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.

Purulia Arms Drop!

Purulia arms drop incidence resurfaced after as many as after 16 yrs.As public memory is proverbially short most of us have totally forgotten the incidence.Even during frightful 26/11 terrorist attack in Bombay we did hardly remember or discus Purulia arms drop case.But now we feel shiver down the spine when we think instead of arms drop it could have been terrorist attack in a big way.How dared the perpetrators of arms drop act smoothly penetrat deep in Indian territory, do their job perfectly and decamp successfully?What's most worrying is16 yrs have gone by but we are yet to know how it happened and why it did happen.It was definitely due to big security lapse or intelligence failure.But unfortunately,none has yet been reportedly punished for dereliction of duties or lapses.

As usual blame games have started between opposition and ruling parties.one politician is passing the buck to another.Some even rubbish Kim Davy's starling confession as LF's ploy to garner public sympathy during assembly polls.These are all irresponsible and unbuckled statements.It's foolish to question why the matter has come to fore after so many years.We should rather ask why after so many years truth has not yet been unearthed.However, it's fortunate that the serious matter that was almost erased from public memory has resurfaced and under people's pressure govt would investigate the case with renewed verve and zeal for our safety and security

Star Ananda and Purulia Arms Drop Case

You must be very worried that Purulia arms drop incidence has surfaced after as many as 16 yrs. and that too during assembly polls.Just see the timing-the most opportune time for CPM to have public sympathy exuded to them.Expectedly you must explain in your channel that to all appearances, the reappearance of the entire episode at the time of election is definitely engineered by CPM and for that matter by the LF govt.What must distress you that there're gullible people among the electorate who might take the episode at its 'face value' and might vote for LF out of sympathy.As one associated with a channel unashamedly too much biased for a particular political party it's your bounden duty to see these unsuspecting voters are not 'taken for a ride' by CPM's 'cock and bull' story as narrated by Kim Davy.What you should do now to combat the most 'lowly' attempt by CPM to discredit Central govt is give stress on under what compelling and distressing circumstances were the arms dropped.You should try to convince people that whoever dropped the arms,perhaps dropped them on 'humanitarian ground'.To quote Davy he couldn't bear the 'inhuman torture' meted out to people and he described in detail how 'diabolic' was the behavior of CPM.If Libiya can be bombed to "protect human rights' ,then why can't arms be dropped to protect people from 'CPM's violation of human rights'?Try to bring this home truth to people so that they vote against 34yr.misrule of LF and cast their franchise in favour of Miss-rule. Thank you.
-An Enchanted Viewer

London!

In jest only!
1) London:
Dad: This year summer would not be as harsh as in previous years, my son.
Son: Why dad?
Dad: Kolkata's weather will be at least partially like London's this year.
(2)Chappal:
Son: Leader of a ruling party ridicules Didi for wearing Hawai Chappal while using helicopter for election campaign.
Dad: Why not? Perhaps that leader does not know phonetically chopper and Chappal are close to each other.Here Hawai means 'in air'.
(3)Naxals:
Son: Dad, do you think more Naxals live in Kolkata than in other parts of the state?
Dad: Why, my son?
Son: Then why is percentage of vote polled so poor in Kolkata?

For a Change

1) For Change!
Son:In present polls what do you like to see in common men's electoral parlance: 'Change' or
' Return'?
Dad: I want to see both, my boy.
Son: How, dad?
Dad: I like to see 'return with change', my son.

(2) To Purchase peace:
Son: Dad,in election campaign PM scathingly criticized state govt.
Dad: It was to purchase peace, my son.
Son: What do you mean,dad?
Dad: He made adverse remark only to satisfy his ally TMC.
Son: Why do you say so, dad?
Dad: Because next day he prized West Bengal for rural development, my boy.

(3)Kalmadi!
Son:See dad, somebody hurled shoe at Kalmadi even when he was in police custody.Isn't it a serious security lapse?
Dad: I don't think so, my boy.Rather it's lapse on the part of the man who hurled the shoe.
Son: Why, dad?
Dad: As he missed the target.That apart, I feel for him on other count too.
Son: What's it dad?
Dad: He might have to go home with only one shoe on.


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Take it just in lighter vein!

(1) Rickshaw puller!
Son:Dad, that day a rickshaw puller charged me only Rs.7/-, of course, for a very short distance ride.When I gave him a ten-rupee note and asked him not to give me change,he looked at me with all surprise.
Dad:Was it day or night?
Son: Day, of course.
Dad: Al right!
Son: Why?
Dad: Were it night, he thought you were drunk.

(2)Slangs!
Son: Leaders of both ruling and oppositions are using slang to attack each other.
Dad: Now just publish a book on electoral slang and it'll sell like hot cakes.Of course, don't forget to dedicate it to Anil Bose.

(3)Monitoring!
Son:Dad,during campaign Didi always keeps loitering on dais.How would she keep seated in chair calmly as CM at writers?
Dad: In Didi's party there's none next to her.So she'd have to keep pacing up and down at Veranda to monitor administration.

(4) Taming goons!.
Son:At an election meeting Didi was flexing muscle and claimed that she taught many rowdies(meaning CPM) lessons, complained ruling party.
Dad:Didi did nothing wrong.She was simply speaking of women's power and referring to Damayanti Sen as an example.

Unusual Interest Of Foreign Press

In 2011 Assembly Polls in Bengal: Abundant interest being displayed by foreign press in elections being held at a pocket of vast Indian subcontinent can not but draw the attention of any knowledgeable and sensible voter.Foreign press like BBC,Guardian, New York Times and Wall Street Journal have devoted columns after columns on Fire Brand leader Mamata Banerjee who is poised to dismantle 34yr old red citadels in West Bengal.In fact,journalists of foreign press stay put at Bengal to see the collapse of red regime like house of cards before their eyes.But why do they take so much interest in a petty state elections and favour Mamata Banerjee, leader of a defacto regional party?The answer is simple.The results of assembly elections reflect the strength of the Left in West Bengal.This state normally contributes maximum Left MPs to national politics.Primarily these Left MPs stand in the way of implementation of so called pro-US 'market economy' by the Center.They oppose many policies of the center as anti- people.So the lesser is the strength of the Left in Bengal,the lesser would be the numerical strength of Left MPs in the parliament.So obviously it would be easier for the center to translate the pro-US policies of their choice,may it be anti people, into action relatively unopposed.It also facilitates promotion of rapport between India and US.So it's natural America takes special interest in assembly elections of Bengal.However,whatever may be the speculations of foreign media, they might prove wrong by the will of the people.

Looking forward to May 13,2011.

Both ruling and opposition parties emphatically claim they'd win elections.It's normal as no party contesting elections ever claim in public they'd lose.It's no doubt Mamata is an efficient crowd puller and a charismatic leader.But it does not necessarily mean most of the people present in the crowd would vote for Mamata.In 2001 assembly elections Mamata drew almost similar crowds whereever she went but TMC fared badly in elections.Of course, it's true situation has considerably changed precisely since 2007.So psyche of the crowds in 2011 can't be compared with that of 2001 or of intermediate years.Singur and Nandigram episodes discernibly influenced voters as the LF was routed in Lok Sabha polls.What's most interesting is that the electorate apparently rewarded Mamata with overwhelming victory in Lok Sabha polls despite her pivotal role to compel Tatas to shift near-complete Nano factory to Gujarat.It's the task of the psychologists and sociologists to explain this bizarre behavior of the voters.Perhaps shoot-out at Nandigram and forcible acquisition of multi crop farm land hurt people more than Tata's exit from the state.Of course, psephologist might say LF was miserably defeated as TMC and Congress fought jointly.However,in the civic polls those followed Lok Sabha polls LF fared badly too. Incidentally,in civic polls there was no seat adjustment between Cong and TMC.

Two years have gone by since civic polls were held.LF claims it's regained their lost ground to a considerable extent. Assembly polls have already started.Survey in an electronic Channel forecasts only 76 seats for LF .Foreign media are very much eager about polls in Bengal.Many Western media houses have already come to stay in our state to see(or enjoy) for themselves the collapse of 34-year-old Left rule.But nobody knows what's in people's mind.So we keep looking forward to May 13, 2011.

Wild Allegations!

