Kunal Singh Speaks

Just done watching a movie “Lord of War”
the world’s five biggest supplier of fire arms
are also the five permanent members of UN
they thrive on the armed conflicts in different parts of the world
…
just checked times_of_india
read about the rocket attacks in to indian border by pakistan
and BSF firing back in response
before this there had been lot of fuss about
china’s incursions in to indian border
…
truth is that
a lot of our tax money
is soon going to be spent
on big arms deals
…
what can we do than feel helpless?
…
we will not live helplessly forever
we will learn languages
learn about law
watch lots of movies
read lot of books
and have whisky in the cold winter nights of delhi

I had totally forgotten about the Birthday Anniversary of Rajiv Gandhi. What a way to remember, this piece of sensationalizing  media crap, “Minor Lured in to blood donation at Rajiv’s Anniversary”. What the **** is wrong with Indian Media. Can’t we remember the past for its good, and not implicate the bygones in the blunders of today.

I wish Rajiv was around. We would have had high speed broadband in all the villages, and all the cities would have been centrally wi-fi enabled. He is the father of Indian Technology Revolution. The current governments are too busy milking the old cow, without every caring to feed it. And the media is full of shitty talent to care about what actually matters.

Good & Bad things happen to each culture & country. So we need to take our due share. I guess I should stop whining over what is not being done & worry about if I am doing what I ought to do. That might unload my heart a bit. So, I end this post with memorable words of Rajiv.

India is an old country, but a young nation; and like the young everywhere, we are impatient. I am young and I too have a dream. I dream of an India, strong, independent, self reliant and in the forefront of the front ranks of the nations of the world in the service of mankind.  - Rajiv Gandhi

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While Congress Government has initiated many new drives on Name of Rajiv Gandhi, the true spirit of “Freedom”, “Decentralization of Power”, & “No to Sycophancy” is totally missing. We Indians are always good at losing the true essence of things while making fuss about what is trivial.

This is what surprised me about Loksabha election results

Andhrapradesh - Contrasting results of Loksabha and Vidhansabha.
Uttar Pradesh - Congress getting a hold again.
Harayana - Big sweep by Congress.
Bihar - NDA, NDA, NDA
Uttrakhand - The clean sweep … this was a BJP Forte once.

Finally we have a new government in offing. Country has voted for a stable government at center.

- This mandate is not in favor Congress’ or UPA’s policies. But, this mandate is for a party who could give the most stable government in absence of any alternative.
- This mandate is not against BJP. But it is against their PM candidate.
- This mandate is not against the regional parties and their performance in respective state governments. This mandate is for a national party.

- Congress Leadership may be on Cloud-9, but they must be ready for some surprises in the state assembly elections.
- BJP must find a more secular and progressive face. L K Advani is not going to work.
- Regional parties should not loose their heart, and hope to perform better in the respective state assemblies.

With the Loksabha Elections nearing, new equations are being drawn. One of the most interesting possibility which I see is that of a third front coming ahead. This third front could be a power ful competitor to “Indian National Congress” and “Bharatiya Janata Party”. The third front even has a good chance to win a clear majority in the house.

Based on the number of seats currently being held in different state assemblies, INC is likely to win 123 seats and BJP is likely to 119 seats in the upcoming Parliamentary elections. This combined represents only 45% of the total Parliament. So, the third front, which is a likely possibility could get a clear majority if it can grab this 55% of the share. These seat calculations are based on representation of the different political parties in current State Assemblies. In case of a third front emerging up, the dynamics may even change further. In some of the states, BJP and INC manage to win voters, just because there is no third alternative. A national level alliance might change this scenario in the Parliamentary Elections.

While INC & BJP are busy dreaming about a possible win in the coming elections, the recent political developments across the country are very interesting. Let us look at the activities happening in the 5 Biggest states, which combined represent 46% of the total Loksabha seats.

(1) Uttar Pradesh (80 LS Seats):UP has been a barometer of Indian Politics. Independents India has seen most of its prime ministers hailing from UP. Till 1980 UP was the heartland of Congress & the Congress party had an unchallenged hold in the Indian Parliament. The rise of BJP in 1980s was majorly to its success in UP, which slowly spread MP, Rajasthan & Gujrat. In last decade & half, the presence of both BJP and INC has been completely nullified in UP politics. In current state assembly, BJP has 12% of the seat share, and INC has 5% of the seat share. The failure of two biggest national parties has also refelcted in the national politics, as both the parties have been loosing their seat share in Parliament with every election. BSP & SP are currently the biggest players in UP Politics. Though SP is a part of the current UPA alliance, but its relation with Congress have never been too close. The SP had joined hands with Congress more out of compulsion, as at that time the newly formed BSP government was running a drive to register more and more criminal cases against SP leaders. By joining hands with Congress, SP could fit a noose on Mayawati, by speeding up the CBI probe against her in the dis-proportionate asset case. But SP realizes that continuing a alliance with Congress, might mean a political death for them. In the recent developments the SP is trying to ditch Congress and form an Alliance with Sharad Pawars NCP.

