Pale Lokpal

Such high is the level of corruptions in our country a very stringent and all-encompassing anti-corruption legilations are necessary to effectively take on this hydraheaded demon.Overwhelming popular response to Anna Hazare's clarion call to fight corruptions is an indication that whole nation is seething with pent-up rage against malpractices that have taken dreadful proportions.But unfortunately, Anna has to face stiff opposition while drafting Lokpal Bill from different corners, particularly from the central govt.An attempt is apparently being made to make the Bill weak and less effective to have its purpose defeated to a wider extent.Hazare along with his associates and representative of the govt have locked horns over many issues. A demand is being made by govt to exclude Prime Minister,the judiciary,officers below the level of joint secretary and MPs' parliamentary coducts like cash for questions or cash for votes etc. from the jurisdiction of Lokpal Bill.Merging of anti corruption bodies like CVC, CBI, Vigilance wings with Lokpal office is also being objected to.If these demands are conceded to and objections sustained by Lokpal Bill drafting committee, the Bill would be a toothless entity.However, if attempt to dilute the Bill continues and govt representatives stick to their demands, Anna might have no alternative other than going back to public again, perhaps with fast unto death.However, we do hope good sense would dawn on those pledging objections as mentioned above and cease to play spoil sports. They'd allow the draft Bill to be passed without hitch.

Treading with caution!

The picture of a man with folded hand standing in front of Chief minister Mamata Banerjee published yesterday(May 27) in a leading vernacular daily along with the conversation between the two almost verbatim has not perhaps escaped the notice of many.The standing man in the picture is no other than Dr Gharai,the director of Bangur Institute of Neurosciences and psychiatry, Kolkata who incurred the displeasure of Mamata Banerjee for his allegedly discourteous behavior and was suspended.But what's interesting from the dialogue brought to light by the above noted daily Dr.Gharai apparently made no discourteous remark to the minister.When asked to wait upon the minster at writers' on a certain date,perhaps as a truly responsible and dutiful doctor he pleaded his inability on the ground that on that day he'd a series of operations to perform from morning to evening.He reportedly requested the minster to come to his room as it was inconvenient to talk with her amidst host of people including reporters and many enthusiasts.At least from the version of the well-known daily it's difficult to justify the suspension of Dr.Gharai.It was perhaps desirable to offer Dr.Gharai an opportunity of self defence by issuing a show-cause notice to him.

However,Mamata Banerjee's sincere and determined endeavour to set things in order in every sphere receives whole hearted support from all sections of people across the state.People also know it's a Herculean task and can't be done overnight and she may have to sometimes take harsh measures to get things done.In fact, her asset is the unflinching faith and confidence reposed in her by people and her liability is the sky-high expectations of people, again.So she'll have to tread cautiously so that people are not disillusioned.

Look before you leap!

They say 'look before you leap' but Didi has no time to 'look'. She's the habit of being always in a hurry.Yes I'm referring to publishing the contract made between the previous state govt and Tata Motors regarding Nano factory at Singur.When in opposition TMC insisted on making public the entire contract in question.Tata motors objected to publishing a part of the contract which they considered 'secret' that couldn't be made public in the interest of their business.They approached Calcutta High Court in this regard and secured injunction in their favour.TMC however assured people in their election manifesto that if they could come to power, they would publish the contract regarding Tata's factory at Singur.So immediately after assuming office on May 20 Didi asked the industry Minister Partha chatterjee as early as on May 25 to publish the Contract following day.So people kept waiting with all eagerness on the stipulated day to know what is in the Contract that the earlier govt couldn't publish in the name of legal hurdle probably with some ulterior motive.However, at the end of the day the present industry minister pleaded inability to publish the Contract for some legal obstacle that need to be negotiated.The present govt should have earlier consulted legal experts and then assured public that the contract would be published.What common sense says till injunction is vacated, the Contract can't be published.If unilaterally govt publish it, this act might be deemed as contempt of Court.What's more, apart from any thing else, publication of the Contract would send a wrong signal to the prospective investors in the state.So again look before you leap.

Return of 400 acre of land!

