A wading super power, Asia’s growth machines and a traditionally dominant continent; all staking claim on the world’s piggy bank. A consortium of a 187 nation, governing over 95% of the world’s population, International Monetary Fund is in charge of dogwatching the stability of the international monetary system and macro-economic issues.
As the former IMF chief Dominique Strauss-Kahn receives his dues for “abuse of power”…quite literally, the race for his post has gained steam. Contenders from all over the globe have thrown their hats in the arena and things have started getting interesting. Traditionally the job has always gone to a European, but the gradual economic and political shift has prompted consideration of candidates from developing countries. Among the top contenders are India's Planning Commission Deputy Chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia, Kemal Dervis of Turkey, French Finance Minister Christine Lagarde, South African Trevor Manuel and Agustin Carstens of Mexico.
Over the next few decades the economies of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (the BRICS countries) will play a greater role in the global economy, along with other emerging economies. Along with stronger economic growth in the developing countries comes greater bargaining power. Now the BRICS countries want a bigger say in financial affairs and international cooperation. Naturally, the Europeans are guarding their privilege to pick the IMF chief, and are playing their cards close to their chest. Even as India, Russia and South Africa have called for an emerging-market candidate, it is believed Brazil & China have already been persuaded in behind the closed door deals to support Laggard’s candidature leaving little chance for the other candidates in the race to the top.
India’s Montek Singh Ahluwalia, who has been the Planning Commission Deputy Chairman since 2004, was considered a favorite in the race as he is a supporter of open markets & has earlier served as the first director of the IMF's Independent Evaluation Office. However, India has learnt its lesson from the 2007 race for the post of UN secretary –General and the arm twisting involved around securing these jobs.
Only time will tell, if the BRIC nations could stand together and weight more than the Europeans and the developed economies or will it take more time for the developing economized to prove their grit. All that we should try to find is somebody who can actually bring people together and has the necessary technical expertise to ensure global financial prosperity.
Monday, July 4, 2011
Mumbai Ka Don kaun?
“Who will head Mumbai Congress?” that’s the question scuttling in Mumbai’s political circles, as the choice of replacement delays Kripashankar’s exit from the office of Mumbai Pradesh Congress President. A lot depends on Congress’s long term plans for the state and how Mumbai fits into the scheme of things. Few years ago, a close associate of Sharad Pawar said to me, “Mumbai woh jungle hai, jisme sirf sher raj kar sakta hai”. The party which monopolizes the Tiger as its symbol has had its hold on the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM) for over 3 decades now; but given the “Raj” factor, things could be very difficult for the saffron brigade.
But Congress has its own concerns, given the RPI leader and magnate of dalit votes in Mumbai region - Ramdas Athavale has found solace under Matoshree’s shelter. Congress leaders will now have to put a thought to chocking the leakage of blue votes. The most logical choice is MP from Central Mumbai, Eknath Gaikwad. The Veteran politician hails from a humble Dalit background who has served the party selflessly throughout his political career. However, Gaikwad lacks the clout, strength and dexterity that the seat demands to keep all office bearers and members in line.
Since Rahulji’s newage mantra is “young politicians - clean politician”, this gives a fighting chance for South Mumbai’s MP and member of Rahul Gandhi’s core team, Milind Deora. The young politician is known for his proactive development approach, managerial skills and administrative prowess. The young politician enjoys the loyalty of congressmen through his political legacy and the support of youth inside the congress and outside, through his initiatives. Deora Junior is also known to be media friendly, has good connect with the print and the electronic media and operates a regular PR campaign to reach out to his constituents. These qualities could swing the decision in Deora’s favor and give a young face to Mumbai Congress.
The countdown has already begun; it is only a matter of time before the congress leadership announces the sculptor of Congress’s future in Mumbai.
