Understanding the eternal opposition leader

In the summer of 2007, a gentlemen uttered these sagely sentences - "I belong to the family which has never moved backwards, which has never gone back on its words. You know that when any member of my family had decided to do anything, he does it. Be it the freedom struggle, the division of Pakistan or taking India to the 21st century,''

In the Spring of 2011, the same gentlemen asserts this - "Corruption is taking place because doors of the political system are closed and the average person who wants to do good is not allowed in"

To an innocent bystander, both these statements will sound very emphatic. The second one might even sound intellectual. Now, here's an interesting "trivia" that our media doesn't tell us. This gentleman's great grandfather headed this "political system" for 16 years. This gentlemen's grandmother later headed the "political system" for 17 years. After that, this gentlemen's father led the "political system" for 5 years. After a brief gap, this gentlemen's mother headed (and continues to head) the "political system" for 7 years now. Considering that not so long ago, we were enlightened of the fact that all that needs to be done for curing ills of this country is just a "decision" from his family, one cannot help but wonder this - what on earth has the "family" done for 17+16+5+7 = 45 years, to solve multiple burning issues?

No. You don't question him like that. You don't ask him - "What have you done?". Because then he will tell you this - The system is screwed up, and "you" have to come into politics and clean it. Again and again. Press Conference after press conference, meeting after meeting, speech after speech - every single event from that summer of 2007 declaration to the latest spring of 2011 assertion - he blames "you" for the malaise in the "system". He finds fault with "you" for being lazy enough to have elected his "family" and then not doing anything to clean the rot.

And then he feels there is little entertainment value in his speeches, so he comes up real gems. Gems that give us a glimpse into the wonderous thought process of this gentleman. Take a look at this video (save this folks, for this is one of those rare videos of his meeting with students. No press is ever present at any of his meetings). At the beginning he says "My greatgrandfather is from Allahabad and he moved to Kashmir. So I am from UP and Kashmir. My grandfather was a Parsi and he is from Mumbai. So I am from Mumbai. My mother is from Italy. (audience giggles, and he realises his folly!!!). I am from Delhi." If you are wondering why the audience is clapping here, please resist from such thoughts!

Later in the video, he intellectually compares the closed education system by saying this - "Imagine you are in your final year, for ever"! That is the closest he got to giving an example of a "closed system" - staying in your final year for ever. And pray what's stopping his "family" from opening up the system? Please, it's not his fault! And here's the irony of all - It was his family's rule for 17+16+5 years that kept the system closed. The 5 years that his "family" did not rule, was when the system opened up. Have you ever heard of the Prime Minister who "opened up the system"?

In case you are wondering where all politics is prevalent, he clears your confusion here - "Politics is everywhere. It's in your shirts. It's in your pants". He goes to Gujarat and compares Modi to Mao. He goes to UP and blames citizens there for electing Mayawati (explicitly implying that their "woes" are of their own making). Elsewhere he equates banned terrorist organisation SIMI to RSS. Corelating inflation to coalition politics has been his forte.

Another gem - he asserts to the people of Niyamagiri, Odisha that he is their "soldier" in Delhi. What has he done to "soldier" their cause? No. You don't ask that question. You know what - here's an open challenge - ask him what their "cause" is - I bet he will not be able to coherently explain!

And then there is the compliant media.

A pre-planned trip to Niyamagiri hills, coincided with the announcement of rejection of clearance (well, is it a mere coincidence? :D), and Nidhi Razdan of NDTV asked a panelists- "Is this a defining moment in Rahul Gandhi's career, like some seem to suggest". Who the "some" are - we will never know! Best headline - "Rahul Finally becomes a Gandhi".

Barack Obama visits India and woos investors, and the National Bureau Chief of CNN-IBN asks "Ironical that obama is wooing captains of an india that's shining to shore up his prospects back home, while here in india, rahul Gandhi continues to reach out to an india that's still in darkness. "

He gets asked "tough questions about farmer suicides" and the headline screams this - "Rahul Gandhi charms students - and a cop - in Pune". By the way, the article has NO mention of what the "tough questions" were and what the gentleman's "answers" were.

Students in Gujarat question him about his reluctance to see the development in Gujarat and it gets NO coverage in English media. Students in Bihar force his exit for talking politics in a meet, and it gets NO coverage in English media.

There are many more such instances of media coverage (which includes what he eats at which place, when and for how long he jogs daily etc) but I guess you people get the point.

In all these years, no one has asked him what "he" has done for the past 7 years. And a couple of days back, someone finally did ask him. And his answer - what he is trying to do will take 5-10 years to make a difference. Now, this man has been in politics for 7 years. He wants 10 more years. That's effectively 17 years - one full generation! And this also means that the media bhajan will continue for 10 more years.

Sadly, an impression has been imprinted so well into the gullible minds of unsuspecting youth that this gentleman, Rahul Gandhi, is the answer to all our ills. A cursory reading of various newspapers and viewing of various news channels only create the impression that he is the "eternal opposition leader" waiting and wanting to usher in the much needed change and relief to our "system". Like fellow commentator, Prasanna wrote, "At this point 2014 appears to be set for Rahul Gandhi’s ascendancy on account of anti-incumbency against UPA-2.(that’s called brilliance of Congress’s media assisted election management)".

