There has been a slew of train derailments and ailments in railways are coming to the fore.
I believe Mamta is back to delivering on derailments - it was derailing governments earlier and now the railways are facing the brunt.
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Akhilesh Yadav vs Rahul Gandhi ? Is this for real ?
Hi Readers, Im back - was in hibernation - observing and compiling my thoughts.
Akhilesh Yadav went for the jugular and Im amazed at his remarks made after the defeat his wife got at the hands of Raj B. With astounding alacrity, he remarked that he accepted the challenge that Rahul G has thrown and that the Gandhi scion has drawn first blood.
Few thoughts...
I may not subscribe wholly to Rahul G, but I hold an opinion and I know a little about him from varied sources, I reckon he will be a force in Indian polity and he is going about making efforts in ground level politics - has he been successful or not is a seperate theory.
But who is Akhilesh Yadav? I believe by making such audacious remarks there has been a desperate attempt to blow his own trumpet, DEMAND attention and ask for respect.He should have displayed restraint in his word-play and actually talk about how Rahul's presence may raise the bar in UP politics - on the contrary he has managed to further alienate the youth and the emerging young power sectors...
Isn't he being schooled in real politik by the inhouse strategists?
Akhilesh Yadav went for the jugular and Im amazed at his remarks made after the defeat his wife got at the hands of Raj B. With astounding alacrity, he remarked that he accepted the challenge that Rahul G has thrown and that the Gandhi scion has drawn first blood.
Few thoughts...
I may not subscribe wholly to Rahul G, but I hold an opinion and I know a little about him from varied sources, I reckon he will be a force in Indian polity and he is going about making efforts in ground level politics - has he been successful or not is a seperate theory.
But who is Akhilesh Yadav? I believe by making such audacious remarks there has been a desperate attempt to blow his own trumpet, DEMAND attention and ask for respect.He should have displayed restraint in his word-play and actually talk about how Rahul's presence may raise the bar in UP politics - on the contrary he has managed to further alienate the youth and the emerging young power sectors...
Isn't he being schooled in real politik by the inhouse strategists?
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Rein in the Babu's please, anyone?
This just came in from my friends in Better India Foundation...Thought might interest all.
Attention is being drawn to a curious case of political apathy towards blue eyed corrupt bureaucrats. Despite the Home Ministers direct onslaught against erring politicians and their brazen use of the police machinery, which also included a conscience call for the police officers themselves, there are examples within the force who treat the system as their personal bastion.
It has been brought to the notice of this independent human rights watch agency, that a senior IPS officer, Sumedh Singh Saini, has cases of corruption, land-grabbing and murder against him in Punjab, yet continues as the IG Vigilence in the state.
Saini has been charged by CBI for kidnapping and eliminating three innocent persons due to personal enemity and thus, has been charged for the offences under Sections 342, 343, 364, 120-B of Indian Penal Code. He is facing trial before the Special Judge, CBI, Delhi in RC No. 2(S)/94 wherein the charges were framed against him vide order dated 6.12.2006. It is pertinent to mention that the investigation was transferred to CBI by the Punjab and Haryana High Court.
Punjab Congress MLA from Bholath Sukhpal Singh Khaira has demanded from Election Commission of India, the transfer of Punjab Vigilance Bureau Chief Director Sumedh Saini alleging that the police officer was playing in the hands of ruling party Shiromani Akali Dal.
In a complaint made to ECI, Khaira said that ever since the formation of the SAD-BJP government, it has used the Vigilance Bureau as a handy tool to brow beat opponents. Khaira alleged that after scrapping the Punjab Vigilance Commission set up by the previous Congress government in conformity with the directions given by the Supreme Court in the Vineet Narayan’s case, the Badal government Sumedh Saini as Director Vigilance and kept the Chief Director’s post vacant to allow Saini to head the Vigilance Bureau for more than 18 months.