But Congress has its own concerns, given the RPI leader and magnate of dalit votes in Mumbai region - Ramdas Athavale has found solace under Matoshree’s shelter. Congress leaders will now have to put a thought to chocking the leakage of blue votes. The most logical choice is MP from Central Mumbai, Eknath Gaikwad. The Veteran politician hails from a humble Dalit background who has served the party selflessly throughout his political career. However, Gaikwad lacks the clout, strength and dexterity that the seat demands to keep all office bearers and members in line.
Since Rahulji’s newage mantra is “young politicians - clean politician”, this gives a fighting chance for South Mumbai’s MP and member of Rahul Gandhi’s core team, Milind Deora. The young politician is known for his proactive development approach, managerial skills and administrative prowess. The young politician enjoys the loyalty of congressmen through his political legacy and the support of youth inside the congress and outside, through his initiatives. Deora Junior is also known to be media friendly, has good connect with the print and the electronic media and operates a regular PR campaign to reach out to his constituents. These qualities could swing the decision in Deora’s favor and give a young face to Mumbai Congress.
The countdown has already begun; it is only a matter of time before the congress leadership announces the sculptor of Congress’s future in Mumbai.
Gimme Red!! No More
The mandate of 2009 Lok Sabha elections was an indication of the ripple effect that were going to quiver the red bastions in West Bengal & Kerala. In West Bengal, it took the opposition almost 35 years to boot the left parties out of people’s favor, and it was not the grand old party of India with its 125 years of legacy and experience. All that was needed was its 13 year old off-shoot, a lady with cotton saree and rubber slippers and an idea. Yes it’s true an idea can change your life no matter how “Nano” it is. Post Singur incident, the left had been on a downhill roll, and never looked comfortable going to polls.
Kerala was another story, 72-68 the final tally reading out like a 3rd quarter LA Lakers Vs. Boston Celtics score, the UDF winning the photo-finish race to the end. Even though the CPI (M) came out as the single largest party in the elections, it would have to sit in the opposition thanks to coalition politics. This could however prove a blessing in disguise for the defeated heroes as Oommen Chandy, Kerala’s Chief Minister in waiting will have to walk a tight rope managing different alliance partners likely to resort to pressure tactics to have their way.
These defeats are yet another blow to the already waning popularity of the left parties in India. The left party’s inability to produce sustainable development over the tenure in power and their incapability of projecting a developed future has been the primary cause of these rout.
Kerala was another story, 72-68 the final tally reading out like a 3rd quarter LA Lakers Vs. Boston Celtics score, the UDF winning the photo-finish race to the end. Even though the CPI (M) came out as the single largest party in the elections, it would have to sit in the opposition thanks to coalition politics. This could however prove a blessing in disguise for the defeated heroes as Oommen Chandy, Kerala’s Chief Minister in waiting will have to walk a tight rope managing different alliance partners likely to resort to pressure tactics to have their way.
These defeats are yet another blow to the already waning popularity of the left parties in India. The left party’s inability to produce sustainable development over the tenure in power and their incapability of projecting a developed future has been the primary cause of these rout.
‘Jantri’ from Mantri
Attracting an average annual investment of more than 1.5 lakh crores since the past 7 years in sectors across heavy engineering, power, ports, IT etc. the state of Gujarat has progressed at an unprecedented rate. In an effort to sustain its development and curb black money the government inducted the new ‘Jantri’ rates based on the prevailing market rates.
The move is more than a mere administrative decision as it portrays the absolute power Narendra Modi with total disregards to the demands of developers, Land banks & Realtors who often form major contributors to the state coffers. After much receiving contentions from various stakeholders across the state, after 15 days the government slashed the new rates by 50% based on decision taken by Narendra Modi. However, the ministers in charge of receiving contentions said that the state government wanted to bring in transparency in the calculation of stamp duty and stop flow of black money into the real estate market. Land prices had gone up even in the interior areas of the state because of infrastructure facility provided by the government, so it is only logical that the government reaps its share of benefits from the development.
The bold move could be considered only by a leader of Modi’s status considering the clout enjoyed by the builder lobbies in their respective states. In recent past a Chief Minister had to face the wrath of builder lobby for not passing their projects and as a result was sacked following a well cultivated realty scandal.
