A Collective of write-ups on the politics, the political scenes & Governance
By
Murali Murthy
Happy Birthday Modi Ji
Wishing our P.M - Narendra Modi a very happy Birthday. Wishing him all the energy, health and Positivity that he needs to keep going. 🎂🙏.
He has the mass appeal, he has an aura, he has this charisma to make an impression on everyone.
His fame, his personality enters before he walks in, such is the command and strength of this Man.
He has brilliant oratory skills to mesmerize People. He instills a sense of stability, trust and makes people believe in him.
Love him, hate him, but you just cannot ignore him.
If half of India loves him, honours him, takes pride in seeing him as our P.M, there are other half who hates him tooth and nail.
While one half finds every word coming from his mouth a drop of pearl, the other half finds the same words spitting venom.
While one half finds every statement, every act, every decision a ray of hope into the future, the other half finds it fake, misleading.
Modi has become an idea, a larger than life image and a personality worth doing Hero Worshipping.
His way and style of Politics makes people either like him or hate him, or atleast the ones who like him makes the other half forcefully take a side and not much scope to be neutral.
Modi has surely changed the scene in Indian Politics.
His followers and his haters have equal reasons and justifications to like him or hate him. While each side strongly believes their side of the story is more sensible and logical, there is no sitting judge to decide who is right here.
Even a Scam ridden UPA Govt will have not less than 100 things that they can list as their achievements.
Wishing Mr. Modi good health, strength, energy to keep up the high spirits and live up to the expectations of both halves, and not just to play for the gallery, who anyway are bedazzled.
If 2 Cr doses were administered just because it is his birthday, I wish everyday is celebrated as his birthday, a daily target we have been struggling to achieve since 1 year.
Democritical
Many Indians take pride in claiming that we are the largest Democracy in the world.
It is obvious because We are the highly populated country and a large no.of people Vote to elect the Govt each time.
Though historically an average of only 50% of Indians vote, either because they are annoyed with the system or just ignorant.
How much of a difference does it really make, if we Vote or not?
And why should we Vote?
We Vote to participate in the process of electing and selecting the Govt, for them to manage our Country, to protect interests and livelihood of every citizens and manage the country finances well WITH THE TAXES WE PAY.
Now what do we do, (who are supposed to be responsible for electing an efficient Govt) if am not happy with how they are running the show?
Even before answering that, do we really make a difference and our vote matters in electing a Govt?
I really doubt that...A Party is not elected by the handful of taxpayer's logical decision to select an ideal leader based on the performance.
Caste considerations, wooing communities, emotions of a larger population, money power, freebies, appeasement and "Promises" eventually always get us the winner.
Even better, take example of Karnataka. The Voters mandate just didn't matter. Each party took turns to bend rules as per their convenience and ruled the State, Voters just didn't matter at all.
Since last decade, the Politicians have learnt the art to win elections and We are foolish to think We select them.
End of the day, they only need 51% of the 50% votes are required which they use their tricks to get them i.e around 35 Cr votes among 140 Cr population, so you and me don't really matter.
I have heard many voices that strongly believes "Even if a donkey stands for elections from my favourite party, I will vote for it".
I have also heard people saying "I don't care who stands for elections, but I am voting seeing the face of central leader".
So, performance, ability, skills is down the drain.
Over the last decade, democratic process has unknowingly transformed into Presidential elections and the one elected changing it to dictatorship.
And the policies, decisions, economy will anyway not matter to the Devotees - salaried class and population from the organized sector. They only believe country is in great shape and in great hands as long as Stock Market is giving them good returns, which is again determined by turnover of few listed companies and does not fully represent Indian economic situation.
3 Cheers to our democracy!
The one man show
The by-elections results across 29 seats are out, 7 of 29 seats are won by BJP.
And I am neither happy that they won only 7 nor happy that remaining 75% seats were won by other parties.
But the BJP National President didn't waste any time to give a statement Congratulating P.M Modi for all the Wins!
Wait, What? Congratulate Modi??
By the way, he didn't utter a word on so many losses nor tried to link Modi for all the losses.
This is the state of our Nation now, if one man is the cause for everything in the country, we can safely remove the tag and definition of our Election process from Democracy to Presidential Elections.
That's exactly what's happening with the Devotees - to praise their demigod, worship a Politician as their Hero and God, and retaliate hard if a voice is raised against.
But that Demigod just cannot be questioned for the price rise, fuel hikes happening everyday!
