The Super PM and the Super CM

While 2014 saw the rise of Narendra Modi as a super PM of India, 2015 saw the rise of Arvind Kejriwal as super CM of Delhi, the capital state of India. Now, both are in Delhi and the country has very high expectations from both of them.

With powerful leadership at the helm of affairs, the political scenario is going to be different than yesteryears – the age of coalition government – when every decision had to be considered carefully, considering the support of allies. Keeping them in good humour used to be priority of the government, rather than the real business. Those days are gone with stable government at the Centre and in Delhi.

It was good to hear from Kejriwal, when he cautioned his MLAs, their family members and the AAP volunteers – not to be arrogant! I think this one caution, if AAP keeps reminding itself throughout its term, would help the government to achieve the goals it set for itself – and on the basis of which it won confidence of Delhites and absolute majority in the House. Similarly, at the Centre, Modi government too would need to take every step to fulfil the dreams of the common man that gave its mandate for overall growth and development of the nation. For both the leaders, the days of showcasing their oratory skills are over. Both must now devote time and energy, their organizational skills in translating their visions into reality. People have given them their mandate, exhibited their confidence in them – now the PM and the CM need to work tirelessly to fulfil their promises.

While Arvind Kejriwal is new to politics, his bouncing back with 67 seats out of the possible 70 seats – after being tagged as ‘Bhagoda’, proves that he has the capability and will to perform as a leader. I sincerely hope and wish that his sincerity and anti-corruption stand is practiced by all his MLAs – these qualities alone would do wonders for the common man.

Everyone is aware of the performance of Narendra Modi as CM of Gujarat. But, managing a State is different than managing a country like India. Nevertheless, let’s hope and wish that he and his team would leave no stone unturned in bringing prosperity in the lives of ordinary Indians.

With onus of taking India and Delhi to a higher level, with commitment to work for the people, I wish that Narendra Modi and Arvind Kejriwal should work hand in hand at forums – that need constructive contribution from both of them. If it happens, both would set example for others to emulate, in the larger interest of the people.

All said, the greatest onus is on us – the ordinary Indians. While the two leaders are working upon their ideas to translate them into reality – they can’t be successful unless we support them. We need to be sincere to our work, to our organizations, to our families, to our society, to our state and to our nation.

We all want a corruption-free government, garbage free surroundings, crime free society, pollution free environment, and what not! But, let us ask ourselves – are we doing our duty? Onus is on us, let’s do what we must. Let's not shy away from our responsibilities.

Are Our MPs Talking and Acting Responsibly?

We, the ordinary Indians, many times wonder about the psyche of some of our politicians – whom we elect after a lot of thought – hoping that they would carry out their responsibilities with sincerity. However, their senseless bizarre acts and inexplicable utterances leave us clueless. Their deeds and utterances make headlines, they are discussed by expert panels on news channels, political parties thru their spokesperson give their version of interpretation, the concerned interest groups – divided on religious, geographical or cultural differences try to escalate or play down such deeds or utterances – depending on how they perceive them. However, an ordinary Indian, is normally unable to make any head or tail out of it. We, at the best either ignore it or forget them with time.

While, we may accept that sometimes the uttered words were misunderstood and were spoken in some different context with no wrong intentions – but most of the times – it is stated with a purpose. Only they know – why did they say and what good purpose it serves to the society.

May be not so intelligent and being an ordinary Indian, I would not like to dissect and analyse the incidences which were in bad taste and were rightly not taken in good humour by the media and the public. My only purpose to mention or quote a few of the incidences (taken from the internet sources) is to solely express my helplessness and amusement at what they do, what they speak vis-à-vis what their responsibilities are as an elected representative of ordinary Indians!

Some quotes for ready reference -

-    BJP MP from Unnao, Sri Sakshi Maharaj gave the statement, "I believe Nathuram Godse was also a nationalist and Mahatma Gandhiji also did a lot for the nation. Godse was an aggrieved person. He may have done something by mistake but was not an anti- national. He was a patriot."

-    Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti had earlier this month courted a controversy for allegedly making communal remarks and using unparliamentary language ( Raamzaadaa and Haraamzaadaa ) while addressing a rally in Delhi.