The move is more than a mere administrative decision as it portrays the absolute power Narendra Modi with total disregards to the demands of developers, Land banks & Realtors who often form major contributors to the state coffers. After much receiving contentions from various stakeholders across the state, after 15 days the government slashed the new rates by 50% based on decision taken by Narendra Modi. However, the ministers in charge of receiving contentions said that the state government wanted to bring in transparency in the calculation of stamp duty and stop flow of black money into the real estate market. Land prices had gone up even in the interior areas of the state because of infrastructure facility provided by the government, so it is only logical that the government reaps its share of benefits from the development.
The bold move could be considered only by a leader of Modi’s status considering the clout enjoyed by the builder lobbies in their respective states. In recent past a Chief Minister had to face the wrath of builder lobby for not passing their projects and as a result was sacked following a well cultivated realty scandal.
Power Play
When technocrat turned politician Prithviraj Chavan was handed the reins of Maharashtra, he was given a strong mandate from the house at 10 Janpath; it was to sustain Maharashtra’s development. Maharashtra desperately needs power to sustain its ‘numero uno’ position. The state power deficit has exceeded 5500Mw; this is enough to run most of the smaller states. Under these circumstances, thermal or hydro projects would prove insufficient in addressing this scarcity, thus a nuclear power plant is the need of the hour.
In politics, addressing an issue is called leadership and solving an issue is political suicide. Jaitapur is no different, the ruling combine would want to prove their might by pushing the project ahead at a snail’s pace, this ensures sustaining development…slow development is always more visible. The opposition seems lost for an argument; BJP does not seem to have any stand on the Jaitapur project, they probably can’t afford to have one keeping in line with their nuclear policy when they enjoyed majority at the center. Shiv Sena’s peaceful march turned violent sacrificing the life of a youth while their executive president was busy in forests of Kanha reserve photographing wildlife. Local leaders suddenly find themselves backed by powers behind curtains, whose identity they choose not to explore. The international agencies entrusted with the job of developing the project are abaft in the current scenario soaking in the Indian democratic culture. One could only hope this time to not have a reoccurrence of the 1999 Enron fiasco.
In politics, addressing an issue is called leadership and solving an issue is political suicide. Jaitapur is no different, the ruling combine would want to prove their might by pushing the project ahead at a snail’s pace, this ensures sustaining development…slow development is always more visible. The opposition seems lost for an argument; BJP does not seem to have any stand on the Jaitapur project, they probably can’t afford to have one keeping in line with their nuclear policy when they enjoyed majority at the center. Shiv Sena’s peaceful march turned violent sacrificing the life of a youth while their executive president was busy in forests of Kanha reserve photographing wildlife. Local leaders suddenly find themselves backed by powers behind curtains, whose identity they choose not to explore. The international agencies entrusted with the job of developing the project are abaft in the current scenario soaking in the Indian democratic culture. One could only hope this time to not have a reoccurrence of the 1999 Enron fiasco.
Heat, sweat & battleground ballot
This year, summers would be extra hot in the states of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Assam, Puducherry & West Bengal. The heat pitched by the sun will be dwarfed by the heat of the ballot. The loud beating of drums, garbage piles of propaganda hand bills, blaring loudspeakers, and tired journalists are all sights of an election mayhem that everyone inadvertently soaks in preceding an election.
Just like ever, these elections would also have its good, bad & Ugly. In pre-dominant congress bastions of Assam & Puducherry no major changes should be expected especially because nothing has changed in the state since the last elections. The Tamil Nadu pendulum ballot suggests that “Amma” Jayalalitha would have the honor of staying at the Chief Minister’s residence for the next four years. The red citadels of Kerala and West Bengal could throw an ugly surprise to the INC, as the left parties have proved their Phoenician traits in the past.
It is only by early June, that we would be sure of the end of this great chaotic exercise. Personally, I find state elections more interesting, the tamasha is much louder, much more chaotic and much more personal.
