Poll results and Performance!

It's the best of times for Didi and worst of times for the Left Front.By election results strongly corroborate the above view.It's no denying the fact that anti Left wind is blowing hard, if not harder.Hang-over of anti incumbency factor is prevailing strong.At Basirhat last time CPM won by a slender margin of some three thousand odd votes.This time TMC has increased the margin of win almost tenfold. Didi was sure of win in this seat as this time Cong-TMC alliance was strong enough to allay the fear of division of votes in favour of CPM, that occured on the last occasion due to lack of understanding between these two parties.Nevertheless Didi couldn't think margin will be this much. Nor could she imagine she'd win by such staggeringly high percentage of votes in her own constituency as vote polled was unexpectedly low.Rather she was perhaps trying to analyse why people became so much disinterested in exercising their franchise in short span of four months.Poll pundits too felt anxious if Didi could exceed the earlier margin of win by her party colleague at least in terms of percentage votes polled in her favour.Belying all speculation Didi has proved without a whisker of doubt that her popularity has not a wee bit waned.

The results of by elections amply prove people still repose faith in Didi and believe she'd deliver goods if given sufficient time.But are these results popular endorsement of what Didi has done in last four months?Answer is perhaps 'no'.But why?People believe Didi's a symbol of change,she can change what was wrong in LF regime.She can award good governance and establish rule of law that was lacking at least towards the end of LF rule.People expect she'd establish Ganatantra (democracy) in place of Dalatantra allegedly pampered by the earlier govt.Unfortunately none of the above expectations to mention only a few, have come true.The law and order situation has not at all improved as incidences of inter party clashes, thefts, dacoities, extortion, murders have not waned a little.Dalatantra rules the roost in most instances as in LF regime.The health services are not in shape either.The public hospitals are in disarray as usual though Didi initially tried to set them right by her surprise visits.Condition of roads are awfully bad in most places without any sign of improvement.In reality,people feel no perceptible change in last four months.

Didi ,however, boast the advent of peace in hills following treaty with GJM after long disturbance and unrest.Experts, however say peace has been rather purchased for the time being paving the way for greater movement for separate state of Gorkhaland in near future as in the treaty it's been incorporated that GJM do not part with their demand for separate Gorkha land.

When in opposition Didi did not admit of presence of Maoists in Jungalmahal and demanded withdrawal of joint forces.But after coming to power she's made a u-turn and admit Maoists are veritable problem in Jangalmahal.Of course, initially she put the joint forces partially on hold to start dialogue with the Maoists.It, however,helped the Maoists to regroup and gain momentum to strike the administration with renewed vengeance.In fact, they've spread their organisation over wider domain holding threat to urban areas in Bankura and Midnapore.

Didi's new land policy that requires procurement of 100% land by the industrialists themselves poses a deterent to industrialisation.In our state where land is fragmented it's diffult to procure land without govt particpating in the process.It would simply help the land sharks to make huge fortunes.

In fine, to keep electoral promise to return 400 acre of land to the unwilling farmers of Singur Didi went to the extent of making new land act specifically for Singur and fought legal battle with Tatas and won it too.But the entire story is the fall-out of a tragic episode that a automobile factory that could change the fate of Singur people could not see the light of the day even after near completion of project work for making this '400 acre of land', a prestige issue ,which is now reportedly estimated much less than what was claimed.

Ban on plastic bags!

Use of plastic bags(40 microns or less in thickness) are banned in our state but in most places the ban is honoured more in defiance than in compliance .Shop keepers blame the customers for this fiasco.Customers insist on providing them plastic bags to carry the goods they purchase.In case the sellers refuse to oblige them they too refuse to buy goods from them(sellers) and go to other shops where carry bags are available.So the law abiding shopkeepers contend they lose customers in the process.The use of plastic bags can't be stopped unless all sellers refuse to provide carry bag to buyers.However, this is possible only when administration strictly enforce this ban by surprise visit at shops and awarding punishment to the offenders.The customers too should be fined in the event the person is found to carry goods in plastic bags.However,the best result can be obtained if manufacture of such bags are prohibited.

