MNS grows in the Congress Ka Swayamvar. Without the selfish interests of Congress MNS may not have come to this stage. Yes it is politically important to play the divide and rule policy. But it is nationally devastative for the pan Indian party to follow this principle in the crucial state of Maharastra. Congress should have played one stone two mangoes formula to wipe out Shiv Sena and MNS if its governance is good in the state. Leaving the governance to a low casual level the Congress party has depended on the vote splitting formula of MNS and Shiv Sena. This will affect the nation in the long term. If the party takes a leaf out of the past it will be clear any encouragement to the sectarian parties will boomrang on it. Akali growth with the Congress support in 1980s is a case in point.
There is no wonder to see the unruly behaviour of MNS MLAs in the Maharastra assembly. More will follow if the Congress government remains a mute witness to the sectarian politics of Shiv Sena or MNS. Immediately it must put an end to its self-destructive game. It is a welcome step to suspend the MLAs for four years. The MLAs should be treated like the criminals and booked under the national security act if they indulge in any further nefarious activities. All the immunity and privileges of the MLAs should be stopped.
Times of India writes (11 November 2009)
Indian Parliament and state assemblies have seen some awful behaviour over the years, including MPs waving wads of cash inside the House and MLAs
hurling chairs at each other. On Monday, yet another chapter was added to this shameful history when Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) legislators roughed up Samajwadi Party MLA Abu Azmi for taking his oath of office in Hindi. Their reasoning, as explained by MNS spokesperson Shirish Parkar, was that Azmi by speaking in Hindi had offended the Marathi manoos.
Actually it's the other way around. It's the MNS that has offended the Indian Constitution and subverted all norms of parliamentary functioning. They shouldn't be allowed to get away with it. The MNS and its chief Raj Thackeray have been saying all sorts of incendiary things over the past year or so. One of the primary planks of the MNS agenda is regional chauvinism. If it had its way outsiders wouldn't be allowed to live and work in Maharashtra. This is patently against the Indian Constitution and the right of an Indian citizen to move freely and work in any part of the country. But by expressing his nativist agenda in a violent way inside the Maharashtra assembly, Thackeray and his party members have breached all constitutional norms. There is absolutely nothing that prevents a legislator from taking his oath of office in Hindi, English or any of the regional languages.
That the hooliganism inside the House was premeditated is evident from the warning that Thackeray issued last week when he asked all the newly-elected MLAs in the Maharashtra assembly to take their oaths in Marathi or else face the "MNS music". The MNS kept its promise on Monday when it attacked Azmi under the full glare of television cameras. Such acts cannot be allowed to go unpunished. Democracy does not sanction a "might is right" principle.
Maharashtra chief minister Ashok Chavan has asked the assembly Speaker to take action against the MNS legislators. The assembly responded by suspending four MNS legislators for four years. This is heartening since the Maharashtra government has often turned a blind eye to threats issued by the MNS and acts of violence perpetrated by it. The MNS's argument that Hindi is not used in Maharashtra stretches the limits of credulity. Not only is Mumbai the country's commercial capital but also the headquarters of the Hindi film industry. By letting loose the law of the jungle inside the assembly the MNS has struck at the very roots of India's constitutional democracy. It would set an extremely dangerous precedent unless tackled right away.
Showing posts with label Indian politics. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Indian politics. Show all posts
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Monday, January 19, 2009
Unstoppable Narendra Modi
Narendra Modi – The Chief Minister of Gujarat is the one of the most attacked public personalities in the recent past. Media, NGOs, opposition parties, diplomats, writers, artists, anyone and everyone slams Modi. Unconsciously they are aiding the growth and popularity of the most hatred man. People have got jobs for opposing Modi and some people have lost their jobs for praising the Gujarat hero. After the Godhra violence in 2001, Modi became an international villain. Local NGOs and political parties amply helped the media to vilify Modi. At the end Modi emerged stronger than before.
Recently Anil Ambani, Sunil Mittal and Ratan Tata the corporate figures have lavished praise on Modi. It is nothing but natural for the business stars to talk high about the hosts. For their business interests the industrialists praise the local boss. This is common everywhere. But few words about Modi during the recently held Vibrant Gujarat summit have provoked a chain of Modi vilification campaign. As in the past this is going to help him to go stronger than diminish his existing image.
Ambani and Mittal have pitched Modi as the future Prime Minister. They speculated that India can grow multiple times better if Modi becomes the national boss. Next day of these statements saw media going hammer and tongs about business stars statements. Expectedly it brought harsh reactions from the political parties and surprisingly it sent shockwaves into the Advani camp. Already reeling under revolt from Bharion Singh Shekhawat, Kalyan Singh and Shatrugun Sinha, the BJP has one more headache to wardoff anti-Advani protests from insiders. Although Modi is carefully nurtured by Advani, increasing open praises for the Gujarat CM is creating jitters in the mind of prime minister in waiting.