Housing Minister Goutam Deb's made allegations that Mukul Ray handed over Rs.15 lacs each to 226 poll cndidates of TMC on March 25,2011 at the behest of TMC supremo.To make black money white candidates were asked to issue coupons of denominations Rs.100.00, Rs.200.00 and Rs.500.0 to fake names and there after destroy the coupons.The allegation seems to be too wild to be true.But the question is how dare a responsible minister make such a serious allegation unless he is equipped with sufficient evidence to establish his claim?He knows TMC won't take it lying down particularly before election.In fact, TMC supremo has sharply reacted to such serious blame and asked Mukul Ray to file a defamation suit against Goutam Deb.Deb, however, claims he's sufficient proof to justify his claim.People are really confused.TMC chief has a clean image and Goutam Deb too is considered honest and outspoken by a section of electorate.So Election Commission should thoroughly investigate the case to unearth truth.If the allegation is proved not true Mr.Deb must face the music.

Crown before Coronation!

In lighter vein only
(1)Code of Conduct
Neighbour: So far as I know you’re going to be grandmother in the 3rd week of April.
Lady: No, date has been postponed by medication.
Neighbour: Why?
Lady: It’s Election Commissioner’s order.
Neighboue: Please elaborate. I understand nothing.
Lady: My son‘s contesting election, so he cannot make any gift to us till the election is over.
(2)Coupons
Ruling party (RP): In the election opposition is spending huge amount of black money.
Opposition (OP): Never. Hold your tongue, please.
RP: Where has money come from?
OP: It’s money of Ma Mati and Manush! It’s collected by issuing coupons of different denominations.
RP: Where are the counter foils?
OP: To lessen stationary charges we printed coupons without counter foils like cheque books of many banks.
(3)Crown:
Son: Dad, people say Didi seems to have worn crown even before coronation.
Dad: Never mind, Didi perhaps tries to feel from now how uneasy lies the head that wears a crown.

Binayak Sen!

We're all happy that apex court has granted bail to Dr.Binayak Sen who has been incarcerating in Raipur jail of Chhattisgarh serving life sentence since 24 December 2010 convicted in charge of sedition and treason.What's most interesting is while granting Dr.Sen's bail petition Supreme Court almost summarily dismissed charge of sedition and treason slapped on him by Chhattishgar High court.According to apex court possession of Naxalite literature does not necessarily mean that a man is a Naxalite.He can at best be called sympathizer of Naxals.Court has given an analogy also.If Gandhian literature is found with a man, he can't be called Gandhian either.It's really very shocking in the existing legal provisions how easily life imprisonment can be awarded to a man.In the present case if Binayak Sen would not have sought intervention of SC, he would have to suffer life term practically without fault or for a minor fault that he is a sympathizer of Naxals.

Binayak Sen MD,a pediatrician could have earned a lot of money by private practice like many other doctors.But he dedicated his life for tribal people in remote villages who are deprived of medical attention.Dr.Sen has earned the distinction of publishing paper in the most prestigious British medical journal Lancet where he talked about severe inaccessibility of medical service to the poor in India.

It's mentionable that a host of Nobel Laureates including Amartya Sen advocated for Dr.Sen's release from jail.Now we need many more Binayak Sens for the rural poor.

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Letter to Editor

Dear Sir,
Gana shakti is CPI(M)'s party organ and Ananda Bazar Patrika seems to be TMC's,though not offically.Certainly,your patrika has much higher circulation than Ganasakti and so TMC can reach larger segment of the poulation through you than CPI(M).I have been acquainted with your anti-Left stance and pro-US tilt from my boyhood days.Now I'm a senior Citizen.I can't but help respecting your unrelenting crusade against the Left.But what's unfortunate for you that despite your doggedness to eradicate the Left from Bengal,it has stayed put here for as many as long 34 years without let-up.It's really a mystery.You've tried to explain this mystery by invoking the concept of scientific rigging along with many other theories.But it failed to satisfy the electorate and they returned LF again and again.However,now many people say 'change of power' is a must in the coming polls.You're equally confident too and echo this view with louder voice through your print and electronic media.You say more than what proponent of 'Change' says.If the leaders say ' wind of change' has hit the state,you say its 'tsunami of change'.In fact 'tsunami of change' struck the state 2 yrs ago in Lok sabha polls that routed LF and then came civic polls which too swept LF like tsunami.But now political situation has changed a lot, the wind of change has almost ceased to blow.You need not worry.It's our surmise only.No body knows what is in people's mind.Wait till May 13.Till then carry on propaganda for TMC in full swing.Wish you best of luck and let your dream come true.

Corruptions and Anna Hazare

Corruptions in our country are nothing new.What's most interesting is people engaged in corrupt practices; particularly in high places get off Scot free.Scams after scams have hit our nations at different times but arm of law, however, long it may be can't reach the scamsters and if it at all touches them, they some how get off the hook.In recent times corruptions have taken dreadful proportions. Recently in a short span of time host of scams surfaced one after another. UPA govt was initially dragging its feet to take actions against the offenders but later it swung into action under duress.A.Raja,minister, Telecommunication, the most unfortunate guy in deed has been put behind the bar though normally a minister seldom faces such dishonour. Inquiries into other scams have been initiated perhaps only to find those involved in the offence are set free through the lacunae of the existing law.The people engineering scams normally roam in our society with their heads high and common men helplessly keep looking at them with pent-up rage.Govts time and again assure to deal with corruption in high places by passing Lokpal bill but the bill is yet see the light of the day in last 42 yrs for some reason or other.So the dishonest guys at the higher echelon of the administration keeps plundering the nation unabated and unscathed.

Recently a diminutive man clad in white dhoti and punjabi and sporting a Gandhi cap named Anna Hazare has declared crusade against corruption.Anna a social activist started fast unto death till Lokpal Bill was passed in parliament, of course with some modifications to eradicate corruption.Initially govt underestimated the strength of his movement but when people all over the country cutting across all sections of our society extended their whole hearted support to him and thousands of people gathered where Anna was observing his indefinite fast to express their solidarity with him and participated in fast too, govt could well realise the mood of the common people against corruptions.Anna simply inflamed the time long popular passion against the corruptions which have shown us in extremely poor light before the world.India is held aloft as one of the moist corrupt countries in the globe.Interestingly, perhaps little did Anna think when he started his fast unto death that he'd be almost swept away by such overwhelming popular support.Anna in reality ignited the inner rage of common people against corruption.Govt has ultimately conceded Anna's demand of passing the much talked-about Lokpal Bill.Anna has issued an ultimatum to the Prime minister that Lokpal Bill be passed in parliament by 15 August.In fact, Anna has postponed his agitation only as he's threatened he'd resume fast if govt back track on its promise.Anna knows there're people with vested interest in govt and political parties who'd try hard not to get the Lokpal Bill passed in parliament as they have been doing for last 42 years.These unholy forces have already started their nasty games again to befuddle the issue of corruption.But Anna is made of sterner stuff.He'd fight to the last and get the Bill passed as he enjoys the fullest support and confidence of the teeming million across the country.

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Poor Show!

I normally surf different channels mainly for their views on goings-on in electoral fray.Much to my dismay,I find no channel to dish out impartial views on political matter.In fact, they're biased and take sides with either ruling party or the opposition.Pehaps the channel is guided by the bussiness house that owns it.So far as I know your channel is owned by a political party.No wonder you'll make poll propaganda in favour of the party concerned.But quality of people whom you've recruited for this job are much below the mark.They're simply irritating and know not how to anchor a program or present views.So placement of views is dull and drab and in most cases irritatingly biased and extremely silly, let alone a semblance of intelligence is associated with it.One would wonder how these people with this level of intelligence could be journlists in electronic media.Even if your target viewers are mere villagers, they too would be obliged to switch off their TV sets in utter disgusts as foolishness too has its limits.The political party that reportedly owns your channel has not definitely run short of money, particularly before election. Then why don't you employ efficient people to run the show, if your soul aim is to burgeon vote bank by campaign in electronic media?

