Imagine the fate of the ruling party when terrorism in India is at its highest ever rate and when inflation refuses to trough; now can the opposition party "ever" think of a better time than this to further its stake to form a bettter Government in the general election scheduled for next year. I am talking about BJP and its present situation. They have formed their first Government in the South.
Everything seems to go in their favour when lo and behold, there are attacks on Churches in Mangalore and Bangalore and what does BJP do - a big "nothing" which is surprising and shocking. BJP seems to be already getting complacent; they seem to forget that the Urban educated class are their biggest vote bank and they are people who are "not" religious fanatics and believe in a Unified India and these very significant issues are thought of everyday. BJP, I would say is commiting harakiri by staying tight-lipped. Even to this day, there has been no action against the wrong-doers of Mangalore other than an arrest which of course was done "only" on pressure from the Center.
My oh my, when will BJP thank their lucky stars for this wonderful chance to form their Government and also work "towards" achieving this end and not otherwise...
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Monday, September 1, 2008
The Singur Issue
I have been following the "Singur" land row for quite some time now. With the October, 2008 deadline for Nana's launch looming large over their heads, I do not personally think that TATA Motors have much choice than to hunt for greener (oops - not greener) better areas outside West Bengal.
I was watching We, The People show on NDTV yesterday and as usual, the conclusion was the same - we need more dialogue. I wonder if Barkha Dutt is not bored of that conclusion that happens over and over again every week it is hosted.
But, the programme I must say did manage to tingle the thought processes - atleast mine for sure. There are many issues to ponder as follows with the most subtle on the top of the list.
1. Corporate lobby - I finally think it is very much for real. Who gets the benefit if the "Nano" launch is delayed - maybe two and three wheeler manufactuers, in addition to those automobile manufacturers who have their own version of under-1-lakh cars in the pipeline. I was intrigued by the fact that so many of these farmers are being well fed and taken care of every day of the agitation. From where is all this money coming from? NGOs? This much money - I do not think so. Is it from the Trinamool Congress? Again, I do not think so; when have we heard of politicians giving away money since TMC does not gain anything in the near term even if the Singur plant were to close.
2. Why is Mamata Banerjee making such a hue and cry when she herself was part of this proposal that was tabled more than a year back? Was she asleep while the session was on - I will not be surprised even if it was so. Why did she not raise this agitation way back if she was not happy?
3. Why is the Congress supporting the agitation 'now" - I think it is because they wanted to give a piece of their minds to the CPI(M) who is the ruling party in West Bengal.
4. Everyone says that the compensation package needs to be reworked, but no one has dared to put a number to it. he so-called NGOs supporting this movement also have no clue about the number they are "fighting" for.
5. If TMC is so concerned about the well being of the farmers, why is Mamate Banerjee refusing to come for discussions till date; why did she need the interference of the Governor to persuade her to come? I mean, what would have been different if she had come for talks earlier?
Now that I think of it, does anyone "really" care about the farmers who have lost or are about to lose their lands in Singur? I do not think "any" of the parties do. Does the NGOs care? I hope and wish they did and that they do!
One final question, what is the guarantee that this sort of problem will not come up in any other state where farm land needs to be converted.
Development always comes at a price - we need to find a way to make both ends meet - develop as well as provide well for the affected. Stalling development is certainly NOT the answer.
I was watching We, The People show on NDTV yesterday and as usual, the conclusion was the same - we need more dialogue. I wonder if Barkha Dutt is not bored of that conclusion that happens over and over again every week it is hosted.
But, the programme I must say did manage to tingle the thought processes - atleast mine for sure. There are many issues to ponder as follows with the most subtle on the top of the list.
1. Corporate lobby - I finally think it is very much for real. Who gets the benefit if the "Nano" launch is delayed - maybe two and three wheeler manufactuers, in addition to those automobile manufacturers who have their own version of under-1-lakh cars in the pipeline. I was intrigued by the fact that so many of these farmers are being well fed and taken care of every day of the agitation. From where is all this money coming from? NGOs? This much money - I do not think so. Is it from the Trinamool Congress? Again, I do not think so; when have we heard of politicians giving away money since TMC does not gain anything in the near term even if the Singur plant were to close.
2. Why is Mamata Banerjee making such a hue and cry when she herself was part of this proposal that was tabled more than a year back? Was she asleep while the session was on - I will not be surprised even if it was so. Why did she not raise this agitation way back if she was not happy?
3. Why is the Congress supporting the agitation 'now" - I think it is because they wanted to give a piece of their minds to the CPI(M) who is the ruling party in West Bengal.
4. Everyone says that the compensation package needs to be reworked, but no one has dared to put a number to it. he so-called NGOs supporting this movement also have no clue about the number they are "fighting" for.
5. If TMC is so concerned about the well being of the farmers, why is Mamate Banerjee refusing to come for discussions till date; why did she need the interference of the Governor to persuade her to come? I mean, what would have been different if she had come for talks earlier?
Now that I think of it, does anyone "really" care about the farmers who have lost or are about to lose their lands in Singur? I do not think "any" of the parties do. Does the NGOs care? I hope and wish they did and that they do!
One final question, what is the guarantee that this sort of problem will not come up in any other state where farm land needs to be converted.
Development always comes at a price - we need to find a way to make both ends meet - develop as well as provide well for the affected. Stalling development is certainly NOT the answer.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Our Olympic medalists accomodation; Hotel's reputation
I was watching the very masala-filled "Headlines Today" this morning when I came across a news HT has exposed the big issue that our Olympic medalists have been provided accomodation in a 2* hotel instead of a 5* hotel on their return.
I also adore our medalists for doing India proud and wish that they enjoy all the priveleges of our over-paid-but under-performing-cricketers.
With due regards to HT, why did they have to say that this 2* hotel was not a good hotel and that everything including the unnamed street was shoddy - they even went to the extent of showing the poor Manager of the hotel on TV. What was the hotel's fault in this melodrama? If anyone is to be blamed it is IOA and / or SAI and not this hotel at all since the hotel is as it was and did not require to change itself because our medalists are provided accomodation there. If the channel was so interested in the well being of the Olympians, they should have blanked the name of the hotel and also not have shown the manager in their report. Their report would still have been equally forceful. I wish and hope that the hotel files a suit against the channel!!!
On one count, I do agree that the channel was responsible for the IOA and / or SAI changing the accomodation to a 5* from this hotel and kudos to it.
I also adore our medalists for doing India proud and wish that they enjoy all the priveleges of our over-paid-but under-performing-cricketers.
With due regards to HT, why did they have to say that this 2* hotel was not a good hotel and that everything including the unnamed street was shoddy - they even went to the extent of showing the poor Manager of the hotel on TV. What was the hotel's fault in this melodrama? If anyone is to be blamed it is IOA and / or SAI and not this hotel at all since the hotel is as it was and did not require to change itself because our medalists are provided accomodation there. If the channel was so interested in the well being of the Olympians, they should have blanked the name of the hotel and also not have shown the manager in their report. Their report would still have been equally forceful. I wish and hope that the hotel files a suit against the channel!!!
On one count, I do agree that the channel was responsible for the IOA and / or SAI changing the accomodation to a 5* from this hotel and kudos to it.
Some of the best pictures I have come across
Ever since I have been exposed to the www, I have seen some masterpieces that showcase some of the exemplary ideas of an individual. This is one such.
How many buses have advertisements on them and if they did, how many times did we stop to take notice? If ever advertisements could be so catchy...
How many buses have advertisements on them and if they did, how many times did we stop to take notice? If ever advertisements could be so catchy...
In addition to buses, here are some that are on simple polythene bags.
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