Assume Congress has come back in the center and the state results are the same — immediate election in JK, Siddu to be the CM of Punjab, crackdown on Gujarat Government on some faltu charges, media to hype all issues in UP to get Yogi sacked, mass exodus of Hindus from WB as Mulla didi cracks down, citizenship bill to be rejected and 3-talaq bill to be scraped, Government change in Goa, JDU merge with Congress and Sidda becomes the CM of Karnataka, Jagan to keep a low profile and TRS do not care, too much excitement in Kerala and the fall of TN Government.
JCP to be formed to investigate Rafale, scrap direct money transfer, make many public servant to to leak details to tarnish Modi and BJP, chant Modi chore day in day out, prove surgical strikes and air strike did not happen, Lutyens media will have a bashing session to tarnish BJP, experts will work hard to divide BJP, get many RSS and BJP workers killed and blame it on Modi, invite only pak and china for the swearing in ceremony. All this would have happened in the initial 15 days and BJP is still sleeping.
I do not want BJP to be like Ranapratap who let Gajani away, to get killed one day, if u see a spade just kill it. BJP got this mandate only to clean up the system not to retain it. You can cut diplomacy with UK to force them to return Malya and Modi, arrest PC, Tharoor, fake Gandhis and let them fight from the jail, start Ram temple, get UCC, scrap 370 and 35A, give one way ticket to people like Omer and Mufti if they oppose it, release temples from state control and many many things which is what BJP has been voted with full power. BJP has the power and unless they use it aggressively people will start loosing faith.
Its summer and one is prone to a variety of seasonal afflictions but the most potent of them is cricket fever. It is more viral than twitter posts and more lethal than the bombs dropped at Balakot!
For many years I was a cricket right-winger. And as a good Bhakt, I carried my faith on my sleeve. The craze for the game in general, idolizing the players, worshiping the very ground they walked on, preserving newspaper cuttings and not missing a match were my favourite activities. I was seeped in cricket Bhakti.
My personal ambition was to have Darshan of these divine beings that possessed the supreme Brahmastra, weapon to vanquish the enemy on the field.
If only, I could meet them.
And, one fine day, luck smiled on me.
The Indian and Australian teams were in my home-town and guess what? They were staying in a hotel right opposite our home. The Bhakt in me was delirious. I sneaked into my grand-father’s room to ‘borrow’ his binoculars and perched myself on top of our house, and lo! and behold, I could see them.
Ahhhhhh! The men in blue.
There had to be more. A sakshatkaar, physical encounter. There had to be a way. Perhaps bribe or plead the staff of the hotel to let me in for the dinner later that night. What a treat it would be for a cricket crazy teenager.
Soon enough a possible target was identified and then started the charm assault — “Bhaiya please…pleeeease…..mila do…”
Waiter bhaiya took pity and saw the light.
“Come tonight” he said, “at the staff entrance.”
Finally, I would meet them. Sharp 8 pm I was in, breathing the same air as my heroes. The autograph book was quickly passed around and my copy of ‘Idols’ had a very generous and ‘sunny’ signature by the author, the great original master-blaster, Sunil Gavaskar.
The ‘boys’ were having a great time. It was party time. Blaring music, flowing beer and food on the house. The God’s of cricket were around me. I was in heaven indeed.
And as the evening progressed my God’s moulted into beings I failed to relate to. Their staggering steps, boisterous laughter, lewd talk and many not-so-graceful moments shook me. Witnessing these, my faith took a beating.
And then there was an epiphany.
These were mere mortals. Humans like the rest of us, and some not even as cultured. These weren’t Gods. Some of them were the fore-fathers of the likes of Hardik Pandya.
Nothing is as it appears to be – ‘Hey Bhagwan! Sab maya hai.’ The Bhakt in me slowly withered away. My extreme right-wing cricket fan status had changed.
These boys, that we so idolize, get undue and perhaps sometimes undeserved attention. Most of them come from humble backgrounds and the constant attention and adulation have their effect and as they say, fame and money is a lethal combination!
My spell broken, I walked back home dazed and since that day stopped all my idiosyncrasies of fasting for victory or for that matter keeping green chilies on our TV set to ward off the evil eye and ensure victory to the Indian team.
Cricket is a game. It is not war, nor is it played by actual heroes. It is meant to be a gentleman’s game, but the real gentlemen and super-heroes stand for ideals much loftier than the cup the team captain may hold. Many progressive karm-yogi nations like Japan, don’t even play this game, as my mentor Meena Om often states. What a sheer waste of time, money and energy.
Let’s keep this cricket craze in perspective. Root for the game and sportsman spirit but please let us not make ordinary humans undeserving demigods much before their time. God’s are universal and inspire others to be like them, to uplift and alleviate the pain and strife of humanity, not use the adulation of thousands of fans to become poster-boys of quick money and acts without grace! Because it is only grace that begets Grace.
Being from south India, when I got the seat in NIT, Bhopal I was kind of scared about the north Indian culture, traditions, food, spoken language and socialization with the north Indian people.
I am from Andhra Pradesh, so Telugu is our 1st language but we also have Hindi as 2nd language till 10th class. So, I was familiar with written Hindi language and locally spoken Hindi language. It took only 1 semester for me to speak original Hindi (not fluent but good). But the more I learned Hindi, the more I was socializing with other people. Apart from food and language, everything is almost the same.
Hindi is a bridge among all states
I have always wondered what is holding these multi-lingual states together. The answer is, cultures, traditions, festivals, Epics, Vedas, etc. that we have been following since the Vedic period is holding us very firmly together. India is the only country that withstood her culture, traditions, etc even after 1000 years of conquests if it wasn’t for cultures, traditions, festivals, Epics, Vedas, etc our country would have been 30 countries by now. If we also have a common language it will hold us forever.
Learning Hindi not only strengthens the country’s unity but also helps the individuals personally and helps to see a wider picture of the country. We get to study know more about the country’s people, agriculture, traditions, economic situations, etc.
Suppose if a North Indian who doesn’t speak English visits Meenakshi Temple (Madurai) and doesn’t have the clue to how to reach and query you, do you simply ignore him? If ignored, Is that how our ancestors told us to treat the guests (ATITHI DEVO BHAVA)? No, right? Even if you want to visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple (Varanasi) and has no clue, you have to communicate with local people in Hindi.
