Saturday, September 22, 2012
2014 Scenario in AP for TDP
After the 2009 General Elections to the Andhra Pradesh Assembly, in which TDP tasted second successive defeat, bye-elections were held in nearly 62 Assembly constituencies, covering all the three regions, which all were contested by the TDP but could not win a single seat. The Party witnessed desertions by former and sitting MPs and MLAs. Desertions still continue. At a time when Congress Government is perceived to be most corrupt and incompetent and YSR Congress Chief in Jail for various alleged acts of commission and omission, it is indeed ironic that TDP has been rejected by the electorate But it is not surprising.
If Chandra Babu's criteria for giving party ticket is financial clout and winning chances, individuals also choose financial gains and winning chances in switching parties. Neither the Party has any principles or ideology nor the individuals. Same may be the story with any party. But nobody is striving as hard as Chandra Babu in seizing power.
The TDP is a pathetic clone of Congress. If sycophants root for Rahul there, here we see comic efforts to anoint Lokesh. 100 seats for BCs in next elections. Will Kuppam will be one of them? Why not a BC Leader of Opposition or Party President, here and now? Is this BC gimmick going to fetch him votes or boomerang? Can he regain back his Kamma constituency?
Presently I perceive difficulties for the Party in getting enough candidates willing to finance their own electioneering given the present trend of unaccounted election costs and the Party may not be in a position to bankroll them after remaining out of power for 10 years. Chandra Babu himself candidly admitted that he cannot be expected to spend like a 'Ruling Party'.
I also perceive total rout in Telangana area where it will be difficult for the Party to even canvass freely. Jagan, in jail or otherwise, is expected to sweep elsewhere. See the fright he gave even to TRS in Parkala.
Another factor is the likely match fixing between TRS and Congress in Telangana and between Jagan Congress and Congress elsewhere as predicted by political pundits. Present day elections are simply not influenced by either allegations of corruption nor political chicanery.
Wither the Party of Telugu Atma Gowravan? Will it be booted out like its founder?
… ponder
Friday, May 18, 2012
Refreshingly Good
Yesterday I casually tuned in to Lok Sabha Channel. Ms. Jayanti Natarajan, Minister for Environment and Forests, was replying to a debate on Saving River Ganga. It was a highly technical subject encompassing the subjects dealt by several ministries.
I admire at the grasp of the subject, homework done in preparing for the debate and the sincerity displayed by the honorable Minister. She is a senior politician, no doubt But contrary to popular perception about politicians, she displayed propensity for hard work, depth of knowledge and more importantly, statesmanship qualities. Whenever she was interrupted, instead of shouting down, she was resuming her seat which had a salutary effect on others an made the Hon'ble Speaker's job easy.
I also liked the way in which honorable MPs Sharad Yadav and Lalu Prasad intervened even while silently acknowledging the Minister's ability, sincerity and poise. It is heartening to see adversaries not crossing swords. Even when pointing out state governments; failings, she was not churlish but apologetic.
On a different plane, her reply underlined the intricacies in decision making, difficulties in implementation of decisions taken, ground realities
where a critical impediment can bring a juggernaut to halt.
Personally, the only jarring thing was her tribute to her political leaders at the end which could have been mandatory like a Designer putting on show his weird creation knowing none will buy it (pun intended).
Keep it up Hon'ble Minister. You definitely have places to go.
...ponder
Monday, April 30, 2012
Polls in Andhra
Recent AP bye election results have been a washout for Congress and Telugu Desam. TRS also suffered a strategic setback to BJP. Now we are going to have a larger chunk of Assembly seats going to bye polls. This will be a crucial test not only for the political parties in the arena but for the State, Country and Society at large.
This round of elections is the result of disqualification of those members who defied whip and voted against Congress government on the No Confidence motion. Or to put in straight, defections from Sonia Congress to Jagan Congress.
