An election according to former election commissioner T.N. Session is choosing the bad from the worst. And in case of Bihar, it has always been about supporting the powerful tyrant to ensure security. In a land, infamous for dacoits, scams and everything wrong an election does little to help the chaos. As the JDU lead alliance of Bihar government approaches its 60th month in power, Bihar is gearing up for the battle in its backyard in the month of October.
A clear majority for power is not really a possibility in any elections in India, alliances are just a way of life in the Indian polity, and so are ideological rifts causing the alliances to break. No party would be in a position to contest or claim single majority on the 243 seats in the state elections. But Nitish Kumar the much needed messiah for Bihar’ economic growth has in someway started to revolutionize the economy thus promising stability for the state and his government after the dark ages of Lallu clan’s rule on Bihar. Investors seem to consider Bihar as a option, a probability which was negligible till a few years ago. Eminent industrialist Anand Mahindra has lauded Nitesh’s efforts to revive the Biharian economy. The streets are safer, dacoits and gang lords are either shot down or contest polls from their barracks in state jail. All seemed going good until June 13 when all hell broke loose on the alliance.
BJP’s Patna rally witnessed an unprecedented support for their prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi (http://lifemyteacher.blogspot.com/2010/07/re-building-house-piece-by-piece.html). BJP saw a real chance at taking up the mantle and squeezing the last drop out of the alliance; meetings and reactions followed. With both the parties locking horns it was left to the senior leaders such as Sharad Yadav from JDU and Lalkrishna Advani to come out from the Delhi headquarters of the BJP after weeks of negotiation to announce the unity within the alliance. Congress on the other hand had already smelled blood. Even though “Maya Raj” Uttar Pradesh was an ideal platform for the congress prince to launch his blitzkrieg, an opportunity to conquest on a state which is third largest contributor of MP’s to the Lok Sabha was too good to ignore. The congress could use every Lok Sabha seat in its bid to centre in 2013 elections when the prince would lead the party in the battle fray.
It is also important for Congress to win the Bihar seat as a developed state would ensure drop in immigration of local population to developed Congress lead states such as Maharashtra, New Delhi etc. where local population is infuriated with the continuous influx of these immigrants. Immigration has caused severe problems leading to rise in crime, per capita population and stress on civic amenities in these states. The fissure in Sena – MNS fractions demolished the strength of Sena-BJP alliance in Maharashtra resulting in a Congress win in the state elections in November last year. The Congress would be hoping for a similar splinter in the BJP-JDU alliance this time around. After all we learn from our mistakes and we convert our mistakes into lessons. One such lesson that we learned from our history is – “Divide and rule”.
Only time would tell if Congress reigns in Bihar or would Nitish get his due credit and an extension to continue his work.
Friday, August 20, 2010
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Current Affairs
When analyzing any situation one should always try to notice
“What one cannot see, rather than what can be seen”
Attending the FM’s speech on the discussion regarding inflationary trends in India’s economy, which was expected to be the juiciest bite in this parliamentary season. I must admit I was a little disappointed by the opposition’s paltry crack at bringing the house down. It wasn’t Pranabda’s explanation on international economic pressures which lead to rise in domestic price rise/ or the effects of US subprime lending crisis which culminated in “thus the reason for domestic inflation…” After moving a united adjournment motion on price rise issue, the uproar during explanation was pitiful.
Another policy decision coming out late last night was the status on FDI in multi-branding retail sector. Bharti one of India’s premium business houses and a leading teleco struggled for over 18 months to launch their pioneer outlet in a JV with international retail giant Wal-Mart. Now they plan to extend the total no. to over 20 in a year’s time alone, before close competitors French retailer Carrefour and British firm Tesco finalize their entry plans.
India allows 100% foreign investment in wholesale and 51% in single-brand retailing, but none in multi-brand retail. Last month, the Department of Industrial Promotion and Policy sought comments from various stakeholders on different aspects of the subject through a discussion paper posted on its website. It’s not just the retail attraction though. Cash-and-carry is a big business in itself. About 30% of the country's total production of fruits and vegetables is wasted every year because of inadequate cold storage and transport facilities. Reckons K Rajagopalan, chief executive officer, Retailers Association of India, "By bringing in specialized experts into the supply chain, wastage can be reduced by 15%. Moreover, since there will be less people in the chain, economies of scale for a modern retailer will increase, giving a further boost to operating margins." The wastage currently estimated at Rs. 63,000 Crs could be brought down to half in a few years through infrastructure & supply chain management development.
Experts believe though generation ‘Y’ is the target consumer for these retail giants depending on ‘bulk buy- bulk sale’ & consumer’s plastic money buying power, the local baniya days aren’t over yet for some years atleast.
I would still prefer going to the baniya shop down the street to buy fresh loaf of bread…
“What one cannot see, rather than what can be seen”
Attending the FM’s speech on the discussion regarding inflationary trends in India’s economy, which was expected to be the juiciest bite in this parliamentary season. I must admit I was a little disappointed by the opposition’s paltry crack at bringing the house down. It wasn’t Pranabda’s explanation on international economic pressures which lead to rise in domestic price rise/ or the effects of US subprime lending crisis which culminated in “thus the reason for domestic inflation…” After moving a united adjournment motion on price rise issue, the uproar during explanation was pitiful.