Khaisa claimed that Saini “has to be placed under suspension as per the mandate of the Supreme Court” and that he is exceeding all limits to oblige the Akali Government. He said Clause (b) of the Proviso to Sec. 15 of the Punjab Police Act makes it amply clear that when charges have been framed by a Court of law against a police officer, he has to be removed from his post. This makes it amply clear that such a chargesheeted officer cannot hold such a prime post as has been done in case of Sumedh Singh Saini.
World Sikh News, a website says, “The posting of Sumedh Singh Saini as Director, Vigilance Bureau defeats the very spirit of this Act which aims at providing an efficient, professional, effective, accountable, people friendly, service oriented and responsive police, free from extraneous influences, accountable to law by taking into account the emerging challenges of policing, enforcement of rule of law, the concern for security of the State and the society, particularly the venerable sections and minorities, good governance and human rights.”
Further, there are cases yet to be finalised, there are cases involving the beating up of a colonel, beating a journalist and land-grab against Saini.
Isnt it prudent that the political and state machinery takes cognizance and initiates a fact-finding mission to cleanse the system?
Better India Foundation
Attention is being drawn to a curious case of political apathy towards blue eyed corrupt bureaucrats. Despite the Home Ministers direct onslaught against erring politicians and their brazen use of the police machinery, which also included a conscience call for the police officers themselves, there are examples within the force who treat the system as their personal bastion.
It has been brought to the notice of this independent human rights watch agency, that a senior IPS officer, Sumedh Singh Saini, has cases of corruption, land-grabbing and murder against him in Punjab, yet continues as the IG Vigilence in the state.
Saini has been charged by CBI for kidnapping and eliminating three innocent persons due to personal enemity and thus, has been charged for the offences under Sections 342, 343, 364, 120-B of Indian Penal Code. He is facing trial before the Special Judge, CBI, Delhi in RC No. 2(S)/94 wherein the charges were framed against him vide order dated 6.12.2006. It is pertinent to mention that the investigation was transferred to CBI by the Punjab and Haryana High Court.
Punjab Congress MLA from Bholath Sukhpal Singh Khaira has demanded from Election Commission of India, the transfer of Punjab Vigilance Bureau Chief Director Sumedh Saini alleging that the police officer was playing in the hands of ruling party Shiromani Akali Dal.
In a complaint made to ECI, Khaira said that ever since the formation of the SAD-BJP government, it has used the Vigilance Bureau as a handy tool to brow beat opponents. Khaira alleged that after scrapping the Punjab Vigilance Commission set up by the previous Congress government in conformity with the directions given by the Supreme Court in the Vineet Narayan’s case, the Badal government Sumedh Saini as Director Vigilance and kept the Chief Director’s post vacant to allow Saini to head the Vigilance Bureau for more than 18 months.
Khaisa claimed that Saini “has to be placed under suspension as per the mandate of the Supreme Court” and that he is exceeding all limits to oblige the Akali Government. He said Clause (b) of the Proviso to Sec. 15 of the Punjab Police Act makes it amply clear that when charges have been framed by a Court of law against a police officer, he has to be removed from his post. This makes it amply clear that such a chargesheeted officer cannot hold such a prime post as has been done in case of Sumedh Singh Saini.
World Sikh News, a website says, “The posting of Sumedh Singh Saini as Director, Vigilance Bureau defeats the very spirit of this Act which aims at providing an efficient, professional, effective, accountable, people friendly, service oriented and responsive police, free from extraneous influences, accountable to law by taking into account the emerging challenges of policing, enforcement of rule of law, the concern for security of the State and the society, particularly the venerable sections and minorities, good governance and human rights.”
Further, there are cases yet to be finalised, there are cases involving the beating up of a colonel, beating a journalist and land-grab against Saini.
Isnt it prudent that the political and state machinery takes cognizance and initiates a fact-finding mission to cleanse the system?
Better India Foundation
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
What happened?