The innocent looking plastic bags can create havoc.They clog our sewerage system and can create even flood.They prohibit aeration of irrigation land affecting its fertility,They Kill thousands of animals each year as the animals ingest them considering as food.They make the environment dirty.It may be noted these bags are not biodegradable and remain undecomposed for years together.

It's true by enforcing law alone such problem can't be sorted out.Public awareness needs to be grown too in this regard. to enlist their support and cooperation in favour of the ban.Long habit of not carrying bags while going to market might initially make the buyers feel ill at ease but after a few days they will be accustomed to carry non plastic bags for marketing.
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24 Ghanta an Ad Channel or News Channel?

To whom it may concern:
Dear Sir,
It's difficult to say if 24Ghanta is an ad channel or a news channel.Perhaps you telecast more ads than news or it's 50-50 in proportion.In fact, those who invest in ads hardly get their return as during long ad session the viewers switch over to other channels( at least I do it) where some programs are being telecast.What's more,quality of ads now a days have so deteriorated that they are not worth viewing.Ads are in most cases very silly and irritating.There're very few imaginative and innovative ads that could hold viewers on to the channel.Admittedly, sans ads it might be difficult for you to defray the expenses of running your channel and the falling standard of ads are not your fault either.But your seemingly the-more-the-merrier concept proves a trial of patience to the viewers.A day might come,I'm afraid,when the news items would be displayed in scrolls and ads in the rest of the screen all the time.

Paranoia?

Didi's otherwise fearless and fire brand but she seems to be suffering from paranoia.Yesterday the Kolkata bound aircraft which she was on board from Bagdogra after her visit to North Bengal and Sikkim following the devastating earth quake that claimed many valuable lives touched Dumdum airport 30 minutes late.The plane hovered in the sky for some time in the inclement weather for some technical reason.Didi fumed and complained that it was deliberately done to harass her.Later Mukul Ray who accompanied her in her tour lodged formal complaint with the air port authority who'd examine the matter,though they were surprised and shocked at such a complaint from no lesser mortal than CM. They claimed delay was totally unintentional as the plane had to hover in the sky as situation so demanded. They further claimed they didn't even know she was on board the plane.

During LF rule Didi often complained that govt was hatching conspiracy to kill her.Once a truck accidentally slipped before Didi's Convoy and she complained that it was an attempt on her life.The poor driver from Punjab had to pay a heavy price for a minor mistake.He was apprehended and put behind bar for couple of days.

Modi's Luxurious Fast

They say occasional fast is good for health.However, this good piece of advice is applicable to well fed or over-fed people and not to those who're half fed or compelled to go on fast most of the days.Narendra Modi's time bound luxury fast in cool ambiance of air conditioned venue is, of course, intenteded to improve his political health.Bitten by ambition and not by conscience Modi goes on fast in media glare to clear his desk for making it to national politics to stake his candidature for Primeminstership in the Loksabha polls in 2014.Admittedly, Modi has burnished his image for his developmental activities in Gujarat but Godhra riot has equally tarnished his image.In national politics Muslim vote bank is an important factor to reckon with.So Modi has now taken pro-Muslim stance referring to the need for extending educational facilities to Muslim and embarking upon progressive activities without any discrimination.Modi's fast is a desperate bid to shrug off the communal stink he has earned and send message to the Muslim community that he's now a changed man altogether.It's difficult to predict how much political dividend he'd earn from his much hyped luxurious fast.

Fixing Sites For Poltical Rallies!

Rallies,road blockades, bandhs are necessary evils in democracy.They're evils because they cause much inconveniences to general public and necessary because they are used to protest against injustice done to people in general or to a section of people.These weapons have been used or some times over used and misused since long normally by political parties.These forms of protest have become ,so to say, their birth rights. Hence any attempt to forfeit this right is an excercise in vain.Nor is it prudent to ban these programs in popular interest itself.Now what we need to do is make an endeavour to minimise the inconveniences caused to general people for rallies in particular.However, bandhs should be abjured as far as possible and might be used as the last resort only.