What I am trying to say is, we don’t lose anything by learning Hindi, but it only bonds and strengths us. It will forever remove the idea of north India vs south India but makes us realize ‘we all are Indians’. North and south is just the geographical idea, not the people divider, this myth has been created by some politically motivated people for their political party gains.
I still don’t understand how is Hindi going to affect the state and the people. People are falling into the trap of political party’s vote-bank politics. They are only stopping people from development particularly youth who has to migrate to other places in case of job postings. Most of the youth confessing that they want to learn Hindi but some states are rejecting the 3-language formula.
The 2019 General Election results on May 23 came as a surprise for many, those who were expecting an NDA victory were enraptured by the scale of it and those who didn’t see it coming are still in disbelief of what struck them on May 23 – it was a TSUNAMO.
But this colossal success of the ruling party must not be only seen as the inability of their challengers to put their message effectively across the electorate. Contrary to what meets the eye, this triumph has many fathers, from the energetic and visionary leadership to the obedient and pertinacious second-in-commands and from simple yet situation specific strategy to the near perfect execution. The formidable unit that the opposition was up against could’ve given us only one result and that’s what the world witnessed on May 23.
But how to keep this juggernaut rolling? The saffron brigade is currently at the peak of its prowess, but how to prolong the stay there, as they say, it’s easier to reach the top than to remain there for a sustained period. Here, the party currently at the helm can learn few lessons of how to prolong superiority, from the Australian cricketing side which ruled the roost for close to decade and a half.
It might appear otherwise but it’s the team that succeeds
During their glory years the Australians were led by cricketing greats first in Steve Waugh and then in Ricky Ponting, their exemplary leadership skills and keen eye for the upcoming talent were largely instrumental in Australia’s domination. But as it’s said; a captain is as good as his team, it was actually the bouquet of absolute champions the two captains had at their disposal that made Australia the world beaters.
Similarly, for the BJP, the duo of Modi-Shah is providing an able leadership but it’s the work of the regional powers like Sarbananda Sonowal in the East, Mukul Roy in Bengal, CMs of BJP ruled states who are creating the double engine effect. Politically smart local leaders and a sea of dedicated and selfless workers have built BJP into a behemoth that none in the rival camp presently, can match up to.
Don’t let the complacency creep in
Complacency is the true enemy of any champion, one thing that stood Australia apart from their opponents was their approach of becoming even more ruthless when the opposition teams used to be down and trailing in the contest. On any rare occasion when they got under the pump, any slightest opportunity to get their foot in the door meant they broke open the door and barged in to seize the opportunity.
Now, the BJP is riding high on success but amid all this rejoicing, the good processes, the methods and meticulous planning which lead to this historic performance must not be given a back seat instead they should be refined and made more potent.
This was the election where most of the party’s opponents hit their political nadir and are ever so likely to bounce back with renewed vigour and better strategy and this calls for the BJP to be even more alert and don’t let their guard down.
Now is the time to venture into unchartered territories
Aussies have always been invincible down under also they have been better performers in other countries except Indian sub-continent. Touring India had always been difficult- a tough nut to crack for the men in yellow. In 2001 when the all-conquering Waugh’s team came to Indian shores the suave captain termed it as their final frontier and the victory in the inaugural test at Mumbai only firmed that belief. But arguably the greatest test match in the cricket history, the famed 2001 Kolkata Test took the winds out of their campaign and they left the final frontier unconquered. But relentless as they are, they returned in 2004 albeit under Ponting and finally tamed the Indians in their own den.
Similarly, the BJP has long ruled the Hindi-heartland and the western part of India, their surge in the north-east India can now be seen as one that will stay. But south of Vidhya’s barring Karnataka BJP seems to be at sea. Tamil Nadu and Kerala have long been the saffron cadres’ waterloo.
2019 elections have slightly dented this norm, while Tamil Nadu and Kerala still remain a mystery, the performances in Bengal and Telangana would have certainly soothed the BJP honchos. But it’s not the time to sit on the laurels, while Bengal was indeed a silver lining but the task onwards in the land of Tagore won’t be easy. A long-term strategy with extensive outreach program to connect with the masses can better party’s prospects.
The party must now see Kerala and Tamil Nadu as a challenge, while their vote share increased in Kerala but certainly it was not enough to open their account. BJP should relinquish this theory of aligning with the local parties and play second fiddle to them, they must now take it upon itself to chart their own path and make a vote base for itself.
The responsibility lies with the incumbent to identify and groom possible successors
When Steve was in command, he made sure that when he leaves, he passes the baton to someone who is ready to captain the set of champions and thus Ponting was groomed for the top job. Again, when Ponting decided to hang his boots, he had an able reliever in Michael Clarke.
BJP has always had the privilege of having top notch leadership, a leader who those at the lower rungs look up to for inspiration and guidance. The current leadership now has this onus upon them to look for eligible and worthy successors and groom them to take the mantle forward.
Another task is to raise a set of people to take the message and ideology of the party to different corners of the country, each person one whom the local population could identify with. Several regional strong heads in addition to visionary central leadership has the capacity to fuel the party’s march to a pan-India party in true sense.
This article I’ve written in response to Shashi Tharoor’s article- “England Cricket Team’s Gyan For Congress: No Ditching The Captain” published on TheQuint.
The issue of minority is reignited after Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, Union Minister of Minority Affairs, started a spree of apparent appeasement announcements for providing 100% state funds for: free UPSC coaching to Muslims girls, scholarship to 5 Cr. minority (read as Muslim) students, and complete funding for health and educational infrastructure on the waqf board properties.
Since the time, India became conscious about having her own Constitution, the definition of the term “Minority” is missing. Till date the proper definition for “Minority” is unfortunately missing in the constitution.
Motilal Nehru Committee, in 1928 tried, for the first time, drafting of the constitution for India. But thanks to Nehru ji, he, in spite of drafting many provisions for minority, didn’t define the term “Minority” or procedure otherwise. The demand for such definition again peaked post-independence, again, even after using word, “Minority”/”Minorities” several times under Article 29, 30, 350A and 350B, thanks to the Nehru ji, Chairman of Union constitution Committee, the term remained undefined.