Another policy decision coming out late last night was the status on FDI in multi-branding retail sector. Bharti one of India’s premium business houses and a leading teleco struggled for over 18 months to launch their pioneer outlet in a JV with international retail giant Wal-Mart. Now they plan to extend the total no. to over 20 in a year’s time alone, before close competitors French retailer Carrefour and British firm Tesco finalize their entry plans.
India allows 100% foreign investment in wholesale and 51% in single-brand retailing, but none in multi-brand retail. Last month, the Department of Industrial Promotion and Policy sought comments from various stakeholders on different aspects of the subject through a discussion paper posted on its website. It’s not just the retail attraction though. Cash-and-carry is a big business in itself. About 30% of the country's total production of fruits and vegetables is wasted every year because of inadequate cold storage and transport facilities. Reckons K Rajagopalan, chief executive officer, Retailers Association of India, "By bringing in specialized experts into the supply chain, wastage can be reduced by 15%. Moreover, since there will be less people in the chain, economies of scale for a modern retailer will increase, giving a further boost to operating margins." The wastage currently estimated at Rs. 63,000 Crs could be brought down to half in a few years through infrastructure & supply chain management development.
Experts believe though generation ‘Y’ is the target consumer for these retail giants depending on ‘bulk buy- bulk sale’ & consumer’s plastic money buying power, the local baniya days aren’t over yet for some years atleast.
I would still prefer going to the baniya shop down the street to buy fresh loaf of bread…
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Essence of an Ocean - What's Delhi all about?
One of my favourite grandma tales I heard during my vacations as a 5 year old was that of - The cave frog. As all good stories would start this one too started with “Once upon a time…
Once upon a time there lived a frog in a deep dark cave in the corner of a jungle. The frog lived in a colony of other smaller creatures which thrived on the pond formed perennial drops of water dripping from the crack in the caves ceiling. What set this frog apart was his sheer size and loud crocks. It was only a matter of time before he was crowned the king of the pond. His passion for his people and his just behavior soon made him popular amongst his subjects. Soon enough the now King Frog had the urge to expand his reign. Soon he set out in search other ponds within the cave and beyond for he knew that he as the strongest creature he had ever seen.
A day into his leap and jump journey into the cave, he came across strange creature hanging from the ceiling of the cave, there were blind but flew without bumping into anything as he crocked. He came across small creature which looked tiny and helpless but were fatally venomous. Few days after he had started he finally came to a place where there was no darkness; this alien land was filled with large creatures who could stomp his little frame into dust. Over the period of next few days he roamed through the jungle learning the way of the alien land, where lions ruled the jungle not by power, but by dynasty. Much larger elephants and giraffes feared the large mane animal, he saw ponds which were larger than his entire cave and seemed to have no end at all. The creatures in those ponds were large reptiles with massive jaws and teeth.
Convinced that there is little space for him to rule this land filled with killer claws, giant jaws and thick skins the frog went back to his dark dingy cave pond, to spend the rest of his life ruling the people that loved him and dreaming of ruling the alien land he visited every now and again.
The way I heard this story 20 years ago made me feel cozy and comforted helping me slide off to sleep listening to the frogs return to a life with his loved ones. But as I retrospect on the story, I have a completely different perspective on the moral of the story. The frog’s failure to adapt to the circumstances/ respond to the change in surrounding and a catastrophe of ambitions of the amphibian creature has a contradictory effect on my sleep.
On a more practical note, one might compare the story to that of Maharashtra’s politburos who have not tried staking their claim on the Delhi throne since the battle at Panipath. A barrage of bureaucrats and officials flood the government machinery from this western state of India, leaders like Yashwantrao Chavan, Shankarao Chavan have played an important part in assisting the governing of the republic. There is a widespread perception of language barrier being detrimental to the chances of the Shivaji inheritor’s incapability of hoisting the Maratha flag in the PMO. Maharashtra Sadan on the junction of Copernicus road in Delhi is an important source of power for any ruling party in the Lok Sabha, but the through the years, Delhi ‘Taqat’ has been able to keep the Maratha strongmen to act as second fiddle.
We could easily measure up the Maharashtra political scenario to our beloved frog story as Political stalwarts from the region have always enjoyed monopolized majority in their constituencies, making safe heavens for their parties or the Oceanic grandeur of the All India Congress Committee.
Marathi (by Marathi I mean everyone residing in Maharashtra) Members of Lok Sabha from the AICC who are fortunate enough to make it to the list of the few who occupy portfolios in the government functionary always seem to loose their way. The unceremonious sacking of Shivraj Patil during one of India’s worst terror attacks or the power crisis faced during smiling Minister Shri. Sushil Kumar Shinde’s tenure are just a few such examples. Employees, Employers, professionals, leaders, academicians etc. etc. from Maharashtra have always found it difficult to find a place which houses India.
Maharashtra came close to shattering this physiological block of the ‘Delhi mirage’ when the Maratha strongman from Baramati almost got the better of the UPA alliance in the 2004 elections. As a youth leader Mr. Pawar once had the opportunity to meet the Iron man of Indian Industry Mr. J.R. D Tata.
JRD used the following sentence to describe the young politician –
“One day, this young boy will become the Prime Minister of India”
2009 elections showcase a contrast result to rising image of NCP and with it the hopes of Maharashtra’s claim on the epitome of power in India. However, the new cabinet included 4 members of parliament from Maharashtra, which reiterates the state’s importance in the nation’s ‘power’ equation, pun intended. What is in store for the people of Western Ghats, called ‘Ghaties’ is a mystery which only time will solve.