To Editor,TOI

Guiding Voters:
Dear Sir,
Thanks you've made the task of the voters much easier than ever before.You're thinking for them and apparently guiding 'em as to whom to vote.In fact, in this exercise fence sitters, who might determine results of polls, are more benefited than the others .You've made the task of the candidates contesting polls much easier too.You've taken field almost directly to campaign for a particular political party rather openly without any hide and seek or hypocrisy,what so ever.So you deserve full marks in honesty and integrity at least in this regard.You seem to have declared the party of your choice victorious even before the battle begins.As a national daily(never mind not calling it international) you've focused all your verve and zeal on a single issue, that is, to oust the ruling party from power in a none-too-big state like West Bengal.It's your added goodness that you spare much of space in your esteemed daily for a defacto regional party for days together.It's your noble endeavor to refurbish the image of the party you earnestly see to come out with flying coulours .But if the ruling parties have to combat the combined opposition of powerful adversaries like you and the political opponents it proves really tough to win election.Isn't it a stark reality?

Replacing Sourav as EC Ambassador!

Controversy never leaves Sourav Ganguli.Though initially unwilling, repeatedly requested by Election Commission to act as one of the Brand Ambassadors of EC along with Percussionist Bikram Ghosh to motivate electorate to exercise their franchise in the upcoming assembly polls Sourav ultimately agreed to do the job.But TMC objected to Sourav's inclusion on the ground of his closeness to ruling party and as a result EC got into an embarrassing situation.Sourav sensed unnecessary controversy cropping up and withdrew himself to protect him from further humiliation.EC has, however, engaged Indian skipper M.S.Dhoni and ex-Prez APJ Kalam in place of Sourav. It's really irony of fate for Sourav that he has been time and again dragged into unpleasant situation for no fault of his own.It's really pathetic.

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For Voters Only

In lighter vein:
(1)Privacy!
Candidate:Vote for me, I'd always be with you.
Voter:That's why we can't vote you.
Candidate:Why?
Voter:We'd have no privacy at all!

(2)Misrule!
Son: A TMC candidate claims people want to get rid of LF's misrule. Is it true, dad?
Dad: Yes, my son.They want TMC's Miss-rule.

(3)Walking!
Son:Why does Didi walk long distance on foot for poll campaign almost every day?
Dad: Didi's health conscious.She knows walking is a good exercise.

Writers' Trophy!

Twin wins
It was way back in 1983 India won ODI W.CUP under the captaincy of Kapildev.Now in 2011 India again lifted this trophy under the leadership of M.S.Dhoni after 28 yrs.Interestingly,it's also the same year like Dhonis, Didi's also is trying hard to wrest another prestigious trophy known as Writers' Trophy.This most valuable trophy transferred hands long way back in 1977.There after the recipient won it consecutively as many as seven times.In fact,Didi has been dreaming for winning this most coveted Trophy since she floated her new team in 1998.In 2001,however,Didi thought she'd surely win it but she was let down.This time Didi's quite confident her dream would come true and this confidence stems from her unexpectedly brilliant performances in earlier electoral matches.So we expect to celebrate twin wins in 2011-one by Dhoni and other by Didi. Remember in 1911 Mohun Bagan defeated the British football team in IFA Shield.11 is a lucky number for Indians.Hope, it'd be a lucky number for Didi too as Didi is an Indian to the core of her heart.

Just Smile

(1)Sagar syndrome
Son: Buddha tried hard to retain Nano factory at Singur but due to Didi’s agitation Tatas shifted it to Gujarat.
Dad: Yes, my son.
Son: But people routed Buddha in L.S polls and rewarded Didi with more seats. Why, dad?
Dad: It’s called people’s Sagar syndrome, my boy.
Son: What’s all about, dad?
Dad: Once someone reported to Vidyasagar that a man was calling him names. ‘I must have done him good’, replied Vidyasagar.
(2)A- begging
Man: Where’s your father?
Son: He’s gone out a-begging.
Man: He must have squandered away all his fortune by gambling.
Son: No. He’s amassed fortune rather .He’s contesting election and has now gone out to beg votes.
(3)Win-win:
Son: Both Didi and Buddha claim to win polls.
Dad: It’s what we call win win situation, my son.

Miss the catch, miss the match!

Cricket World cup Semi Final,2011:
Those who miss the catch miss the match.Result of W.Cup semifinal match between India and Pakistan has not mismatched this common saying.The way Sachin's catches were missed repeatedly he seemed to have been blessed with charmed life.Sachin's catches were dropped as many as 4 times at 27,43,70 and 81 runs respectively.If catches at 27 or 43 were not missed Pakistan could have own the match.But 'if's and 'but's are part and parcel of every game and they determine the fate of the game.Admittedly, luck has fafoured Sachin a lot and he's made it to the 'Man of the Match' and along with India's made to Final.Now is the time not to look back but only to look forward and strive hard to win W.Cup 2011.

Wikileaks!

1)Wiki leaks
Son: Dad, now many politicians are trembling in their shoes afraid of wiki leaks' disclosure about them in coming days.
Dad: Yes, my son.Soon in parliament debates on Wiki leaks' revelations would stop.

(2)Alliance with honour
Son: Dad, Congress clamoured for a respectable alliance with TMC.
Dad: Yes, my boy.
Son: Is it alliance with respect?
Dad: Yes, my son.It's an alliance to respect the High Command.

(3)Whom to vote?
Son: Dad, are you pro-changer or no-changer?
Dad: I'm always a pro-changer,my boy provided, of course, it's a change for the better!

Poll Prospect Of Congress In Bengal

Congress took more than three weeks to declare the names of the contestants in upcoming assembly election since the announcement of poll dates.But what's unfortunate the list has practically satisfied none.So now all hell has broken loose.Infighting among the Congress workers has started almost in every district.Workers from many constituencies are staging demonstrations at Pradesh Congress office for change of candidates.However, it's nothing new for Congress.Before each election almost similar things happen.What is worrying is this time resentment among congress activists is quite high.Many heavy weight Congress leaders have been denied tickets.At many places the disgruntled leaderships are fielding candidates to contest the official ones. Heavyweight leaders like Adhir Choudhury in Murshidabad and Shanker Singh in Nadia have declared rebellion openly.Again, some Congress workers at Murshidabad have reportedly burnt the pictures of Adhir Choudhury in protest. Congress party seems now to be in total disarray.SUCI, PDS and other small parties which were scheduled to form alliance with Cong and TMC are now forming a separate front which would plant candidates against Cong.It's really difficult for such a disintegrated and disunited party to fight an election.It's very likely the workers won't put in their whole hearted endeavour to see their candidates win.On the contrary they might sabotage the candidatures of their own party.However, things might apparently shape up at the last moment, but under current of discontent might flow and that would stand in the way of faring well in polls,.

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Trinomool-Congress Alliance

Regarding alliance between TMC and Cong in the upcoming assembly polls it happened what ought to have happened.Cong High command was in no mood to let the opportunity of dislodging the LF from power in Bengal go wasted.Her experiment proved unbelievably successful in Lok Sabha poll as the left fared very badly at the hustings.She didn't,however, interfere in seat sharing that failed in civic polls perhaps because it was beneath her dignity to intervene in petty matters like municipal elections where only 17% of the electorate particpate.Her aim is to cut to size the Left in national perspective.As wikileaks have revealed US often meddle in internal politics of our country perhaps cong High command's decision to help TMC oust Leftist govt in Bengal might be influenced by US suggestion.That apart, position of the scam ridden UPA govt at center is abjectly bad.Its relation with one of its largest allies DMK is more or less sour with scamster A. Raja behind the bar in 2G scam.So High Command can't afford to incur the displeasure of TMC supremo who might opt out of UPA govt to refurbish her image.UPA is now more a liability than an asset to her as being an ally of UPA she's to face the criticism made by the opposition.However, she's a stake as well.She can highlight her successes as rly minister of UPA in assembly poll camaign.But what's feared her claims of achievements might not be accepted by the opponents lying down.They'd point out the disparities between her tall claims and actual work done for which they've requisitioned privilege motion against her in parliament.There's another interesting point to mention is High command probably looks upon this alliance between TMC and her party as an opportunity to teach the Left a lesson for their abortive venture to pull down UPA-1 govt in collaboration with BJP on nuclear deal issue.What ever be the reasons Congress High command is trying her best to make the Left non- relevant in national politics.

Though Pradesh congress leaders are not at all happy over the way the alliance was forged.But Congress High command in fact is least interested to assuage their feelings in view of her single point program to clip the wings of the Left in national political scenario.It's true if TMC gets single party majority, Congress will play the role of subservience as second class citizen in the TMC-Cong led govt.Congress men will gradually switch their allegiance over to TMC and Congress will ultimately reduce to a sign-board party.So wait and watch what's in store for more-than-century old national party in our state.