There are different dimensions for the state of being Minority i.e. Religious, Linguistic and Ethnic. Today, the state of being ethnic minority is least talked term in main stream media as voices from North Eastern India or island UTs hardly reach to Studios in NCR or to Khan Market for print media. But there is also a need to address the issue of Ethnic minorities.
Whereas, issues around linguist Minorities is more settled compared to Religious minorities. Still there is a need for better adoption and awareness for a common language in nation to overcome the linguistic hazards and miscommunications for migrants within the country.
However, the major issue is for the state of religious minority. It is so widely debated that “Religious minority” has now assumed as a default meaning for the term “Minority”, if mentioned anywhere. Though a section demands for defining minority at the Union Govt level. But doing that would be like purchasing same T-shirts of same size for all 29 children, of which youngest was born just in 2014.
Hence in TMA Pai Foundation Vs The State of Karnataka, 2002 case, Supreme court clarified that ‘A Minority either linguistic or religious is determinable only by reference to demography to state and NOT by taking into consideration of the population of the country as a whole.’ This Judgement was again a reiteration of DAV College Bhatinda Vs State of Punjab, 1971 case. So it can be inferred that judiciary is consistent on it’s stand for determining minorities based on state data for every state separately, since 1971.
But still National Commission on Minorities Act, 1992, section 2(C) defines minority as “a community notified as such by Central Government”
Thus Question arise, what should be the limit of determining minority? Drawing a parallel, only 25% of population in India speaks Hindi as mother tongue. But Hindi, being argued as a language having sufficient speakers, is not a minority language in India. So on that same ground does it mean, Muslims in India being the largest population of Muslims in a country in the world or be it Christians in India which constitutes more than 3 times the total Population of Portugal or Greece, shall not be the part of minorities in India?
Again Hindus, a taken for granted majority in India, is a minuscule minority in Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Mizoram, Meghalaya, Lakshadweep, Punjab, and Jammu & Kashmir (& Ladakh) but there is never any such free coaching or scholarship announcement by Ministry of Minority Affairs, for minorities in those states.
So before taking up any upliftment measure, states should define the minorities properly based on a consistent guideline laid by the supreme court, followed by thorough assessment of demographic data of that state, while center can order states for this, if needed. The central schemes for minorities should be based of minorities defined by the state only and shall not be discriminating based on religious lines. These might solve India’s ever-looming issue of minorities.
Father of Nation- Bapuji propagated non violence and peace. But unfortunately violence and bloodshed has swept Kashmir, Kolkata and Kerala, it has even disrupted democratic exercise.
Kashmir violence is due to historical wrong doing during its merger into Union of India. Article 370 and Section 35A which were enacted as ‘temporary provision’ but prevailing even today is also reasons for violence. Remedial action can be taken by repealing Art.370 and Sec.35A, as mentioned in manifesto of BJP, also narrative of “Delimitation” has set which would give equal recognition to all communities. If former and the latter is done then violence can be eradicated from Kashmir.
Fortunately the party which had assured in it’s manifesto about repealing of AFSPA hasn’t come to power, if it had, then situation would be still worse. Analogy of Kolkata refers to entire West Bengal which is under clutches of autocracy. The party which had come to power asserting it’s commitment towards Ma (Mother), Maati (Soil) and Maanush (Humanity) is behaving in an inhuman manner. The soil of Bengal which had nourished great sons of Bharat like Swami Vivekananda, Subash Chandra Bose, Eshwar Chandra Vidyasagar and others is now reddened with blood of BJP workers.
Mothers of BJP workers are living in fear of death of their sons in the hands of Goons of ruling party. It is said that Didi is igniting violence in anticipation of Presidential Rule, which could be used for gaining sympathy for next assembly elections. There were instances of poll rigging and booth capturing in recent parliamentary elections. I don’t know why human rights activists and human rights organizations like Amnesty International, NHRC etc are silent despite killings of BJP Karyakartas. In Bengal even religious freedom is curtailed. Chanting of Jai Sri Ram attracts detention in West Bengal. By all means autocracy of CM of Bengal has crossed all frontiers. It is said that as end approaches a person will act with over intelligence. This violence might also a symptom of end of regime of Didi.
Then Kerala, known as God’s own country in fact most literate state also witnessed both political and religious violence. In this state too killings of RSS and BJP workers were witnessed, continued with gambling with Hindu Sentiments related to Sabarimala. Glory of Kashmir, Kolkata and Kerala has been damaged because of whims of certain politicians, it’s the need of the hour to restore the lost glory. Kashmir should be made heaven again, Kerala should be made Gods own country again and Kolkata should be kept in status of, “What Bengal thinks today will be thinking of India tomorrow”.
When its not affordable people seek for relaxation of norms. When government takes quick decision for the welfare of people living slums as well as BPL families unable understand why the government is ignoring middle class plea especially belong to minority group who are core voters and prompt tax payers.
It is a known fact that, the reply for RTI application may not be a favourable one. The ruling party’s – work for betterment of the people is mere sloganeering.
On the drinking water connection matter sent an email representation to the H’onble Chief Minister on 25/2/2016 requesting;
The residents families most of them belongs to minority and linguistic minority group. Again we are placing our request before the new government to give metered drinking water connection, waiving off the connection charges as well as requested the HMWSSB to take up Rain Water Harvesting which they are doing it free of cost if open area is available in the residential complex or locality. There is plenty of open space available all round the complex.
The residents do hope that, the present government will be kind enough to look positively to the request of 800 odd families and oblige to provide water to quench the thirst and day to day needs.
We hope for a favorable response from your good offices at the earliest.
_______________________________________
Then Honble Minister for Municipal Administration replied via email 26/2/2016 as follows;
Thanks for writing in to us. Have copied in our MD of HMWS to look into the matter at the earliest
Regards
Sent from my iPhone
_______________________________________
After which several representations were sent to CMO before assembly election in 2018 and reminder one was sent email dt: 12/2/2019 Requesting as follows.