I saw two childhood friends almost cutting off from each other, just because one guy expressed unhappiness over present situation, and the other guy was hurt that the Demigod was spoken low of.
It is this audacity, ego, over confidence and the blind faith by the Devotees that would be the reasons for the fall of the Hero and the party.
End of the day, it's just another party and just another Politician in power momentarily. How different can one be from the previous Govts?
Richer are getting richer, Poor are getting poorer, the roads I travel everyday are still horrible, prices are still rising, Fuel is becoming unaffordable. Any good that are being done, is only for the galleries and reasons for the Devotees to clap.
If the previous Govts wooed and appeased minority, the present dispensation are doing the same for majority.
Still not sure why the Romance. Someone told me I am a Leftist just because I put out real struggles of real people (unlike Devotees, who seem unaffected and seem to very well understand and are informed on the country's finances and expenses)!
Dude, I am not so weak and vulnerable to let Politician categorize me as a Left or Right.
I only say wrong is Wrong, and right is Right.
Even if a Mahaghatbandhan is in Power tomorrow, I will still write articles and express my concerns, if my life or a common man's livelihood is affected.
Deepavali Gift
Petrol to get cheaper by Rs 5, Diesel by Rs 10 from tomorrow as govt reduces excise duty.
Now that's a real Deepavali Gift by the Govt!
Much needed respite from the non stop fuel hikes. It was not just about fuel hikes, the impact and ripple affect on just everything in our daily lives.
Not sure if this is a genuine intent to give relief out of concern, desperate attempt to take corrective action post by-election results or a technical reason leading to a good reduction in prices.
Anyway, extremely happy with the Govt's decision to make such a drastic cut in fuel prices. Kudos to everyone including P.M involved in making a handsome excise duty reduction.
Festival of Democracy
They say Election is a festival of Democracy.
I can't agree more! Not because we Vote and feel proud of exercising our rights, but come elections, the Govt reverses all bad decisions.
When I was yelling at the top of my voice and expressing how high fuel prices are bad for the economy and for the common man, the doped Devotees vehemently put out absurd arguments to defend exorbitant prices.
Come elections in Punjab and UP, the fuel prices magically drop!!
I can't say if 3 Farm laws was a good decision, as neither the protesting farmers convincingly mentioned how it was bad, nor the Govt could convince them. Looked like it was just a Ego clash... But if it is withdrawn, looks like it was a bad decision.
In conclusion, this Man keeps reinforcing my belief that he is just another Politician and this party also believes in only winning elections and clinging onto power and not really concerned about bringing "Ache Din", as is with any other party and any other leader. I am not a hater, anti, leftist, rightist. I just want to keep reiterating - All are same, no point wasting our time and energy romanticizing a Politician and worshipping, and really doesn't matter who leads the nation!
It goes to prove why people like me prefer to stay apolitical and not really concerned who comes to power, they anyway are there just to serve their personal agendas, as long as they do not hurt our livelihood.
Come to think of it now why this dispensation is so much in favour of Simultaneous State and Center Elections, they just don't want to be answerable for next 5 years and do whatever they want to do.
As citizens, we should find a way to have Elections every year...for our own good!
Constitution and Politics
"The constitution can provide only the organs of State such as the Legislature, the Executive and the Judiciary. The factors on which the working of those organs of the State depends on the People and the political parties to carry out their wishes and their politics".
When it comes to regulations, law and rules, it seems to be designed for a common man only, and not for the political parties and their own functioning.
Political leaders do not want to be answerable to anyone, as they consider themselves above the law.
While a Curfew is in place, the opposition party daringly defies all possible restrictions, throws the regulations to the wind, don't care a hoot for the law in place. By putting 1000s of people's health at risk, just to serve their political agenda and add some brownie points to their next election campaign.
The party in power who treats us common citizens like slaves are fined and penalized even if we step out of the house and seize our vehicles, don't have balls to take action against the opposition who are openly violating a Curfew.
The ruling party cannot take any action because they are again only concerned of possible consequences and impact on stopping a Padayathra, in the upcoming elections.
Instead of taking action being in power, they are trolling the opposition leaders on media and Twitter like college kids.
Let's wait for 15 Jan, all leaders irrespective of the political parties will jump into the election rallies and throw all rules to wind. Our "responsible" PM will be first in the race to amass lakhs of people for his Bhashans.
And our Pappu who spends all his time vacationing abroad will suddenly appear after 15 Jan and starts his rhetorics.