In lighter vein only!

(1) Conspiracy:
Son: Why does Didi blame CPM too for failure in seat-sharing till date?
Dad: Didi's correct! There's conspiracy hatched by CPM.
Son: How?
Dad: With in a few days of announcement of election date CPM deliberately declared the list of candidates of LF and started poll campaign.
Son: So what?
Dad: Didi can't stay far behind.So she could not afford more time as asked by Congress to come to consensus in seat adjustment.

(2)Wind of change
Son: Do you think even now 'wind of change' is blowing as hard as during Lok Sabha Poll?
Dad: Definitely not, my son.It's nature of wind that its speed gradually subsides after blowing too fast.

(3)Majority
Son: Didi claims she'd get 2/3rds majority in the assembly poll.
Dad: It's her magnanimity she'd concede 1/3rd seats to others.

Horse-trading

UPA-2 is going through extremely bad patch of time.Scam after scam strikes it every other day.Now comes MP-purchase as revealed by Wiki Leak.However, horse trading is nothing new in parliamentary democracy, particularly in India. Interestingly, the amount is mind boggling-10 cores for each MP.Now as bribe taking has come to the fore, Govt should initiate an enquiry into the matter without wasting time and come clean.Pranab Mukherjee's contention that' what happened in 14th Lok Sabha can't be decided in the 15 th' is not only over simplification of the matter but is immoral too.Crime is crime whenever detected and it warrants prob and punishment.

Smashing a Lofty Ball!

It's simply idiocy to ban any drama or song or poem and for that matter any form of art as because it delivers some message that you think is prejudicial to your ideology.In fact to strangle a dissenting voice proves always counter productive and helps that voice itself.In fact ,by preventing to stage the drama Pasukhamar(dramatization in Bengali of Animal Farm, the most widely read book of Gorge Orwell) the administration, though it's now under total control of Election Commission, has put the ruling party, particularly CPM, on back foot before election as Rupchand Pal,a high profile leader of CPM, applied to the administration to stop staging the drama.However,local administration claimed they didn't permit to enact the drama on technical ground only and not on the request of Rupchand Pal.Chief Minister has openly disapproved of such action like prevention of staging any drama.But it's difficult to control the damage done by Rupchand Pal.As the election is near at hand the anti-LF lobby is up in arms against the 'govt's policy to gag voice of dissent'.If you make mistake, that too before election, must you pay price for it.If you give your opponent a lofty ball at net, he must smash it.Pity for LF!

In lighter vein only!

(1)Prac exam in pol.sc.:
Son: Dad,two groups of students are fighting with each other in the college campus in our locality even in presence of police.
Dad: Don't be afraid, my son!Students are only taking practical exams in their political science papers.Men in uniform whom you mistake for police are, in fact, acting as external examiners.

(2) Political Tsunami:
Son: Dad, a leader of a political party says tsunami is going to hit our state soon.
Dad: Don't worry.What he refers to is political tsunami, my boy.
Son: Still I'm afraid, dad.
Dad: Why, my boy?
Son: As after effect of a tsunami is always bad.

(3) Bargain:
Son: How many seats do you think Didi would concede to Congress?
Dad: Not more than 62 seats,I presume.
Son: See, congress demanded 98 seats at the out set.
Dad: Visit market places,you'd see women are better bargainers than men.
Son: Then no. of seats for cong could be increased if Sonia Gandhi directly participate in bargaining.

Playing second fiddle!

Perhaps Didi's not going to award more than 60 seats to Congress in assembly poll for contest. Congress has demanded 98 seats which they also know TMC supremo would never concede to them.But perhaps it's humiliating for them to settle at 60 and so they're clamouring for respectful alliance.However, respect would ever elude Congress till it emerges as a powerful force to reckon with in state politics.Had the political situation now prevailing been akin to that during Lok Sabha polls,Didi did not dither to go alone.In last few months situation has changed in favour of the Left.So Didi perhaps feels it's not prudent to contest alone.So she's sparing time to forge alliance with congress.However, even if there's alliance which is likely to ultimately shape up and TMC-Cong combine wins power, even then Congress won't expect respect from its ally if it(TMC) secures majority alone.Congress will have to play t second fiddle to TMC in Did's cabinet.

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Going Alone!

Wind of change is not at present blowing that hard as it did during last Lok Sabha and civic polls.It's much abated and LF's regained its lost ground to a considerable extent.It might be due some populist measures adopted by the govt.TMC have also contributed to some extent to the turn-around of LF.Its dismal performances at Zila Parisads at N- and S- 24- Parganas have disappointed voters in general.TMC supremo as rly minister is not successful either despite introduction of large number of trains and opening of innumerable computerized reservation centers.In fact her announcement of a large number projects has appeared to be too-good-to-be-true to voters.People have come to learn also the pathetic financial position of rlys.So they believe many of the projects declared will never see the light of the day and are mere election gimmicks.Again,TMC supremo's alleged hobnobbing with the Maoists whom the PM considers the greatest internal threat to the nation is also looked upon by many as political opportunism to wrest state power by any means.Nevertheless, this time,TMC has a fair chance to dislodge LF from power if they make alliance with Congress.However,if it goes alone it might miss the bus.

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Self- immolation!

It's really very shocking a young man in his thirties has had recourse to self immolation for some reason or other.What's no less shocking is the way a political party tried hard to hush up the incident and project it as an incidence of no consequence.A responsible member of the opposition hastened to say even without primary investigation that the man was mentally deranged and so there was nothing to clamour about the incident.Such an off-the- cuff remark is really unfortunate.On the other hand, it's equally sad some poltical parties are trying their best to derive a political mileage from this tragic issue particularly before election .It's not exactly as yet known why the man resorted to such an extreme step to end his life.However,contrary to Opposition leader's apparent conviction that the man is mentally ill,people of his locality and his dear and near ones have certified the man as normal and is in the bargain of philanthropic disposition.Though he's a TMC activist but he's very popular to all cutting across party line.Some say he went to Mamata's to report to her rly forms are being sold in her name for employments but he could't meet her as she was in Delhi.Out of frustration he doused him with kerosene from a jar and put fire to it near Mamata's house.Such an explanation is too naive and can't be believed.But as kerosene was with him, he went to Mamata's prepared for self immolation.Why did he take such an extreme step?It's a very difficult question-so queer is the human psychology!He's now battling with death at hospital and let us pray for his recovery.Only he can answer this million dollar question.

Perverse Presentation!

About a news TV Channel:
The way you're almost barracking a particular political party at every step and on the other hand brokering for its opponent is really shocking.You've made your channel almost a party organ.To serve your end you present news the way that practically panders to bad taste.Even the staunch supporter of a the party you betrays your tilt to would not perhaps approve of your endeavor.In fact, a sensible and knowledgeable viewer with any political affiliation would feel sorry to see how low a news channel can stoop.Unfortunately, all regional channels are more or less biased.They support either ruling party or the opposition.However,many of them do it in a very subtle way.But what's most irritating, you do it in a very crude way, if not bordering on giving a go-by to all decency and decorum.Now though honest and unbiased journalism is a myth and news are allegedly often paid the journalism you indulge in is not as yet happily very common either.Thank you.

Poll-vault

(1)Chief Minister:

Son: Didi’s not contesting assembly election.

Dad: Yes, my son.

Son: But, why dad?

Dad: If she contests election, she’ll have to be projected as next Chief Minister.

Son: What’s wrong in it? It’s a fact.

Dad: May be .But she hates Buddha and for that matter the post he holds .



(2)Poly phase elections:

Son: Why will elections be held in our state for so many days while it’s One-day or two-day affairs in other states?

Dad: Simple. Election Commission feels relaxed in our state and dare hold polls in leisurely manner over a couple of days unlike in other states.

(3) 8th LF government:

Son: Do you think 8th LF govt would be formed this time?

Dad: Perhaps not.

Son: Why, dad?

Dad: The Left is tired of governance .They need rest for some time provided Didi agrees to sanction it.