Left Front govt under the leadership of Buddha Bhattacherjee took initiative to address this problem.He earmarked a few places to make rallies to avoid traffic snarl-up in the city.A all party meet was called to this effect but the political parties could not reach a consensus.Incidentally,TMC boycotted the meet.Since then much water has flown down the Ganges.Mamata Banerjee made fast for days together at Metro channel to protest against the forcible acquisition of land from the farmers at Singur.She also staged dharna at Singur throwing traffic movement at Durgapur Express way totally out of the gear for as many as 14 days at a stretch..Political atmosphere was then intensely turbulent.Rallies and bandhs were almost regular features.They were mostly called by the opposition.Ruling parties too did not much lag behind.However,to cap it all TMC earned the dubious distinction of going on the rampage at the assembly house and there broke the costly furniture, those have archaic values too,ruthlessly to pieces.

Days have changed.TMC is now in power and the Left rule has ended after long 34 years.History repeats itself.Mamata Banejee is going to do what Buddhadev Bhattacherjee once tried to in LF regime but failed as referred to above.She's proposed to fix a few sites for political rallies so that people get at least a partial respite from traffic jam that puts them in immense hardship.She likes to prohibit rally at metro channel as it's at the center of the city.That apart she's also suggested to hold rallies preferably on Saturdays and Sundays.The proposals are no doubt good but unfortunately all party meet recently held yielded no result.A silver lining is the opposition now don't skip the meeting convened by the ruling parties.Political parties will meet again on this issue and let us hope for the best

Shortcomings of Didi's Draft Land Bill

On draft Land Bill of West Bengal govt:
So far as compensation to land losers in her land bill is concerned Didi has taken cue from the central counterpart.Proposed offer is uniquely good.But where will money come from to fulfil the commitment as the govt is cash trapped?Similar argument might be tagged with the offer of providing employment to the land losers.That apart, compensation at flat rate irrespective of quantum of land as suggested in the clause may not appear rational to the land owners.

The clause that asks the private companies to buy 100% land from the owners directly even for public purposes and govt would in no way participate in the process will certainly create more problems than it solves.Incidentally,this clause is applicable to P-P-P projects also.It's not possible for the industrialists to approach the land owners individually particularly in a state like ours where land is fragmented in innumerable small plots after land reform.So land sharks will rule the roost as seen in vedic village scandal.That apart, some land owners themselves might ask for exorbitantly high price or might be unwilling to sell out his/her plot for some reason or other.It will disturb contiguity and the buyer would have no choice but to abandon purchase of the tract of land on which a small factory or a big industry that could generate employments was to come up.In short the present clause is not industry friendly.There's another aspect too.As govt has no control on private purchase, a buyer might lure a farmer to give away his multi crop land and it'll affect our food production badly.So this clause need to be reviewed and govt in some way or other should participate in such land deal.

Another clause that needs reconsideration is the purchase of land by the govt for public purposes like laying of railway tracks, construction of hospitals , roads etc.Here the consent of 100% owners is a must.In practice it's not possible.For a tract of land some owners might be unwilling to give away their plots..In that case, govt will have to backtrack.So the general rule should be if majority(say 80% as in central bill) of the land owners agree to part with their land, whole land can be acquired.

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Dissolution of Executive council

Mentor group vs.Executive Council:
It's a bad beginning for Presidency University.Little did Mamata Banerjee think when she initiated the move to create Mentor group for the better functioning of this university that it'd lock horn with the existing Executive Council(EC) on various issues instead of working in tandem.Both Mentor group and EC have eminent personalities as their members.EC is more powerful in the sense that it's executive power while the Mentor group is only an advisory body whose advice,however, is no binding on EC.In view of on- going conflict between the two bodies govt has decided to dissolve the present EC and form a new one inducting the present members of the Mentor group in it.What's interesting,Mentor group will also co-exist with EC with more or less the same members manning the two bodies.Now, what is the necessity of Mentor group if it's members common with those of EC?Even if the members of the mentor group are replaced by new members in future, is there any guarantee that both the bodies would work in unision without any difference of opinion as of now ?In fact,what's the harm if there's no Mentor group at all?Too many cooks just spoil the broth.