Just like ever, these elections would also have its good, bad & Ugly. In pre-dominant congress bastions of Assam & Puducherry no major changes should be expected especially because nothing has changed in the state since the last elections. The Tamil Nadu pendulum ballot suggests that “Amma” Jayalalitha would have the honor of staying at the Chief Minister’s residence for the next four years. The red citadels of Kerala and West Bengal could throw an ugly surprise to the INC, as the left parties have proved their Phoenician traits in the past.
It is only by early June, that we would be sure of the end of this great chaotic exercise. Personally, I find state elections more interesting, the tamasha is much louder, much more chaotic and much more personal.
Lok’s pal? Is it truly people friendly?
India stands at the 70th position on the list of most corrupt nations as per the world audit report published in 2010. Some may suggest it’s not a bad spot to be at, considering developed nations like UK & US rank in the first 20. But being a young & dynamic nation, which is a prospective democratic super power, India needs to address the issue of corruption at its current stage.
Anna Hazare’s battle cry, challenging the house of power and the unprecedented support it witnessed from all corners of the nation, is a testimony to the strength of our democracy. A government by the people, for the people…and when it does not fulfill its responsibility the people take action.
What sets this campaign apart is the support it attracted from the youth, the affluent classes and NRI community. These are the fractions of our society which are known to stay away from national action as they are pre-occupied with earning their share of wealth & fame.
Whether the bill is amended or not? If it will be passed as a law or not? These are the questions that only time will tell. What we as Indians should be satisfied with is that the recent events have caused our democracy to flex its muscles once again. And it has been successful at it…
If the Lokpal bill aims at strengthening the democracy it has already proved its worth.
Anna Hazare’s battle cry, challenging the house of power and the unprecedented support it witnessed from all corners of the nation, is a testimony to the strength of our democracy. A government by the people, for the people…and when it does not fulfill its responsibility the people take action.
What sets this campaign apart is the support it attracted from the youth, the affluent classes and NRI community. These are the fractions of our society which are known to stay away from national action as they are pre-occupied with earning their share of wealth & fame.
Whether the bill is amended or not? If it will be passed as a law or not? These are the questions that only time will tell. What we as Indians should be satisfied with is that the recent events have caused our democracy to flex its muscles once again. And it has been successful at it…
If the Lokpal bill aims at strengthening the democracy it has already proved its worth.
Games people play
Sports and Politics have always shared common threads…
The results are unpredictable
The course is capricious
The Janata spends far too much time analyzing them
And in the end Winning is all that matters
Thus the synergy of both these principles is an obvious evolution. From the time of the great Roman Empire’s Olympics to Hitler’s 1936 Summer Olympics, statesmen have used Sports as a platform to further their ” Agenda”. In India cricket has been at the epicenter of domestic & International politics, the association of politicians to various cricketing associations across the country and the timely use of cricket diplomacy with the neighboring state has etched cricket’s position as India’s unofficial national sport.
India has hosted two Pakistani Presidents for cricket matches in the past, both went back with empty hopes; Prime Minister Gillani’s upcoming visit should not be expected to be any different. One cannot predict if the visit would be conducive to Indo-Pak relationship, however it would surely prove to be an ideal respite to the Congress & its UPA allies, which has been pushed to the edge with the spite of scandals germinating from their own leadership. Hon. Prime Minister Shri. Manmohan Singhji’s invitation to his Pakistani counterpart is a well planned strategy from an adroit political mind from 10 Janpath. For now “Let the games begin”
The results are unpredictable
The course is capricious
The Janata spends far too much time analyzing them
And in the end Winning is all that matters
Thus the synergy of both these principles is an obvious evolution. From the time of the great Roman Empire’s Olympics to Hitler’s 1936 Summer Olympics, statesmen have used Sports as a platform to further their ” Agenda”. In India cricket has been at the epicenter of domestic & International politics, the association of politicians to various cricketing associations across the country and the timely use of cricket diplomacy with the neighboring state has etched cricket’s position as India’s unofficial national sport.
