SATYAM FRAUD – BOTTEM LESS PIT

The revelations by SFIO that 66% of American Depository Shares(ADS) money of $150 million is untraceable indicate that the fraud is much bigger than what Mr. Ramalinga Raju has revealed. The said money was raised for a particular purpose and there are regulatory requirements of filing reports, with respect to use of such funds on periodical basis. One does not what kind of fudged report that the management of Satyam filed with the Stock exchanges.

The SFIO report also revealed that Satyam had raised loans amounting to Rs 1230.00crores from various front companies which has not been shown in the books of Satyam. If the above figures are added to the amount first declared by the company the fraud may be in excess of Rs. 10000 crores.

The irony is, over the years, for almost 28 quarters,(previous to the scam) various Analysts, International Investment Bankers, Fund managers, Merchant Bankers, Brokerage houses and financial wizards from Australia, Austria, and America to Singapore, South Africa and zimbwebwe have churned out pages and pages of reports on the company and recommended investments in the company. And no body smelt rot in the fish. This episode has dented their credibility and reputation.

CASES AGAINST POLL CODE VOILATION-- A FUTILE EXERCISE

The election commission has so far registered more than 300 cases of poll code violation and seized cash and goods in excess of Rs 16.00 crores. That is commendable job. But no action has been taken against the candidates or the party which violated the code. Our political leaders and political parties are super rich as can be seen by the assets declared by them to the Election commission. They do not mind a small amount of cash being seized as long as they are not de-barred from contesting or disqualified in case they win. They continue to lure the voters with money and other things. And after the election everything will be forgotten till next election. What is the use of such exercises which will not bring desired results? We need people like Mr. Sheshan to implement further reforms in the election process. Government and all political parties should think seriously about this.

SCHOOL OF PROBLEMS? GOVERNMENT SHOULD ACT

Education has become a very lucrative business right from pre-nursery to professional courses.
Why do parents admit their children in private schools, knowing fully well that the fees and related expenses are very high compared to the schools run by the government? Because the quality of education and the infrastructure in the government schools are abysmally poor. Secondly there is not enough number of government run schools as compared to the growing population. The salary and other emoluments paid to the teaching as well as to non teaching staff are low compared to well established private schools. This acts as a deterrent in attracting talented teaching staff.

Private educational institutes have taken advantages of the situation, passively supported by the successive governments by not taking any concrete steps to solve the problems. The government should evolve a long term policy to find a permanent solution this chronic problem. People who are committed to social cause like Mrs. Sudha Murthy of infosys foundation, Mr. Azim Premzi of Wipro, Bill Gates foundation and others should be involved in large scale in providing quality education to all, irrespective of caste, creed and religion. The government should also exercise greater control over private schools and enforce uniform policy of fees, based on gradation of schools.

PM FROM CPM, WHERE ARE THE NUMBERS?

This is with reference to the views expressed by Sri Sidarth Bhatia, editor with DNA, in the article, PM from CPM, on 27-04-09. AS per the survey the Third front is likely to get around one hundred seats including that of Ms Mayavathi’s BSP. Hence the question of third front forming the government does not arise. In the unforeseen scenario of third front staking a claim, there are other aspirants within the third front, the main contender being Ms Mayavathi herself. Indications are that the Left is not likely to get more than 35 seats. That is good news for Congress. The chances of hammer and sickle party getting the top post are very remote. People are aware the policies and programmes of the Left parties, their stand on libelaisation, foreign policy and on the I T and Telecom sectors. Their policies are regressive and not progressive. They are a great bottle neck in developmental works. As an opposition party they do a decent job and it is desirable that they sit in the opposition. Ms Mayavathi would be a better choice if that unforeseen scenerio becomes a reality.

MANAMOHAN SINGH,STILL THE BEST REFORMER

While reviewing the article of Mr.Razeen Sally, director of European Center for International Political Economy, in the recent issue of Financial Times, Mr. Jaganathan,executive editor of DNA, quotes that Dr.Singh, is unworthy to the title-India’s best known reformer, and the Congress deserve to lose in the current election.

He compares Singh’s performance as prime minister and his better record as reformer in 91-96.This is misplaced criticism without understanding the ground reality that existed then and now.