Willy nilly

Corruption,the order of the day!
In our country when a scam comes to the surface-normally it's unearthed by media- efforts are made to cover it up as Kapil Sibal has unashamedly done in case of 2G spectrum scam.But as media go on clamouring about it govt find no alternative other than initiating an inquiry into it at least willy nilly.The inquiry in such cases is an endless process as host of people are involved along with the main beneficiary. People ultimately forget about it and a new scam overtakes them.Not any effort is made by the administration to make the results of the scam public either.So nobody would know the fate of A.Raja after the probe is complete and by this time some other celebrity involved in a scam would engage their attention.Scams are too common in our country but perhaps equally uncommon are the instances of persons involved in scams being awarded punishments.So India has left a host of countries behind in the international scale of corruption.

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General Budget-2011

It's customary for the opposition to criticize general budget and the ruling party to eulogize it.So it's futile to ask P. Chidambaram to make comments on the budge or call upon Susama Swaraj or Gurudas Dasgupta to spell out their over all impression about it.Economists too differ in their opinion either.Some say the budget is more or less pro-people and others say it is not.Common people in general are only confused.They can't make out if the politicians simply criticize or laud the budget out of political compulsion.They can't realise the nitty gritty of the budget the economists discuss in print or electronic media either. However, after some time they could at least understand they've hardly anything to gain from the budget except the message that they should get prepared for harder days lying ahead.

However,only the fortunate few who pay income tax are marginally benefited in the budget for change in the slabs of income tax.In the present budget the finance minister has done a commendable job for elderly people by lowering the qualifying age from 65 to 60 for enjoying income tax benefit.In every sphere of conceding relaxation to senior citizens 60yrs is considered the eligible age but for some unknown reasons 65yr was the age to enable an elderly man to have concession in income tax .Govt could not answer why such a disparity existed.Any way, it's better late than never.

Once again,to ordinary man budget doesn't appear that important as it's to people at higher echelon of the society.The middle class people are endowed with the fringe benefits only as mentioned.So while the people at the lower rung of the society suffer in silence, the higher ups represent face of shining India as wished by almost all finance ministers.

Rly budget & role of Press

Press and politicians together can confuse and misguide people the way they like to.Common people naively believes what they say.Most of the ordinary people have neither time nor temperament to read between the lines what the politicians spell out to achieve their end.Unfortunately a section of press unashamedly help the politicians in this regard.Rly minister's wish fulfilling(Kalpataru) or dream budget particularly in view of hard financial constraints Rlys are now passing through is deliberately presented in a section of press as one that deserves all praise. Most of the projects incorporated in the budget would never see the light of the day for lack of funds.Performance of the preceding years in this regard bear testimony to what is feared.Rly minister is also aware of such fate for many of her proposals.It's also known to Prime minister and finance minister too.But they're all praise for the budget.This is all play acting to hoodwink gullible public.Rly minister knows well there's a fair chance of her being chief minister and then she'll have the opportunity of shrugging off all responsibilities of implementing the budget proposals.So open the flood gate of proposals in the budget at your heart's content.Thank you.

On The Brink Of Bankruptcy

Pre-rly budget review:
It's true most of the trains, particularly Durantas, introduced by Mamata Banerjee have been very popular among people.So are the computerized reservation counters.But the amenities provided to passengers are regrettably far from satisfactory.In this sphere much is left to be done and passengers are highly critical of travails they've to face during travel.The less said about her other promises , the better. What's most alarming is her luke warm attitude to the safety and security of railways which deserve first priority.So in her regime there have been record number of accidents in rlys.In fact she's been prisoners of her populist attitude and impulse to do large number of things in the shortest possible time to showcase her ability as an able administrator to burgeon her vote bank.No noble thing can be done by humbug.Rlyways have to bear the brunt of her short sightedness and rashness as well. It's now on the brink of bankruptcy, which has never happened before.Today also she'd announce a plethora of new proposals in her budget speech with an eye to the assembly election in the offing.What's unfortunate a section of press is unashamedly brokering for her and pampering her nakedly.

Mamata & Foreign Press

The foreign press which is primarily staunch anti left is eager to see the fall of LF govt in Bengal.To them it's the wonder of wonders as to how a LF govt can survive for as many as 35 yrs(if the govt really falls this time) in a pocket of a vast subcontinent that essentially follows rightists' ideology.Why did people elect the govt for seven times consecutively?Perhaps it's no parallel in history of Parliamentary democracy.Mamata Banerjee's politics are in fact based on negativity bereft of any ideology or program, whatsoever, except an ardent efforts of coming to power by any means.As a personality she's nothing extraordinary to gravitate foreign press either.Perhaps what interests American press is her possibility of being an instrumental in fall of extraordinarily long lasting anti American Left Front govt in Bengal(if it at all so happens).It's natural for anti-American stance LF is an eyesore to American press and for exactly the opposite reason,that's for anti Left stance, Mamata Banerjee stands out as favourite to them.So NY Times heaves praise on Mamata Banerjee for her enormous zeal and doggedness to oust Left forces from the seat of power, though her party is ideologically a bankrupt one.

Eve teasing

There's sudden spurt of eve teasing at different parts of the state.The tragic incident at Barasat, as it were, has opened the can of worms.In fact, incidents of teasing women are taking place everyday and almost everywhere. They go unnoticed as the victims feel shy of making it public or reporting it to police.In most cases they suffer in silence or have taken this social evil in their stride.Many think it's part of their life or they're destined to be treated this way by their male counter part.These ugly incidents come to light only when the offenders blatantly cross the limit or the victim is courageous enough to register protest against the display of the bestial instinct of man.In work place too women are more often than not subjected to sexual harassment.It's also a form of eve teasing.Pathetically in our male dominated society women often fail to receive the respect they deserve.

Eve teasers are obviously a perverted lot.Many of them are hardened criminals too.They react vehemently when they're challenged.Like the Barasat boy there're instances of being brutally assaulted and killed by the eve teasers when one ventured to protest against their wrong doings.So when a helpless woman fall prey to eve teasers' lewd comments or even an attempt to harass her physically hardly people dare stand by her.In such cases police too normally remain mere on lookers.Eve teasers even didn't spare the police surgeon Bapi Sen and mercilessly beat him to death. But would we allow the nasty practice of eve teasing continue unabated and unopposed?Would we allow some people with mental aberration and perversion hold sway in our society?Definitely not.We would collectively protest against eve teasing and mount pressure on the administration to act properly and take appropriate action against the act of outraging the modesty of women by the eve teasers.

Now Jadavpore Sisters!

In the wake of eve teasing incident of Barasat where Rajib fell prey to eve teasers and was brutally murdered while he was escorting his sister home from Barasat rly station at midnight another incident of eve teasing took place at Jadavpore where the culprits not only misbehaved with two sisters but also went on rampage at their residence and roughed up the inmates of the house.Police arrested the miscreants, though very reluctantly, and much to every body's surprise they were released on bail almost immediately after arrest.In fact police framed the case in such a manner court could not but grant them bail without delay.Offence perpetrated by the culprits should have constituted a non-bailable case but police presented it under bailable section of law for reasons best known to them.It's likely there must be some foul play some where in the present case,which warrants attention of the appropriate authority so that victims get natural justice.

Barasat Boy

It's no wonder that political parties fell over board like vultures on the dead body of the Barasat boy killed by drunken ruffians while escorting his elder sister home from railway station at mid night for petty political gain.It's also no wonder some political leaders of the opposition claimed they came to the boy's home much earlier than the Chief minister and also claimed the slain boy was their party comrade who gave his life to save the modesty of his sister only inspired by the ideals of TMC supremo.Such histrionics or calculated hysteria of the political parties might serve as a comic relief even in such gruesome and tragic circumstances.Thanks to people of Barasat, they have called the bluff and unswayed by crocodile tears shed by political personalities refused to entertain them in special way and did the last rites themselves.

To Editor,TOI about Brigrade Rally

Thank you for your 'unashamed' attempt to play down the massive Brigade rally of the Left Front day before yesterday in your report(Jan 13) on this event.Thank you that you did make room for the photograph of the rally at least at the corner of the front page though apparently very reluctantly as it strains one's eyes to have an impression of the massiveness of the gathering.Tenor of the report your scribe wrote about the rally giving go-by to honest journalism altogether did echo what Didi said about this unprecedented gathering.She pooh poohed the rally as farewell ceremony of the Left Front .You also deserve thanks for your invention that rallies arranged by political parties are all spontaneous and no vehicular traffics are used to bring the people to the rally site.In Didi's rallies perhaps people come on their own and no automobile is pressed into service to bring the supporters to rally.What appears conspicuous is your biased attitude that honest journalism veritably abhors. As a discerning reader one finds you've betrayed your tilt to a particular political party whose interest you've been seemingly vindicating for reasons best known to you.