-    Addressing a rally in Moradabad, Mulayam Singh Yadav, MP and supremo of Samajwadi Party, “Ladkiyan pehle dosti karti hain. Ladke-ladki mein matbhed ho jata hai. Matbhed hone key baad usey rape ka naam dey deti hain. Ladko sey galti ho jati hai. Kya rape case mein phasi di jayegi? (First girls develop friendship with boys. They when differences occur, they level rape charges. Boys commit mistakes. Will they be hanged for rape).”

-    Jitan Ram Manjhi, Chief Minister of Bihar gave a statement – ‘Upper caste people are foreigners’.

May good sense prevail and such utterances are avoided in future by our elected representatives – in the best interest of the people they are supposed to serve and in the larger interest of the country.

BJP at the Centre has a good opportunity to prove its credentials – has enough voice to make and break rules in the Parliament. However, the irresponsible manner in which some of its politicians are giving statements and involving themselves in controversial issues - may prove to be too costly for the party.

I hope and wish that PM Modi – the man on mission with lot of commitments – is able to rein them.

I wish you all a very Happy and Prosperous New Year 2015. May we channelize all our energy in constructive thinking and productive deeds. Let’s all work together for a better India.

Titbits

End of Regional Politics!

With the recent Vidhan Sabha polls for Haryana and Maharashtra, politically speaking, while Congress has hit the nadir; it has also drawn curtains on the regional parties and dented irreparably the political career of the likes of MNS. It may be the beginning of the end of petty politics era. Voters seem to be looking at a bigger picture now; perhaps, with a strong leadership at the helm of affairs. A welcome sign for India, the emerging economic and political power house globally!

Swachchh Bharat Abhiyaan

What binds us together that we layman boast is the common thread of unity; despite having numerous dialects and languages, cultures and traditions, history and geography, caste and colour, et al. But, we never ever mentioned one unique binding quality of ours is – we least bother about cleanliness and remain immune to it despite the repeated cases of dengue, cholera, malaria killing us in all the nook and corners of our country. Imagine yourself travelling by train and approaching a city – stinking filth spread over acres, people defecating on the rail tracks, rag pickers busy picking the recyclable garbage are a common site and one can’t differentiate one city with the other – this is unique to us.

I wonder why 2^nd October is observed as a National Holiday. I know that it happens to be the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Nation – but so far all these years, the smiling portraits of Mahatma Gandhi remained locked inside the offices and no one of us bothered to even clean him. It is commendable that the new Government at the Centre took the initiative of Swachchh Bharat Abhiyaan as a tribute to the Mahatma who worked tirelessly for the freedom of the nation and cleanliness around us. For the first time Mahatma Gandhi got his due, his photos were dusted, children were made aware of his teachings, government officials sweated with brooms in their hands.

Not much will change, unless we ourselves understand our duty to keep our surrounding clean and pressurize those offices whose duty it is to dispose off the waste to a designated place for further processing and treatment.

The Industrialists and the Government too need to take note of it. Mere symbolic brooming is not going to work. They need to become more sensitive to environment and in turn sensitize their people to adopt clean disposal methods and avoid polluting the water, land and air with industrial wastes. Government and the Industrialists must fix a time frame within which the environmental friendly waste disposal methods are put into operation.

And, do we not need to be sensitive during festivities? I saw clouds of thick smoke all around when I took a drive at night at around 11.00pm and the roads, colonies were littered with paper remains of the crackers!

To adopt and adapt Swachchh Bharat Abhiyaan we need to really work hard!

I see a humble man in ‘56” ka Seena’ !

While Narendra Modi boasted of his 56” chest, it sounded a bit arrogant to many. Seen as a strongman by his colleagues, opposition and even the media; he has emerged with a stronger image internationally too upon his recent visits to Japan and USA.

Whatever he meant by his 56" Chest remark, I see Narendra Modi as a humble man! Three news coverages have not gone unnoticed. Before leaving for Delhi he bowed to his mother, before his maiden entry to Lok Sabha – he bowed and prayed at the steps of the temple of democracy and on his birthday he visited his mother and took her blessings. She also gave him some money and he accepted it humbly. A strongman in power bowing to a frail aged woman in her nineties, seeking her blessings – is a picture in contrast! I hope this must have been noticed by all the youngsters, and it is infact a message to all of them. We owe our life and success in life, to our parents. Thus, we need to respect them, always. Our tradition and culture has always taught us – ‘Vande Mataram’. Modi is simply practicing it, demonstrating it. Any contradictions!