The situation during the period when Dr. Singh was finance minister and the situation when he took over as prime minister of the country were entirely different. During the earlier period, Mr. Singh had complete authority to implement the reforms without any influences and pressures either from the regional allies or the Left. In 2004 the Congress which had secured less than 150 seats formed an alliance with like minded (unlike) parties and the Left, whose ideology and understanding of the economy was at a tangent to that of the Congress with an agenda of keeping the BJP out of power. People who have in-depth knowledge of regional parties and their politics know how difficult it is carry on with them.

The growth in GDP compares favorably to many developed and emerging economies during the tenure of Dr.Singh’ prime ministership. Because of high oil prices internationally during 2007-08 there was strain on public sector oil marketing companies in price recovery. Keeping the common man interest in view, prices are not allowed to spiral upwards. Whenever the issue of further reform was taken up, either in Banking, Public sector units, Telecom and others sectors, the Left parties have been expressing their displeasure, which is known to the whole world. What can be the kind of reform one can bring about with such allies who neither understand the meaning nor its implication to the country in the long run.

The linking of suspect Israel defence deal and Satyam scam to Dr.Singh is highly ridiculous and speaks of an attempt to malign without putting any effort to know the facts.

Dr.Singh, arguably is one of the respected, honest and the best reformer in contemporary politics. Even the opposition parties in India admit this privately, if not publicly.

Under the circumstances, Dr.Singh has done an excellent job by any measure it could not have been carried out in a better manner.

MATURITY BEYOND HIS AGE

The AICC general secretary, Mr. Rahul Gandhi, while addressing a press conference at Kolkata has shown maturity beyond his age while answering the question about the post of prime ministership, as of now. He has rightly cited the inexperience as the reason for refusal to occupy the top post. Most politicians, if they were to be in his position not only would have tried to grab the opportunity, but would have moved heaven and earth to occupy the coveted post. He is providing new leadership to Congress with definite policies and programmes and has long-term vision for various chronic problems faced by the country.May his tribe grow in large number.

AT LAST, SOME ACTION

The Center decision to suspend mining activities of five firms, including that of the Obalapuram Mining Company owned by powerful politicians of the ruling BJP is a step in the right direction. For decades the illegal mining has been carried out with full knowledge of the government at state level. The enviormenntalist, intellectuals and citizens are fighting continuously against illegal mining, which, no government took seriously for the reasons best known to them. Lokayuktha has also submitted a detailed report on the illegal activities by mining ‘lords’, which is gathering dust in Vidhana soudha.Center should pursue the case seriously and the culprits should be brought to book at the earliest.

CONGRESS AND BJP GOVERNMENT AT THE CENTER

The allies of the Congress, after having failed to reach an understanding with the Congress in pre-poll, have started putting pressure on it to give up the top post.The allies demand is unreasonable and the Congress should not buckle under pressure.Look at the seats held by the allies in the current Lok Sabha and seats likely, they aspire to get. Apart from Left, no Congress ally is likely to get more than 30 seats and inspite of that every single leader is dreaming of top post.The regional party leaders lack in broader vision , understanding of world economy,complex foreign policy and host other things that are required to run the country efficiently in this troubled times.Now, the time is ripe for the two top national parties, to join together and form government,setting aside their petty differences.They can have common minimum programme without touching the controversial isues and leaving them to have natural death. Since both the parties have development as 'mantra' for progress, they can provide a stable, efficient government, as both the parties have galaxy of leaders capable of providing good administration.And the regional parties will get to see their real place.In politics nothing is impossible.The possibility of impossibility is politics.Let us hope to see that possible day at the earliest.

STOLEN CASH MEANT FOR WHAT USE

The news, that Rs.12.50 lacs belonging to Mrs. Tejaswini Gowda, the Congress candidate from the rural Bengaluru was stolen from her car is perplexing.The police have taken up the case and investigation is in process.The result of investigation will come in due course.That is fine.The more important question is why the Congress candidate's assistant was carrying so much cash on the day of election? For what purpose it was meant.If on the day of polling so much cash was with the assistant of the candidate,how much cash was spent prior to this? This is the case with most of the candidates who are contesting the election.The use and influence of vitamin 'M' in the elections, is not good for democracy.

