Games Politicians Play!

This has reference to the news reports regarding the fall of J&K Government (July 8), poaching of MLAs by ruling BJP in Karnataka to safeguard its throne and crown and the Left parties’ decision to withdraw support to the UPA Government at the centre are indicating that the people’s representatives are busy in keeping each other at tenterhooks. Instead of finding solutions to the pressing problems of the people and to provide good governance at the time of crisis, they are making mockery of democracy and insulting their constituents who have elected them to power assuming that they will work towards betterment of their respective constituency and its people. We, the voters have to learn lesson from this expensive (spent crores of taxpayers’ money in conducting elections) political drama and show the place to the “camp changers” in the ensuing assembly bye-election in Karnataka (due to the resignation of MLAs elected 40 days back!).

Lett is Left Out! - Letter to Deccan Chronicle

This has reference to the ongoing imbroglio on N-Deal. The`US bashing and China praising’ communists are left out with no choice now. They have been telling their major partner (Congress) in UPA that toe the line, else face the consequence. But they are getting back the same from their partners (Buddha, Basu slam Karat – July 7). Over a period of time, whether it is at the national level or at regional level (for example, in Tamil Nadu they always ride on one of the two Dravidian parties depending on the situation), the Indian Leftists’ ideology is getting eroded. They are always indecisive and becoming opportunists. Considering the hue and cry on N-Deal, it seems that their main motive is to bring down the Central Government or put them under check rather focusing on their favourite subjects – inflation, price hike etc. concerning the common man. The dissent within Left parties may shatter Comrade Karat and his sycophants’ dream. The myth of Left Unity is getting exposed and The `Counter Point’ (July 7) was superb!

N-Deal and UPA!

This has reference to the ongoing confrontation on N-Deal amongst all political parties. If Mulayam Ji and his party colleagues believe that the deal is in the interest of the Nation then why they are cunning for the heads of Finance Minister and the Petroleum Minister. At the time of economic crisis (inflation, price rise etc) the coalition partners, must extend their fullest support to their major partner, Congress party, to overcome the crisis and prove the world that `Unity is Strength’ and UPA means `Uninterrupted Power Alliance”. This will help them to put up brave face when they approach people during election time. The Chief Minister of UP, Ms. Mayawati, uttered a pearl of wisdom that the N-Deal is “anti-Muslim”. In that case, what about Muslim countries who have the Nuclear arsenals? Are they anti-minorities of their countries, according to her?

N-Deal!

This has reference to your report on `N-deal: Congress, Left head for showdown’ (Deccan Chronicle,June 19, 2008). Congress has given enough time to its ally, the left parties, for reconsidering their decision on going ahead with the proposed Indo- US N-deal. The deal is supported by none other than the people’s president, Mr Kalam and appreciated by all concerned. The left parties are playing spoil sport from day one. Their US bashing is not going to help any one in the era of globalization. Thus, the Government has to speak tough, take unilateral decision and go ahead with the deal, considering the national interest, since the time is running out (The US election is due in another 6 months). The ideology starved Left parties’ only agenda is to oppose whatever others are saying. They have nothing in store to find solution even for the problems encountered at their own back yard (for instance, Nandigram, Gorkhaland issue etc), forget the Nation. Thus, let the UPA Government go ahead boldly and leave behind the Left! Heaven will not fall!

Ryots' Riot!

This has reference to the ongoing farmers’ protest in Haveri over fertilizers and seeds shortage in various parts of the state. It is hard to believe that the farmers are involved in burning buses and damaging public properties. If you look at the photos published in the news papers hardly suggest that the ones who are throwing boulders and stones at public properties are farmers. It seems that the protest is being orchestrated by anti-social elements with the backing of some political parties and making poor farmers as scapegoats. While ordering an enquiry into the incident, the Government which took oath in the farmers’ name has to take all possible steps to resolve the issue immediately instead of spending time at pointing fingers. Let the concerned authorities book culprits under the law and unmask the elements who triggers the vandalism in the name of farmers.

Need an Agenda!

Earlier BJP was yearning to rule the state. Now, they got people’s mandate to take care of the affairs. From the moment they won the election the BJP led Government is encountering very serious issues. Instead of measuring length and breadth of the state, let them sit, discuss and prioritize the issues that need immediate attention. It seems they are focusing more on transferring officials, fighting for lucrative ministries etc. If they sideline the critical issues which need prompt and quick action, they may face wrath of the same people who voted them to power. Instead of wasting time and money in organizing poojas let them spend time on people’s issues and get pat on their back. If they do good things, the God will also be happy and keep them at good stead and shower bounties. The CM has to set out Agenda for first 100 days and try to complete the tasks on time instead of getting into word-war with the opposition parties. Let the CM and his team shut their opponents’ mouth by their actions instead of increasing decibel levels.

Food and Fuel Politics

This has reference to Thomas L. Friedman’s write up on `How food and fuel can reshape politics’ (Deccan Chronicle,June 16, 2008). The article is an eye-opener and thought provoking about the ongoing food and fuel imbroglio around the globe. As he said, this is a pocket book issue in America since they are not feeling the pinch of food and fuel crisis. The U.S farmers plant and divert their corn produce for bio-fuels that may help them to safeguard their survival in the midst of oil crisis later if not now. Because of this, the nations that are depending on the imports of wheat are either not getting their requirement or they have to pay a higher price to get the sufficient supply which is devastating respective country’s economy.

The situation what he described in Egypt is not different from India. The welfare measures (health, education etc) are getting affected because of the Government’s increase in fuel subsidy to the Oil Companies. Our Government has to stop subsidizing the oil prices and that will sensitize the people to conserve energy for our next generation. Also, the Government has to encourage the people to use alternate energy and pump more investments to generate energy using alternative resources. Above all, the UPA Government has to stand up and categorically put forth its views to their allies and say `No’ to their un-realistic demands. The UPA alliance partners as well as other opposition parties too know what is happening around them as far as the current crisis is concerned but still they raise voice about price hike, nuclear deal etc to woo their vote bank! Let the Leftists tackle their backyard problems (Nandigram, Gorkhaland etc) first!

TIBET

“LET ONE THOUSAND FLOWERS BLOOM”*


When Tibet is burning
Hu Jintao flagged off Olympic torch relay -
The World is watching!

Deprived monks forced to take arms
Determined rulers not relenting!!

Where Buddhism is adored
Buddhists are getting assaulted
Myanmar then, Tibet Now!!

When Dalai Lama anguished
Dharamsala trembled!!

Battle at Kalinga changed Ashoka, the Emperor
Given up arms, took up Ahimsa
Propagated Buddhism!

Mao said:
“Just living is not enough... One must have sunshine, freedom, and a little flower.”
Tibetans need all of them!!

Long March Revolutionary said:
“Political power grows out of the barrel of a gun.”

Mao’s followers to learn
`Buddham Saranam Gacchami’*
Else,
Tibetans to learn to use the barrel of a gun!!


- Siddharth (01/04/08)


(* I go to Buddha for refuge)

Standup and Be Counted!

India at 60
PC announced 60,000 crore bonanza
A boon to the `back bones’ (farmers) of the Nation!

Chid and Lalu nuked their critics
And so called
Champion of workers shocked, turned Red and Left!

If anyone wish to question the bounty
Chid said,
“Stand up and Be Counted”
123* is yet to start!

(03/03/08)

* implies 123 agreement on N-deal and the count of critics of the budget