Indo-Pak Cross Border Firings

So far I have not been able to make head or tail out of the cross border firings. Why it happens in peace! Is it just to kill the boredom at the border? Or, as is reported, it is the tactics applied by Pak for infiltrating the terrorists into India? Or, it is just to keep alive the issue in the name of Kashmiris? Whatever. For years India has been reacting with lot of restrictions by retaliatory firings. It is learnt that now BSF and Military has been given ‘free-hand’ to react. But, is the situation going to improve? I doubt.

The floods in J&K

The floods devastated the entire valley. Going by the media coverage, government did make sincere efforts in rescuing the lives of those who got stuck in the valley. But, it is not over yet. It is an opportune time for the government to make right moves, take sincere efforts and provide the local populace all the assistance that is required to bring back life in them and accelerate the implementation of economic packages for the State. Sincere helping hand from the government at this moment would help in instilling the confidence among the people and would help them in filling the void that they have so far experienced due to one reason or the other.

Achchhe Din Aaaye!

This time the people in India voted decisively for Modi Sarkaar. Even the ardent of the followers of Modi might not have dreamt of it. But, it has happened and the 15^th Prime Minister of India – Mr. Narendra Modi would be shortly completing his first 100 days at the helm of affairs with the promise of Achchhe Din!

It is difficult to judge a government’s performance based on hundred days at Office. But, the sincerity shown by the government in understanding the issues of general interest and remaining rooted to the ground realities despite having absolute majority and no challenge from the Opposition speaks volumes about the commitment shown so far by the government. Speaking personally about Modi, while offering prayers on his maiden entry to the Lok Sabha signaled his high regard for the Constitution; his public acknowledgement on Republic Day about the good works of the past Prime Ministers made it clear that he won’t be belittling any past governments but would focus on his agenda of good governance.

It is well known that he is an excellent administrator, skilled orator, a dreamer with belief in his dreams and one who is passionate about work; it seems that people have taken right decision by opting for him and his governance.

With the mandate he got and subsequent to that his taking over control of everything that could have disturbed him here and there in the next five years, politically he has become one of the strongest Prime Ministers. So far, the signals emanating from the government has helped in further building of confidence among the masses and it is hoped that the policies and plans are put into action and are executed timely for their implementation within schedule.

India with its young population, who voted wholeheartedly for him, have got the right leader at right time. It would be important for the government to engage the youth in creative and productive pursuits by creating ample opportunities for them.

As far as foreign policies are concerned, Modi would be handling them sensibly. But, as far as Pakistan is concerned, it would keep posing challenges in the form of Kashmir and terrorism. It would be interesting to see that how Modi tackles Pakistan and the Kashmir issue. Certainly, it is not going to be that easy for the Modi Sarkaar.

I hope and wish that the Achchhe Din is now not far away for the common citizens. Let us all work with commitment and sincerity, else, one man can’t change the destiny of the nation. Hence, unless we make it happen, Achchhe Din will remain a mirage for the common people.

The Time to Act as a Change Agent

First thing first! My heartfelt condolences for Khushwant Singh – who left us all on 20^th March 2014. He epitomized life in true sense. And what a meaningful life he lived, peaceful death he had and graceful adieu he received! A dream run!

The Financial Year 2013-14 is coming to an end with good gains in stock market. In general, the mood is upbeat, may be with expectations in the air – before the largest democracy of the world gets engaged in electioneering.

The atmosphere is getting charged up as the lists of candidates are getting finalized by various political parties, the old horses are switching sides, new forces are getting ready for making big stride and new equations and alliances are being worked out by the political parties to enhance their electioneering might. All sorts of comments, accusations by the political parties against their rivals appears to be high on agenda for each of the parties. While one party accuses the other of communalism, the other accuses of wide corruption and mudslinging goes on. Such accusations would become more and more acidic and cacophonous – till the campaigning comes to a hault and votes are cast.

Going by the mood and reports pouring in day in and out on electronic media, BJP appears to leading with its NDA allies, Congress appears to be weak and trailing with its UPA allies and Aam Aaadmi Party (AAP) appears to be making dent here and there and might win a few seats including Delhi. But, it is too early to jump on conclusions.