Please don't lose heart. Such a mammoth rally is only a moral booster to the Left and it has hardly any bearing with ballot box.Rest assured Didi'd come to power belying all speculations.

Worst of Times!

It's the worst of times for Bengal.The hills are burning,violence rules the roost at many places of planes.Our state is facing the threat of division again.Assembly election is near at hand.Political parties including the chief opposition are busy engaging themselves attacking the govt instead of unitedly attacking those indulging the division of the state.Center is reluctant to sending forces to the hills to curb violence.Forces are lifted out of Jungalmahal and sent to the hills making it vulnerable to Maoists' menace .It's high time good senses could prevail upon all political parties to combat the prevailing crisis of the state instead of delving into blame game for political mileage.

Call it a day!

It’s high time Sourav Ganguli could call it quits from IPL fray. He should have done it much earlier when he had no takers during IPL auction. It was a sheer humiliation for a player of his stature. It bitterly hurts his fans and admirers when he’s found looking for a stray chance coming up for him to play in IPL. Sad, he’s at the bare mercy of the franchisees’ agreeing to filing no objection to his inclusion in Kochi team. Unfortunately, some of the franchisees have reportedly objected to such proposition. It’s really shocking to see the Prnce of Kolkata begging for a berth in an IPL team.It’s no denying the fact Sourav is one of the most shabbily treated cricketers ever born in India, if not in the world. No cricketer has suffered so much of humiliation in cricket for non-cricketing reasons. Nor has any cricketer like Sourav ever turned around and awarded a fitting reply to injustice meted out to him. However, enough is enough. We like to see an end to the suffering of the tragic hero of Indian Cricket.

Written 3 days ago

Mamata Banerjee and Railway Projects

No Rly minister has ever declared so many projects for Bengal as Mamata Banerjee has done. Railways normally offer priorities to matters like introduction of new trains, improvement of infrastructure, betterment of maintenance work, enhancement of passengers’ amenities etc.But Mamata Banerjee has gone out of the way and extended her attention to making of hospitals, schools, factories, business hubs, sporting complexes, auditoria and many other activities too. Almost daily Railways splash full-page ads in leading dailies announcing mostly laying of foundation stones and sometimes inauguration of new projects by Miss Banerjee. She introduces new trains and opens computerized reservation counters at regular intervals. It’s no doubt true newly introduced trains have benefited a lot of people and so are the newly opened computerized reservation counters. But it’s difficult to pronounce judgment on the projects whose foundation stones have just been laid. Some critics of Rly. minister argue many of the announced projects would never see the light of the day as Railway coffers have run dry. Many even say a lot of projects are being announced without caring for availability of funds only to woo voters. These statements might be taken as malicious and politically motivated to discredit and malign the TMC supremo.But it’s no denying the fact the money required to implement the projects already declared, let alone those in the pipeline, has reached astronomical figure and it’s difficult to imagine where the money will come from particularly when precious little has been done to enhance the revenues of Railways. So even by common sense the situation is not as rosy as it’s shown. However, if Mamata Banerjee becomes the Chief minister, she might wash her hands of the projects . Perhaps it’s her game plan and there’s nothing unfair in politics as in war.

Smile!

(1)Height of innocence!
Son: We need many more banks in our country, dad..
Dad: Why, my boy?
Son: As many people deposit money in foreign banks.
Dad: Yes, my dear.

(2)Distinction!
Q.What’s the difference between Eden gardens and Garden of Eden?
Ans.One goes to Eden gardens for love of sports but Garden of Eden is meant for sports of love.

(3)Gory Uncertainty!
Son: Dad, we were kept guessing from dawn to dusk and expected ICC would allow more time. But unfortunately venue for the first match of W.Cup,2011 was shifted to B’lore.
Dad: Never mind my son. Cricket is always a game of uncertainty.

In Lighter Vein !

(1) Black Money
Son: Dad, what’s black money?
Dad: It’s unaccounted money, my boy.
Son: What’s unaccounted money, dad?
Dad: If you don’t pay tax on your taxable income
it becomes unaccounted money. It’s a crime to evade tax, my son.
Son: Dad do you pay tax on your income from tuition?
Dad: No, my boy.
Son: Then it’s a crime, dad.
Dad: No, my son.
Son: Why, dad?
Dad: Guardians have already paid taxes on the money they pay me as tuition fees, my boy.

(2) Black Marketers
Son: Jawaharlal Nehru, the 1st Prime minister of our country promised to hang black marketers at the lamp posts. But he didn’t keep his promise.
Dad: It was not his fault, my son.
Son: Why?
Dad: Just after independence there were fewer power generating stations and and so were very few lampposts, my boy.

(3) Eden
Son: ICC’s disqualified Eden Gardens as a venue for Cricket W.Cup 2011.
Dad: Yes, my son. CAB’s failed to prepare Eden to hold the scheduled match as yet.Much work is left to be done.
Son: ICC’s done injustice to CAB, my Dad.
Dad: Why, my boy?
Son: Instead of declaring Eden unfit for W. Cup, ICC could have requested Suresh Kalmadi to finish the unfinished work in due time.

Apparently No Way-out!

Central govt is making all-out efforts to combat and contain Maoist menace. According to Prime minister Monmohan Singh Maoists are the greatest internal threat to the nation. Maoist infested states are awarded all-out help to fight Maoism. Maoists don’t believe in ballots, they believe in bullets to capture state power. Their aim is to free the poor and the downtrodden from the shackle of exploitation by the bourgeois system and ameliorate the subhuman condition they are now living in. No doubt they are guided by a noble purpose and all sensible men must stand by them in this respect. Only where people differ from them is their means of achieving this end. No well meaning people want violence, they opt for peaceful means. But in reality the plight of the poor is going from bad to worse in our ‘peaceful system’, the gap between the rich and the poor is increasingly widening. Again, in Maoists’ battle to achieve equality and prosperity of the poor, it’s the poor who are falling prey to the bullets. Senseless violence and killing hold sway. Can it ever serve the purpose of reaching the noble goal of the Maoists to improve the lot of the downtrodden? Perhaps not. Then what is the way out? How can we at least minimize the burgeoning social disparity and do good to the poor? We’re in fact confused and apparently find no escape route. So we sometimes happen to ventilate our soft corner for the Maoists more from our pent-up rage against social inequality than from rationality. Such feelings are accentuated when a man like Binayak Sen has to suffer behind the bar for his noble attempt to stand by the suffering humanity.

How Long?

The grave concern expressed by the Chief election commissioner about the law and order situation of the state is true and genuine. All well meaning people will fully share his view. Any attempt from any corner to criticize his view as one prodded by political motivation would be unjust and biased. Some raise the question of constitutional propriety in this matter but that too is not a well conceived view. Now what’s necessary is restore law and order and stop senseless killing particularly at sensitive and violence prone areas by any means. The concept that law and order is constitutionally a state subject sounds meaningless when state machinery fail to protect people’s lives for some reason or other. Of course, state can’t be unilaterally blamed for its failure to maintain law and order either. In a democratic set –up govt alone can’t maintain peace and tranquility unless the opposition extend their whole hearted co-operation. Unfortunately, in our state the ruling party and opposition are always at loggerheads . What’s most shocking they’re not even on speaking terms. It might sound bizarre that here the opposition leaders have been advised by their party supremo not to share dais with any member of the ruling party but it's absolutely true and party’s declared policy. So its no wonder any all party meet convened by the ruling party is scrupulously boycotted by the chief opposition. Developmental activities in the state have become casualty of this senseless non-cooperation. Had the ruling and the chief opposition parties sat together the present law and order situation could have improved a lot. But that’s destined not to be and our ill-fated state would continue to suffer and no body knows how long.