POLICE FORCE MUST BE CONGRADULATED

The police force in the state should be congratulated for doing a wonderful job in the first phase election held on 23-04-09.There were no instances of violence,booth capturing and such other incidents normally associated with the election.They have played a commendable role in ensuring violent free election.As a precautionary measure the city police had arrested thousands of history sheeters and potential trouble makers well in advance.They have handled the difficult job by intelligent planning,with propper co-ordination through committed work force.The state police chief,the Bangalore city police commissioner and all the police personnel in involved in the election process deserves our gratitude and appreciation.

APPEARED IN DNA NEWS PAPER ON 25-04-09

WE NEED LEADERS WHO HAVE VISION

The assessment of AICC general secretary Mr.Gulam Nabi Azad, that any attempts by the regional parties to impose their leader for the lead role in national politics will have disastrous consequences is correct.Our economy is no longer a closed economy.In this era of globalization,the people at the highest post should have the knowledge and understanding of the world economy,foreign policy and clear thoughts on host of national and international issues.Parties which gives importance to caste,region and narrow minded, can't take the country forward.The changed economic scenario in the country needs people at the helm of affairs,who have clear vision, like our immediate past president, Shri Abdul Kalam to take this young India to greater heights.

WELCOME MOVE

This decision of the Reserve Bank of India in issuing a policy guideline to Banks to shift to daily interest calculation on savings accounts is a welcome move.This will help crores of small depositors across the country.At present, interest on savings bank accounts is calculated on the minimum balances held in the accounts during the period from the 10th day to the last day of each calendar month. The feed back received from banks suggested that interest on savings bank accounts may be calculated either on the minimum balances in the deposit accounts during the period from the first to the lastday of each calendar month or on a daily product basis. The matter was referred to the IBA, which was of the view that payment of interest on a daily product basis would be feasible only when computerization in banks is completed. In view of the present satisfactory level of computerisation incommercial bank branches,RBI has taken this bold step. However,depositors have to wait till march next year to avail this benefit.

The profitability of the Banks may be affected in the short term but in the long run, Banks shall stand to benefit as more idle money will start flowing towards savings accounts, which will increase the much needed liquidity and lendable resources,which will ultimately results in better profitability for Banks.

SPARE THE LALBAGH

The government and the BMRCL should rethink and redraw the plans for Metro. Lalbagh is one of the finest heritages in the city and it needs to be protected from any kind of developmental assaults. As suggested by ‘save lalbagh’ group the government should look into the alternate plans of underground passage or small diversion in the route. It may burden the project with additional expenditure. The bengaluru city contributes substantially to the treasury of the state government and hence, worth spending that additional amount, to keep the heritage site intact. Government is aware that even if it spends thousands and thousands of crores it will not be able to create one more Lalbagh in the city. Then why go for destroying some thing you can’t create.

SRILANKA SHOULD EXERCISE CAUTION

The Lankan army has captured all the bastions of LTTE except a small portion in the northeastern no fire zone.The civilians are put lot of inconvenience because of displacement.The situation should be handled with utmost care.In its zeal to capture the LTTE chief, the army should not target the innocent people trapped in the war zone.India should use the diplomatic channels to restrain Srilankan army in any doing of excesses and to handle the situation carefully by exercising extreme caution, lest the end of war will not turn into beginning of another war.The Lankan government should make sincere effort with the moderates in the LTTE to establish peace in the Island permanentely.

MURTHY,GATES MUST BE LAUDED

The intention of Mr.Narayana murthy and Smt. Sudha murthy to earmark a part of their fortune to three sectors namely - basic health care, basic education and basic nutrition programmes is needs to be lauded. A developing country like ours should invest heavily in the above chosen field, particularly in the rural areas. Although, successive governments at center and state have been implementing various schemes in this sector the benefits has not reached the real beneficiaries due to lack of funds and lack of commitments at various stages of implementation. Very huge investments are required to achieve the desired results, spanning over a number of years. Private participation in large numbers are required for implementation such scheme on war footing. There are thousands of families, who are wealthier than Murthys, in our country. They should take a cue from Mr. Murthy and Smt.Sudha murthy and spend a portion of their wealth on this kind of noble initiatives.