Honorable Chief Minister Sir,
This is in continuation to our email representation dated 12/2/2019 and through PG Portal GOVTG/E/2019/00175 dated 12/2/2019 on the above subject to your good offices, place before the reasons seeking relaxation or waiver of certain charges.
Sir, as said in the representation, we have been facing severe water crunch for our day to day needs since the last six years due to slow depletion of groundwater levels in the existing bore wells in all the 9 blocks. The cause for depletion of groundwater is, due to several multi storey and individual building construction activity in the adjoining colonies of our complex. All buildings have gone for deep bore wells beyond 500 feet.
Since 2015 summer all the bore wells have gone completely dry and now entire complex consisting of about 700 family, majority of the belong to minority community (owners or occupants) totally depending on private water suppliers for day to day water needs by paying more to them.
Each occupant resident (flat owner or tenant) from each block apart from monthly maintenance charges of Rs. 600, are paying to private suppliers per month Rs. 500 towards bore water and Rs. 1500 for drinking water. Even though monthly maintenance charges is Rs. 300 for non occupied flats, the flat owners does not pay in time and at the time reoccupying the flat seek further concession during the non occupancy period dues.
Like strict rules in electricity and water connection, there is no stricter laws are Incorporated in the building rules act on maintenance charges dues collections, it has become boon to the owners and bane to the association maintaining the premises.
Mainly because of water problem, there either good rental value or resale value to our properties. Because of which, in every block occupancy rate dropped drastically and put the burden of water purchase charges on the rest of the occupants.
The water board – File No. 2017-5-516 dated 28/6/2017, has come forward to provide a bulk capacity metered connection of 100 mm diameter with a guaranteed daily water supply of 215 Kiloliters. The charges and levies of Rs. 1.66 crores payable to the board within 60 days.
Quoting the rules the board has issued Intimation for payment letter for Rs. 1.66 crores. Each flat owner has to share of Rs. 24,000, which is beyond our reach to pay it. We flat owners are continuously pleading with your good office in relaxation/waiver of certain payments of certain heads mentioned in the board intimation letter already mentioned in our earlier representation.
Sir, its once requested that, as each block has different number of constructed flats se mentioned in our earlier representation we, please be provided a sub metered drinking water connection from main bulk supply meter point to each block.
60 days Water Consumption Charges of Rs. 11.58 lakhs payable is requested to be recalculate separately as per details given of each block and expect some reduction be offered.
Under Bulk Meter account, instead one bulk consumption bill, each block be issued separate monthly consumption bill necessary payment to the board by individual block association.
Relaxation be given to us on Clauses 7, 8 and 9, because while handing over the each block to the respective association, the builder has not provided the Rain Water Harvesting structure and the Occupancy Certificate.
Your good offices is the authority to take the necessary decision on the issues and to issue necessary orders to concerned departments, hope yourselves will consider our plea, resolve the matter amicably and at the earliest.
Sir, Your decision will be a big boon to us. You are The God for us.
_______________________________________
As there’s no response from the CMO who is the deciding authority to the action taken report forced us to file application under RTI Act on 1/6/19, which has been sent CMO.
When it not affordable people seek for relaxation of norms. When government takes quick decision for the welfare of people living slums as well as BPL families unable understand why the government is ignoring middle class plea especially belong to minority group who are core voters and prompt tax payers.
It is a known fact that, the reply for RTI application may not be a favourable one. The ruling party’s – work for betterment of the people is mere sloganeering.
Residents of Happy Homes Apartments, PVNR Expressway, Hyderabad-500048
A week after the results of the Indian General Elections ushered the return of the incumbent government in India, the United States President Donald Trump announced the withdrawal of preferential trade treatment for India starting from June 5th. India had been making efforts to avoid this since the US first announced its intent to withdraw the preferential status in March. However, following the withdrawal, India’s response has been a rather unperturbed, relatively late statement issued on Saturday, June 1st.
The withdrawal of preferential trade terms comes amid the intensifying of Sino-US confrontation. Following the breakdown of negotiations in May, US revised its tariffs on Chinese goods, while China issued a travel warning for its citizens traveling to US. How exactly does this confrontation affect USA’s posturing vis-a-vis India? To understand this, one needs to look at USA’s India policy over the past 20 years.
The defense angle
C-17 Globemaster of IAF. Photo by: SD Singh
Following the rise of China in the late 1990s and early 2000s, US began to warm up to India in hopes of creating a counter-balance to growing Chinese dominance in Asia-Pacific. The first success of this partnership was the India-United States Civil Nuclear agreement which was announced in July 2005. US hoped that this partnership would initiate agreements which would culminate with US penetrating the Indian defense market. It was in keeping with this larger policy that in 2016 the Obama administration designated India a ‘Major defense partner’ granting India access to sensitive US defense technology. In the 15 years following the India-US nuclear deal, there has been an increasing number of Indo-US defense exchanges. A non-exhaustive list of the same is as follows:
2008 — US $1.02 Billion deal signed with Lockheed Martin to induct 6 C-130J into the IAF.
Jan 2009— US $2.1 Billion deal signed with Boeing to induct 8 Boeing P-8I maritime surveillance aircraft.
June 2010 — US $ 4 Billion deal signed with Boeing for C-17 Globemaster heavy transport aircraft.
September 2015 — US $3 Billion deal signed with Boeing for AH-64 Apache and CH-47 Chinook helicopters.
March 2019 — US $750 Million deal signed with BAE Systems for M-777 Howitzer artillery guns.
Indo-US defense ties have been showing an upward trend. The catch, however, in that USA’s defense cooperation comes with the condition of being limited to US — or at most NATO — technology. Hence, the Indo-Russian S-400 deal in 2018 caused US to hint at sanctions, citing ‘interoperability issues’. US has threatened to cancel the sale of F-35 fighter aircraft to Turkey over Turkey’s purchase of S-400.
Another significant setback for the US with regard to the Indian defense market has been its failure to penetrate the fighter aircraft segment. IAF has projected its required strength at 42 squadrons, whereas it currently operates only 31. Moreover, among the 31 operational squadrons, IAF further needs to replace aging platforms such as Mig 21 Bison and Mirage 2000D. This presents a huge potential market for defense equipment suppliers. Currently, the preferred partner of the IAF for its aerial fighter-jet platforms is Dassault. As with the S-400 platform, the US is not too happy with this situation and has attempted to woo IAF over to American aircraft. Lockheed Martin even proposed an ‘India specific’ F-21, which is essentially a rebranded F-16.