Going Global

Mamata Banerjee has rightly fascinated the reporter of New York Times(TOI 16 Dec) for
her sustained efforts and doggedness to over throw the Leftist govt from a pocket of Indian subcontinent after its unbelievable 34 yrs of governance based on popular consent.Stubornly anti-American Left govt’s ouster might pose a pleasant surprise to NYT scribe His interest in Miss Banerjee’s political activities is not misplaced in other senses either. Her anti land acquisition movement that began from obscure places like Singur and Nandigram has now rocked the entire nation. Wherever land is going to be procured for public or private purposes for people’s benefit land owners start agitation in Singur like way. As a result developmental activities grind to a halt. History will ever remember Miss Banerjee at least for her anti-land grab movement as procurement of land is a global phenomenon. So she rightly deserves to go global in newsworthiness.

Home Truth

War Of letters:
Hardly ever a letter from Center to a state has created such a ruckus in state’s politics as Chidambaram’s letter has done. Content of the letter got leaked to press even before it reached the state govt after inordinate delay. The letter was claimed to be highly confidential in some quarters but it was sent by speed post in ordinary way mingled with other mails while it’s customary to send such letters by courier. Perhaps, Center did not attach that importance to this letter as the state did. It’s an open secret Chidambaram had to issue such a letter more out of political compulsion rather than anything else. In the face of TMC supremo’s threat to quit UPA what else the Center can do other than taking the state govt to task to save its govt as TMC is an important ally to reckon with so far as its stability is concerned? What has shown Chidambaram, who has a reputation as a perfect gentleman politician, in poor light is use of word like ‘Harmad’.It definitely smacks of his bad taste. However, some even surmised the letter was not drafted by Chidambaram himself but as it contained his signature he can’t disown the onus of what was objectionable in his letter .
Buddhadeb Bhattacherjee, however, had taken care that his rejoinder to Chidambaram was not leaked before it reached him and made it public only after home department acknowledged the receipt of the letter. Content of CM’s letter was precise and more or less matter-of-factly.He, however, made no bones about his reservation against the leakage of the letter before it reached him and use of word like Harmads. However, Chidambaram in his rejoinder scuttled the ‘Harmads’ issue but stuck to his gun against CM over his allegation about presence of armed camps of CPM in Jungalmahal.He also invited CM to Delhi for discussion on this issue. However, in another letter Chidambaram defended the use of ‘Harmad’ claiming it a common parlance in the political lexicon of the state.CM vehemently opposed it again and accused him of being mum over Trinomool-Maoist pact when Center claims Maoists are the greatest internal menace to the nation.Incidentally,CM did neither deny nor confirm the presence of armed camps of CPM at Jungalmahal.

Chidambaram has not yet refuted the allegation made against Trinomool about their rapport with the Maoists, Nor has CM clarified if armed camps of CPM are there at Jungalmahal.Now it’s all quiet on Chidambaram’s front Apparently, both sides have called it a day. It’s really difficult to categorically deny the charges they’ve leveled against each other.

Chidambaram's Letter

Home minister P.Chidambaram’s letter that’s yet to reach Chief minister Buddhadeb Bhattacherjee is no shot in the arm of Trinomool as construed upon in some political circles. Some, however, challenge the veracity of the letter as it’s not reached CM even after three days and the language used in the letter particularly ‘Harmads’ does not fit in with Chidambaram’s perfectly gentlemanly style of writing. However, even if the letter is written by Chidambaram, it’s the political compulsion that prompted him to write it. The threat of Mamata Banerjee to quit UPA in the event Central govt continues to ignore their complaints repeatedly made against state govt regarding law and order problem and misuse of joint forces at Jungalmahal has worried Chidambaram a lot particularly when Center is not very comfortable in the face abnormal price hike through out the country and one mind-boggling scam after another unfolding itself almost each day. To pacify TMC supremo who has constituted the second largest ally of UPA govt Chidambaram has perhaps written such a letter to CM.But whatever be the content and tone of the letter home minister is unlikely to take any action against the state govt as it’s neither politically prudent nor constitutionally viable for Center to embark upon any such step particularly when the assembly elections are near at hand.

Shrugging off stigma!

Homeopathy: Staunch critics of Homeopathy often say ‘Who has nowhere to go, goes to an homeopath’. They mean when a man can’t afford any other treatment, try their luck with an homeopath. Perhaps homeopathy has to suffer such humiliation or adverse criticism because modern sciences can’t explain how it works. But in practice it’s found to cure many diseases that can’t be even cured by other conventional therapies. Many times it works wonder. Still critics don’t relent. Some even call it faith healing. In many developed countries practice of homeopathy has been banned. But is it the fault of the this therapy that tenets of modern sciences can’t explain how it works? Or isn’t it the other way round? It’s the limitations of modern sciences that it can’t explain the working principle of homeopathy?

One argument is often put forward against homeopathy is that here medicines are potentised by dilution and in an extremely dilute solution starting material is expected to remain virtually absent. So then how can the medicine work? But recently Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay has established homeopathy medicines work on the basis of nanotechnology. Here researchers have shown even extremely diluted solution of homeopathic remedies contains measurable amounts of starting material. So now homeopathy can shrug off its stigma that its working principle can’t be interpreted by modern sciences.

La Miserable!

The whole episode seems unbelievable.Can a teacher ask for a laptop from his pupil to promote him to higher class? Yes it did happen in no less an elite school than La Martiniere for boys at Kolkata.Sanjay Smart, class teacher of 11-yr old Srijan Banerjee allegedly asked his father for a laptop to promote him to class V. Sujan’s father did not oblige Smart and as a result the boy was expelled from school.Sujan’s father is not a man to surrender to such black mail. He dragged the matter to court and high court gave verdict in favour of Sujan. It asked La Mart to take back Sujan to school and promote him to class V.Unfazed school authority contested the HC order at Supreme court. The apex court upheld the HC’s verdict and asked La Mart to lift expulsion order and promote Sujan to higher class. School did implement SC’s order.

The above episode might raise many unsavoury questions in people’s mind. Is it a common practice in many elite schools to bribe teachers for promotion of their wards? If not, why did school authority punish Sujan in stead of the teacher who allegedly asked for bribe from the boy’s father. School authority could have at least initiated an enquiry into this matter. On the other hand authority went to the extent of going to the apex court to defend the errant teacher. Such an instance is bound to send shock wave to the teaching and students’ community as well.

A Withering State

Perhaps now West Bengal stands out as the most unfortunate state in our country. Despite resources and opportunities Bengal is gradually lagging behind . This setback can be attributed to unique political scenario prevailing here. To start with the ruling party made serious efforts to advance the state through industrialization which is in fact the need of the hour for employment generation. There was nothing wrong in it. But what stood in the way was the govt’s unnecessary hurriedness to bring about the change and not to take the opposition in to confidence in this regard. It did it as it enjoyed the brute majority reducing the opposition to microscopic minority. It tried to go alone as if opposition was a non-entity.

After land reform in Bengal small land owners who once tilled in other’s lands developed emotional attachment to land. This attachment was much intense with those who’ve multicrop land in particular. For them to lose land is as good as losing near and dear ones.Incidentally, in Bengal most of the land is cultivable. Govt failed to understand procurement of land was a very sensitive issue. It requires time and patience to convince the farmers that they’d be ultimately benefited if they part with their land.Govt, however, could not afford to spend that amount of time lest the delay could help the other states to attract the entrepreneurs. So in many cases land was forcefully procured against the will of the farmers. Land thus procured included multi crop land also. The opposition, particularly Trinomool Congress made this acquisition of land against the farmers’ will a big issue and started anti-land acquisition movement in a big way. The land movement awarded TMC unexpected popular support. They got back sufficiently firm land under their feet to stand on and threw challenge to the govt against land acquisition. Enthused by their unbelievable success TMC devoted whole heartedly to organize farmers against acquisition of land, whatever be the purpose of acquisition . So all developmental activities that needed land did grind to a halt. What’s most unfortunate Tatas shifted its automobile factory from Singur to Gujarat in the face of political turmoil even after near completion of the project. What’s worse TMC embarked upon policy of non-cooperation with the govt and they were not on speaking terms with any member of the ruling party. Perhaps such a situation has never cropped up in any state of our country.