Jagan Congress has taken a head start as its contestants are automatically chosen being the disqualified members. Other two parties which could give serious fight viz. Congress and TD are having trouble choosing its candidates. Both the parties appear to have conceded advantage even before choosing candidates. Both parties are plagued by internal squabbles. Congress faces the piquant situation of reluctant contestants and TD rebels.
If the phenomenal crowds attracted by Jagan in his tours are any indication the results are a foregone conclusion unless there is a last minute dramatic turn around. May be corruption cases may reach their logical end.
Congress has a pan-India presence and after two successive wins in the State, could afford to sit in opposition after next elections. But a third successive defeat for TDP will be a death blow. There will be an exodus. The present round will be a curtain raiser for 2014 polls
The TRS was expected to have a cakewalk in Telengana districts. But its pitch is queered by BJP. Votes will be split making the decision wide open.
The young voters appear to have rejected corruption or sharp practices as of no consequence. Probably they have also refused to take religious and caste considerations in their calculations. Perhaps success alone matters, material success irrespective of the means. This is what our egalitarian IIMs must be teaching.
…ponder
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Refreshingly Different
Recently there was a panel discussion on HMTV. The participants were Minister D. Manikya Vara Prasad (Congress), Jaya Prakash Narayan (LSP), Pocharam Satyanarayana (TRS) and another Muslim MLA gentleman (TDP) whose name I could not catch.
Generallly suh discussions on party lines degenerate into acrimony, heated exchanges and downlight abuses. But to my pleasant surprise, the proceedings were cordial, meaningful and almost confessional of their inner feelings.
The topic was recently concluded budget session of the Andhra Assembly and, in particular, the wastage of almost half the time and the passing of the finance bill without discussion. It may be recalled that a budget of more than a lakh and fifty thousand crores was passed by gullitone.
JP was his usual erudite self. You can feel the vibes of intellect, homework and pain in him. Interestingly all the three other panelists quoted him supportively.
Congress's Prasad made an interesting observation. That 80% of the Hon'ble Members have no clue to the legislative nuances or procedures. His emphasis was on candid admission that as the ruling party, the treasury benches are happy at the disruption of proceedings.
The TDP MLA regretted that as a back-bencher he never gets chance from his floor leader to contribute to discussion.
TRS Member also regretted the lost opportunity to vent people's grievances and burning issues due to frequent adjournments.
HMTV's Moderator deftly handled the discussion without being obstructive, provocative or sermonizing.
A very refreshing program in these days of perceived degenerated standards of both media and politics.
…ponder
Generallly suh discussions on party lines degenerate into acrimony, heated exchanges and downlight abuses. But to my pleasant surprise, the proceedings were cordial, meaningful and almost confessional of their inner feelings.
The topic was recently concluded budget session of the Andhra Assembly and, in particular, the wastage of almost half the time and the passing of the finance bill without discussion. It may be recalled that a budget of more than a lakh and fifty thousand crores was passed by gullitone.
JP was his usual erudite self. You can feel the vibes of intellect, homework and pain in him. Interestingly all the three other panelists quoted him supportively.
Congress's Prasad made an interesting observation. That 80% of the Hon'ble Members have no clue to the legislative nuances or procedures. His emphasis was on candid admission that as the ruling party, the treasury benches are happy at the disruption of proceedings.
The TDP MLA regretted that as a back-bencher he never gets chance from his floor leader to contribute to discussion.
TRS Member also regretted the lost opportunity to vent people's grievances and burning issues due to frequent adjournments.
HMTV's Moderator deftly handled the discussion without being obstructive, provocative or sermonizing.
A very refreshing program in these days of perceived degenerated standards of both media and politics.
…ponder
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Reimbursement of Engineering College fees and Reimbursement of Medical expenses under 'Arogyasri' scheme are two important schemes of the Andhra Pradesh Government. Under these schemes White Ration Card holders (BPL families) can aspire for Engineering education free of cost and likewise they can also aspire for superior medical treatment at Corporate hospitals. Very laudable indeed.