APPEARED IN DNA NEWS PAPER ON 22-04-09.

BLAME GAME SHOULD BE STOPPED

The on going war of wards among leaders of various political leaders on trivial issues does not augur well for any one. There are more serious issues that the country is facing, because of the global melt down ,apart from fundamental problem of poverty,infrastructure,health care,education and host of unexplained issues in rural India The focus of the parties should be on these issues, instead of adopting blame game for what went wrong. In these challenging times we need policies and pro grammes that will put India ahead of other countries.

WORLD CUP MATCHES

The decision of ICC to shift all the world cup matches out of Pakistan, due to security reasons, is a welcome move.The PCB reacted in haste by saying that they may refuse to play WC matches in India. Pakistan has already been isolated by major cricket playing countries by not agreeing to play any match in the Pak soil after what happened to SriLankan players recently. Pak refusal to play in India only reflects their mindset and attitude towards us.

In the eventuality of Pak not playing in our country, it will be huge loss to PCB,to people of Pakistan and for their talented cricketers.Other countries will play in India and cricket in India will continue to flourish irrespective what is happening in its neighborhood.

VOTE BANK POLITICS

The statement of Taminal Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi calling Velupillai Prabhakaran a good friend is both amusing and confusing. The Tamil Nadu C M is playing on the sentiments of Tamilians during election time to garner maximum support to his party. The whole world knows that the LTTE is a terrorist organization responsible for killing thousands of innocent people and scores of top rung political leaders in SriLanka and assassination of our beloved former Prime Minister shri Rajiv Gandhi. The general public in India is sympathetic to the problems faced by the civilian Tamil population in SriLanka. Negotiated settlement is the only permanent solution that can bring peace in the island.

BOOTING OUT THE BRIBES

The recent decision of the government in respect of property registrations is a move in the right direction. However our 'babus' at the registration office will find one reason or the other to defer/delay the process to extract money from the gullible public. Guidelines and rules alone will not boot out the corruption. It is the political will from the people who are holding the reins of power is required to fight this menace. The need of the hour is to empower the Lokhayuktha take action against the erring officials independent of departmental enquirers. There are instances that officials caught in bribery cases having been promoted or getting a better placement. All the hard work done by the Lokhayuktha goes in vain.

appeared in dna news paper on 20-04-09

POLITICS OF OPPORTUNISM

The statement of Mr.Lalu Prasad Yadav that the Congress is to be blamed for Babri demolition is deserve to be ridiculed. Having associated with the Congress party for the last ten years and enjoyed the power in the UPA government for the last five years, now at the time of general elections Mr. Lalu has chosen to blame the Congress for demolition. If Mr. Lalu was sure and convinced that the Congress was behind the demolition why his party associated with UPA which is led by the Congress party. This is nothing but opportunistic politics and poll gimmick to get the votes of a particular religion. Mixing of politics and religion is neither good for his party nor the country. It is time that our politicians go beyond this and think progressively towards building a strong India.

COWARDLY ACT

The Naxal attacks on the security personnel since the announcement of Lok Sabha elections in March is a cowardly act and deserves to be condemned. If the Naxalites are serious about finding solutions to the problems that are faced by the tribals through out the country, they should join the mainstream politics and put forth their ideology and solution they have to solve perennial problems instead of fighting like a coward. These cowradly act will not help any way in mitigating the problems. We are a largest democracy in the world with a fare degree transparency in conduct elections. Naxalites can fight for their causes through peace full means. They will not be able to achieve even one percent of their goal with these kinds of heinous acts even if they fight for one hundred years. The present day government at the Center and at state level has shown considerable interest in finding peaceful solutions that are engulfed the tribals in the country. It is only through negotiation the problems can be solved to the satisfaction of both the sides. It is not too late for Naxalites to come and join the mainstream and have talks with the respective governments.