Thanks to Election Commission and with Model Code of Conduct in place, the photo of a political leader / PM on a Govt issued Certificate will be removed atleast for next 1 month! Some sense prevails!
Yet the Devotees and Haters are still busy ignoring all these drama and still blind with their misguided emotions, instead of realizing it's our responsibility to revolt and abandon all political parties till they professionally manage their outfits and demonstrate public accountability.
Padayathra Drama
The nonsense has finally ended. The Covidiots have finally stopped making a joke of themselves. Not before a backlash and whip by the Court.
I guess the basic qualification to become a Politician is to keep the Logical thinking ability and common sense back home and wrapped safely to ensure they never ever use their brains.
Everything is about politics and winning elections, and Nothing else matters. Everything they do is drama and theatrics. The supposedly pro-people Padayathra was an utter display of unruliness and adamancy.
The audacity to openly say that they don't care a damn to Govt, Law and the Order of the day, itself shows how thick skinned they are.
Come 15th Jan, it's Sankranti and the tradition of visiting relative's houses to share Yellu Bella could be curtailed due to Weekend Curfew.
If Politicians themselves do not care for any rules, why should we? Can we also go around and tell the cops to slap FIRs and not stop us?
Well the repercussion is what makes us sensible and sensitive. The politicians are so thick skinned that being Jailed is no more a punishment or embracement for them, but a jail term or even a Police station visit is shameful for us ordinary citizens.
What's the point in us following the protocols at individual level, when on the other hand these Politicians across the board make merry and be the cause of spread amidst 1000s!
Budget Interpretations
Budgets, speeches, announcements, reactions and analysis have become so monotonous and deja vu.
Economists, Politicians and supporters showering praises that every budget is historical and progressive. Whereas counterparts from opposition rejecting it as anti-people, disastrous and disappointing.
Even a 1.4 Lakh Crores GST collection is claimed as Govt's achievement, fact is the industries have started seeing some improvement (in Business As Usual) and clearing all GST backlogs. I personally know how these collections are made, as those Officers harass us despite begging them the business is down and allow us time and are willing to pay late charges. Those Officers openly say "We have pressure from the Govt, and targets set for us. We need to collect at any cost, we don't care for your situation. Pay up or shut business".
Anyways there are always people interpreting differently to oppose or defend any Budget presented. After a good recovery from past 2 bad years, the expectations were obvious, as we have over 50 Million unemployed population and bruised SMEs.
The budget focused on growth based economy with impetus on Infra investments.
Well, though the intent is to generate jobs and boost economy, Some would say, end of the day all such projects will be awarded to companies like L&T or Adani or Reliance. So eventually a large chunk of the investments would come back to the pockets of Politicians to award contracts, it is an open secret how Companies get contracts. Unless Govt directly procures construction materials from small / local players and offers jobs directly to the unemployed.
The obvious expectation was also the States going to elections would be given doles. But interestingly, Governance was kept out of Politics. Some would argue when Religion, Cast and hyper nationalism is already doing the trick, why spend more money to win elections!
Economists across both sides agree that revenue is no more a challenge: with good Tax Collection and the easily accessible "Akshaya Patra" - Fuel prices can be tapped easily anytime to rake in more moola. It's just that how well money is spent decides a good budget.
Bottom line - as long as the Govt, their policies and Budgets do not trouble me (or any common man) personally nor my business, its all good. This Budget doesn't hurt me directly or indirectly and has let me the way I am, hence it is a Good Budget.
AAP ka Punjab
Looks like Kejriwal and his style of working is indeed making the ground. A Party with highly educated Members, surely looks promising with second State acquired in such a short span of It's existence.
Though it's way too early to say they could become a national alternative, they are giving all the feelers for one to believe they could be.
The new comedian turned Politician CM as soon as he was sworn in, his first announcements were to remove / not have Pictures of CM in Govt offices and to withdraw security to nearly 120 Politicians.
Now, that's refreshing, selfless and mark of a ego-free leader.
The opening scene surely looks good lets wait and watch the full movie!
Compulsory Voting
Yesterday saw some interesting discussions in State Assembly, as the politicians argued and counter argued to make Voting Compulsory!!
Is this love they are showing to make Voting Compulsory, for selfish and personal motives? Ofcourse yes, they just want to win elections...they forget that winning elections is step 1. Eventually they need to serve the State, Country by participating in law making, policy making.