Lockheed Martin rebranded F-16 as F-21 ‘For India, From India’. Source: Lockheed Martin
IAF, however, has maintained Rafale as its air-superiority fighter of choice which Dassault competitors are less than happy about. On the domestic front, in the run-up to Indian General Elections 2019, there had been considerable controversy regarding the Rafale defense deal, spearheaded by the opposition party Indian National Congress. There have been allegations that this controversy had elements of foreign vested interest too, specifically defense equipment suppliers such as Eurofighter and Lockheed Martin who were unpleased with IAF opting for Dassault.
On June 4th, US President Donald Trump and UK’s outgoing PM Theresa May issued a joint statement highlighting the US-UK partnership. In particular, PM Theresa May made mention of “UK’s Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers and F-35 jets being ready to tackle threats around the world”. This special mention to the F-35 is noteworthy. Despite the US $1.5 Trillion aircraft project being mired in controversy regarding delays in production and performance concerns, several US-partner countries are planning to purchase this aircraft. These include UK, Italy, Netherlands, Israel, Singapore and Japan to name a few. US was strongly hoping that India would add itself to this list, which India has thus far shown no interest in doing.
Hence, the withdrawal of preferential treatment comes after having repeatedly faced what the US considers snubbing from India: the purchase of S-400, opting for Rafale, and lack of interest in F-35. The withdrawal is a signal to the new Indian government that the US administration is willing to take tough measures to further its own interests.
The unlikely friendship
Former Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Former US President George W Bush at White House, Sept 2003. Source: Wikimedia Commons
During the 1950s, both KGB and CIA were making attempts to penetrate India. By the late 1960s, KGB had succeeded, and for the rest of 20th Century, the US did not view India as a strategic partner. Attempts by India to exercise its sovereignty would be met with overt or covert threats by the US. Examples include mobilizing of the US 7th fleet against India during the 1971 India-Pakistan war, refusal of diplomatic aid during Indian Airlines Flight 814 hijack, and imposition of sanctions following Indo-Russia missile deal in 1992 and following nuclear tests by India in 1998.
The emerging ties in the last 20 years — especially the last 5 years — have been a departure from the traditional Indo-US dynamic, and could only happen because of the threat posed by China. The Indo-US partnership is hence only a tactical partnership. Had India’s present leadership and subsequent rise (economic and geopolitical) come 10 years earlier, it would have been met with very stiff US resistance, possibly even an attempt at regime change. At present, however, and for the considerable future, US is not in a position to openly confront India since it can not afford a two-front confrontation with India and China simultaneously.
The unreliable friend
US has a history of being an unreliable ally, especially when its own interests are even remotely at stake. The Middle East serves as a fine example of the extent to which US is willing to go to further its national interest. At one point, Saddam Hussein was USA’s blue-eyed boy, but his move to empower Euro against US Dollar cost him his regime and Iraq its stability. Libya’s leader Gathafi too was a former ally who was overthrown when he began trading in Gold terms instead of US Dollar. Syria has been reeling under almost a decade of war by US-backed insurgents because its President Assad did not permit the construction of a UAE-Syria-Turkey oil pipeline, which would have freed EU from dependence on Russian oil. China has seen increased hostility and tariff wars with the US when its territorial ambitions in Asia became evident.
Former friends turned foe. From left to right: Former President of Iraq Saddam Hussein, Former Prime Minister of Libya Muammar Al Gaddafi, President of Syria Bashar al-Assad & Chinese President Xi Jing Ping. Source: Wikimedia Commons
Prior to warming ties in the 2000s, the 1990s saw India face the hostility of US firsthand. Backroom arm-twisting by the US over India’s dire economic situation forced India to assent to the formation of Hurriyat, which was an organisation created primarily to undermine India’s sovereignty. India had also faced US sanction on two occasions in the 90s, as mentioned earlier. Moreover, US also refused diplomatic aid to India during the IC-814 hijack and conducted parallel-channel negotiations to secure De La Rue CEO Roberto Giori, who was among the hostages in that flight. Hence, while cooperation with US is important for India, an unconditional partnership with the US is undesirable, given USA’s record as an unreliable ally. Moreover, American military platforms come with restrictive End User License Agreements (EULA) which limit the scope of use for client states. An example is Pakistan’s F-16, which can only be used for defense, and not for attack. This led to considerable embarrassment for Pakistan when news of its F-16 being shot down in combat-zone came out since it was in violation of F-16’s EULA terms.
Furthermore, US has developed the ability to remotely control its military platforms. While American defense suppliers have maintained that they do not have remote access to platforms sold to other countries, there have been allegations to the contrary. If these allegations are true, the US has the ability to cripple mission-critical equipment of client states which extensively deploy US technology. Extensive deployment of US equipment on front-lines therefore carries significant risk. From the lack of enthusiasm shown by successive Indian governments in acquiring front-line equipment from the US, it appears that this risk is well understood by the Indian establishment.
The road ahead
Having taken stock of the existing scenario, the best short-term solution for India is to diversify its defense partners in non-critical defense tech such as transport and logistics. For critical frontline equipment such as fighter-jets and primary arms, India should partner with dependable and time-tested parties. This has been the Indian government’s policy so far. 58% of India’s arms imports are still from Russia. India also has increased arms imports from Israel, Japan and France. With France specifically, there is potential for long-term defense cooperation following Rafale. US has also been a growing defense exporter, as noted previously, but primarily in logistical and transport segment (aside from AH-64 Apache helicopters). The medium to long term solution is for India to develop its own defense capabilities. The Navy has bolstered its indigenization drive, as has the Army. The Air Force’s record, especially in light of its first Light Combat Aircraft, Tejas, remains wanting.