This election is going to be different than earlier elections, to some extent. There is no denying the fact that entry of Kejariwal and his party AAP has made a lot difference. They have hammered well and deeply into the psyche of all political parties, their leaders, the businessmen, the youth and the common man that Corruption is the biggest threat and the prime reason why our countrymen are still struggling to get the minimum basic needs for themselves, for their family and for their society. Secondly, AAP has made tremendous contribution in involving the youth and the common masses in politics and making them aware about the importance of electing and empowering the leaders with clean image. Thirdly, the political leadership is wary of the common people now and they can’t fool them and take them for granted anymore – atleast for now. During this election, the political parties are not taking risk in fielding the known corrupt leaders. It certainly may be termed as AAP Effect and a welcome development!

The AAP Effect would have been more pronounced had the Kejariwal government in Delhi had been more sensible during its short stint. It appeared to be in too much hurry and at times illogical. In my view they should have made an effort in giving good governance in the heart of the country – with available resources and powers – and while doing that they could have simultaneously strengthened their position in the Assembly by logical discussions, obtaining consensus on vital issues and then forwarding them to the Centre. This could have placed them in an invincible position by showcasing their maturity and understanding of issues. Alas, it couldn’t happen and the people of Delhi had to sit on Dharna with AAP as an opposition and with AAP as the government! Kejariwal and AAP might have worked out the strategy of forming and exiting the government, but to some extent people did feel cheated. Had he continued with conviction and sensible governance, AAP in particular and the country in general would have been benefitted much more. And, in this General Election, it could have been really a force to reckon with.

I admire Kejariwal and AAP for standing strong against the corrupt, I admire his guts in challenging the Who’s Who of this country. However, he should be careful in making such accusations and he should give such statements only when he has enough evidences and resources at his hand, else, he would see himself buried deep in piles of lawsuits filed against him. He should focus and preserve his energy for doing good things rather than enervate himself in unproductive affairs.

The countdown for the biggest dance of democracy has begun. Let’s hope it culminates in providing a stable, corruption free, growth oriented government that would genuinely work for the poor and uplifting their living conditions with all sincerity.

Let’s individually decide about the best option available. Let’s vote for the best candidate and if no one fits our conscience, let’s vote for ‘None Of The Above’ i.e. the NOTA option on the EVMs and the Ballot Papers! Let’s we – the ordinary Indians - be the change agent.

Brighter Days Ahead!

We all know that 21^st December happens to be the longest night of the year, a natural phenomenon – where we do not have any control. The duration of the day starts increasing thereafter till the longest day is recorded on 21^st June.

Though, it is a mere coincidence, but for India this date has added one more dimension. As the longest night ended with a new dawn, AAP – the Aam Aadmi Party tightened its belt and with its series of meetings with the common men spread over Delhi decided to stake its claim for forming the Government. And with 28 MLAs, coincidentally again, on 28^th December 2013 – Arvind Kejriwal’s swearing-in ceremony as Chief Minister of Delhi brought cheers on the faces of the otherwise disillusioned common man, not only in Delhi but throughout the country. May this day prove to be a game changer for India and Indian Politics; may this be the harbinger of change, which its common people had been waiting patiently for years and years!

With Arvind Kejriwal at the helm of affairs of AAP, with his past track record and his commitment to fight corruption head-on; common populace is beaming with confidence – that things will change. However, how long his stint will last and how much he can do within this period is at the mercy of Congress – a party which Arvind Kejriwal abhors and has not requisitioned their support!

Effectiveness of Arvind Kejriwal could be seen on Day one itself at the Secretariat, where there were no vehicles with the ‘Laal Batti’ – the symbol of power in India! The Common Man has arrived!

What happens on the floor of Delhi Assembly on 3^rd January 2014, by which AAP has to prove majority – only time will tell. But, it is crystal clear that with the arrival of AAP the hardened political parties will now have to change the way they think, the way they function and the way they treat the common man – else they would have to blame themselves for all their arrogance.

For AAP - it is just a beginning and if they wish to stay for long and effective; they must stay focused, unbiased and committed to the cause of the nation. And this is possible only if they do not get attracted to various ‘juicy lollipops’ that may be dangled before them in their arduous journey ahead.

In this context, I would again like to give example of Asom Gan Parishad – AGP – about which I wrote earlier in one of my Posts – ‘India Against Corruption- Now a Naram Dal and Garam Dal’ dated September 2012. Asom Gan Parishad – which took birth as a result of six year long agitation by All Assam Students Union (AASU) – was once a party led by highly motivated student leaders with clean image. But today, it is just like any other political party with same type of political leadership.  I fear the same for Arvind Kejriwal’s Aam Aadmi Party – it won’t be different than any other party – if it starts winning seats and stops the culture of being ‘krantikaris’!