What increases my curiosity is a question that popped into my brain as I sat down with this subject, is it Marathi that cannot handle Delhi or is it Delhi that cannot handle Marathi. Either ways the city of that is the heart of the Indian republic is elusive to the Marathi.
Once upon a time there lived a frog in a deep dark cave in the corner of a jungle. The frog lived in a colony of other smaller creatures which thrived on the pond formed perennial drops of water dripping from the crack in the caves ceiling. What set this frog apart was his sheer size and loud crocks. It was only a matter of time before he was crowned the king of the pond. His passion for his people and his just behavior soon made him popular amongst his subjects. Soon enough the now King Frog had the urge to expand his reign. Soon he set out in search other ponds within the cave and beyond for he knew that he as the strongest creature he had ever seen.
A day into his leap and jump journey into the cave, he came across strange creature hanging from the ceiling of the cave, there were blind but flew without bumping into anything as he crocked. He came across small creature which looked tiny and helpless but were fatally venomous. Few days after he had started he finally came to a place where there was no darkness; this alien land was filled with large creatures who could stomp his little frame into dust. Over the period of next few days he roamed through the jungle learning the way of the alien land, where lions ruled the jungle not by power, but by dynasty. Much larger elephants and giraffes feared the large mane animal, he saw ponds which were larger than his entire cave and seemed to have no end at all. The creatures in those ponds were large reptiles with massive jaws and teeth.
Convinced that there is little space for him to rule this land filled with killer claws, giant jaws and thick skins the frog went back to his dark dingy cave pond, to spend the rest of his life ruling the people that loved him and dreaming of ruling the alien land he visited every now and again.
The way I heard this story 20 years ago made me feel cozy and comforted helping me slide off to sleep listening to the frogs return to a life with his loved ones. But as I retrospect on the story, I have a completely different perspective on the moral of the story. The frog’s failure to adapt to the circumstances/ respond to the change in surrounding and a catastrophe of ambitions of the amphibian creature has a contradictory effect on my sleep.
On a more practical note, one might compare the story to that of Maharashtra’s politburos who have not tried staking their claim on the Delhi throne since the battle at Panipath. A barrage of bureaucrats and officials flood the government machinery from this western state of India, leaders like Yashwantrao Chavan, Shankarao Chavan have played an important part in assisting the governing of the republic. There is a widespread perception of language barrier being detrimental to the chances of the Shivaji inheritor’s incapability of hoisting the Maratha flag in the PMO. Maharashtra Sadan on the junction of Copernicus road in Delhi is an important source of power for any ruling party in the Lok Sabha, but the through the years, Delhi ‘Taqat’ has been able to keep the Maratha strongmen to act as second fiddle.
We could easily measure up the Maharashtra political scenario to our beloved frog story as Political stalwarts from the region have always enjoyed monopolized majority in their constituencies, making safe heavens for their parties or the Oceanic grandeur of the All India Congress Committee.
Marathi (by Marathi I mean everyone residing in Maharashtra) Members of Lok Sabha from the AICC who are fortunate enough to make it to the list of the few who occupy portfolios in the government functionary always seem to loose their way. The unceremonious sacking of Shivraj Patil during one of India’s worst terror attacks or the power crisis faced during smiling Minister Shri. Sushil Kumar Shinde’s tenure are just a few such examples. Employees, Employers, professionals, leaders, academicians etc. etc. from Maharashtra have always found it difficult to find a place which houses India.
Maharashtra came close to shattering this physiological block of the ‘Delhi mirage’ when the Maratha strongman from Baramati almost got the better of the UPA alliance in the 2004 elections. As a youth leader Mr. Pawar once had the opportunity to meet the Iron man of Indian Industry Mr. J.R. D Tata.
JRD used the following sentence to describe the young politician –
“One day, this young boy will become the Prime Minister of India”
2009 elections showcase a contrast result to rising image of NCP and with it the hopes of Maharashtra’s claim on the epitome of power in India. However, the new cabinet included 4 members of parliament from Maharashtra, which reiterates the state’s importance in the nation’s ‘power’ equation, pun intended. What is in store for the people of Western Ghats, called ‘Ghaties’ is a mystery which only time will solve.
What increases my curiosity is a question that popped into my brain as I sat down with this subject, is it Marathi that cannot handle Delhi or is it Delhi that cannot handle Marathi. Either ways the city of that is the heart of the Indian republic is elusive to the Marathi.
Monday, July 26, 2010
Thundering in the monson session
The monsoon session schedule of parliament seems jam packed with action, as the opposition and other parties have started flexing muscles with more ideas for adjournment motion than the ideas of ruling party presenting its plans on the floor.
Apart from the development issues of Direct Tax Code and the women’s reservation bill the session will be flogged by issues such as civil liability for nuclear damage, economic blockade of Manipur, deteriorating situation in Kashmir, Naxal attacks, rail accidents etc. But the thorn in the arm-pit for the ruling governance this session would be the price rise, especially in the fuel prices. The opposition is already making alliances with other parties calling for adjournment motion. CPI and regional parties see this as their chance to draw their claws in the congresses back a little deeper to satisfy their quest for vengeance. The BJP would also play hard on the Bhopal issue and the exit of Mr. Anderson would be at the centre of it all.