The withdrawal of preferential treatment should also serve as a timely reminder to defense analysts and economists alike that an overly trade-oriented economy may not be the most desirable. China’s ambitions vis-a-vis Asia could be opposed and subverted mainly because of its dependence on foreign markets (particularly the US market). Reining in China was a simple matter of threatening its export-base. To avoid this structural flaw, India must focus on developing its domestic activity, for consumption in general and for defense production in particular. At 1.3 Billion, India’s domestic market is more than sufficient to act as an engine for growth, while avoiding the Achilles heel of dependence on a foreign consumer base.
Rahul Gandhi seems to be losing everything like the last Mughal emperor. Just as his influence was limited to the Delhi fort so as Rahul Gandhi’s fortresses were crumbling one after another. His bungalow may slip from his firm grip. He is becoming like Bahadur Shah Zafar who was forced to exile in Burma. His poetic verses: Lagta nahi hai jee mera Ujrey diyar Mein, Kis ki bani hai alam napaedaar mein, Bulbul ko pasbaan se na saeeyad se gilla, qismat mein qaid thee lihki fasl bahar mein. None could have ever thought of his worst miserable days. His forefathers had ruled the country for several hundred years but he did not get a piece of land for his burial. Disturbed, depressed and displeased Rahul Gandhi finds solace in his sister’s lap at present. Perhaps she could be declared party’s next president.
When Rahul Gandhi’s Congress has not reached a tally of staking a claim on Leader of the opposition party, he outside the dome of democracy faces inspiring alarm taking him to the next level of truly effective clasp over his weak political position. There is always more to tell, but this is after all just a simple summary. At least the most important details cataloged by the new government to annoy him. Next time he will bear with the prevailing situation, which he will be decidedly interested in. Will he suffer the loss of his possession over the bungalow like Akhilesh Yadav in Uttar Pradesh? It was how that speaks of differences between his party and the ruling BJP. However, he has won from Kerala’s Wayanad in the lately completed elections.
Undoubtedly he was a gentleman, stylish in white Kurta without side pocket and jeans, with a not-so-highly regarded political career that at all times endorse his diplomatic attitude in point of fact. According to the Lok Sabha Secretariat, a list of vacant bungalows for allocation to the freshly elected MPs has been circulated. The official residence of Rahul Gandhi at Tughlaq Road also finds the reference in this broadly circulated list. He has been occupying the bungalow since the year 2004. This residential building comes in type 8 category which is the highest one. In accordance with the rules, a list of vacant bungalows/flats is given to the Members of Parliament from which they can accordingly choose.
उन लोगों ने यह पूछने के लिए विवश कर दिया है जो किन्हीं विशेष विचारधाराओं और संस्कृतियों के लिए तो अंधश्रद्धालु बने रहते हैं लेकिन जिस संस्कृति में वे स्वं जन्म लेते हैं उसके प्रति सिर्फ घृणा का ही भाव रखते हैं। उसपर भी अचरज इस बात का है कि ये लोग स्वं को संसार से पृथक, विचार वान, प्रगतिशील, विकासोन्मुखी, सहिष्णुतावादी और बुद्धीजीवी मानते हैं। और अंततः, स्वं को धर्म निरपेक्ष या महान सैक्यूलर मानते हैं। सबसे मजेदार तथ्य तो यह है कि यह एक खास वर्ग है जो उपरोक्त सभी उपमाएं खुद-ब-खुद अपने आप को देता है और आत्मविमुग्ध रहता है कि सारा देश भी उन्हें इस ही नजर से देख रहा है।
इस मनोविकार के कारणों को बहुत तलाशने पर भी नहीं मिले। लेकिन अचानक ही यह सब देखकर मुझे स्कूल/ कालेज के दिनों की कुछ घटनाएं याद आ गई। उन दिनों क्लास के सबसे बदमाश, झगड़ालू, लड़ाकू और दुष्ट किस्म के किसी एक या अनेक लड़कों के प्रति दब्बू व डरपोक किस्म के अन्य छात्रों का व्यवहार स्मरण हो आया।