URGENT NEED TO CHANGE LAWS

This is with reference to the on going drama in the trail of 26/11 Mumbai attack.What happened on that unfortunate day has been witnessed by the whole world,thanks to electronic media.There are tons of evidences against the terrorists andit is more than four months even the proper trail has not begin and the defense counsel is unnecessarily delaying the process by citing trivial reasons.The existing laws adopted from British Raj are century old and needs to be modified to suit the present day requirements for speedy disposal.The political parties and the legal luminaries of the country should work together to change the laws so that the bottlenecks in delivery of speedy justice are removed.

PAK- A FAILED STATE

The minority Sikh community of Orakzai Agency in the Federally Administered Tribal areas in Pakistan has been coerced to pay Rs.20 million as Jizia(religious tax) in return for protection.The establishment in Pakistan has failed completely in providing protection to its citizens, particularly for minorities.Pakistan as nation has failed miserably on many counts since it is pre-occupied with unwanted hatred-ism towards India.What is going on in Pakistan is neither good for them nor for the rest of theworld.It is time that the leadership realizes this and moves forward.

UPA WILL RETURN TO POWER

The process of electing the 15 th Lok Sabha begins today with 124 parliamentary seats going to polls.As per my assessment Congress will improve its tally by 10-15 seats and will emerge as the single largestparty.With its, allies old and new it will cross the magic number .Dr.Singh will be at the helm of affairs for another 5 years.In these challenging times we need a leader of Sinhg's caliber to lead the country.Irrespective of what BJP says about him at present no one can match his credentials.

APPEARED IN DNA NEWS PAPER ON 18-05-09.

OUR POLITICIAN SHOULD LEARN FROM MR. OBAMA

The decision of the first family of United States of America to use their own money torenovate the White House,foregoing $1,00,000 in federal funds is right decision in times of difficult economic conditions that the country is facing.Not that the amountso saved is going to have any impact financial of the world's largest economy.It is apointer towards the attitude and mindset of the most powerful man in the planet to solve the problems facing the world in general and the USA in particular. Our politiciansshould learn a lesson or two from the above act of Mr. Obama.Looking at the assets atdeclared by the LS contestants one gets the feeling that they are only to amass wealth.It is never too late to change one's attitude and perception towards the problems facing the society and contribute positively towards the welfare of the common man by drawinginspiration from Mr.Obama.
APPEARED IN DNA ON 16-04-09.

EDUCATION AS BUSINESS VENTURES,NOT GOOD

The news of two medical colleges of our state applying for deemed university status is not good news for students who intend to purse medical studies. Education hasbecome a very lucrative business right from pre-nursery to professional courses.The deemed university status deprives the students a certain number of seats in merit quota for deserving students of economically back ward and middle class families.We are a country in which more than 90% of the population is either poor or middle class who can't afford astronomical amount of fees and donation to purse the professionalcourses.Most of the colleges are run by powerful people with the only aim of making money for themselves.The government should enact laws in such a way that more and more deserving students from the economically backward category gets quality education instead of creating an atmosphere for greedy business people who are in the education field to amass wealth.

NOT APPROPRIATE

This has reference to the IBA advising the member banks
to consider extending assistance and concession to realty sector to tide over the crisis they are facing. The decision of the IBA is a move in the wrong direction and setting a very unhealthy precedent. Firstly, The situation is not as bad as it is made out be. Secondly the promoters, owners and others who are associated with the sector are neither poor nor at the mercy of the nature like our farmers. During the hey days they have amassed substantial wealth and with misplaced business sense and miscalculations of market trend especially of upward price movement they have invested in the related as well as unrelated projects by circulating credit raised from banks which has now resulted in their liquidity problems. Their have been quite some gullible buyers who have got into deals with is segment at higher prices and ultimately getting their lifetime savings and high cost loans with banks stuck without either creating asset of equivalent value or getting suitable returns from the property. This goes to prove the indulgence of the real estate segment in being a consenting party to the entire episode indirectly contributing the general state of economy. Further the present condition of economy is a temporary phenomena and part of any business cycle. When entire economy alongwith the individuals and business segments are reeling under the present circumstance the move from IBA if accepted by the banks will definitely lead to the interpretation of yielding to pressure tactics from the cartel as there is no reason to treat them at par with the farmers or the micro and small enterprises or even the large scale industries which are growth drivers of economy.