Yesterday CPIM had suspended its Kannur member of parliament – Abdullah Kutty for saying few words about its high caliber administrative prowess. Earlier Bibek Debroy had to lose his job in the Rajiv Gandhi Foundation for listing Gujarat as number one state in the country’s development.
Undoubtedly these controversies are making Modi more powerful. The media is inventing a new philosophy and helping Modi to move up in the political ladder. Moditva, Modinomics and modi fied isms are giving the Gujarat CM a sole flavour in the national political circuit. Many people cutting across political parties and religions are keen to embrace Modi. This was very clear from the gathered members in the National Integration Council meeting held in Delhi last month. CMs across the political spectrum were competing to handshake with Modi.
The past violence in Gujarat must be forgotten. It should not be used by any force to revive tension in the state. If the past state violence is to be punished not only Modi but there are many heads to roll. We must ensure that there won’t be any further repetition of communal carnage in the country. His efficiency in racing the state in the development track should be praised by all. Modi got 8,500 MoUs worth Rs.12 lakh crore signed for new industrial projects during the Vibrant Gujarat summit. He had get the red tape, minimized corruption and put the bureaucracy at work. Such governance is needed to deliver justice and development to all cutting across religion and other divisions.
Recently Anil Ambani, Sunil Mittal and Ratan Tata the corporate figures have lavished praise on Modi. It is nothing but natural for the business stars to talk high about the hosts. For their business interests the industrialists praise the local boss. This is common everywhere. But few words about Modi during the recently held Vibrant Gujarat summit have provoked a chain of Modi vilification campaign. As in the past this is going to help him to go stronger than diminish his existing image.
Ambani and Mittal have pitched Modi as the future Prime Minister. They speculated that India can grow multiple times better if Modi becomes the national boss. Next day of these statements saw media going hammer and tongs about business stars statements. Expectedly it brought harsh reactions from the political parties and surprisingly it sent shockwaves into the Advani camp. Already reeling under revolt from Bharion Singh Shekhawat, Kalyan Singh and Shatrugun Sinha, the BJP has one more headache to wardoff anti-Advani protests from insiders. Although Modi is carefully nurtured by Advani, increasing open praises for the Gujarat CM is creating jitters in the mind of prime minister in waiting.
Yesterday CPIM had suspended its Kannur member of parliament – Abdullah Kutty for saying few words about its high caliber administrative prowess. Earlier Bibek Debroy had to lose his job in the Rajiv Gandhi Foundation for listing Gujarat as number one state in the country’s development.
Undoubtedly these controversies are making Modi more powerful. The media is inventing a new philosophy and helping Modi to move up in the political ladder. Moditva, Modinomics and modi fied isms are giving the Gujarat CM a sole flavour in the national political circuit. Many people cutting across political parties and religions are keen to embrace Modi. This was very clear from the gathered members in the National Integration Council meeting held in Delhi last month. CMs across the political spectrum were competing to handshake with Modi.
The past violence in Gujarat must be forgotten. It should not be used by any force to revive tension in the state. If the past state violence is to be punished not only Modi but there are many heads to roll. We must ensure that there won’t be any further repetition of communal carnage in the country. His efficiency in racing the state in the development track should be praised by all. Modi got 8,500 MoUs worth Rs.12 lakh crore signed for new industrial projects during the Vibrant Gujarat summit. He had get the red tape, minimized corruption and put the bureaucracy at work. Such governance is needed to deliver justice and development to all cutting across religion and other divisions.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Conceding defeat
Defeat is difficult to digest. But expressing explicitly in anguished form is not considered as sporty and public figure’s style. Elections in America always demonstrated the distinguished way of conceding defeat. John Mccain has lived up to the standard of defeated candidate in the USA’s presidential election. His cool, clam and assuring speech after the final ballot was counted tells the depth of American political culture. This one aspect of Western political culture mesmerizes both common man and politicians in the Indian subcontinent. I heard many people praising Mccain’s gesture of wishing Obama a bright political future and his support to strengthen America. Rarely political figures in India show such a courtesy to congratulate their opponents. Mudslinging is part of the political game played everyday in the Indian society.
A popular personality’s strength is tested during the time of defeat. In that sense Mccain’s stature has climbed few upper peaks after his defeat speech.
To congratulate him on being elected the next president of the country that we both love.
“In a contest as long and difficult as this campaign has been, his success alone commands my respect for his ability and perseverance. But that he managed to do so by inspiring the hopes of so many millions of Americans who had once wrongly believed that they had little at stake or little influence in the election of an American president is something I deeply admire and commend him for achieving.
This is an historic election, and I recognize the special significance it has for African-Americans and for the special pride that must be theirs tonight.
I've always believed that America offers opportunities to all who have the industry and will to seize it. Senator Obama believes that, too.
But we both recognize that, though we have come a long way from the old injustices that once stained our nation's reputation and denied some Americans the full blessings of American citizenship, the memory of them still had the power to wound.
A century ago, President Theodore Roosevelt's invitation of Booker T. Washington to dine at the White House was taken as an outrage in many quarters.