It’s interesting to see how Mamata Banerjee returns 400 acres of land to the unwilling farmers of Singur. Immediately after assuming office as the Chief Minister she assured them they’d get back their land. In fact, this 400-acre -land issue stood in the way of installation of Nano factory at Singur and Tatas were compelled to shift the factory that was almost 90% complete to Gujarat. So it’s now a prestige issue to Didi to return the land in question to the concerned farmer as she’s come to power. The unwilling farmers did not accept the check at her instance braving enormous hardships. They in fact resigned to fate that they would never get back their land while others got price of the land along with the compensation package. So it’s no wonder that Didi placed this matter in her priority list on day one on humatarian ground and as well as to do justice to their faith and confidence reposed in her.
Now the question is how she’d return the concerned land to the farmers as land recquitioned for public purposes can’t be returned to the land owner according to existing law. Whatever the legal personalities say to the contrary, Didi is apparently confident that land can be returned to the farmers. Definitely she’s a plan in her mind. May it be done by modifying the existing law about land acquisition. However, it’s her concern; we need not bother about the legal aspect of the issue.
Now suppose legal hurdle is negotiated regarding return of acquired land, then how can the land be given back to the farmers as their lands are sporadically distributed in factory site instead of being in the single tract. That apart, nature of the land has changed, it’s no longer in cultivable state. The farmers in Singur have started saying their lands be reverted to cultivable state before handing them over to them. They also claim they should be paid interest on the price of the land for the period it was retained by Tatas. In fact, the entire situation is supposed to be in a mess and let us see how Didi solves the puzzle

Too fast to start with!

We’re already conversant with Didi’s style of functioning as a railway minister. She can work hard. She can work too fast and perhaps believes in the old saying ‘don’t put off till tomorrow what you can do today’. She can take decision fast also. Didi has the added advantage that her party is an important ally of UPA-2 govt and it has couple of state ministers in union ministry. That apart, cabinet ministry for railways might go to TMC.At present, however, after Didi’s resignation as railway minister, Mukul Ray has become minister of state for railways. It has, in fact, helped solve the problem of Joka-BBD Bag metro railways in a very short time. Other ministers, most of whom are first-timers, would take some time to learn their jobs and then rev up their speed of work to keep pace with Didi. Though it’s believed the improvement of work culture in high places would percolate down to the lower level, it’s difficult to say how much time it would take to reach the lower rung unless some hard measures are taken. Didi’s Ma-Mati-Manus ministry must try to address problems at grass root levels (Trinomool) even before making Kolkata London to improve the plight of the people lying below poverty levels. It should be ensured they don’t remain unfed. Didi’s stance to maintain good relation with the opposition is really praise worthy and speaks volumes for her practical senses. Ruling party and Opposition might differ in many respects but they must work in tandem when the question of developmental activities of the state comes in. Our state has suffered a lot on this count and we can’t afford it any further.

Future Of West Bengal

Long stay in power made people think as if the Left Front had earned the divine right to govern the state perpetually. So is much uproar and hullaballoo over the fall of the Left regime. Many can’t reconcile to the change of regime and they feel totally upset. But it’s quite natural and healthy too in a democratic set up that the ruling party periodically yields place to the opposition to govern the state. Left leaders too accustomed for long to sit in the treasury bench feels uneasy of sitting in opposition bench after 34 years. The roles of media, to be frank, in such circumstances leave much to be desired. Media have projected the fall of the Left front govt as a larger than life issue instead of depicting that such swapping of power is quite natural and should have occurred long ago in the interest of healthy democracy as long stay in power is apt to corrupt the administration and engender inefficiency and complacency. In other words law of diminishing return gets operative in efficacy of governance .That apart, what is worse is some media openly took sides with ruling party or the opposition. Even now many print media are hitting the vanquished candidates of the ruling party below the belt or ridiculing them in some way or other. It’s not at all a welcome gesture and might affect peace and amity which are veritable need of the hour.