All said, I wish that other political parties and responsible politicians must see the arrival of AAP as a good wake-up call, and they must mend their ways in time – else, AAP with its young, energetic, honest and committed band of common men would rout them. And no one would be there to mourn their departure, rather all would be happy to have a government of the people, by the people, for the people – in real sense!

May 2014 be the year of change, year of achievements, year of new dreams - for all of us - the ordinary Indians!

Expectations from 2014 !

The year 2013 would be remembered by all of us for the successful launch of Mangalyaan- Mars Orbiter Mission by our scientists on 5^th November 213. It is a matter of great pride, satisfaction and great rejoice that so far the Mangalyaan is right on its path in its about 10 month long journey- due to reach its destination on 24^th September 2014! Let us keep our fingers crossed and pray for its successful journey – which would undoubtedly put India at an enviable position in terms of its scientific competency. Successful journey of the Mars Orbiter would be one of the biggest milestones for India in the year 2014 and it would certainly inspire the generations to come. India has produced astronomers like Aryabhatta in the past and today ISRO can boast of world-class team of astronomers, scientists and mathematicians. Though we are the forth country to do it, we can say with pride we are second to none!

While the Mangalyaan brought cheers in November, the handcuffing and humiliation of Indian diplomat Ms Devyani Khobragade by US Authorities on 12^th December 2013 has shocked us all. The irresponsible, highhanded and humiliating ways of US only proves its arrogance and disrespect towards the biggest democracy of the world. It is unfortunate and must be condemned strongly – not only by Indian authorities, but by all the well wishers of India and those who value Indo-US relations. Would US ever tolerate such treatment to its own diplomats in a foreign land? In all probability, it won’t and it would do everything to teach a lesson to the erring nation and would justify it too. Astonishingly, but it is a matter of great satisfaction that good sense prevailed and all the major political parties of India have come together in registering their strong protest. They all have a common opinion – on at least this issue. India must do everything to uphold the self-esteem of Indians and draw apology from the highest office of US. Today only, I was going thru a book on Universe, it states that even Stars are not permanent – they too die! Let good sense prevail on USA in 2014 and always.

The year 2013 would be also remembered for the surprise entry and active participation of the common mass in political field. Politics is considered as a strict no-no for a common man, but the emergence of Aam Aadmi Party is forcing the much required change. Big political parties are learning that the common man or an ordinary Indian can’t be ignored now.  It is unfortunate that 2013 also saw splitting of Anna Hazare and Arvind Kejriwal – an unfortunate development – since together they could unite the entire country – on the issue of corruption – wherein people from all the cross sections of the society came together. While the ‘sarkari’ Lokpal Bill has been already passed in both the houses of Parliament for which Anna Hazare expressed satisfaction while Arvind Kejriwal calls it a ‘Jokepal’ , ‘Jan’ Lokapal Bill of ‘Aam Aadmi Party’ led by Arvind Kejriwal is awaited. The star-like performance of Aam Aadmi Party in its maiden attempt has put a lot of responsibility on it, and would be an acid test for Arvind Kejriwal and his AAP team. AAP is getting an opportunity to form government in Delhi with Arvind Kejriwal most likely as the Chief Minister – and in case it is able to impress the Delhites with its good governance, AAP would be a force to reckon with in the coming Loksabha elections – at least in some of the states which are languishing for long under corrupt government. God forbid, in case, it fails in Delhi in the eyes of the common man, it would be the end of AAP story! Hence, AAP must tread with positivity and cautiously for the sake of the nation and its ordinary populace, as its ideology is what the nation is yearning for since independence.

Entire country is looking with lot of expectation and respect towards Aam Aadmi Party – for, it has taken head-on with the big political parties and their bigwigs - challenging their authority and functioning. In the current scenario of hung Assembly, AAP needs more courage and conviction. With the challenge of forming Government at debut and that too in Delhi, AAP will have to tighten its belt and take the plunge with commitment and honesty.

An Ordinary Indian wishes the Aam Aadmi Party good luck for an exemplary stint of good governance in the heart of the country- Delhi.

I wish that the New Year 2014 brings with it lot of happiness, prosperity and peace to one and all. Let this be the year of change!

madhukarmohan@gmail.com