India has hosted two Pakistani Presidents for cricket matches in the past, both went back with empty hopes; Prime Minister Gillani’s upcoming visit should not be expected to be any different. One cannot predict if the visit would be conducive to Indo-Pak relationship, however it would surely prove to be an ideal respite to the Congress & its UPA allies, which has been pushed to the edge with the spite of scandals germinating from their own leadership. Hon. Prime Minister Shri. Manmohan Singhji’s invitation to his Pakistani counterpart is a well planned strategy from an adroit political mind from 10 Janpath. For now “Let the games begin”
The Shehenshah & his Shayari
The events that transpired in the parliament on March 23rd have etched an everlasting memory in the hearts & minds of everyone who witnessed it. Even though the debate on Wikileaks cables was to assume the focal point of the parliamentary proceedings, the government was able to maneuver the topicality of the discussion towards the opposition’s role in setting up the cash-for-votes sting operation.
The Prime Minister left the opposition speechless and the house up in roars (quite literally) when he used Shayari laced with criticism and sarcasm with utmost dexterity. While, acknowledging his disability with oratory skills the Prime Minister blitzkrieged the opposition with poignant responses.
The usage of Urdu couplets is not new to the house; however the post lunch session of parliament witnessed its timely use and one that befitted the situation. This only proves the government is strong handed in its approach to all controversies including the Wikileaks cables. This is a positive sign for the democratic republic and an indication of its political stability.
The Prime Minister left the opposition speechless and the house up in roars (quite literally) when he used Shayari laced with criticism and sarcasm with utmost dexterity. While, acknowledging his disability with oratory skills the Prime Minister blitzkrieged the opposition with poignant responses.
The usage of Urdu couplets is not new to the house; however the post lunch session of parliament witnessed its timely use and one that befitted the situation. This only proves the government is strong handed in its approach to all controversies including the Wikileaks cables. This is a positive sign for the democratic republic and an indication of its political stability.
Na baap bada na Batcha, buss sabse bada rupaiya!
One of my favorite political drama movies of all time SarkarRaj delivered an impressive line; jaan lena gunha hai, sahi samay pe jaan lena rajneeti -“To kill is a crime, to kill at an opportune moment is politics.” The line has much relevance in our lives today as we witnessed newspapers, TV Channels, radios, wires and websites bellowed the news of Sadiq Batcha’s death under abnormal circumstances. Most of these carried news of Batcha intention of turning approver in the case against A Raja in the 2G spectrum sale controversy. The suicide note claims nobody responsible for his death and his sympathies to the former telecom minister. Tamil Nadu’s former chief minister and leader of opposition Jayalalitha cried foul and dragged the already troubled state government’s leaders into the death mystery. An accusation of murder and a request for CBI query later, the DMK leadership can already feel the heat turned on.
Congress hand plays hard fist down south
India’s wise old party has always believed in keeping its friends on a tight leash; let it be by cracking the whip on Sharad Pawar’s aides Ajit Gulabchand, Shahid Balwa or having the CBI breathe down DMK chief’s blue-eyed boy A. Raja.
To ensure further gains in the south during the upcoming state elections, the party could not afford to miss the opportunity to arm twist its allies in conceding few seats more than their last agreement. This time it was easy to bargain for few more seats in exchange of keeping the CBI away from the DMK patriarch’s daughter Kanimozhi. DMK’s futile stunt to break the 7 year alliance also did not budge the Delhi heavy weights resulting in the local party heeding into congress’s demand of 3 seats more.
While addressing a function this week, DMK honcho said that “The party has accepted the Congress' demand for the extra seats in the larger interests of the state and following the policy of give and take.” We all are now aware of what the DMK has given to the congress, what yet remains a secret is what has it taken in exchange.
To ensure further gains in the south during the upcoming state elections, the party could not afford to miss the opportunity to arm twist its allies in conceding few seats more than their last agreement. This time it was easy to bargain for few more seats in exchange of keeping the CBI away from the DMK patriarch’s daughter Kanimozhi. DMK’s futile stunt to break the 7 year alliance also did not budge the Delhi heavy weights resulting in the local party heeding into congress’s demand of 3 seats more.