It’s really commendable that post-poll Mamata is much more restrained and matured than her pre-poll self. Though Mamata’s ministry has not yet taken oath, she’s behaving like a truly responsible administrator. Immediately after poll results were announced she called upon her party activists to show restraint and not to indulge in violence. She even asked them not to take out victory rallies as they might invite troubles unnecessarily. However, despite her mandate post-poll violence is continuing taking toll of lives. Admittedly, pre-poll situation was so tense, it’s difficult to rule out post election violence altogether though loss of a single life in violence is always condemnable. What’s more is in her party she’s the supreme authority, so district leaders are not supposed to have much influence on the local cadres and they could not dissuade them from violence

Mamata would perhaps ease her relation with the members of the opposition. In pre-poll scenario we’ve seen what a bitter relation prevailed between the ruling party and hers. It was her standing instruction to her party colleagues even not to share dais with members of the ruling party, let alone exchange views with them.However, govt tried to break the ice many times but failed due to her stubbornness. In fact, in no other state in our country one finds such a sour relation between the govt and the opposition. Our state had to pay a heavy price for this uniquely bad relation.Develpmental works have been the worst casualty for such sustained non-cooperation. Mamata knows if CPM plays the same role of non-cooperation and resistance at every step, her govt would find it quite difficult to fulfill the sky-high expectations of people and do justice to the enormous hope and confidence the electorate have reposed in her in case she fails to deliver goods. So she’s supposed to iron out her difference with the opposition to have their cooperation in developmental activities of the state.However,it depends on the stance and strategy of the opposion.If they decide to pay her in her own coin and take the path of confrontation then state will continue to suffer again. Let us see what happens.

Sky-high Expectations from Didi's Govt!

Dream has at last come true.It was a long battle since Trinomool was born in 1998 to dislodge the Left from power.Mamata Banerjee would take oath soon as Chief minister along with the entourage of other ministers of her cabinet.In fact, she would be the first woman Chief minister of the state.Euphoria would gradually die down.Ministry will get down to work. Massive electoral mandate means massive expectation of the electorate.Mamata is certainly aware of it.So uneasy lies the head that wears a crown.Uneasiness becomes manifold greater when the crown is made of thorns.There are host of unresolved problems those are waiting for the magic touch of Didi to be solved.Such is the quantum of faith people repose in Didi.People are specifically keen to see how Didi succeed in spheres where she's alleged the earlier govt miserably failed. People also like to see in particular how Didi's govt return 400 acres of land to the unwilling farmers of Singur and withdraw joint forces at Jungalmahal and start developmental activities there.Huge task is lying ahead.So we should patiently wait for some time..In short, people in general want good governance, state's development and prevalence of peaceful and tranquil ambiance and perhaps nothing else.

Left Debacle in West Bengal

It was more or less a foregone conclusion that popular mandate in assembly election would go against the Left and 34-yr Left rule would come to an end. But it is difficult to believe that it ends so miserably.Of course,exit poll conducted by majority of electronic channels foretold such a deplorable exit of the Left from power.What's most pathetic is fall of big guns including 19 ministers, many of whom perhaps have not tasted defeat ever before in their long political career.However, the 'most unkindest cut' of all is the defeat of the chief minister, Buddhadeb Bhattacherjee who had been working hard to refurbish the image of the Left front since the Left's debacle in Lok Sabha polls.No less pathetic is the loss of face of Housing minister Goutam Dev who was projected as the face of the Left front in its desperate bid to turn around.Political experts would explain this phenomenal fall of the Left.In just five years election results have gone other way round.However, admittedly, periodical swapping of power is really good and healthy for a democratic system.
Now the Left would act as opposition in assembly.But this opposition is unfortunately denuded of vociferous and expert politicians who've sustained defeat en masse in polls.So it's very likely assembly would fail to have a very effective opposition which's otherwise very constructive but would be highly critical of the anti- people policy of the govt when needed.Secondly,Left front has been in power for long and remained united.Could it remain equally united when not in power?It remains to be seen.

Land War

Land acquisition has been a very sensitive issue now, particularly after Singur and Nandigram episodes in West Bengal. The Left front govt has paid a heavy price to learn this lesson.Ironically,the land issue that has landed the Left in sheer predicament has offered firm land under the feet of the opposition.Now land politics has overtaken Mayawati govt. Noida and its surroundings are seething in anti- land acquisition agitation.Opposition parties as usual have closed ranks and taken advantage of the situation to corner Mayawati and derive political mileage.