Dear Readers,
I have come back after a long time. Had my fill of the elections, electoral speeches and the political influences. I should say that the corporates and 'intellectual' community completely let us down - all the talks, all the new parties - were absent when it counted. When we needed them the most ( I wanted people who read my blog to come and stand up against me, my beliefs and the status quo ) they were no where to be found.
Mumbai gave a dismal voter turnout, Delhi was marginally better and the ones that took up the cudgels and wanted to stand up - maybe didnt accost the system in the 'correct' manner. (Correct as perceived correct in political games)
Should put on record that many who were disillussioned, didnt raise their swords (figuratively and literally).
Became more of a fashion to still define politicos as lesser beings and corporate chieftains as better ones. But it was visible to be starkly the opposite.
Adios.
I have come back after a long time. Had my fill of the elections, electoral speeches and the political influences. I should say that the corporates and 'intellectual' community completely let us down - all the talks, all the new parties - were absent when it counted. When we needed them the most ( I wanted people who read my blog to come and stand up against me, my beliefs and the status quo ) they were no where to be found.
Mumbai gave a dismal voter turnout, Delhi was marginally better and the ones that took up the cudgels and wanted to stand up - maybe didnt accost the system in the 'correct' manner. (Correct as perceived correct in political games)
Should put on record that many who were disillussioned, didnt raise their swords (figuratively and literally).
Became more of a fashion to still define politicos as lesser beings and corporate chieftains as better ones. But it was visible to be starkly the opposite.
Adios.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
A new party...
Dear Friend
I am seeking intellectual people like you who can take the responsibility to run nation for the betterment of country, improving systems and to lead world in coming days with dedication and sincerity.
Would you be interested? For more information login at www.tnirp.org
Let’s make our government work professionally and dedicatedly. Let us take the responsibility now to monitor our India ourselves. This is our country and it is our responsibility to organize everything in a systematic and proper manner for efficient & professional output.
You are yourself an influence for the society. Best way to save the society from virus is to kill the virus itself as early as
possible, not by medicating every individual.
a. Why can't we make government work like a professional company where each and every minor issues are taken care of at priority in every department.
b. Where increments and promotions are performance and target based.
c. Where best ideas coordinating in saving, security or profits are very well received and implemented on priority basis.
Let’s not just talk but do work and let others talk about us.
"One way to take care of the future is to work on it now!”
Every time I ask anybody about current ongoing political scenario then everybody says that a day will come when somebody will change it but then I ask from them that why that somebody can’t be you? Why?
Their silence always tells the answer to the question asked.
1. Where from I will earn for me and my family?
2. What about security of my family?
3. What about my job security?
4. What about my responsibilities & priorities for my family?
Because no intellectual, educated, technical or intelligent person steps forward for the initiative, that’s why our India is governed by corrupted and criminal background kind of people. We ourselves help them to grow and govern.
Shouldn't we feel guilty for it? Is it not our own fault? Are we not responsible for what’s happening currently? Yes, I am responsible for my country's condition today. I have no right to blame people who are in politics now because I myself gave them to opportunity to lead me. I myself voted them. I am the only person responsible for it.
Shame on me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Only thing which I require from you is dedication, devotion, sincerity, zeal to excel and perform for the betterment of county. In nutshell, perfectionist professionals.
Are you the one? Are you concerned? Are you ready?
Regards
Rahul Bhartiya
I am seeking intellectual people like you who can take the responsibility to run nation for the betterment of country, improving systems and to lead world in coming days with dedication and sincerity.
Would you be interested? For more information login at www.tnirp.org
Let’s make our government work professionally and dedicatedly. Let us take the responsibility now to monitor our India ourselves. This is our country and it is our responsibility to organize everything in a systematic and proper manner for efficient & professional output.
You are yourself an influence for the society. Best way to save the society from virus is to kill the virus itself as early as
possible, not by medicating every individual.
a. Why can't we make government work like a professional company where each and every minor issues are taken care of at priority in every department.
b. Where increments and promotions are performance and target based.
c. Where best ideas coordinating in saving, security or profits are very well received and implemented on priority basis.