However, the saddest part of the story is the unceremonious dismissal of brilliant personalities in their respective fields, who consented to be members of EC on request from the earlier govt for their emotional attachment to this premier seat of learning.They'll definitely feel insulted and humiliated.

Not in jest!

(1)Political Rally!
Son:Dad, High court has summoned a political party for bringing school children to participate in their rally.
Dad: I know, my son.
Son: Why has court intervened in this matter,dad?
Dad: Because child lifting is a criminal offence, my boy.

(2)Teesta treaty!
Son: PM claims Didi was consulted in Teesta water sharing issue till the last moment.So Didi could have cancelled her visit earlier.
Dad: PM is right my, son.
Son: Then, Didi must be wrong, dad.
Dad: No, my son.Didi's is correct too.
Son: How,dad?
Dad: It's simple, my son.PM made the controversial change in the draft at the last moment.

(3) Terrorists' attack!
Son: Our lives are at the mercy of the terrorists, dad.
Dad: No, my boy.We rather mercy the terrorists.
Son: How dad?
Dad: Because we allow them to effortlessly strike us and escape unscathed in most cases.

7/9 Delhi High Court Blast!

Delhi high court blast is the same story of administrative callousness.This time ,of course, security lapses are unpardonable and unbelievable too.It was only on May 25 this year Delhi high court experienced a blast at one of its entrances.It was a stroke of good luck that the blast was of low intensity.It was an abortive attempt on the part of the terrorists to engineer a high intensity blast.But nevertheless no security measures were adopted since then though it was planned to do so.Administrative bungling reportedly stood in the way of installation of even CC TVs at the court premises, a minimum requirement for security measure.That apart, metal detectors too were non functional.It's alleged there was a broad based intelligence report of possible terrorists' attack at Delhi and there was no specific information.Now the blame game would start as usual and enquiry would be initiated with a slim chance of tracking down the miscreants.Even if the culprits are apprehended, would we get back the lives of the victims?Imagine how many families would be ruined.Delhi people still complain even in the wake of such a tragedy administration is yet to react properly.A sense of insecurity has engulfed them.Red alert has been promulgated in other metro cities also.But in reality we notice no extra security measures worth the name in Kolkata.Perhaps,situation is no better at other metros also.So far as security is concerned we've resigned to our fate.Now we know we'll live so long as the terrorists will allow us to.Since the twin tower tragedy in America not a single incidence of terrorist activity has ever taken place.Admittedly,in a poor and largely populated country like ours, we can't afford high tech security measures like America but we can't even do what we're capable of doing.People here are so attuned to such tragedies like terrorists' attacks, they take them in their stride and forget these incidents in a few days, of course except those who've lost their near and dear ones or survived this tragedy and remain maimed for life.

Teesta Water Treaty

Mamata's refusal
Last minute refusal of Mamata Banerjee to accompany PM, Dr. Monmohan Singh to Bangladesh to sign Teesta water treaty, among other things. baffled many.Only the other day Mamata was quite enthusiastic about her visit to Bangladesh with PM but she revised her decision at the eleventh hour.Mamata has alleged final draft of the water treaty is radically different from the earlier one that was brought to her knowledge.In the earlier draft Bangladesh was to get 25% of Teesta water which she agreed to but in final draft it was changed to 50%,which would jeopardise the interest of our state. What's more,the change was brought in without taking her into confidence. But why did center make this major change in the final draft without informing Mamata? Did it take Mamata for granted as her party is an ally of UPA-II govt?Or was it a benevolent gesture from a big brother to a small neighbouring state?Left too claim they had reservation against Teesta water treaty.In that case, center should have proceeded more cautiously posting Mamata on any major modification incorporated in the final draft.If the treaty is prejudicial to the interest of our state people would hold Mamata responsible for it and she'd would be poltically on the back foot.Decision to abandon a long awaited and much sought-after treaty at the last moment would not send a good message to the international community.PMO is responsible for inept handling of the situation.Unfortunate, indeed.
Dr.Ujjal.K.Pal,

An unfortunate decision!