(2) Maharashtra (48 LS Seats):
Maharashtra is where the land of political stalwart Sh Sharad Pawar. Sharad Pawar in past has expressed is strong desire to be the prime minister of India. Sharad Pawar is one of the political genius. His closeness with Shivsena chief Bal Thackrey could give rise to new political equations in Maharashtra. In recent weeks, Shivsena has expressed its willingness to snap ties with BJP and explore a new alliance. Very likely that this alliance could be with Sharad Pawar’s NCP.

(3) West Bengal (42 LS Seats):
The strongest political force in the state, is CPI. About a year back CPI had snapped ties with UPA and it is unlikely that CPI will again join hands with Congress. CPI has always stated that its support for the Congress has been because of its commitment to keep the non-secular forces away from power. So, the third front could be a strong contender for winning the ideological support from CPI.

(4) Andhra Pradesh (42 LS Seats): The major player Telugu Desam Party (TDP) has last week made its stand clear on alliance with BJP. The party supremo Chandra Babu Naidu stated that TDP will not support L K Advani as the prime minster candidate. Since, L K Advani is the official choice of BJP as the prime minister, the TDP’s stance has sent a very clear signals across the political circles… that it is open to an alternative. Chandra Babu Naidu has also expressed in past, his ideological similarities with leaders like Lalu Prasad Yadav. So, the developments in state, could be interesting to watch.

(5) Bihar (40 Ls Seats): Bihar is the land of Lalu Prasad Yadav, who has survived in state politics for last 20 years. He has always been popular amongst the rural classes. With his recent success as the railway minister, he has also gained fans amongst the Indian Urban Class. His great sense of humor makes him a respectable figure amongst all the political parties. I see him as the “Atal Bhiari Bajpayee” for the future. He could play a significant role in pulling together a third front.

For those of us who had felt hurt by the “Mangalore Pub Attack”, there is some news to rejoice. BJP’s prime ministerial candidate for the upcoming Loksabha elections, Mr L K Advani has condemned the “Ram Sena” for carrying out “Mangalore Pub Attack”. In wake of the Mangalore pub attack, The senior BJP leader and Karnatka Chief Minister Mr Yedurappa had commented that he would not allow pub culture to flourish in Karnataka. So, it is a little puzzling as to who out of two leaders represents the BJP’s official stand. But in any case it is soothing to know that Advani ji is moving away from the fundamentalist ideas.

So what is it all about? Is BJP trying to reuse the script from 1998 Loksabha elections. In 1998, BJP had projected Advani as the savior of Hindutva to win over the votes of Hindu fundamentalists. But, as the prime ministerial candidate, it had a liberal leader in form of Shri Atal Bihar Bajpayee. Bajpayee ji had an unblemished political career, he had “friends” and “an ability to work” beyond the party lines, and he had a charismatic persona which made him acceptable to the people of all casts and creeds. Bajpayee was one of the greatest driving and binding force behind NDA’s success.

From the recent developments, looks like BJP is trying to replay the same story, with characters changed. In past couple of years Advani has taken a diversion from the fundamentalist ideologies (good for the nation) and has been trying to make a more universal appeal. The “remarks on Jinnah” controversy during his Pakistan Trip  was one of the well scripted chapter in this current political drama. Now his battering for the Ram Sena is another step in same direction. So Advani ji is trying to fit himself in the role which Shri Bajpayee ji had played in 1998. The second line BJP leaders like Shri Rajnath Singh ji, and Shri Yedurappa are trying to fill in the space created by Advani’s retraction.

The script of this drama seems to be attractive and I wish all the best to BJP and NDA. However there are some distinct loop holes in the direction, which BJP should be worried about.

(1) What had made Bajpayee popular amongst all sections of society was his unblemished political career of fifty years and his poetic, patriotic, personal character. Unfortunately, Shri Advani ji do not have a similar background and he is considered responsible for the Babri Masjid Demoltion by a majority of people. We have already seen parties like TDP (which were strong constituent of ruling NDA during 1998) showing strong reservations agains Advani as PM. Even Shivsena does not seem to be keen on joining hands with BJP. After disappointing performance (during last assembly elections) in  big states like Rajasthan and UP,  and now Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra being in trouble, BJP has a lot to worry about.

(2) Though Mr Rajnath Singh and Yediruppa ji have established themselves as fire brand Hindu leaders, but many Hindu fundamentalist may not be too happy with the “Hriday Parivartan” of Shri Advani ji. There is a good chance that this section of society which in past has voted BJP to power, may feel disappointed and might vote away from BJP this time.
(3) Another calculation which might prove to be wrong is that BJP is hoping to win a big share of votes from UPA out anti-incumbency factor. But as per the recent trends, people have voted for the current governments in absence of a better alternative. Congress’ win in recent assembly elections in Delhi was one such example.

I would have loved to see some editing of characters in the current political drama. It would have been interesting if Mr Advani would have kept playing the same character role which he has played best throughout his political career, and BJP would have looked out for some fresh talent to fill in the gap created by Shri Bajpayee ji. That would have been more natural and politically more effective. Was there no one in BJP’s think tank to suggest these kind of changes? Or was Shri Advani ji not ready for the sacrifice this time? Whatever it may be, I wish him and BJP a very lucky elections this year.