But a closer look gives away the real intention and working of these schemes.
It is public knowledge that the number covered by White Ration Cards exceed the populations in several villages and towns and despite threats to weed out bogus cards, newer cards continue to be issued. All political parties are united in their resistance to the weeding out exercise.
The reimbursement is not made to the beneficiary but to the Engineering College or the Corporate Hospital. What fudging takes place no one can say. For example, there have been reports of people in their sixties and seventies enrolling for Engineering degree! There are reports of Corporate hospitals inflicting unnecessary trauma on people by subjecting them to avoidable surgeries.
Government hospitals are inefficient, unhygienic, under staffed, under equipped; all due to lack of funds. But there is plenty of money with government to fill private coffers.
Last year it is estimated that more than eight hundred crores were paid by government to Corporate hospitals under this scheme. Imagine how many Government hospitals could have been set up. Government's action in washing away is hands of the responsibility of health has become a cash cow for private players.
With permissions given indiscriminately for establishment of engineering college in AP, there are hundreds of these without proper infrastructure or faculty and naturally nobody opting to join them. Last year more than 50,000 seats remained unfilled. For these colleges, this reimbursement is a manna from the heavens. With practically no competition, anybody can be enrolled as student and reimbursement availed.
When the government stopped reimbursement as its treasury was empty, all parties without exception agitated till it was restored. Such is the power of these lobbies.
In executing a scheme or a project, the net result appears to be transfer of public money into powerful private hands, may be with a little incidental gain to public. Government instead of abdicating its social responsibility of providing education and health facilities should rethink.
…ponder
But a closer look gives away the real intention and working of these schemes.
It is public knowledge that the number covered by White Ration Cards exceed the populations in several villages and towns and despite threats to weed out bogus cards, newer cards continue to be issued. All political parties are united in their resistance to the weeding out exercise.
The reimbursement is not made to the beneficiary but to the Engineering College or the Corporate Hospital. What fudging takes place no one can say. For example, there have been reports of people in their sixties and seventies enrolling for Engineering degree! There are reports of Corporate hospitals inflicting unnecessary trauma on people by subjecting them to avoidable surgeries.
Government hospitals are inefficient, unhygienic, under staffed, under equipped; all due to lack of funds. But there is plenty of money with government to fill private coffers.
Last year it is estimated that more than eight hundred crores were paid by government to Corporate hospitals under this scheme. Imagine how many Government hospitals could have been set up. Government's action in washing away is hands of the responsibility of health has become a cash cow for private players.
With permissions given indiscriminately for establishment of engineering college in AP, there are hundreds of these without proper infrastructure or faculty and naturally nobody opting to join them. Last year more than 50,000 seats remained unfilled. For these colleges, this reimbursement is a manna from the heavens. With practically no competition, anybody can be enrolled as student and reimbursement availed.
When the government stopped reimbursement as its treasury was empty, all parties without exception agitated till it was restored. Such is the power of these lobbies.
In executing a scheme or a project, the net result appears to be transfer of public money into powerful private hands, may be with a little incidental gain to public. Government instead of abdicating its social responsibility of providing education and health facilities should rethink.
…ponder
Friday, March 9, 2012
Agitations & NGOs
It is interesting to learn that the Government has frozen the bank accounts of certain Christian NGOs in connection with the proxy agitation against Koodankulam Atomic Project. This has come to light when certain Bishops came out with statements supporting these NGOs and protesting the freeze.
It may be worth recalling the reports that the prolonged agitation against this project has controllers abroad and funding has been from abroad. It is also puzzling as to why quite a few Christian NGOs with access to foreign funds have their fingers in this particular pie. They are ofcourse protesting their innocence. Full and transparent enquiry should bring out facts.
Law, if allowed, will take its own course. As they will try to trace the source of funding, violation of regulations, private benefitting, if any, security implications, violation of charter of intended activities by the recepients, etc.these aspects will and should come under the scanner.