उन दुष्ट किस्म के लड़कों का प्रभाव वैसे तो सभी पर होता था लेकिन दो खास किस्म के छात्र थे जो कुछ विचित्र आचरण के कारण बरबस ही याद आ गये। एक छोटा समूह उन लड़कों का बन गया था जो सबसे अधिक डरपोक किस्म के थे और वे उन उद्दंडियों से पूरी तरह घुल मिल गए थे और अपनी पहचान खत्म करके उनके रंग में पूरी तरह रंग गये थे। दूसरा समूह उन छात्रों का बना जो आमतौर पर अपनी पहचान तो बनाए रखते थे लेकिन उन दुष्टों से नजदीकी दिखाने की कोशिश करते थे। उनकी चापलूसी और खुशामद करना एक आम बात होती थी और बहुत से साथी उनसे सहमति दिखाने की भरसक कोशिश करते थे, उनकी नज़रों में बहुत मित्रवत व्यवहार करते थे। उनकी कृपा का पात्र बनने की होड़ रहती थी। यह कुछ अधिक समझदार छात्रों का समूह होता था जो भयभीत तो होता था किन्तु भय को छिपाने की कला में माहिर होता था। लेकिन उनका वो अदृश्य भय ही प्रेरित करता था कि वे यह साबित करें कि वे मैरिट के आधार पर, यानि ठोस कारणों के आधार पर उन दुष्ट छात्रों के सबसे नजदीक हैं, उनके विचारों और चाल चलन के सबसे बड़े समर्थक हैं।
यह भी याद आता है कि एक तीसरा समूह होता था जो पहले ही दिन से आत्माभिमानी होता था और इन दोनों समूहों से दूरी बनाए रखता था। कुलमिलाकर एक अदृश्य भय की ऐसी प्रतिक्रिया पहले पहल वहीं देखने को मिली थी। तीसरा समूह ऐसा था जिसे इन सभी गतिविधियों से कोई लेना देना नहीं होता था और वह सिर्फ अपने काम से काम रखने में, पढ़ाई-लिखाई में ही पूरी तरह केन्द्रित रहता था किन्तु यह समूह भी उन बाहुबलियों से अपनी नापसंदगी का कभी इज़हार नहीं करता था।बल्कि उनके प्रति पूर्ण सहमति दिखाने का प्रयास करता था। यानि “कौन लफड़ा मोल ले” जैसी मानसिकता होती थी।
अब इसमें सबसे नाटकीय घटनाक्रम यह होता था कि वह बाहुबली छात्र जिसका वर्गीकरण हम अजलाफ श्रेणी में कर सकते हैं, यदि किसी एक छात्र अथवा उस छात्र समूह का उपहास कर रहा होता था तो उस समूह के किसी भी छात्र को उसकी बातों का विरोध करने का साहस नहीं होता था। बल्कि, वो समूह बढ़-चढ़ कर अपनी ही तौहीन का आनंद लेते दिखाई देते थे इस भय से कि कहीं उस दुष्ट बाहुबली की कृपा कम ना हो जाए। इस समूह का वर्गीकरण हम अरजाल श्रेणी में कर सकते हैं।इनमें अशराफ कोई भी नहीं है। जितना अधिक दुष्ट किस्म का वह होता था उतना ही अधिक नजदीकी दिखाने वालों की होड़ होती थी। विद्यालय प्रशासन यदि उन उद्दंडियों के विरुद्ध कोई भी कदम उठाने या कार्रवाई की योजना बनाता था तो पहले वाले दोनों समूहों का यह धार्मिक कर्तव्य हो जाता था कि उन सभी तथ्यों को, सबूतों और आरोपों को नकार दें। यानि कि एक तरह का सलैक्टिव सैकूलरिज्म देखने को मिलता था जो सिर्फ उन बाहुबलियों की सुविधा अनुकूल होता था और स्पष्टत:, भय जनित ही होता था। जो जितना अधिक प्रताड़ित हुआ वह उतना ही अधिक नजदीकी दिखाने के लिए लालाइत दिखाई देता था। जिसके साथ सबसे ज्यादा दुष्टतापूर्ण व्यवहार हुआ वह उतना ही अधिक कंप्रोमाइज करता दिखाई दिया।
कुलमिलाकर, अपनी स्वं की ही तौहीन करके भी, अपने आत्मगौरव और आत्माभिमान की तिलांजलि देकर उन दुष्टों का कृपा पात्र बनने का खेल आप सभी ने भी देखा अवश्य होगा भले ही भागीदारी सभी ने नहीं निभाई हो। हमने यह सब विद्यार्थी जीवन में देखा था और हम इन सभी घटनाओं को भूल भी गए थे।
अचानक से यह सब पुनः स्मरण होने लगा। कुछ घटनाओं ने यह सोचने को मजबूर कर दिया कि आखिर ये कौन लोग हैं जो कुछ दुष्ट, हिंसक, आतताई, आतंकी, बलात्कारी और हर प्रकार से निकृष्ट विचारधाराओं का समर्थन करते रहते हैं। कौन हैं वे लोग जिन्हें अपने आत्म गौरव की लेशमात्र भी परवाह नहीं है। और ये लोग अपने आपको सैक्यूलर, लिबरल कहते हैं न जाने इनका निर्माण कैसे हुआ है।
चलिए, इससे पहले कि हम सैकुलर गिरोह के सबसे बड़े प्रजनन केन्द्रों पर नजर दौड़ाएं, यह समझने की कोशिश करते हैं कि भला यह स्टाकहोम सिंड्रोम क्या है। हो सकता है अधिकांश लोगों को ज्ञात हो इसलिए संक्षिप्त में समझिए स्टाकहोम सिंड्रोम क्या है।
नोरमाल्मस्ट्रांग बैंक डकैती, स्टाकहोम स्वीडन सन् 1973. पुलिस और प्रशासन यह देखकर स्तब्ध रह गया था कि चार दिनों तक बंधक बने रहने के उपरांत और फिर अपहरण से छूटने के बाद भी अपहृत लोगों ने अपराधियों के लिए इस हद तक सहानुभूति विकसित कर ली थी कि वे अपने खिलाफ किए गए अपराध की सजा दिलाना तो दूर, अपराधियों के बचाव में उतर गये। उनकी कायरता से भय ने जन्म लिया। इस भय ने बंधकों को शिकारी से कृपा पाने को प्रेरित किया और शिकारी ने उनका जीवन समाप्त नहीं करके उन पर बहुत बड़ा उपकार कर दिया ऐसा मनोवैज्ञानिक प्रभाव उन बंधकों पर पड़ा। मनोवैज्ञानिकों ने इस बीमारी का गहराई से अध्ययन करने के बाद इसका नामकरण किया। इस बीमारी से ग्रस्त लोग बहुत लंबे अरसे से हमारे ही बीच में रह रहे हैं। अब हमें आसानी से समझ में आ सकता है कि इस तथाकथित सेक्युलर जमात का जन्म कैसे हुआ होगा।
यूरोप के देशों में जहां जहां नागरिकों ने क्रूसेड अथवा जिहादियों का सामना किया वहां के लोग अपनी मूल पहचान के गौरव को भुला देने के लिए मजबूर हुए और या तो अत्याचारियों के शरणागत होकर उन्हीं में विलीन हो गये या कालांतर में स्वं को सैक्यूलर लिबरल कहने लगे ताकि वे आक्रांताओं के पक्ष में बोलते रहें ताकि उनकी कृपा मिलती रहे जबकि वे या तो क्रूसेड से या इस्लामी जिहाद से प्रताड़ित होकर ही इस आवरण में छिप गए थे। वे किसी भी कारण वश धर्मांतरित होने से बच तो गये थे लेकिन अब भी उनमें यह संरक्षण पाने जितना भय छिपा था।