A person is up for your vote … A person with a sharp memory, that he even remembers the smallest personal details of his life… But, remembers nothing about the ideologies he vowed … Would you like to elect this person as the Prime Minister of India

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What did you ask? Who can make such of a person? It is the NDA stalwart Mr L K Advani. I just happened to visit his official blog. Read his latest blog post about “CEC’s recommendation about Navin Chawla”. This is what he has to share with us:

The current controversy surrounding Election Commissioner Shri Navin Chawla reminds me of a conversation I had had with Benazir Bhutto when she visited Delhi during the NDA regime. She had lunch with me that day and she shared with me a delicious dish of Sindhi curry, which my wife Kamala prepares excellently.

>>> What is this old man talking about? Is he boasting about his close relationship with a bold and beautiful Pakistani lady, or is he just trying to amuse himself with the memories of NDA rule, or is he praising the culinary skills of his wife, or is he just sending out a message to the nation that he remembers nothing but “a delicious dish of Sindhi curry”? What an indulgent great man he is …

>>> Does he remember the venomous speeches he had made during his “Ram Mandir Rath Yatra”. Does he remember the demolition of Babri Masjid? Does he remember the Pramod Mahajan sponsored corruption of the state during NDA regime? Does he remember the damage which his divisive politics has caused to the nation?

30 January was the day when Nathuram Godse assassinated Mahatama Gandhi. Gandhi was not just a human being, he was a revolution, he was an ideology. And ideas can not be killed. But surprisingly, the idea which the world knew as Gandhi, has been killed, at least from the active lives of our nation.

Nathuram Godse, just killed a man. Then who killed the idea? Not a tough guess … It was the collective leadership of our country, which continued to woo Indian voters on the name of Gandhi, but at the same time,  adopted domestic and foreign policies, which were totally averse to Gandhism….

(1) Gandhi and Non-Violence:

. What does Gandhi mean to you?
> “Non-Violence”!
. “Non-Violence as an end”?
> Silence

“Non-Violence as an end” is the greatest myth about Gandhi. Gandhi followed, preached and advocated non-violence. But he preached of “non-violence as a means”, and “not as an end”. What was the End he preached about? We have comfortably forgotten.

Bullet bang on target !!!

(2) Gandhi and Self-Reliance:
Gandhi was about “self-reliance”. Self reliance in every walk of life. Economical & Poliitical self reliance as a nation. Social, Religious and Moral self reliance, as an individual. “Sarvodaya” was his dream for the post-independence India. A dream which never realized. Worst, we have become a nation which is neither economically self-reliant, nor politically.

These wounds will be fatal.

(3) Gandhi and Social Development:
The transformation which Gandhi brought to the Indian society was unprecedented. His initiatives and methods to root out “untouchability” from Indian society, and the amazing success which he received in his efforts, can not be termed less than a magic. He also worked for the social & economic development of “unprivileged classes”. He called for a “greater role of women” in the Indian Society.

(4) Gandhi and Independence:

If it was not Gandhi, India would have got Independence much before 1947. The first world war was the best time to revolt against the British rule, as the Britishers were preoccupied with battle on so many fronts.

“The Delayed Independence” is the second greatest myth about Gandhi.
Independence can mean different thing to different people. To some one it could be the freedom to work on the things which one loves. To some one it could be the freedom of not working at all. To some one else it could mean the freedom to force others to work on the things which they do not like.

Gandhi understood the motives behind British Presence in India. He knew that the Imperialist powers were exploiting the masses in India and elsewhere, for the economic motives. They were not here to prove to us their right to rule, but they were here to gain profits.
Britishers never ruled India as isolated foreigners. They ruled India in collaboration with Indian Kings, and privileged Indian Classes - all shared the exploit.

The division between exploiter and the exploited was never that of “Indian” and “Foreigner”. The division was that of “Sickly Rich” and the “Abjectly Poor”. Sadly, the “abjectly poor” constituted almost the entire nation.

Would it make any difference to the lives of “exploited”, if “exploiter” was an Indian rather than a “British-Indian combine”?

Independence to Gandhi meant the “freedom” of Indian masses from the “social and economic” exploitation by the “Privileged Classes”. The nationality of the “Privileged class” was rarely important. Gandhi fought for what he saw as independence, and he fought for it successfully. He transformed the entire nation in to a self-aware and self-reliant society, and it was only because of him that the Britishers found the economic motives for their presence fading out from the India.
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Sadly, Gandhi departed before the Sarvodaya could take shape. The Ideas which he sow, pumped life in to the veins of our nation for more than half a century. But the economic self-reliance is again disappearing. The division between “exploiter” and “exploited” is once more becoming apparent. Gandhi is dead.
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Some Links about Gandhi
Gandhi and his Philosophy
Gandhi short Biography
Sarvodaya

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The picture which you see was taken by me at “National Gandhi Museum” at Delhi.