While addressing a function this week, DMK honcho said that “The party has accepted the Congress' demand for the extra seats in the larger interests of the state and following the policy of give and take.” We all are now aware of what the DMK has given to the congress, what yet remains a secret is what has it taken in exchange.
JPC a lose – lose situation for all
The ruling coalition finally blinked, “let the chaos end” were the words of our Hon. Prime Minister. The opposition has finally been able to prove its grit, something that it desperately needed to survive. Since the dismal performance in the last lok sabha elections and its inability to bring down the house during the CWG controversy, a majority of population had started believing that there isn’t a strong opposition ‘left’…pun intended. What we saw were fragments of opposition, which rallied for their regional causes leaving aside national interests. Thus, given an opportunity it was crucial for the BJP lead opposition to prove their weight in the democratic process.
Now that the government has given in, and with the JPC formation on its way, BJP finds its allies (e.g. Shiv Sena) turning their back to the idea of participating in the JPC. Retrospecting on the turn of events one can’t help to wonder if an investigation from CBI would have been a better option. JPC’s as we know take a long time to form, a longer time to investigate and the longest time to bear results. The CBI would have been obliged to submit facts and findings from time –to – time in the court of law. Also, the time taken to announce a JPC is enough to wipe out any evidence which might prove disastrous for the ruling coalition.
I fear the JPC could itself prove to be as much a controversy as the 2G spectrum sale.
Now that the government has given in, and with the JPC formation on its way, BJP finds its allies (e.g. Shiv Sena) turning their back to the idea of participating in the JPC. Retrospecting on the turn of events one can’t help to wonder if an investigation from CBI would have been a better option. JPC’s as we know take a long time to form, a longer time to investigate and the longest time to bear results. The CBI would have been obliged to submit facts and findings from time –to – time in the court of law. Also, the time taken to announce a JPC is enough to wipe out any evidence which might prove disastrous for the ruling coalition.
I fear the JPC could itself prove to be as much a controversy as the 2G spectrum sale.
History repeats itself
20th February, 2011 celebrated 250th anniversary of the Third Battle of Panipat. Known for being one of the largest battles fought in the 18th century; the battle witnessed the Marathas take on the might of the Delhi throne held by the invader Ahmad Shah Abdali. The bloody battle which lasted for months resulted in heavy casualties and martyrdom of heroes & strongmen on both sides. After experiencing heavy loss of resources and men the armies pitched their best warriors in dual combats, thus taking out the best men one at a time. The siege which followed finally caused the Marathas to retreat and the invaders settled their supremacy once again.
Two and half centuries later, history is repeating itself and the battle is fought in the round building in the heart of our nation’s capital. As the Maratha strongman, Sharad Pawar takes on the New Delhi throne, the incumbent empire has started striking back at his best. After scrapes and bruises from the environment ministry, HCC’s Ajit Gulabchand and now DB’s Shahid Balwa. These are just the first names on the list of casualties from the Pawar camp and many are sure to follow.
The Budget session is an exceptional opportunity for both camps to flex their muscles, especially when the Congress is answerable for the ever rising inflation and Sharad Pawar will be targeted for food prices. Retreat or not, this battle is going to get bloodier and only time will tell if the Marathas will retreat this time.
Two and half centuries later, history is repeating itself and the battle is fought in the round building in the heart of our nation’s capital. As the Maratha strongman, Sharad Pawar takes on the New Delhi throne, the incumbent empire has started striking back at his best. After scrapes and bruises from the environment ministry, HCC’s Ajit Gulabchand and now DB’s Shahid Balwa. These are just the first names on the list of casualties from the Pawar camp and many are sure to follow.
The Budget session is an exceptional opportunity for both camps to flex their muscles, especially when the Congress is answerable for the ever rising inflation and Sharad Pawar will be targeted for food prices. Retreat or not, this battle is going to get bloodier and only time will tell if the Marathas will retreat this time.
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