There would be some respite for the congress after all as the BJP would barter on or some of the issues in the parliament in-exchange for Amit Shah’s safe passage out of the CBI’s clutches. What would be interesting to see is, which issues would be compromised on and which one’s would be hit hard. As BJP regains its strength, this monsoon session could act as a turning point. Congress led UPA has 4 more years to prove its competency to get another term, but the sheer number of growing issues is indicative of its fate in the next elections. A tired PM might make way for the congress prince to take up the mantle of steering the government, but it would take much more than charisma and political calculations to get out of this unscrapped.
The think tanks at 10 Janpath would have to put all their brains and experience to take the rabbit out of the hat this time. With the BJP poised to expose each fall, and Gadkari’s leadership formulating a comeback in years to come, this monsoon session would ensure more thundering than rains for the UPA.
Apart from the development issues of Direct Tax Code and the women’s reservation bill the session will be flogged by issues such as civil liability for nuclear damage, economic blockade of Manipur, deteriorating situation in Kashmir, Naxal attacks, rail accidents etc. But the thorn in the arm-pit for the ruling governance this session would be the price rise, especially in the fuel prices. The opposition is already making alliances with other parties calling for adjournment motion. CPI and regional parties see this as their chance to draw their claws in the congresses back a little deeper to satisfy their quest for vengeance. The BJP would also play hard on the Bhopal issue and the exit of Mr. Anderson would be at the centre of it all.
There would be some respite for the congress after all as the BJP would barter on or some of the issues in the parliament in-exchange for Amit Shah’s safe passage out of the CBI’s clutches. What would be interesting to see is, which issues would be compromised on and which one’s would be hit hard. As BJP regains its strength, this monsoon session could act as a turning point. Congress led UPA has 4 more years to prove its competency to get another term, but the sheer number of growing issues is indicative of its fate in the next elections. A tired PM might make way for the congress prince to take up the mantle of steering the government, but it would take much more than charisma and political calculations to get out of this unscrapped.
The think tanks at 10 Janpath would have to put all their brains and experience to take the rabbit out of the hat this time. With the BJP poised to expose each fall, and Gadkari’s leadership formulating a comeback in years to come, this monsoon session would ensure more thundering than rains for the UPA.
Friday, July 23, 2010
Solicitous Epiphany
Spending a typical afternoon in Mantriji’s office at mantralay for a confirmed 3 PM appointment which was confirmed 2 days ago, I knew I would not be asked in before 5. My lunch with a college friend had taken me to the next door Inox food court our “hay” day’s hangout. The prawn torpedoes and murg kheema tawa paratha had not yet settled in my flat belly, which made my eyelids stick to each other like a Govinda - Karishma Kapoor dance number from the no. 1 movie days. But keeping my professional etiquettes intact I had reached Mantriji’s office at 2:50 sharp IST.
The term IST has been mocked in the past internationally due to the unprofessional, unpunctual & casual approach of some Indian leaders both corporate and political, using work load and tight schedules as an excuse for delaying their appointments. My case is quite different; I have grown used to this culture. Being a true blooded Indian, I have compromise & adamancy weaved into my DNA. Compromise helps me stay patient and flexible to the change in time &/or agenda; while adamancy helps me stay focused on my goals. When my turn finally came a peon came forward dressed in his white Durban uniform with a bright red belt and turban which often makes you wonder if you are in a monarch’s palace awaiting an august audience of his highness. He was no stranger to me, he asked me to follow him. I knew that this procedure had to be followed by my hand in pocket and out with a currency note magic trick for the Durban, it always brings a smile to his face, makes you commiserate his innocence. The degree of his smile and salaam that follow are co-related to the denomination of the currency note, this is the best way to understand the otherwise tough concept of ‘co-relation’.
As I entered the office chamber of Mantriji I was not surprised to find him not in his seat, he was in fact not in that spacious room. What I saw was more than 100 eyeballs scanning my every stride towards the antic chamber behind Mantriji’s empty chair. Some might have though of me as a very important person getting a green channel into the antic chamber, while others would have suspiciously looked at the bad I was carrying wondering if I was holding many smiling Gandhi faces inside. Truth is I did not qualify either of those possibilities. I enjoy this part when I get an easy ride through the office chamber ahead of senior polity, wealthy businessmen who are at the edge of their patience and various other dignitaries who have the credentials to make it to this room. The commoners and the poor have to wait outside the office doors in the non-ac comfort of the building corridor in the company of toilet sting and bureaucracy clutter.
While I was on my way in I saw several of my prospective “clients” who could do much better by coming on board with my team rather than sitting and investing hours in this office. Once inside I witnessed gawking eyes staring at me in the so-called antic chamber. Mantriji was in the middle of all action talking to a few delegates from a corporate house dressed in their finest Ermenegildo Zegna. Through the confidential flow of information, deals, negotiations & power bazaar Mantriji was finally able to get a glimpse of my face. Still completing his sentence he pointed towards a smaller room within the chamber.
That was my cue of a highly sensitive issue was to be addressed. I was escorted by his close aid for over 20 years, I was asked for the usual tea/coffee/ poha, as I had refused the menu while waiting outside I settled for a cup of Joe. I started scanning frantically through my phone for any activity that I might have missed concerning Mantriji in the past few days. Few minutes passed and with my coffee came Mantriji excusing himself from the assembly for an important meeting.
As we settled into a conversation and he started talking about the state of our state I soon realized that this was a non-agenda catch up meeting to gauge the political scenario. No concrete idea, words or suggestions were exchanged; we came out of the bunker after 50 minutes without a plan, agenda or a to-do list. All we did was chatted about everything.