But from a layman point of view , that the media did not report sooner the involvement of religious NGOs is sinister. This news is tumbling out only while reporting the protests of the Bishops, who term it as an attack on minorities.
Another nugget that has been reported is that US sees Vatican as a possible hub of hawala. The State Department's annual International Narcotics Control Strategy Report identifies the Holy See as one of the 68 countries or jurisdictions 'of concern' for money laundering or other financial crimes.
As a secular Republic, India should be concerned about religious outfits dabbling in matters of state. Use of foreign funds, if true, to oppose state policies has security implications. As a democracy we are accustomed and welcome individuals, organizations and institutions fighting government policies but this should not degenerate into licence for foreign vested interests, with unlimited funds at their disposal, to derail our policies and developmental efforts.
…ponder
It may be worth recalling the reports that the prolonged agitation against this project has controllers abroad and funding has been from abroad. It is also puzzling as to why quite a few Christian NGOs with access to foreign funds have their fingers in this particular pie. They are ofcourse protesting their innocence. Full and transparent enquiry should bring out facts.
Law, if allowed, will take its own course. As they will try to trace the source of funding, violation of regulations, private benefitting, if any, security implications, violation of charter of intended activities by the recepients, etc.these aspects will and should come under the scanner.
But from a layman point of view , that the media did not report sooner the involvement of religious NGOs is sinister. This news is tumbling out only while reporting the protests of the Bishops, who term it as an attack on minorities.
Another nugget that has been reported is that US sees Vatican as a possible hub of hawala. The State Department's annual International Narcotics Control Strategy Report identifies the Holy See as one of the 68 countries or jurisdictions 'of concern' for money laundering or other financial crimes.
As a secular Republic, India should be concerned about religious outfits dabbling in matters of state. Use of foreign funds, if true, to oppose state policies has security implications. As a democracy we are accustomed and welcome individuals, organizations and institutions fighting government policies but this should not degenerate into licence for foreign vested interests, with unlimited funds at their disposal, to derail our policies and developmental efforts.
…ponder
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Sand Mining
For thousands of years, sand has been used in construction. Today, demand for sand continues to increase. But excessive exploitation can have disastrous results. This calls for responsible policies from authorities and discipline fromMining operators.
Excessive sand mining causes degradation of rivers, lowers the stream bottom, which will lead to bank erosion. saline-water intrusion from the nearby sea. The effect of mining is compounded by the effect of sea level rising.
It is also a threat to bridges, river banks and nearby structures. Sand mining also affects the adjoining groundwater system and the uses that local people make of the river. It also results in disastrous consequences to eco systems like flora, fauna and water creatures.
Sand mining generates extra vehicle traffic, which negatively impairs the environment. Where access roads cross riparian areas, the local environment may be affected.
Andhra Pradesh is said to be in grip of illegal sand mining. This is over and above the permits issued by authorities at degradation levels. Such illegal mining spawn crimes like corruption, use of muscle power, amassing ill gotten wealth.
Nature has a way of taking revenge, only it is patient. When it strikes, it will be a mortal blow.
…ponder
Excessive sand mining causes degradation of rivers, lowers the stream bottom, which will lead to bank erosion. saline-water intrusion from the nearby sea. The effect of mining is compounded by the effect of sea level rising.
It is also a threat to bridges, river banks and nearby structures. Sand mining also affects the adjoining groundwater system and the uses that local people make of the river. It also results in disastrous consequences to eco systems like flora, fauna and water creatures.
Sand mining generates extra vehicle traffic, which negatively impairs the environment. Where access roads cross riparian areas, the local environment may be affected.
Andhra Pradesh is said to be in grip of illegal sand mining. This is over and above the permits issued by authorities at degradation levels. Such illegal mining spawn crimes like corruption, use of muscle power, amassing ill gotten wealth.
Nature has a way of taking revenge, only it is patient. When it strikes, it will be a mortal blow.
…ponder
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