Now opposition has directed its attention to Rajarhat Newtown, recently named Jyoti Basu Nagar.TMC’s started movement in the same fashion as in Singur and Nandigram.Their bone of contention is that land has been forcefully grabbed from poor people at Rajarhat at unjustified price to make the township. Now at Rajarhat IT hub Wipro is going to establish its second unit after one at Salt Lake City and Infosysis has been allotted land to open their unit. These new establishments would generate a large number of employments. One might fear such political agitations would stand in the IT giants’ way of establishing their units as it happened with Tatas at Singur.What’s unfortunate the opposition could have sorted out their grievances simply by negotiation with the govt in stead of launching agitation. This land acquisition issue has in fact stalled all developmental work in the state. It’s not spared the TMC supremo too. At Sankrail, Howrah construction of a railway factory has halted in the face of anti land procurement movement by her own party. In the event TMC comes to power and the Left parties resist procurement of land at each and every step, where would this poor state go? It’s high time all parties could pause and ponder over this issue and behave sensibly at least in the interest of the state.

Corruption begins at home!

To indulge in corrupt practices has been the way of our life. Perhaps no body brothers about it now a days. For people at all places corruption is their prerogative. Majority of our MPs are corepaties and their declared assets enhance many fold in each election compared to earlier one. No body questions how their wealth burgeons in such unusual way. Nor they care to hide their wealth. On the contrary they vie with others in flaunting wealth. Recently an MP hired an entire train for carrying invitees to the marriage party of his son. Administration won’t bother to enquire how the MP concerned has amassed so much of money. In majority of cases people in power have wealth which is glaringly disproportionate with their income. A minor scrutiny might unearth their dubious source of income. But who’ll do this precious job? There prevails an unholy nexus among the custodians of law and justice and perpetrators of malpractices. So corruption has pervaded all strata of our society. Imagine a professor of IIT Kharagpur who happens to be the chief of the vigilance committee too was running a parallel institute for years at the campus illegally and was fleecing unsuspecting students hefty fees. It’s been also revealed other reputed teachers of the institute also joined the fray. The main accused is now suspended and an enquiry is going on. Recently a renowned doctor heading the inspection team awarded affiliation to a substandard medical college at the cost of 2 crores of rupees. The doctor is also suspended and enquiry has been initiated. These are only a handful of cases where probe is being made and in other cases wrong doers generally get scot free. Big scam involving mind boggling amount of money is unfolded almost every day. Scam in miniature form starts at grass root levels and at later stage it ramifies and take dreadful proportion. So miniscams at lower levels must not be ignored to ensure minimizing corruptions at higher levels. Now corruptions have been so very rampant, who will stem the rot?

RSVP!

English people earlier posted an abbreviation RSVP at the end of invitation letter.RSVP is in fact an abbreviated form of French words which in simple English mean reply if you please.RSVP is supposed to serve a very useful purpose if the guests cooperate with the host by informing him if he’d be able to attend the party. It helps the host make almost exact head count and make arrangement of food accordingly.It’d also minimize wastage of food due to guests’ failure to attend the function. In Indian culture , of course, guests are only cordially invited to the party and never are they asked to speak their mind if they’d be able to be present at the party. In fact, it’s feared the guest might take exception if such a question is put to him. However, some people on their own spell out their inability to attend the party on the appointed day for some reason or other. But majority of the invited guests remain silent in this regard or think it not proper to say their ‘inability’ to the face of the guests. However, sometimes the host can read the invitees’ mind from body language .In general, the guests need to speculate how many invitees would attend the function .The more precise is the speculation, the less will be the wastage of food or hassles to preserve the surplus food for distribution among the next door neighours.Some times food rots and it has to be thrown in the dustbin. It’s really a criminal offence to waste food in this manner in a country where the majority of people can’t make both ends meet. That apart, it means wastage of money for the host. Sometimes loss of money runs into thousands. I know, in a wedding feast 400 people were invited but only 200 odd guests attended the party. Now imagine the predicament of the host. Only way to wriggle out of such intriguing situation is to launch a social campaign to motivate invitees to let the host know if they’d be able to attend the party so that host could have a rough estimate of food he should keep ready for the guests to avoid wastage.

Protocol

It’s controversy hovering around acquisition of land that has given Mamata a secured and firm land to stand on in politics. So Mamata can’t afford to let any opportunity on land issue that might pay her dividend go wasted. Hence after spectacular successes in Singer and Nandigram she turned her attention to Rajarhat township, now christened Jyoti Basu Nagar.The township is based on vast tract of land. So it’s not difficult to allege even off the cuff that at this township in many cases land was acquired forcefully or by other dubious means as in Singer or Nandigram.There might be many takers of such arbitrary allegations and the administration could be put on the spot. But Mamata’s allegations were strongly challenged by the housing minister Goutam Dev himself and refuted many of them with relevant documents. He also asked Mamata to answer some of his questions and kept the ball rolling in her court. Here happened a very interesting thing that people never came across in our state.Mamata refused to answer Goutam’s queries on the ground that she belongs to ‘ grade’ that is superior to his in administration. Perhaps now on TMC supremo would ask his men to strictly follow ‘gradation’ system introduced by her while giving answer to some one in ruling party or even in her ally. Mercifully, this newly initiated protocol won’t work in direct conversation between the ruling and opposition parties as they’re not on speaking terms with each other. It’ll come into effect only in answering allegations and counter allegations only. For cadres, however, it’s hand that speaks more than tongue.

Unwarranted Critcism Of Mayor

Opposition unnecessarily grudge Mayor for having 5 cars.In fact the number is much fewer than necessary.Our Mayor is the most democratic one the KMC has ever had.He's 100-odd advisers who're mostly City's luminiaries in their respective spheres.Mayor infact run the civic administration acting upon their valued advice and blessings.He's to engage the cars to bring these celebreties to KMC for interaction whenever necessary.So imagine how many cars he actually needs for this precious job.We should rather thank him for manging the work of such magnitude with only 5 cars to save KMC's money.

Scams Galore

The public representatives who handle public exchequer are obviously answerable to public. They need to explain how the money is utilized to appropriate authority. Despite these checks and balances rampant corruption s are going on in public life. What’s most unfortunate, these malpractices are rising leaps and bounds. One scam after another is unfolding almost every day. Many of the scams are mind-boggling and they involve cores of rupees. Sometime it reaches astronomical figures. These are all our moneys and a large portion comes from poor people who dominate the economic scenario of our country. What’s most interesting people in high places who play ducks and drakes with public money are hardly brought under scanner. Most of them escape unnoticed and unscathed with their booties and only an unfortunate few come to the glare of media for their misdeeds.Thanks to media, for their investigative reporting and sometimes very risky and courageous sting operation scams of big magnitude come to light. In most of the cases CBI enquiries are initiated but results of the enquiries are not made public though it’s public money that the scam is all about. So one can hardly remember how many public figures have been so far brought to book for their financial irregularities. In fact the network of the scamsters are so well knit and well organized, it’s difficult to lay hands on them. These are very shocking stories for our society but perhaps we’ve nothing to do but to be shock-proof.

A Controversial Politician

Siddharta Sanker Ray Passes Away!
Let us condole the death of Shri Siddhartha Shanker Ray,a successful barrister,an able administrator,the most controversial politician, a ruthless supressor of Naxal and Khalisthani movements.Though he died at ripe old age but every death is sad and painful.We pray, may his soul rest in piece.

Ray in fact lost relevance in national and state politics long since.He tried time and again to assume a meaningful role in state political scenario but he failed to achieve acceptance from any fraction of Cong,nor from Trinamool either.Some times he dished out uncalled for advice to politicians of his party, but they were more ignored than observed.Normally, he seemed to have assumed political renunciation, but old habit dies hard.He came out of hibernation to make her presence felt with some remark castigating the Left or eulogizing Congress.


Reportedly,his advice to Ms. Indira Gandhi to promulgate emergency and making draft of emergency proclamation goes down in the history of Indian democracy as the shabbiest work ever done by a politician. What's more he shrugged off the responsibility of the misdeeds and passed the buck to Ms. Gandhi while deposing before Shah Commission to come clean.Sadly it makes the darkest chapter of the world's largest democracy.

Every man has weakness and stenghth.He'd also many good qualities too. However, though Trinommol and Congress are vying with each other to highlight their proximity with Ray for political mileage, it's a futile exercise as there's nothing to cash in on Ray's death.

Let us pray again that his soul may rest in peace.