Enquiry into Susanta Ghose's 'overstay' in hospital:
Govt's decision to form a three-man committee headed by the departmental head of Cardiology, R.G.Kar medical college, Kolkata to enqurire if Susanta Ghosh,former minister of Left Front govt now accused in Garbeta Skeleton case was retained in SSKM hospital by doctors for more days than required to examine his health when he complained of physical indisposition during interrogation in CID custody is unfortunate.Perhaps never before in our state, such a thing has ever happened.Govt suspects Mr. Ghosh was intentionally allowed to over stay in the hospital to avoid or delay CID interrogation.But it's not understood why doctors would unnecessarily detain Ghosh in the hospital in the name of medical examination.Do the govt think it's politically motivated and the team of doctors who examined Susanta belonged to a particular political party?In fact, such a decision would send a wrong signal to the medical fraternity.More over, it's unlikely that the doctors manning the enquiry committee would submit any adverse report against their colleagues
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Free-for-all admission to pvt enggn colleges!!

It'd prove judicious if govt backtrack on its decision of admission of students who're poor rank holders in WBJEE and even those who've simply passed XIISc with minimum 45% each in Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics to elite institutions like Besu and J.U as well.Such a decision is unthinkable to the academic circle, let alone to the authorities of the two premier institutes of engineering education in our state.As expected, they've refused to compromise with merit and requested the govt to reconsider its decision.They're, however, unwilling to go in collision course with govt.

For private engineering colleges, however, the case is altogether different.Seats are lying vacant in many colleges and it inflicts financial loss on the owners of these colleges.So quite normally they'd try to fill up these seats by any means even by giving a go-by to merit.Govt has come to their rescue and lowered the norms of admission even to the XIIsc pass level.Money permitting even the most ordinary students who're not even fit for studying pass course in general stream would be admitted to these colleges.and might find it difficult to continue and ultimately drop out.Nevertheless those who'd be able to carry on are unlikely to finish with good results.Certainly, there are exceptions.WBJEE is a one day game where many good students fared badly.Similar is the case with XII exams or any examination in general.However,exceptions don't prove the rule.That apart. those who recruit engineers also consider the performance of the candidates in board examinations too.What's more to study engineering in private colleges is pretty costly now.Some take education loans.But after managing to have passed engineering exams some how if these ordinary students who are referred to here can't afford to have a job,will not they suffer from frustrations? Our private engineering colleges would also earn bad name.So govt should reconsider its decision of almost free-for-all admission rule for private engineering colleges in the interest of education and also for reputation of our state.

Compliments to Prakas Bajaj&Aranab Goswami

Prakash Bajaj,
Editor,
Times Of India,Bombay.

Thank you a lot for your sincerest active support to Anna's crusade against corruptions.No words are sufficient to praise your efforts to mobilise public opinion for this noble cause through your sustained campaign.Your social commitments and concern for social malaise should deserve praise from all those who like to see corruptions minimised in India.

The way you've boldly lashed out at corruptions of the politicians by name in your open letter to the Prime minister is unbelievable.You've not spared even the Prez of India.Really very few editors have the courage and conviction to do so.I once again thank you specially for this brave job.

I would fail in my duty if I skip, on behalf of all well meaning people, to extend thanks to Arnab Goswami of Times Now, a TV channel belonging to Times of India(if I'm not wrong) for successfully making people identifying with Anna's war against corruptions by his electrifying anchoring skill that was surcharged with rare combination of emotion and logic at the same time.
Wish you best of luck.
With Regards,

Dr.U.K.Pal,
Kolkata

Anna drama-a historical moment!