DON'T MIX POLITICS AND RELIGION

This has reference to the interview excerpts of SHRI MURUGHAREJENDRASWAMIJI that appeared in DNA on 08-04-09. SWAMIJI is right in sayingthat religion and politics should not mixed and parties should not seek vote on the basis of religion.Of late religion and politics areinter mixed and many religious institutes are directly supportingpolitical candidates of their choice.This is a dangerous trend for acountry like ours. People should discourage this trend lest it maylead to creation of communal disharmony at a later stage.

APPEARED IN DNA NEWS PAPER ON 09-04-09

DBC CANDIDACY-POLITICAL MASTER STROKE

The last minute admission and fielding of D B Chandre Gowda, the high profile political war horse , by BJP is a political master stroke. D B CHANDRE GOWDA popularly known as DBC is well a known politician of high calibre. DBC commands respect from all politicians irrespective of the party they belong because of his simplicity and his approach to the problems of electorate.He is one the very few politician having represented both the houses in the state and in the center.That itself speaks volumes about his leadership, commitment and acceptability.It is unfortunate that Congress leadership did not use his services effectively.This constituency elected the BJP's nominee last time by rejecting Mr.Invincible. Lot of changes have taken since then including the delimitation.The segment which was once a congress forte received sever jolt in the last assembly election.The BJP fared very well .Knowing very well of the changed dynamics of the constituency Mr.Jaffer sherief wanted to contest from Bangaluru Central and as indicated by the high command he has entered the battle from here.Though known for his political acumen and maneuverability the strong man from the congress faces stiff competition from his own erstwhile colleague.DBC has the advantage of ready made flat form of a well organized party,apart from his charisma,wherein he take the election campaign to greater heights compared to his counter part which is a divided house in many respects.This puts him ahead of his rivals right now. Another interesting contest keenly watched by all.

APPEARED IN DNA AND DECCAN HERALD

POLICE ACTION WAS WEAK

This is with reference to the Police action after the bungee jumping tragedy.The bungee jump is not an activity that carried out inside a house in order to escape the attention of law enforcement agencies. The event can be seen from a distance, thanks to the equipments it uses.How come the police,pwd,bescom,kspcb and fire services dept.did not inspect the place and check the licence and NOC from appropriate authorities. Tighteningthe screw after the mishap is no consolation.What we need is preventive actionfrom the Law enforcing authorities.Can we expect preventive action from the authoritiesconcerned at least in future.

APPEARED IN DNA NEWS PAPER ON 13-04-09

MR JAGANATHAN IS RIGHT

This is with reference to the article'Why too much cash isn't good for you' by Mr.R Jagananthan which appeared in DNA ON 12-04-09.He is right in his analysis of Bajaj auto, the cash giant of 1980s which is overtaken by Hero Honda.In the case of Infosys Technologies the situation is similar to that of Bajaj auto in the 1980s.They are siting on too much cash and afraid to invest and expand in the business well known to them.As indicated in the article if they don't change now they will not be there as number or number two IT major, ten years down the lane.Well thoughtout and meaningful article.

WEAK vs STRONG

The on going war of wards between Mr. Advani of BJP and Dr. Singh of the Congress is taking a ugly proportion with leaders of BJP supporting it and Congress leadres defending Dr. Singh. I don't under stand under what context Mr.Advani is calling our prime minister as a weak leader.Dr. Singh has a tract record of almost 40 years starting from RBI,Worldbank,Finance minister during the most difficult period in the history of independent India. His honesty,efficiency,hard work,integrity,wisdom and pragmatic approach to the problems in spite of inherent problems he had to face, undoubtedly he has come out with flying colours. Mr. Singh is the prime minister of coalition government and to keep his ship moving in the right direction he has to listen to coalition partners and to the president of the party he belongs.There is nothing wrong in it.Was Mr.Vajpaye was not consulting Mr.Advani when he was prime minister?For that reason can we call Mr.Vajapaye as weak prime minister.Instead of unnecessarily wasting time the leaders should focus on future and grave problems facing the country.