When I got out, the antic chamber now looked like the office outside filled with far more people than I remembered when I went in. The office through which I had sailed, now barely gave me room to move towards the door. And the number of commoners outside the office doors had moved from plenty to enough to hold a rally.
I knew that Mantriji would meet with each one of these distressed souls before retiring for the day. As leaders our politicians and their associates that we know as 'babbus' do their fair share to push the files and decrease the paperwork lying on their desk in the ‘in’ tray. They meet the Janata who bring their woes to their doorsteps and try to resolve issues to the best of their powers. On my way back I saw the Mumbai life pass by and some stuck with me through the evening traffic. I wondered if there really is no lack of political will or lack of pro-active bureaucracy that hinders our progress. All we need is a little management and discipline which would ensure that the present machinery functions like a well oiled mechanism thrusting us towards development. The chaos and clutter could be reduced giving space to the decision makers and the policy enforcers to do their job a little better.
The term IST has been mocked in the past internationally due to the unprofessional, unpunctual & casual approach of some Indian leaders both corporate and political, using work load and tight schedules as an excuse for delaying their appointments. My case is quite different; I have grown used to this culture. Being a true blooded Indian, I have compromise & adamancy weaved into my DNA. Compromise helps me stay patient and flexible to the change in time &/or agenda; while adamancy helps me stay focused on my goals. When my turn finally came a peon came forward dressed in his white Durban uniform with a bright red belt and turban which often makes you wonder if you are in a monarch’s palace awaiting an august audience of his highness. He was no stranger to me, he asked me to follow him. I knew that this procedure had to be followed by my hand in pocket and out with a currency note magic trick for the Durban, it always brings a smile to his face, makes you commiserate his innocence. The degree of his smile and salaam that follow are co-related to the denomination of the currency note, this is the best way to understand the otherwise tough concept of ‘co-relation’.
As I entered the office chamber of Mantriji I was not surprised to find him not in his seat, he was in fact not in that spacious room. What I saw was more than 100 eyeballs scanning my every stride towards the antic chamber behind Mantriji’s empty chair. Some might have though of me as a very important person getting a green channel into the antic chamber, while others would have suspiciously looked at the bad I was carrying wondering if I was holding many smiling Gandhi faces inside. Truth is I did not qualify either of those possibilities. I enjoy this part when I get an easy ride through the office chamber ahead of senior polity, wealthy businessmen who are at the edge of their patience and various other dignitaries who have the credentials to make it to this room. The commoners and the poor have to wait outside the office doors in the non-ac comfort of the building corridor in the company of toilet sting and bureaucracy clutter.
While I was on my way in I saw several of my prospective “clients” who could do much better by coming on board with my team rather than sitting and investing hours in this office. Once inside I witnessed gawking eyes staring at me in the so-called antic chamber. Mantriji was in the middle of all action talking to a few delegates from a corporate house dressed in their finest Ermenegildo Zegna. Through the confidential flow of information, deals, negotiations & power bazaar Mantriji was finally able to get a glimpse of my face. Still completing his sentence he pointed towards a smaller room within the chamber.
That was my cue of a highly sensitive issue was to be addressed. I was escorted by his close aid for over 20 years, I was asked for the usual tea/coffee/ poha, as I had refused the menu while waiting outside I settled for a cup of Joe. I started scanning frantically through my phone for any activity that I might have missed concerning Mantriji in the past few days. Few minutes passed and with my coffee came Mantriji excusing himself from the assembly for an important meeting.
As we settled into a conversation and he started talking about the state of our state I soon realized that this was a non-agenda catch up meeting to gauge the political scenario. No concrete idea, words or suggestions were exchanged; we came out of the bunker after 50 minutes without a plan, agenda or a to-do list. All we did was chatted about everything.
When I got out, the antic chamber now looked like the office outside filled with far more people than I remembered when I went in. The office through which I had sailed, now barely gave me room to move towards the door. And the number of commoners outside the office doors had moved from plenty to enough to hold a rally.
I knew that Mantriji would meet with each one of these distressed souls before retiring for the day. As leaders our politicians and their associates that we know as 'babbus' do their fair share to push the files and decrease the paperwork lying on their desk in the ‘in’ tray. They meet the Janata who bring their woes to their doorsteps and try to resolve issues to the best of their powers. On my way back I saw the Mumbai life pass by and some stuck with me through the evening traffic. I wondered if there really is no lack of political will or lack of pro-active bureaucracy that hinders our progress. All we need is a little management and discipline which would ensure that the present machinery functions like a well oiled mechanism thrusting us towards development. The chaos and clutter could be reduced giving space to the decision makers and the policy enforcers to do their job a little better.
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Re-building the House piece by piece
When the NDA launched its ‘India Shining’ campaign in 2004 as their election drum roll, little did they know that it’s the last time the Sun was to shine on their revered Lotus for a long time to come. Over the past 7 years we have witnessed a steady decline in the power of the opposition. BJP’s performance in the following election was nothing more than a formality of an opposition. India boasts of being the largest democracy in the world, a republic by the people, for the people and by the people. And a quintessential part of this democracy is the power of a strong opposition in the house.
A government enjoying absolute power or retained position for long is the sign of a week democracy no matter how big its size. We have witnessed the ills of such governance during the India of seventies. With the congress busy shining it armors and sharpening its swords for the prince’s honor battle in 2013, it is important to understand the country now deserves a far stronger opposition than it requires a stable government.