In fact,without land developmental activities normally come to a standstill.On the other hand to procure land from the farmers is a very difficult job.To sort out this problem the existing land bill badly calls for modification.Central govt started this job also but due to objection put forward by Mamata Banerjee the draft land bill was shelved and no initiative has yet been taken to bring the bill back from cold storage and finalize drafting on the basis of consensus.Now bone of contention regarding the draft bill is that Mamata opposes govt intervention in land procurement while govt wants 30% land be acquired by administration and 70% by the corporate or by private entrepreneur.In fact, in land acquisition govt should have the right to intervene as otherwise farmers might part with even multi-crop land lured by money and it might affect our food production.Again, exorbitantly high price asked for by land owners might discourage the buyers.That apart, if a portion of land is procured by govt it'll be easier for the entrepreneur to collect the rest.Another proposition which might sound a bit harsh and even despotic to many is there should be a legal provision in the land bill that if a land is required for public purposes, the land owners would be bound to part with his land.Of course, sufficient compensation would be awarded to the land loser so that he in no case complains that injustice has been done to him or his exiting security is made at a stake.'Willing' and 'unwilling' land givers should prove superfluous in the context of land acquisition.In reality,when a long tract of land is procured it's very unusual, if not next to impossible that cent percent of land owners will be 'willing' land givers.Without exception at least a fraction of the owners would object to giving away their land for emotional or other reasons.It's enough to frustrate the whole process of land procurement deal.So it's wise to feel the hard reality and refrain from playing to the gallery in land acquisition issue for short term political gain at the cost of country's long term loss.If central govt could have modified the land bill in right earnest, at right time and in right perspective, perhaps farmers' wild agitation at Noida could have been averted to a large extent.

Sweeping Contentions!

It’s difficult to buy the sweeping contention that nothing has been done in 34yrs of the Left rule as often made by some people. Such a statement is more emotional than rational. Development that has been made always leaves much to be done and it’s a common popular contention at all time and at all places. Take the case of health services in the state. Reports published on health by national agency state West Bengal is one of the best performing states so far as the health indicators are concerned. Admittedly, much better health services could have been accorded to people if those connected with health services were more sincere and dedicated to their job. It’s definitely question of work culture that people here fail to do justice to. What’s said about health is also said about other sectors also. Overall picture is not, however, as disappointing as it’s purportedly projected.
It’s no denying the fact that long stay in power breeds corruptions, arrogance and complacency as well. So Left front is no exception in this respect and it’s openly admitted to falling prey to these vices. However, it’s to be seen to what extent it could rectify the party men provided it returns to power. Of course, no harm if TMC comes to power as in democratic set-up it’s a healthy sign that power be swapped periodically. But what’s worrying is TMC is not a well-knit party and it solely depends on one person-Mamata Banerjee. Could she control the party alone when in power? Let us wait and watch.

Symbol of Peace!

(1)Symbol of peace!
Son: In election campaign Didi always sports white sari along with white scarf. Does it mean she tries to project herself as a symbol of peace?
Dad: If so, Buddha's one step ahead of Mamata .
Son: Why dad?
Dad: Along with white dhoti and punjabi Buddha has a headful of milk white hair too.

(2)Relation!
Son: Dad, do you think TMC has any relation with PCPA, a frontal organisation of Maoists?
Dad: Yes, of course!
Son: What type of relation, dad?
Dad: It's pure love, my boy!
Son: Love?
Dad: Yes. There's nothing unfair in love, my son.

(3)Language!
Son: Didi doesn't like her party men be on speaking terms with any member of the ruling party.Now what will happen if Didi comes to power?
Dad: Ruling and opposition parties would communicate with one another in sign language.

In memory of Laden(jokes)!

1)Most hospitable!
Son: Which is the most hospitable nation in the world?
Dad: Of course, Pakistan!
Son: Why, dad?
Dad: Because Pakistan dared show hospitality to the most dreaded and wanted terrorist like Osama bin Laden.

