organisations? 

Phata Poster Nikla Rahul Gandhi?

"Now, I will tell you what is my opinion on the ordinance. It is complete nonsense, it should be torn up and thrown away. It is my personal opinion"
As I saw Rahul Gandhi speak these words on a News channel, I couldn't help but wonder if this is really happening or is it a scene from a Hindi Movie? He appeared like a rebellious young Prince who had mutinied against the corrupt Raj of his own family - a common theme for innumerable Bollywood movies. I must say, For a minute there I was impressed with this display of honesty.  One of the good things about scripted reality TV shows is that it has trained people to look beyond the appearances. Let us join the dots - 

• The stage was set - Ajay Maken  was already having a press conference at the Press club. All Rahul Gandhi did was appear at the right time at the right place.
• Deliver and leave - Normally, one would expect, after making such a bold statement Rahul Gandhi would stay back to answer a few questions regarding his stand. But no, He came - He delivered - He left; avoiding any wrong answers.
• Where were you for so Long, O fair Prince? - It was not like all of a sudden UPA brought this ordinance. It had to go through several stages - before Ordinance, it was a billl introduced in Parliament. So, why did Rahul Gandhi chose to remain silent for all this time?
• Saving face? - what if the president rejected the ordinance? better reject it yourself, no? 
• why should opposition have all the fun? - its better to encash on an issue rather than letting the opposition gain from it. 
• Image Make-over - a quick tummy tuck of all UPA corruption charges so that Rahul Gandhi can be projected as an Honest and fair candidate - a new hope for the Nation?
• Shifting Blame - Its not surprising that whenever we talk about UPA corruption and miss-governance all the blame is shifted to PM Manmohan Singh while the Gandhi Family pulls the strings from behind the stage. with Rahul Gandhi's latest act an already weak Manmohan Singh's image weakens further who bears the burden of all UPA corruption. All Blame goes to Manmohan Singh, while credit for anything good goes to Gandhi family.

Crux of the matter is - 

Be it Traveling in local train in Mumbai , Dinner with the Dalit family, visit to Bhatta Parsaul or the recent rubbishing UPA's ordinance to save convicted politicians - appearances are deceptive.