आप गौर करेंगे तो यह पाएंगे कि पूरे विश्व में सैक्यूलर, लिबरल लोग या तो ईसाइयत अथवा इस्लाम के अथवा दोनों के भारी समर्थन में होंगे और अन्य उन सभी आस्थाओं का जो उदार हैं, अनादर करना ही सैक्यूलर होने की प्रमुख शर्त मानते होंगे, आप गौर से देखिए।
कारण भी समझ में आएगा। यूरोप के बाद भारत में अलग-अलग इलाकों में इस्लामी जिहाद ने पैर पसारे। छोटा-सा उदाहरण देखिए कि अचेतन मन पर भय कितनी गहरी छाप छोड़ता है। अजमेर की दरगाह।ख्वाजा मोईनुद्दीन चिश्ती। वही कहानी है इस दरगाह की। बलात धर्म परिवर्तन, मंदिरों का विध्वंस, काफिरों का बेरहमी से कत्ल, अनगिनत जघन्यतम बलात्कार। जो उनके रंग में नहीं ढले लेकिन भयाक्रांत रहे, आज भी लंबी लंबी पंक्तियों में इंतजार करते दिखाई देते हैं, वहां चादर चढ़ाने के लिए।ये वो दूसरी श्रेणी के विद्यार्थी हैं जिनसे हम स्कूल-कांलेज में मिल चुके हैं। जहां जहां नागरिकों पर इस जिहाद की प्रताड़ना अधिक हुईं वहां वहां के लोग अधिकाधिक सैकुलर होते चले गए। बाद में जब कुछ क्षेत्रों में ईसाइयत ने पैर पसारे तो वहां भी भय ने अपना असर दिखाना शुरू किया। बंगाल, केरल, दिल्ली आदि ऐसे क्षेत्र हैं जहां के कुछ लोग या तो उनके रंग में पूरी तरह रंग गये अर्थात अपनी पहचान बदल बैठे। कुछ लोग जो अपने डर से जीत नहीं सके वे स्टाकहोम सिंड्रोम के शिकार होकर खुद को सैक्यूलर, लिबरल कहने लगे।
टीपू सुल्तान ने दक्षिण में सर्वाधिक संहार किया था। उसको सम्मान देने के लिए पहले प्रकार के विद्यार्थियों में होड़ मची हो तो अचरज की कोई बात नहीं। लेकिन यहां तो दूसरे प्रकार के लोगों में होड़ मची हुई है। ये जो दूसरे प्रकार के लोग हैं, यदि वाकई समभाव वाले यानि सैकुलर होते तो वे टीपू सुल्तान नहीं मार्तंड वर्मा की जयंती मना रहे होते। लेकिन वर्मा ने तो इनके साथ कोई दुष्टता की ही नहीं तो ये स्टाकहोम सिंड्रोम के शिकार मार्तंड वर्मा से भला कैसे हो सकते थे ??
उत्तर प्रदेश के बहराइच में गाज़ी पीर की दरगाह है। यह दरगाह उन विद्यार्थियों द्वारा संचालित होती है जिनका वर्गीकरण हमने अरजाल किस्म में किया था। लेकिन इस दरगाह में सालभर रहने वाली भीड़ उन लोगों की होती है जो गाज़ी के एक हजार वर्ष पुराने अत्याचारों के भय से मुक्त नहीं हो सके। सबसे मजेदार बात तो यह है कि इस गाज़ी के जिहादी आतंक का अंत करने वाले राजा सोहेलदेव को याद करने वाला वहां पर कोई नहीं है।यही हाल दिल्ली के निजामुद्दीन औलिया की दरगाह का है। मैसूर के आस पास के सैंकड़ों गांवों के लोग कभी भी वीरप्पन के खिलाफ आवाज नहीं उठा सके, बल्कि ना सिर्फ उसका सहयोग करते रहे, पुलिस और प्रशासन के विरुद्ध भी षड्यंत्रों में शामिल रहे। चंबल के बीहड़ों के अनेक किस्से हैं जब आसपास के गांव वालों ने, इतना प्रताड़ित होने के उपरांत भी कभी भी डकैतों के विरुद्ध आवाज नहीं की।
एक बिल्कुल ताजातरीन उदाहरण और देखिए
LIBERALISM IS A MENTAL DISORDER
source: dailymail.co.uk
After the brutal rape and murder of an EU official’s daughter by a Muslim migrant, parents of the girl begged for her killer NOT to be sentenced and also started a foundation in her name for Muslim migrants, & even asking for donations so that they can help more and more migrants. As the victim girl was too a supporter of the migrants. ¹
अब इनके मनो विकार को दया भावना कहेंगे, क्षमाशीलता कहेंगे, महान सैक्यूलर कहेंगे या डर से जनित सैकुलर मानसिकता? ये समूह एकाक्षी धर्मनिरपेक्ष यानी one-eyed secular or pseudo secular or selective secular लोगों का समूह है।मैं व्यक्तिगत रूप से यह मानता हूं कि भारत तो अतुलनीय धर्म सापेक्ष, पंथ निरपेक्ष देश रहा है जहां अनेकांत जैसी सोच पल्लवित हुई हो और सम्राटों के द्वारा एक ही प्रांगण में शैव, बौद्ध और जैन दार्शनिक केंद्रों का निर्माण कराया गया हो चाहे राजगीर हो या अजंता एलोरा, वहां भी भय का प्रतिफल यानि सैकुलरवाद जैसी कोई सोच लाने की आवश्यकता नहीं थी किन्तु दुर्भाग्य यह रहा कि इस कायरता को भी भारत में गर्व से परोसने वाले कुछ प्रोफेसर हमारे देश के विश्वविद्यालयों में छात्रों को पढ़ाने तक का दुस्साहस करते दिखाई देते हैं।
बहुत विस्तार में जाने से पहले आप स्वं ही फ़ौरी तौर पर देखिए कि उन इलाकों में ही आपको ये सैकुलर गिरोह के सदस्य अधिक मिलेंगे जहां जहां इस्लाम अथवा ईसाइयत द्वारा अधिकाधिक प्रताड़ना की गई। उन इलाकों के लोग या तो इनके भीतर ही विलीन हो गए या कुछ लोग डर से जीत नहीं सकने के कारण सैक्यूलर बन गये। भारतीय दर्शन को देखने के पश्चात यह सुनिश्चित हो जाता है कि सैक्यूलरिज्म कुछ नहीं अपितु भय का विशिष्ट उत्पाद यानि स्टाकहोम सिंड्रोम ही है।
Former friends turned foe. From left to right: Former President of Iraq Saddam Hussein, Former Prime Minister of Libya Muammar Al Gaddafi, President of Syria Bashar al-Assad & Chinese President Xi Jing Ping. Source: Wikimedia Commons