Let’s not just talk but do work and let others talk about us.
"One way to take care of the future is to work on it now!”
Every time I ask anybody about current ongoing political scenario then everybody says that a day will come when somebody will change it but then I ask from them that why that somebody can’t be you? Why?
Their silence always tells the answer to the question asked.
1. Where from I will earn for me and my family?
2. What about security of my family?
3. What about my job security?
4. What about my responsibilities & priorities for my family?
Because no intellectual, educated, technical or intelligent person steps forward for the initiative, that’s why our India is governed by corrupted and criminal background kind of people. We ourselves help them to grow and govern.
Shouldn't we feel guilty for it? Is it not our own fault? Are we not responsible for what’s happening currently? Yes, I am responsible for my country's condition today. I have no right to blame people who are in politics now because I myself gave them to opportunity to lead me. I myself voted them. I am the only person responsible for it.
Shame on me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Only thing which I require from you is dedication, devotion, sincerity, zeal to excel and perform for the betterment of county. In nutshell, perfectionist professionals.
Are you the one? Are you concerned? Are you ready?
Regards
Rahul Bhartiya
Thursday, February 26, 2009
The way ahead ? New political parties...
New / fresh thinkers have joined hands and initiated their bit...
- IIT grads have done it - http://www.lok-paritran.org/
- Rahul Pandit - http://www.yuvaparty.net
- Sanjeev Sabhlok - http://www.freedomteam.in
- A new idea - http://www.uniteindia.net/in/
- There is also a political outfit initiated by veteran defence officers, i could not get details...Will request readers to share.
- Sachinn S Sharma has an idea and is scouting for like-minded individuals: http://powerindiatheidea.blogspot.com
- A good initiative: National Campaign For People's Right To Information (NCPRI), India: http://www.righttoinformation.info/
Whilst good things are happening, a disturbing aspect was also shared by one of the readers:
http://orissaburning.blogspot.com/2008/08/saved-from-fires-fr-edward-sequeira.html
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
A new idea?
Well, thanks everyone who shared their insights...
I am prompted first to make a couple of observations: First, An anonymous commentator defined politicians as scoundrels!! And me asking people to get into politics was akin to asking people to take to crime. And then the commentator makes some rather sweeping statements like a majority of Indians have been mutated into spineless beings... I have serious reservations on these sentiments. Although i understand and believe in the idea and the circumstances that gave vent to such emotions. The point of legal terrorism is also well taken. But neither are all politicians scoundrels, nor are corporate professionals saints...It is hard to believe that in politics you may find only opportunists while you have do-gooders in the corporate arena. But thats a different discussion and can be dealt with, later.
And when the commentator says he would rather corrupt them into doing something good...well, I daresay its happening all around...the justifications are different. (But, I fully subscribe to this view, albeit in a different context as i have hinted in my last lines below.)
Second, I was pleased to find ideas - one believed all should educate themselves on the constitution, our rights, the RTI, section 49 and the duties of any elected representative. One likened the terrorism to a black swan - a rare phenomenon - and coaxed us to be more aware, be responsible as citizens and criticise openly when required. One gentleman shared his views on how corporate professionals and political activists can cooperate and synergise efforts...One gentleman shared his honest efforts at being politically active and scouting for leaders (www.freedomteam.in)...Though i dont subscribe to this view until and unless ground activism has taken off ...
Taking a cue from Gerard Fernandes, my view is that this doesn't help. We need a system of checks and balances. No matter how honest the politician, there will be other things that corrupt him/her. For example the false sense that limiting freedoms is justified in order to combat threats. This is not true, but will invariably be the easy - and perhaps populist - way out for a politician.