Anna drama ends with a happy note punctuated with some tense moments.Anna's triumph is people's triumph.Govt's reaction to Anna's demand for a stronger and effective Lokpal Bill was initially very rigid.It stuck to its own version of the Bill.Anna threatened to go on indefinite fast.Govt had an experience of Anna's earlier fast and the unprecedented mass support it enlisted.But it couldn't dare to foil Anna's fast the way it put an end to Baba Ramdev's movement against black money by midnight swoop either.So it tried to beat Anna before Anna could beat it. Govt put Anna behind the bar even before he could start his fast.Little did it think that Anna could start fast even in jail.Yes, he did and refused to leave jail unless he was permitted to fast in Ramlila ground.Govt conceded to Anna's demand.Then parliament was in session and govt had to face the opposition .On the other hand people started pouring in Ramlila ground from across the country.As days rolled on support to Anna grew tremendously.Entire nation seemed to have rallied behind him.Govt was put on the spot.It'd to suffer twin pressures-one from Anna team another from the opposition. Bouts of negotiations continued among Anna team,govt and the opposition.Now the problem boiled down to incorporation of three points in the Bill namely inclusion of lower bureaucracy,formation of Lokayuta in the state and introduction of Citizen charter.Anna claimed if these three points in Anna's Lokpal Bill were not accepted by the parliament he would not break his fast. Talk continued .Some times it seemingly resulted in break-through and sometimes in break-down.Oscillation between hope and despair breath takingly continued.At last parliament accepted Anna's three sticking points on the 11th day of his fast.Anna broke his fast on the 12th day.He said only half the battle was won.Whole nation watched the drama with bated breath.

Besu and J.U too!

Lowering the standard of Enggn education:
State govt's insistence on premier institutes like Besu and JU to admit candidates who've got lower ranks in WBJEE is really deplorable and unthinkable too.These institutes are well known for their excellence in Engineering educations and are normally first choices for very high rank holders in WBJEE.For campus violence, of course,BESU has, of late, earned bad reputation.But in academic excellence it still stands out as one of the best institutes in the country.To admit poor ranking students in these institutes just to fill up some empty seats in mechanical and civil engineering is a copromise on their standard and it merits no justification on any count.It's a long standing process for an institution to attain a high standard and it's all the more difficult to sustain it.For an academy to maintain its reputation it essentially needs good students apart from a good faculty.Govt should desist from imposing this unjust decision on these institutes particularly when it's put its best foot forward to make Presidency University a world class one.Incidentally,mentors of Presidency university have called such a move of the education department is quite unjust.

For private engineering colleges too govt's decision to fill up the vacant seats, if needed, even by students who passed class XII Sc with mere 45% marks each in Physics,Chemistry and Mathematics is also utterly unfortunate and impractical .Such a move is probably made with a view to making good the financial loss incurred by the corporates who own these colleges for quite a large number of seats are still falling vacant even after the counseling is over.Except a few private Eng colleges in our state most private colleges are yet to reach the desired level in terms of faculties and infrastructure.Now if no holds barred system is allowed for admission to such colleges, what message does it send to the corporate world that recruits engineering graduates?.
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Banning Bandh

To Editor, TOI
Dear sir,
I beg to differ from Times view (25 August) that bandhs be banned.Nor do I think bandh be called at the drop of a hat as once Didi herself did.Bandh is a democratic tool of protest that should be used as a last resort.Fortunately, there're now fewer bandhs in our state.No political party except TMC would support the move to make bandhs illegal.However,I fully share your view regarding road blockade, rallies etc. in the city.

What's very interesting is once Didi called bandhs on flimsy grounds and now when in power she's campaigning for banning bandhs.It's still remembered how her supporters blocked a busy and very important high way like Durgapur Express Way for days together(15days) totally throwing traffic movement out of the gear during her Singur stir.It's also fresh in people's memory how her MLAs went on the rampage at Assembly house and ruthlessly broke furniture and other properties of the house.However,it's heartening that at last good sense has dawned on her