RETROGRADE STEPS

This with reference to the unveilling of Samajavadi party's manifesto by its president Mr.Mulayam Singh Yadav on 11-04-09 in Lucknow. Among others,it says that the use English in education and computers in government will be banned if a government is formed with its support in the Center.These steps if implemented will put our country a minimum of100 years back ward. In the highly competitive global economy our country is marching ahead of other countries because of the head start we have in Information Technology and ability of our educated youth speak in English. Mr.Mulayam singh's logic that use of machines and computers are creating unemployment and hence should be curbed.Mr. Singh fails to understand use of computers itself creating lot of employment apart from lessing the burden of common man.Imagine for a moment how our Railways,Banking,Airways and host other government services work withoutthe help of computers and Information Technology.I understand the concern of Mr. Mulayam singh has towards the uneducated and unemployed in thecountry and his eagerness to help them.Instead of taking retrograde steps as above his party should evolve pragmatic long term policies which help the people he has in mind and put the country on right track and people allover the country will support him.

DR.SINGH IS THE BEST CHOICE

This is with reference to the Mr.Modi's election speech yesterday in Bengaluru, among others, he uttered that the country should progress only if it had a stable governmentrun by honest men at the helm of affairs. When it comes to honesty and integrity I dnot think any politician comes anyware near Dr.Singh.This was endorsed even by the left parties on different occasions.Hence, according to Modi Dr. Manamohan Singh is the best choice.

BJP HAS NO FUTURE!

According to BJP's star campaigner Mr.Modi, BJP has no future, as the party becomes older. Addressing a large public gathering at Bengaluru at an election rally Modi lashed out at Congress,among others, as a 125 years old woman and the country needs a 30 year old youth like BJP. Applying the same analogy of Mr.Modi,imagine the party after 30 years from today.It would have crossed 60 years of age and become old(bhudiya). And why what for a party which has no future!

RIGHT PRIORITY

This has reference to the JDS manifesto wherein, inter alia, it states that salaries of CEOs willbe regulated to reduce the gap between the poor and the rich. When nearly 60-70% of the country's population does not have access to the basic necessities of life, it necessary to implement some law that restrict accumulation of wealth by few people. There is urgent need for development of rural areas in providing good infrastructure, good drinking water,sanitation,health services and most importantly quality education at free of cost on a war footing. There is un-employment and under employment. That should be tackled in a pragmatic way.The scarce available resources are to be used in the above segments in the rural areas on continuous and sustained basis. And if implemented with all the seriousness it deserves we will become a very strong nation in the years to come.

RIDICULOUS STATEMENT

This has reference to the statement made by Mr. Anantha kumar, BJP candidate from Bangaluru south constituency seeking explanation from Mr. Krishna Byre gowda of the Congress for the blasts that have occured in India in the last one year and there are no blasts inthe USA after 9/11. Mr. Anantha kumar pointing fingers towards Krishna byre gowda as if all the blasts are the acts of UPA government at the center.I thinkMr.ANANTHA KUMAR is aware the kind of financial power USA possess vis-a-vis India to deal with international terrorism.Secondly the dimensions and dynamics of Indian economy is differentfrom that of USA.The enemies of USA are out siders unlike in India where the enemies are out siders as well as insiders.Geographically, we are at disadvantageous position because the epicenter of all terrorism in the world is Pakistan who is our immediate neighbor.The neighboring countries of USA are not terrorist infected or un friendly countries as that of India. Mr. Anantha kumar and his party has to offer explanation for what happened during NDA rule like Ghodra incidents,Kandhar hijacking and attack on Parliament among others. Mr.Anantha kumar's indication that if NDA government were to be power during the previous year they would have prevented all the blasts that occured.

CRORE PATHI NETAS

The assets declared by the candidates contesting for the forth coming LS elections are mind boggling.It ranges from 3 crores to 300 crores.That is the official count and the unofficial is far greater than this. Politics has become a biggest business in India to amass wealth by all kinds of means with complete or near complete immunity from tax authorities, defeating the very purpose of principles for which the parties stand for. How can the people with mindset of multiplying wealth for themselves can serve the people at large.Look at the profileof Mahatma Gandhi,Vinobha Bhave,Jayaprakash Narayan,Lal Bahadur Shastriand host other freedom fighters and the political leaders of repute of the past, and present day politicians who have five star hotel life style in a country wherein the majority of population does not have access to good drinking water,good education and health services among others. If a portion the declared assets of all the politicians are spent on the basic necessities stated above India would become a better country in all respects.It is not too late for candidates to declare now that their wealth shall be dedicated to the cause of up-liftment of oppressed class and take a vow that they wont use their position to amass wealth further.