And therein lies our tragedy.

That's all, Your Honour! : Jan.23-29

1. "The papers and file were not so circulated. It was not before the committee. The material pertaining to the sanction for prosecution under Section 120 B of the Indian Penal Code was not before the committee. " So said the Attorney General of India to the Supreme Court of India. The papers he is talking about pertains to a charge sheet filed against (amongst others) P.C.Thomas, Kerala cadre IAS officer, in a corruption case in the 90's. Before what Committee were these papers not circulated? The committee that will choose the next Vigilance Commissioner of India. Whom does the committee comprise of? The Prime Minister of India, the Home Minister of India and the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha. So now are you getting the picture? The government submits to the court that the Prime Minister of this country was not apprised if the full facts of a corruption case pertaining to the appointment of a man as the watchdog of corruption in this country. This despite the fact that the Leader of Opposition has publicly disagreed to this appointment, citing this same case. Details of this case were all over the news, but somehow the honourable Prime Minister did not know about this. After seeing a lot of public outrage against this appointment, this is how the government choose to defend itself - it did not have all facts placed before itself ! Institution after institution has been damaged by this government. The latest CVC episode is just another story in the long list of goof-ups this government is making (and sadly getting away with too). Why is the Prime Minister silent on this issue? A couple of weeks back, it was Kapil Sibal screaming that there was no loss in 2G. And now this comical excuse, after all hell broke loose. The Congress party, in keeping with its tradition, has distanced itself from this whole controversy. And a complacent media still does not question this blatant mishandling of issues by the Prime Minister and Sonia Gandhi. Or is this arrogance because of the apathy of the urban voter? You know, all these goof-ups would have been comical had it not been this tragic.

2. Speaking of comedy - "Give me 10 years of your life, I will make you proud - Rahul Gandhi" screams this headline (and all headlines!). 10 freaking years of your life! Wouldn't blame you if you are reminded of "tum mujhe khoon do, mein tumhe aazadi doonga"!. He then goes on to say, what he is trying to do will take 5-10 years to make a difference. Now, this man has been in politics for 7 years. He wants 10 more years. That's effectively 17 years - one full generation! And then, keeping in trend with his status as the "eternal opposition leader", Shri Rahul Gandhi goes on to tell us that "We have to look into this issue (corruption) in a collective way. Stringent action against corruption is needed. Punishment should be within six months, instead of 20 years". He goes on to lecture again on how "you" need to come into politics to clean all this filth. And ofcourse, now we cannot ask him what "he" has done so far - for we have to now wait 10 more years. This also means that the media will sing praises for the next 10 years then. Sniff.

3. Word is that our Civics text book will have a minor change from next year. Fellow tweeter, "UsualSatire" has proposed that the Indian Flag code be amended thus "...shall be no restriction on the display of the National Flag by members of general public*..." (*conditions apply)"! This brilliant satire has encapsulated all that has happened in Jammu and Kashmir in the days leading to the Republic Day function. Separatist leader, Yasin Malik threw a challenge to Indian leaders to hoist a flag at Lal Chowk in Srinagar. Just to refresh your memories, separitists and their cadre hoisted the flag of Pakistan at this chowk in Srinagar just last year. And the youth wing of BJP took up this challenge, and conducted a yatra beginning from Kolkata. And the "sincerest" Chief Minister in this country, Omar Abdullah says this - Don't hoist flag at Lal Chowk because it will cause law and order problems! They arrest local leaders first. Then they threaten to arrest all those leaders who will try to enter Jammu. The leaders of opposition in LS and RS, Sushma Swaraj and Arun Jaitley, are taken into custody and taken away to the Punjab border. Remember - all this just for trying to raise our flag in our country. Then the yatra, led by the BJYM president, Anurag Thakur tries to come into Jammu - and ofcourse they are all arrested too. Omar Abdullah goes on English TV channels and puts up some weak defense and we have the national media supporting him! (Case in point - we know we are right when we are opposed to what the national TV media thinks is right :D). 6 BJYM activists did make it to Lal Chowk despite so many restrictions, and they were arrested there when they tried to hoist the national flag. And being the generous hearted man that Omar is, he offers both the leaders of Opposition to visit the official parade in Jammu - the parade happened at 10am and the leaders were released at 12:30pm. Speaks volumes about the sincerety in the offer. In case you again missed the point - all this was done just to avoid the hoisting of flag of India. On Republic Day.

4. When asked if providing for Haj subsidy violates Fundamental right 27 ( freedom as to payment of taxes for promotion of any particular religion ) , Supreme Court says this - "If only a relatively small part of any tax collected is utilised for providing some conveniences or facilities or concessions to any religious denomination, that would not be violative of Article 27. It is only when a substantial part of the tax is utilised for any particular religion would Article 27 be violated" . Next is what? "Only a small part of tax collected has been stolen by politicians", your honour?