America today is a world away from the cruel and frightful bigotry of that time. There is no better evidence of this than the election of an African-American to the presidency of the United States.
Let there be no reason now ... Let there be no reason now for any American to fail to cherish their citizenship in this, the greatest nation on Earth.
Senator Obama has achieved a great thing for himself and for his country. I applaud him for it, and offer him my sincere sympathy that his beloved grandmother did not live to see this day. Though our faith assures us she is at rest in the presence of her creator and so very proud of the good man she helped raise.
Senator Obama and I have had and argued our differences, and he has prevailed. No doubt many of those differences remain.
These are difficult times for our country. And I pledge to him tonight to do all in my power to help him lead us through the many challenges we face.
I urge all Americans ... I urge all Americans who supported me to join me in not just congratulating him, but offering our next president our good will and earnest effort to find ways to come together to find the necessary compromises to bridge our differences and help restore our prosperity, defend our security in a dangerous world, and leave our children and grandchildren a stronger, better country than we inherited.
Whatever our differences, we are fellow Americans. And please believe me when I say no association has ever meant more to me than that.
It is natural. It's natural, tonight, to feel some disappointment. But tomorrow, we must move beyond it and work together to get our country moving again.
We fought — we fought as hard as we could. And though we feel short, the failure is mine, not yours.
I hold in my heart nothing but love for this country and for all its citizens, whether they supported me or Senator Obama — whether they supported me or Senator Obama.
I wish Godspeed to the man who was my former opponent and will be my president. And I call on all Americans, as I have often in this campaign, to not despair of our present difficulties, but to believe, always, in the promise and greatness of America, because nothing is inevitable here.
Americans never quit. We never surrender.
We never hide from history. We make history.
Thank you, and God bless you, and God bless America. Thank you all very much.”
This concession speech should inspire the public figures across nations to conduct themselves in dignified manner after electoral defeat. American can be the leader of a decent political culture which equips every public figure to work for the common cause without vitiating the atmosphere and pushing the people towards frustration.
A popular personality’s strength is tested during the time of defeat. In that sense Mccain’s stature has climbed few upper peaks after his defeat speech.
To congratulate him on being elected the next president of the country that we both love.
“In a contest as long and difficult as this campaign has been, his success alone commands my respect for his ability and perseverance. But that he managed to do so by inspiring the hopes of so many millions of Americans who had once wrongly believed that they had little at stake or little influence in the election of an American president is something I deeply admire and commend him for achieving.
This is an historic election, and I recognize the special significance it has for African-Americans and for the special pride that must be theirs tonight.
I've always believed that America offers opportunities to all who have the industry and will to seize it. Senator Obama believes that, too.
But we both recognize that, though we have come a long way from the old injustices that once stained our nation's reputation and denied some Americans the full blessings of American citizenship, the memory of them still had the power to wound.
A century ago, President Theodore Roosevelt's invitation of Booker T. Washington to dine at the White House was taken as an outrage in many quarters.
America today is a world away from the cruel and frightful bigotry of that time. There is no better evidence of this than the election of an African-American to the presidency of the United States.
Let there be no reason now ... Let there be no reason now for any American to fail to cherish their citizenship in this, the greatest nation on Earth.
Senator Obama has achieved a great thing for himself and for his country. I applaud him for it, and offer him my sincere sympathy that his beloved grandmother did not live to see this day. Though our faith assures us she is at rest in the presence of her creator and so very proud of the good man she helped raise.
Senator Obama and I have had and argued our differences, and he has prevailed. No doubt many of those differences remain.
These are difficult times for our country. And I pledge to him tonight to do all in my power to help him lead us through the many challenges we face.
I urge all Americans ... I urge all Americans who supported me to join me in not just congratulating him, but offering our next president our good will and earnest effort to find ways to come together to find the necessary compromises to bridge our differences and help restore our prosperity, defend our security in a dangerous world, and leave our children and grandchildren a stronger, better country than we inherited.
Whatever our differences, we are fellow Americans. And please believe me when I say no association has ever meant more to me than that.
It is natural. It's natural, tonight, to feel some disappointment. But tomorrow, we must move beyond it and work together to get our country moving again.
We fought — we fought as hard as we could. And though we feel short, the failure is mine, not yours.
I hold in my heart nothing but love for this country and for all its citizens, whether they supported me or Senator Obama — whether they supported me or Senator Obama.
I wish Godspeed to the man who was my former opponent and will be my president. And I call on all Americans, as I have often in this campaign, to not despair of our present difficulties, but to believe, always, in the promise and greatness of America, because nothing is inevitable here.
Americans never quit. We never surrender.
We never hide from history. We make history.
Thank you, and God bless you, and God bless America. Thank you all very much.”
This concession speech should inspire the public figures across nations to conduct themselves in dignified manner after electoral defeat. American can be the leader of a decent political culture which equips every public figure to work for the common cause without vitiating the atmosphere and pushing the people towards frustration.
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