With the tragic end of their chief strategist Pramod Mahajan, the BJP started crumbling like a house of cards. It was well known in the power lanes of Delhi that Mahajan was not just the chief communicator for the party during its days in power, but also proved to be an important facilitator for all dealings necessary for a party’s sustenance.
By the time of Mahajan’s death Uma Bharti had already been suspended and would have been shown the door, if the RSS had not intervened. With two Politburo of Vajpayee’s core committee taken away from the party, the house already seemed paltry to external blows. This was the time when Jaswant Sinha’s book created rouge waves amongst the party lines and the ship seemed to be on its way to the bottom.
Also the party’s iron man entangled in criminal cases due to the same Babri Masjid massacre that shot the party to its current influence, the BJP needed to re-invent itself. Former party President Rajnath Singh was an ideal gatekeeper ensuring minimum action in and against the party. In the 2009 elections congress almost emerged as the single largest party and did not blink before forming the government at the centre with its alliance.
As Yiddish proverb quotes “If you have nothing to lose, you can try everything.” In its efforts to counter the threat from the young prince’s well chiseled army the BJP has handed the reigns in the hands of its untainted and reformist leader – Nitin Gadkari. I first heard of Mr. Gadkari when he was credited with the concept of constructing more than 50 flyovers in the city of Mumbai (None is one above the other…they run parallel above the roads, giving ample space for the poor and the homeless).
Mr. Gadkari seems to be getting the house of Lotus in order with estranged senior leaders taking the same flight of thought (quite literally). LK Advani took along Uma Bharti to Raipur to attend a memorial ceremony for Chief Minister Raman Singh’s father — just as he had taken Jaswant Singh with him to Jaipur for the funeral of Bhairon Singh Shekhawat. Also on the flight to Raipur were Rajnath Singh and Ravi Shankar Prasad. Sources said both Madhya Pradesh CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan and party state unit chief Prabhat Jha are opposed to Bharti’s return. So are central leaders Sushma Swaraj and Arun Jaitley. Even though its is not yet clear if Ms. Bharti or Mr. Singh would return to their parent organisation, leaders from both sides of the organisation refuse to comment on its status, fueling speculations and to some extent increasing Congress high command’s anxiety.
Another positive sign came in the form of India’s most celebrated lawyer Ram Jethmalani’s Rajya Sabha candidature and victory. Mr. Jethmalani who had criticized the BJP government during 2004 Godhra riots had distanced himself from the political faction while attending Jaswant’s book launch, but a change of mind and the recent elevation to the lower house of parliament seemed to have done the trick for the 80+ opinionated lawyer. In a recent interview to an electronic channel Mr. Jethmalani not only defended BJP’s policies on various issues but blamed the congress government for widespread corruption and appealed for a stronger united opposition under the BJP leadership.
Apart from the national tug of war Gadkari might find it toughest to deal with his home crowd, the Munde factor. With the untimely demise of his mentor, friend and brother-in-law Pramod Mahajan, Mr. Munde was obviously eyeing a higher post within the party cadre; add to that the mass following enjoyed by this politician from the OBC population in the state of Maharashtra. Munde was however disgruntled to find out that three years after his big opportunity, he had been surpassed for a politician who held a much junior portfolio in Alliance government in Maharashtra in which Munde played the deputy Chief minister. Now with the tables turned it’s would be a delicate balance both the leaders would have to maintain to stay in party’s favour and in power.
What sets Gadkari apart from his predecessors is the fact that instead of making peace with their regional alliance parties he is toiling their strengths in their own backyards. The Patna Rally on June 13 was an example of Gadkari’s message to the members of the saffron alliance. The rally was marked by hundreds of vehicles and BJP, Vishwa Hindu Parishad, Bajrang Dal and Rashtriya Swayamseavak Sangha workers welcome Narendra Modi on his arrival. They shouted slogans 'Narendra Modi Jindabad' with posters, banners and flags of the party in their hands. A ‘state guest’ who received 45 minutes of speaking time on the podium where the party’s high command and other dignitaries inclusive of other chief minister’s present on dais had an allotted 15 minutes each is indicative of the strategist Gadkari’s plans for the 2013 election’s poster boy. Playing the field in Bihar was equally important as it was the Alliance JD (U) leader Nitish Kumar who has been categorically distancing himself with Modi’s success in Gujrat and avoiding Modi’s visit to Bihar for campaigning in the previous elections. Nitish even went to the limit of cancelling dinner for the top brass of the BJP in disapproval of an advertisement featuring him with Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi and another on Gujarat's aid during the floods two years ago. The JD (U) has its eye on the Muslim votes in the state and cannot afford to be seen as a pro-hindutva organisation. On the other hand JD (U) would never be able to withhold the congress and its alliance by itself in Bihar. It was reported that Nitin Gadkari sent BJP’s sweet boy Shahnawaz Hussain to the JD (U) head quarters with a ‘strong message’. The messaging worked "Our alliance and relationship is quite old...An unpleasant incident took place yesterday. It has passed...," JD(U) President Sharad Yadav while addressing a media outlet post Hussain’s visit. With the Swabhiman Rally being accorded as a success for BJP’s two day executive meet, the message is clear Gadkari first wants to deal with internal crisis and set equations straight with friends before charging the field.
With national elections a full tenure away, Mr. Gadkari seems to be wasting no time in gathering support from the minorities, an appeal from the BJP president to Muslims was a peripetia of sorts for many. This said, a constant mention of BJP’s pro-muslim policies and soft standing the minority issues suggests Gadkari’s stand on party’s future policies. A conscious communication plan to push a secular image might not be such a bad idea; however Gadkari’s challenge would be to emulate Mr. Modi as an acceptable PM candidate. Modi’s hearing in the riot’s case was no surprise to the political analyst as it needed to be proved that he was investigated, questioned and answerable to the Janata. He has come out unscrapped, untouched and clean.