(2)Democracy!
Son:Dad,do you think there's democracy in Pakistan?
Dad:Definitely not, my boy!
Son:Why, dad?
Dad:As after Laden was killed no political party claimed his body!

(3)Shri Krishna award:
Son: India Govt has decided to confer Shri Krishna award on Barack Obama.
Dad: What's this award all about?
Son: Shri Krishna killed Kansa and Obama Laden.Obama will be the first recipient of this prize being introduced from this year.

To Editor, Anandabazar Patrica?

Two phases of assembly elections are yet to be held and a week is left for final results to be out.But you've published composition of ministry to be formed by a particular political party with names of the ministers along with the ministry alloted to them.Not only that You've also mentioned the place where oath taking would take place.You're well aware such news item might influence at least a segment of electorate in some way or other and so you've made this story deliberately.You've been shamelessly brokering for a this political party for long giving a go-by to all moral values,decency and decorum, let alone ethics of journalism. Your today's performance has outstripped all your past.You've laid bare to what extent a news paper can stoop so low to sub serve the interest of a political party most probably for money and other benefits in days to come.In fact by doing so you're eroding the credibility of press and bringing media people to disrepute.Now a days paid news have out numbered genuine news items and and a section of media is supposed to be sponsoring this malpractice despite being reprimanded by press council.If things are allowed to drift this way future does not augur well for regional and particularly for vernacular press.
Thank you.
-A senior Citizen

How Disgraceful for Sourav!

Sourav Ganguly is reportedly joining Pune Warrior in place of Asis Nehera who's now taking rest for injury.It's a pity that a brilliant cricketer like Sourav who has more than 10,000 runs to his credit in ODIs and equally good performance in Test series and is adjudged one of the best captains India has ever produced was summarily denied berth in IPL this year after three successive yrs. of play as captain of KKR with no mean performance.Perchance Nehera is unfit for play in Pune Warrior and IPL is almost halfway through when Sourav is called upon to join the team and he gave his consent almost immediately as if he was eagerly waiting for such an opportunity to come in his way.What can be more disgraceful for a player of his stature?He should have out right declined the offer to do justice to his self-respect.Who knows how much disgrace and disrespect are awaiting him?Anyway, it's his personal decision and I've nothing to do but to be hurt and feel insulted and humiliated as his fan and well-wisher.

Laden Dead!

Of late, Laden was more a prestige issue than a threat perception to USA. 9/11 disaster that took toll of so many innocent lives which never happened in USA before was a great jolt to American people.This gruesome incident, in fact, belittled USA in the estimation other nations in the world and so America was desperate to regain her lost pride by bringing Laden to justice.Hence Laden's death in combat is a big news to American people.For India, of course, it's a blood curdling news to know that so long a dreaded terrorist like Laden was her next door neighbour.It's well known that Pakistan is a safe haven for terrorists, if not a breeding ground for terrorism. Laden's death has proved beyond doubt this home truth.What's most worrying is US pamper Pakistan for its own interest and hardly care for safety and security of our nation. What's more, since birth of these two countries, India and Pakistan, they have been at loggerheads on different issues.Despite India's attitude of reconciliation Pakistan has been ever hostile to India.That apart,Pakistan has no civil administration worth the name.Army perhaps rule the roost in Pakistan and the country itself fall victims to her home-bred terrorism more often than not.So it's unfortunate and unsafe as well for India to have an ever belligerent neighbor like Pakistan which is virtually a sanctuary of terrorists.

In fine, Mr.Barrak Obama could have deserved more credit if his men could capture Osama Bin Laden alive.

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May Day Jokes

1)Reversed May Day!
Son:Dad, what's Reversed May Day?
Dad:I don't know,my son.
Son:On May Day employees earned the right of eight-hour-work a day.On reversed May Day the employers have earned the right to afford eight-hour-rest a day to employees(IT, IT es sectors etc).
(2) Red Halo!
Son:Dad, yesterday Star Ananda repeatedly displayed a red circle round the face of Anil Bose.
Dad:It was no red circle, my boy.As a perfect communist Bose was emanating a red halo.
(3)Modern Ad:
Son: Didi claims if she comes to power she would return factory along with land.
Dad:Didi's used the language of a modern ad, my son.