One need only observe how governments react to terrorist attacks (Bush went to war, there were calls in India to ban Google among other things,
the British government doesn't allow more than 100ml of liquid per person when flying etc.). None of this is reasonable. Simply because statistically speaking, the attack vectors available to a terrorist are infinite. The only thing that works is a sufficient amount of security forces permanently deployed, AND the security personnel should be extremely vigilant at all times. Banning liquids is stupid - simply because the reason the threat was detected was vigilant security. Not a ban on liquids. But banning liquids is seen by politicians to be a quick-fix, populist measure.
Now, I see no evidence to support the premise that an 'honest' politician would not react in this way - do you?
Thanks Gerard for the inputs. It has given me a fresh perspective. The political setup calls for populism and this may trigger off the same situation...
The obvious answer to the premise on 'MAKING' a change happen then, is to be aware, be responsible and stand up - when required. Do your bit and expect later.
But, kind readers, I re-iterate that i do not mean CSR/community service/social activism. I propose and vouch for POLITICAL activism. Companies and individuals are worthy contenders for being socially active and doing their bit. I am only advocating hard politik. At the same time, i do not advocate joining a new party or following a new leader...that would give rise to the same situation down the years.
My contention is why do not we make a difference in our constituency... Make ourselves relevant... That way we shall not be blamed for sitting in our glass chambers and hitting away at the laptops. Why can we not make the same sound like many of us did for the 'pink chaddi' campaign?...Why cant we rack our brains, think of a better way to do things, and Also make it popular...? Why cant we be populist? We live in a vote-bank led democracy - why fret over the fact that an honest person could not win an election? Wasnt it equally our responsibility to offer populist measures - carry the same talk - have good intentions but NAVIGATE the system, the impressionable minds and make a REAL difference...
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Corporate India gets its act together?
Is corporate India the panacea for all ills that have been bestowed on us by the Indian political scene?
Post 26/11, we saw a gamut of think-tanks take shape, fringe groups formed, candle marches, savvy campaigners organising meetings, networking with the media et al. I was inundated with emails to get up and start doing something... I received numerous calls and emails from Taj witnesses/first hand accounts/media etc and was promised that much was about to happen, change was round the corner... A bigger cause was to be pursued.
As a PR person, i was also asked my opinion and strategic inputs in reaching out to the maximum...Its a different matter that all eyes and all ears were focussed on the Taj and not a single email generated for the CS station...thats a different matter, lets get back to the bigger cause.
Many fledgling political parties took shape (mostly on paper, linkedin, facebooks - buts thats again a different matter)... Many defined the current political class as 'crap' and even gave the idea of changing the entire setup and putting in their place - leaders from the corporate arena! How they would add value (a nice corporate phrase) in convincing the man on the street and gain votes is again, a different matter.
I personally wrote to many of the merits of the corporate professional joining the political arena and really making a difference. The professional has the knowledge (six sigma, TQM, whatnot), the wherewithal (contacts, blackberry's, laptops, whatnot) and is nicely placed to FOREGO all and dedicate himself/herself to the cause, start ,moving to grassroots, research the true country, understand the rural problems, identify with the real issues, start meeting the man on the street and be ready to face initial hardships... Now thats where the first hurdle was identified - how do we fund ourselves?
Corporate professionals (I spoke to) didnt want to take any hardships and were not comfortable chucking their well paying jobs or cushy positions to join active politics... they were ready to do a small bit. Now i agree that all counts, but isnt that what we do in CSR ? Then where is the difference? If we fund an individual or a fledgling party, we give rise to the same situation...10 years from now.
I believe corporate India needs to shun the glass facade and come join the active agenda, the real politik.
I really believe there are many who can make a difference but familial pressures, responsibilities and their close networks do not allow them to go the full way...there are many who are devoted to social service, work 24*7 in NGOS, are star-college passouts, but have chucked blue chip jobs and are based in remote areas - they dont go the full way due to disillusionment or contentment...
Maybe complacency has crept in some segments.
These were just thoughts, but I do wish to know if corporate professionals can really make a difference and be as effective in the political arena? Give me you thoughts, voice your concerns...I dont promise much more than doing my bit to spread your thought around...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