During an interview r. Gadkari had said, “I want to change the politics of power. Politics for progress and development is my agenda.” We could only hope that Mr. Gadkari truly believes and is able to achieve his agenda.
If Mr. Gandhi Jr. has what it takes to become a prime minister the people of the Republic of India will decide his fate. The family which has sacrificed members from the past two generations in the service of the country might get a chance to enthrone their newest member in politics to the highest seat in India’s executive government body. Our sincere hope at the time should be of a far stronger opposition than the paltry representation we see now. As it is the opposition that truly represents the public in the house through their questions, making the government answerable. Ends
A government enjoying absolute power or retained position for long is the sign of a week democracy no matter how big its size. We have witnessed the ills of such governance during the India of seventies. With the congress busy shining it armors and sharpening its swords for the prince’s honor battle in 2013, it is important to understand the country now deserves a far stronger opposition than it requires a stable government.
With the tragic end of their chief strategist Pramod Mahajan, the BJP started crumbling like a house of cards. It was well known in the power lanes of Delhi that Mahajan was not just the chief communicator for the party during its days in power, but also proved to be an important facilitator for all dealings necessary for a party’s sustenance.
By the time of Mahajan’s death Uma Bharti had already been suspended and would have been shown the door, if the RSS had not intervened. With two Politburo of Vajpayee’s core committee taken away from the party, the house already seemed paltry to external blows. This was the time when Jaswant Sinha’s book created rouge waves amongst the party lines and the ship seemed to be on its way to the bottom.
Also the party’s iron man entangled in criminal cases due to the same Babri Masjid massacre that shot the party to its current influence, the BJP needed to re-invent itself. Former party President Rajnath Singh was an ideal gatekeeper ensuring minimum action in and against the party. In the 2009 elections congress almost emerged as the single largest party and did not blink before forming the government at the centre with its alliance.
As Yiddish proverb quotes “If you have nothing to lose, you can try everything.” In its efforts to counter the threat from the young prince’s well chiseled army the BJP has handed the reigns in the hands of its untainted and reformist leader – Nitin Gadkari. I first heard of Mr. Gadkari when he was credited with the concept of constructing more than 50 flyovers in the city of Mumbai (None is one above the other…they run parallel above the roads, giving ample space for the poor and the homeless).
Mr. Gadkari seems to be getting the house of Lotus in order with estranged senior leaders taking the same flight of thought (quite literally). LK Advani took along Uma Bharti to Raipur to attend a memorial ceremony for Chief Minister Raman Singh’s father — just as he had taken Jaswant Singh with him to Jaipur for the funeral of Bhairon Singh Shekhawat. Also on the flight to Raipur were Rajnath Singh and Ravi Shankar Prasad. Sources said both Madhya Pradesh CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan and party state unit chief Prabhat Jha are opposed to Bharti’s return. So are central leaders Sushma Swaraj and Arun Jaitley. Even though its is not yet clear if Ms. Bharti or Mr. Singh would return to their parent organisation, leaders from both sides of the organisation refuse to comment on its status, fueling speculations and to some extent increasing Congress high command’s anxiety.
Another positive sign came in the form of India’s most celebrated lawyer Ram Jethmalani’s Rajya Sabha candidature and victory. Mr. Jethmalani who had criticized the BJP government during 2004 Godhra riots had distanced himself from the political faction while attending Jaswant’s book launch, but a change of mind and the recent elevation to the lower house of parliament seemed to have done the trick for the 80+ opinionated lawyer. In a recent interview to an electronic channel Mr. Jethmalani not only defended BJP’s policies on various issues but blamed the congress government for widespread corruption and appealed for a stronger united opposition under the BJP leadership.
Apart from the national tug of war Gadkari might find it toughest to deal with his home crowd, the Munde factor. With the untimely demise of his mentor, friend and brother-in-law Pramod Mahajan, Mr. Munde was obviously eyeing a higher post within the party cadre; add to that the mass following enjoyed by this politician from the OBC population in the state of Maharashtra. Munde was however disgruntled to find out that three years after his big opportunity, he had been surpassed for a politician who held a much junior portfolio in Alliance government in Maharashtra in which Munde played the deputy Chief minister. Now with the tables turned it’s would be a delicate balance both the leaders would have to maintain to stay in party’s favour and in power.