Their argument is Voting should be made mandatory to ensure participative democracy. I can only laugh at it, as Elections has now become Electioneering, and everyone have mastered the art of winning elections, and a thought-through, merit based voting is no more relevant. The supporters of each side will anyway vote for them because of their loyalty and ideology, other required number of votes is gained with freebies, promises, caste and religion.
There were voices against making Voting compulsory and the views were that Democracy itself stands for freewill, and forcing voting defeats the purpose.
When politics, leadership, real policy making is in the hands of one or two individuals, be it regional or national party, all "winners" will anyway nod to their masters as it's a Private Limited Company.
It's a different discussion if we can still call ourselves a Democracy, as I would say we are unofficially voting for presidential election.
Even if we make Voting mandatory, can there be some mandatory responsibility enforced on the Winners? Like making it mandatory that they visit their constituency atleast once a Week, after elections.
April Fool
Our visionary, forward thinking Prime Minister made a surprise TV appearance today morning and announced drastic measures at both party level as well as Govt policies:
- Denounced "Religion First" policies and campaigns.
- India is declared "areligious" state, no public display of religious fanaticism. All such acts are now punishable. Anyone including Politicians making statements that can create communal divide will be put behind bars.
- BJP MLAs and MPs are barred from speaking For or Against any religion, they will be expelled if they do so.
- Govt's focus will solely be on welfare and economic development.
- Education till 10th Class is mandatory for all citizens.
- No Politician including himself, must be worshipped. All citizens are required to focus on their lives.
- Any citizen having counter views, criticism will not be branded as anti-Hindu, anti-National.
- Historical errors, mistakes of the past is to be left in the past. Any efforts to create societal disharmony in the name of History, is now punishable. He adviced people to focus on the future than worry about past.
In another surprise announcement, Gandhi family retired from politics and have resigned from Congress. They have also publicly apologized for wrongly using Gandhi surname and will remove it from their Surnames.
*APRIL FOOL*!! 😋😀😂😊😁😝
Pitying the state of Congress
Congress in its present state is comparable to a struggling Startup, or a company with success in the past, and is going through an existential / financial crisis.
Congress is like a company, whose Founders are unwilling for changes in Management, not open for new ideas nor strategy changes. A company that was once a pioneer in a Product, that is no more relevant in the present times. A need for new Market-approach strategy, business strategy, but Founders not in sync.
A hackathon must be arranged for entrepreneurs to come up with practical solutions, which will be a case study in itself and test of their entrepreneurial skills.
A social cause also served by bringing in some balance in democracy...after all, not everyone believe polarization, communal divide and hyper nationalism are the only ways to take a nation forward!
Democracy to Dictatorship
What we are seeing is a slow and steady efforts to move from democracy to dictatorship.
When every event, every decision and every aspect of our lives are politisized by none other than the head of the Govt, it is nothing but pushing everyone's attention to one sided reflection of society.
Be it Covid, Vaccination program, economy, Religion, History, Language, Fuel hikes - absolutely everything is being politicized. I just hope and wish our able, skilled, gifted P.M let's his work and action speak and shut his haters, rather than his devotees shamelessly defending things, his TV monologues or speeches!
An article with facts and not rhetorics, that reflects how Fuel prices are also now politicized:
https://www.deccanherald.com/opinion/first-edit/no-politics-over-fuel-taxes-please-1105151.html?fbclid=IwAR0k4MnAeJDkzLNvEA3zA7kqKtWamWaKBV-cKv3f--okelgEYnLZzddD9Rk
The Protesting Zombies
So, half of Bangalore and Bangaloreans were held to ransom and choked their daily routine, just because one guy was simply called for enquiry by ED.
And the scenes were no different in many parts of the country.
End of the day, the politicians need a reason to play a drama on the streets to make their political point.
But why trouble us ordinary citizens, who give a hoot who is called for enquiry or who is arrested!!
Political protests is becoming a curse in our democracy. Even the most matured and sophisticated politicians start acting cheap and weird when it comes to Protests and serving their masters.
The system must change to engage even the opposition parties with meaningful and productive jobs.
Otherwise the opposition will only be busy with mud slinging and pulling down other's chaddi, and wait their turn to come to power.
The easy job - CM
With most of us at this age and stage of our career, are no less than a CM of our small State (analogically), how we wish it was so easy to walk out and be done with it.
Though politically the post of CM itself is temporary and time bound and volatile, from the responsibilities point of view, we are all the same...yet, it's so easy for them to be free at their wish!
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