On Arundhati Roy's comments on Anna Hazare

Arundhati Roy has said nothing new.She's only echoed what the govt is saying.Does she think Lokpal Bill that govt has approved could be capable of combating corruptions?Since Independence we've seen umpteen instances of scams.But how many of scamsters have been punished?Perhaps not many or none.Immediately after India won freedom one of our national leaders assured us that black marketeers would be hanged at the lamp posts.But so far how many of such people have been awarded punishment by our law enforcing authorities?Definitely the number is too small to mention.In fact, the corrupt people have a free run in our society and common people watch it helplessly.Lokpal Bill that was conceived in 1969 languished in parliament for last 43 years.Corruptions have been way of our life and for those in high places they are mind boggling.Sad to say, many of our elected representatives who're in the corridor of power are abjectly corrupt.Raja and Kalmadi are just tip of the iceberg.When we, common people, resigned to fate that perhaps our country was destined to be one of the most corrupt countries of the world ,it's Anna Hazare who came like a god send and launched his movement against corruptions through his fast unto death.It gave a jolt to the govt and a knee jerk efforts were made to draft Lokpal Bill.Then where was social activist Arundhati Ray?It's easy to criticise Anna's movement and try to vilify his honest effort.Mind it's for nothing almost the entire nation has rallied behind him for a strong Lokpal Bill.These people are no fools as you think them to be.It's Govt Bill that is intended to pamper and perpetuate corruptions.Do you support this Bill simply because it has been approved of by our people;s representatives.Have you ever thought why people have lost faith in our elected representatives and reposed confidence in Anna whom you might criticise as extra constitutional center of power?Because our representatives have betrayed us and let us down.Unfortunately, nevertheless they enjoy the patronage of people like you in the name of supremacy of parliamentary democracy.Really sad!

Escape Route!

Lokpal Bill
Anna Hazare's fast falls on the 6th day today.Anna looks quite steady and cheerful. Effect of fast seems not to have yet touched Anna.Many others who're fasting with him have fallen ill and are suffering from dehydration.Anna is physically no superman but his extraordinary determination and power of will keeps him going.Nevertheless with days rolling on fast would take its toll and the septuagenarian might fall ill.Though initially the Gandhian leader was on indefinite fast but later he's declared he is on fast unto death.His fast would continue till his Jan Lokpal Bill is accepted by the govt.However, govt is yet to bend perhaps waiting for Anna to fall ill so that he could be removed to hospital.It is thought absence of Anna would dampen the spirit of the crowd who'll gradually thin out.But by all indications it's not going to happen and rather the opposite might happen with more people pouring in the capital to see Anna at hospital.Then it would be a trying time for Delhi administration to control the crowd which could turn violent.It's the electrifying presence of Anna that has restrained the crowd and no untoward incident has not so far taken place despite the presence of unprecedented mobilization of people.

What's unfortunate is the mood of the govt is one of confrontation and it's unwilling to open dialogue with Anna team though the latter has offered to sort out the matter through negotiation.Govt is rather unwilling to pay any special weightage to Anna as it argues Lokpal Bill as approved by the cabinet is now its property.It seeks people's opinion on the Bill by giving ad of the bill in print media and has decided to discuss the Bill only in the Standing Committee.What now govt tries to bring home to all is that there's no practically any difference between Anna and ordinary people of the country.They weigh equally the opinion of the civil society and that of common men.However, govt at heart knows it's consciously ignoring the ground realities and is at the receiving end in view of of the overwhelming support Anna is receiving from all sections of people.Now govt in fact tries to bail out of the present situation honourably and is groping for an escape route.Now the best option for the govt is to get the Lokpal Bill modified by the Standing Committee in the light of Anna's suggestions and passed in parliament.Hopefully, political parties wouldn't object to the provisions of the Bill in parliament considering the popular mood of the country.

State's name

After much fanfare West Bengal is renamed Paschimbanga.It's helped the state to ascend only a few steps in alphabetical ladder.Only for this marginal gain the hassles of changing the name of the state should not have taken.In fact, the name Paschimbanga is irrelevant as there's no Purbabanga now, only Banga could have been chosen.In that case in alphabetical order it could go much higher up.Even simple Bangla couldn't be a mean choice.It's no excuse that Bangla would be confused with our neighbouring state Bangladesh.Again,Bengal could be another option.If our country is called India and Bharat,why not our state be called Bangla and Bengal?I think Pachimbanga is rather an inferior choice to other names mentioned above, so a second thought may be given to the matter by the appropriate authority.