What sets Gadkari apart from his predecessors is the fact that instead of making peace with their regional alliance parties he is toiling their strengths in their own backyards. The Patna Rally on June 13 was an example of Gadkari’s message to the members of the saffron alliance. The rally was marked by hundreds of vehicles and BJP, Vishwa Hindu Parishad, Bajrang Dal and Rashtriya Swayamseavak Sangha workers welcome Narendra Modi on his arrival. They shouted slogans 'Narendra Modi Jindabad' with posters, banners and flags of the party in their hands. A ‘state guest’ who received 45 minutes of speaking time on the podium where the party’s high command and other dignitaries inclusive of other chief minister’s present on dais had an allotted 15 minutes each is indicative of the strategist Gadkari’s plans for the 2013 election’s poster boy. Playing the field in Bihar was equally important as it was the Alliance JD (U) leader Nitish Kumar who has been categorically distancing himself with Modi’s success in Gujrat and avoiding Modi’s visit to Bihar for campaigning in the previous elections. Nitish even went to the limit of cancelling dinner for the top brass of the BJP in disapproval of an advertisement featuring him with Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi and another on Gujarat's aid during the floods two years ago. The JD (U) has its eye on the Muslim votes in the state and cannot afford to be seen as a pro-hindutva organisation. On the other hand JD (U) would never be able to withhold the congress and its alliance by itself in Bihar. It was reported that Nitin Gadkari sent BJP’s sweet boy Shahnawaz Hussain to the JD (U) head quarters with a ‘strong message’. The messaging worked "Our alliance and relationship is quite old...An unpleasant incident took place yesterday. It has passed...," JD(U) President Sharad Yadav while addressing a media outlet post Hussain’s visit. With the Swabhiman Rally being accorded as a success for BJP’s two day executive meet, the message is clear Gadkari first wants to deal with internal crisis and set equations straight with friends before charging the field.
With national elections a full tenure away, Mr. Gadkari seems to be wasting no time in gathering support from the minorities, an appeal from the BJP president to Muslims was a peripetia of sorts for many. This said, a constant mention of BJP’s pro-muslim policies and soft standing the minority issues suggests Gadkari’s stand on party’s future policies. A conscious communication plan to push a secular image might not be such a bad idea; however Gadkari’s challenge would be to emulate Mr. Modi as an acceptable PM candidate. Modi’s hearing in the riot’s case was no surprise to the political analyst as it needed to be proved that he was investigated, questioned and answerable to the Janata. He has come out unscrapped, untouched and clean.
During an interview r. Gadkari had said, “I want to change the politics of power. Politics for progress and development is my agenda.” We could only hope that Mr. Gadkari truly believes and is able to achieve his agenda.
If Mr. Gandhi Jr. has what it takes to become a prime minister the people of the Republic of India will decide his fate. The family which has sacrificed members from the past two generations in the service of the country might get a chance to enthrone their newest member in politics to the highest seat in India’s executive government body. Our sincere hope at the time should be of a far stronger opposition than the paltry representation we see now. As it is the opposition that truly represents the public in the house through their questions, making the government answerable. Ends
Friday, April 9, 2010
Birth of Lobbying
3G auction the biggest boom or the biggest scam of our times?? It is no secret that files from government offices find their contents lost on soft copies to the hard drives of various corporate houses in our country. It is not something characteristic with our country only, but a condition which most government across the globe are afflicted with. For once we have not acted as generic hypocrites but accept it as an understandable flaw in human nature and the administrative system.
Information is money; the medium which helps flow of information is more money. It may have been the Koda scam or the shady deals behind the permission granted by a Minister of Telecom for the launch of a major telecom services which revolutionized calling rates in India. 3G is just another step for policy makers to ensure collection of wealth for their future elections and for the elections theirs sons, daughters, nieces, nephews. India is expected to upgrade its telecom services to 4G in 2015, the black suits in the power corridors are already gearing up for the battle which would ensure a niche market and broader service scope and would ensure bigger cuts/commissions.
From Saif Ali Khan winning the national award, to the sale of 3G and recent permissions to SAIL for disinvestment of 17K crs. The lobbying activities in India are breaking out of its shell to crawl out into the sun. Some may perish even before they take their first breath, others who adapt to the environment might survive. India’s history has witnessed rulers from different regions, religions, castes…the subjects were tortured, ill-treated, impoverished and at times even elated to the highest honours…the then Indians always served their masters. By serving their rulers they had ways to get the best of them and their administrative policies. Indians always had a knack for lobbying…it’s about time we make it a profession.
The lobbyists that would survive the first wave of environmental onslaught would then have to fight each other for survival. The biggies in this business would act like brute tyrannosaurus and will show no mercy.
We shall soon see the darkness turn paler and the suits coming out of their shadows. What once remained as a faceless voice over a mobile phone might soon have a degree hanging behind their office chairs mentioning their expertise in Government Relations and Lobbying.
Information is money; the medium which helps flow of information is more money. It may have been the Koda scam or the shady deals behind the permission granted by a Minister of Telecom for the launch of a major telecom services which revolutionized calling rates in India. 3G is just another step for policy makers to ensure collection of wealth for their future elections and for the elections theirs sons, daughters, nieces, nephews. India is expected to upgrade its telecom services to 4G in 2015, the black suits in the power corridors are already gearing up for the battle which would ensure a niche market and broader service scope and would ensure bigger cuts/commissions.
From Saif Ali Khan winning the national award, to the sale of 3G and recent permissions to SAIL for disinvestment of 17K crs. The lobbying activities in India are breaking out of its shell to crawl out into the sun. Some may perish even before they take their first breath, others who adapt to the environment might survive. India’s history has witnessed rulers from different regions, religions, castes…the subjects were tortured, ill-treated, impoverished and at times even elated to the highest honours…the then Indians always served their masters. By serving their rulers they had ways to get the best of them and their administrative policies. Indians always had a knack for lobbying…it’s about time we make it a profession.
The lobbyists that would survive the first wave of environmental onslaught would then have to fight each other for survival. The biggies in this business would act like brute tyrannosaurus and will show no mercy.
We shall soon see the darkness turn paler and the suits coming out of their shadows. What once remained as a faceless voice over a mobile phone might soon have a degree hanging behind their office chairs mentioning their expertise in Government Relations and Lobbying.
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