INTERESTING FIGHT IN SOUTH BANGALORE

The high profile V I P constituency has many interesting contestants this time making it as one of the keenly watched LS seat in the country. The four time winner of BJP's star candidate Mr. Ananth kumar may find it very difficult this time to register a 5th consecutive win. Unlike in the previous elections where his dominant opponents werefrom the congress party,this time he has to face the interesting personalities from Congress,JDS and independents.

Consider the following; The congress has fielded a very strong candidate unlike in the previous elections. The JDS candidate Prof Radha Krishna has good reputation as an educationist and quite popular among the teaching and student community.He is going to make very strong in rods in to the so called traditional votes BJP(Middle/Upper middle class).The JDS supremo will not spare any efforts to mobilize maximum votes for his candidate. The other important independent candidate is Mr. Gopinath, erstwhile king of low cost carriers, has the support of many industrialist, IT professional sand host of entrepreneurs. The delimition has also added to the woes of Anantha kumar, wherein a large chunk of his vote bank has been disintergrated. The incumbency factor and lackluster performance of Mr.Anantha kumar during his last tenure.
There are host of independent candidates who are going take away some of BJP's traditional votes.Mr.Radha Krishna and Mr.Gopinath and other independents may not make it big and enter the LS but their presence in the battle will make a big differncce to the chances of Mr. Anantha kumar's victory.

Appeared in DNA NEWS PAPER on 02-04-09

ELECTION DRAMA

Do we need swamijis as law makers? The decision of GOWRI SHANKARA swamiji to contest the LS election is amusing.Traditionally swamijis have a definite role to play in the society guiding people to walk on the right path,work towards the noble cause of educating the poorest,the down trodden and the oppressed.In fact most the swamijis in the state are pursuing this cause and are well respected for their commitment.No separate flatform is required to serve the general public.Politics and political administration is a specialist job and it is better to live it to the specialist. There are better things to do for swamjis than waste their time in politics.

ALL CARS MADE WITH BLOD AND SWEAT

This has reference to the Mamata's outburst on the Tata Nano. She says it has been manufactured with people's blood and she will not ride on it. At out set, the TATA's has not offered her the car of the century. Secondly,cars the world over are built with people's blood,sweat and toil. People want to know which car our TMC chief uses which has been manufactured without someone's blood and sweat going into the process.

Appeared in DNA NEWS PAPER on 06-04-09

FLOGGING YOUNG GIRL ABARBARIC ACT

It was horrifying to read how an 17 year old girl wassubjectted to punishment by Taliban men in Pakistan.It appears that neither the president,the prime minister northe military forces have nay say in running the country.One doe snot understand how the authorities allowed this to happen and more shocking is no action is taken against thosewho perpetrated the heinous crime.It is high time that Zardaris andGilanis resign from their respective positions and hand over the power who can handle the same in a civilized way.
APPEARED IN DNA ON 06-04-09

DR SINGH SHOULD RETURN AS PM

Sushma Swaraj's assessment of NDA's prospect in the comingLok Sabha election is right when she says that NDA may not get the majority.She is a politician of a different mettle. Although many BJP politicians knows this hard truth but they refuse to accept this in public.As per the pre election survey done by the many News papersand TV channels no single party is going to get more than150 LS seats.The grand old party heads the list.The UPA in its new 'avtar' is going to form the government at the centerand THE SING WILL BE THE KING AGAIN.In this era of coalition politics we need Dr. Singh at the center to take the country forward because no one question his honesty,integrity,commitment,wisdom, efficiency and hardwork. Contrary to L K advani's accusation of Mr.Singh as weak PM i consider Dr. Singh as one the most intelligent,visionary and a very strong PM the country has ever seen since Independence.

APPEARED IN DNA NEWS PAPER ON 03-04-09