అదన్నమాట!: జనవరి 23-29

మళ్ళి మొదలు అయ్యింది అండి బాబు. ఇంతా అనుకుంటునారా ? ఆంధ్ర జ్యోతి జగన్ గారిని తిడుతూ ఒక వ్యాసం రాసింది. అయన మీద సిబిఐ ఏదో కేస్ మీద విచారణ జరపడానికి ప్రయత్నిచిందో ఏంటో .... అలాంటి కధనం ఏదో. మరుసటి రోజూ సాక్షి పత్రిక, ఆంధ్ర జ్యోతి ని కాంగ్రెస్స్ నాయకుల్ని, చంద్రబాబు నాయుడు ని తిడుతూ వ్యాసాలు రాసేసింది. తరువాత ఈనాడు పత్రిక సాక్షి పత్రిక లో అవినీతి సొమ్ము ఎంత ఎంత ఉందొ వ్యాసాలు రాసింది. మళ్ళి సాక్షి పత్రిక రామోజీ రావు ని తిడుతూ వ్యాసాలు రాసింది. ఆంధ్ర జ్యోతి ఇంకా రాస్తూనే ఉంది. ఈ సర్కస్ కొనసా ... గుతూనే ఉంది ! అదన్నమాట !

That's all, Your Honour! : Jan.9-15

1. One of the most critical decisions the Congress party had to take, after Sonia Gandhi "renounced" her claim to the post of Prime Minister, was this - how to credit her for flagship schemes of UPA? And from that critical thinking was born the National Advisory Council. The NAC apparently has been set up as an "interface for civil society". If you are wondering why the government, elected by the people ("civil society"), needs another institution for interfacing with the very same people that elected it - please stop thinking logically ! And then members of this NAC are "distinguished professionals" drawn from the civil society only.

This council has "advised" the government on NREGA, RTI and the Forest Rights Act; so now you see how this works - it was Sonia Gandhi who is responsible for all the flagship schemes (ofcourse if implementation is screwed up, the government is always ready to take the blame!). And then the "Office of profit" controversy happened, and Sonia Gandhi again "renounced" power - she resigned to all her posts (including to that of MP and was re-elected). And then this post was bought under those offices that are exempt from "Office of Profit". And after UPA's victory in 2009, she was re-appointed (by herself) as the chairperson of NAC - this time to take credit for the "National Food Security Bill".

Now, one such distinguished member of NAC, Jean Dreze has written a detailed article in The Hindu, complaining about the lack of co-operation from the government! He details how NAC works so hard on doling out free stuff to maximum possible people of this country, and how the government is so much reluctant to even "lend an ear" to this esteemed council. Why would it? The NAC is recommending Rice@Rs.2 per kg and Wheat@Rs.3 per kg for people below poverty line. And then it wants people above poverty line also be partially covered. Overall - it wants 75% of the population to be covered under this law !! Yes people - 75% of the population will be getting 35kgs of Rice and Wheat @ Rs. 2 and Rs.3 per kg! The subsidy involved in this is HUGE. And "huge" is an understatement. And the money for this subsidy comes through taxes that you and I pay. And as the subsidy increases, taxes will increase. Essentially, you and I will pay more so that 75% of the population will get that subsidy. Rs.2 per kg in the 20th century is such a ridiculous idea. Ofcourse, NAC thinks otherwise. Thankfully the committee appointed by the government (yes believe it or not, there is a committee to study what the NAC "advised"!) rejected the proposal. Fellow blogger, KVSarmaJ has written a very nice piece on this whole proposal here.

And then if you think the suggestion ends here - you are mistaken. Look at this report. NAC has proposed a redress mechanism. It proposes a parallel authority to the District Collector, and "anyone" can approach this authority at district and block level. Isn't the District Collector supposed to be approachable to "anyone"? Why is the NAC hell bent on creating parallel structures just like itself? Who gave them the mandate to think of such ridiculous proposals and then go to town when they are rejected?

And then there is a BIG political story here. Sonia Gandhi led NAC is totally dis-satisfied with the government's response to their proposals. So much that a member writes an article in national newspapers. Did that article have Madam's approval? If so, is this her veiled attack at the Prime Minister? If not, how come a member can go so ballistic against the government - even accuse it of sabotaging its ideas and go scot-free? Is the stage being set for laying the blame solely at the PM's door, if this act fails? Are these not questions the media should ask? Wait a minute.... media asking questions did I say? Apologies.

2. "I am doing the Congress a favour" thundered Jaganmohan Reddy in New Delhi last week. He organised a one day "fasting", named it "Jal Deeksha" protesting against the weak arguments put forward by the state government in front of the Krishna Tribunal (never mind that it was his father who was at the helm when the arguments were put forward!). And with him were 24 MLA's from the Congress! It is in this context that he said that he was doing a favour to the Congress by not bringing the government down. And we were bombarded with more "analysis" by the telugu TV media on this subject. Their "analysis" aside, needless to say, there is lot of instability in the state right now. The twin challenges of Telangana and Jagan are paralysing the government and apparently the Congress has decided to "go slow" on these! Development has taken a back seat in the state - right now only status quo is happening. And the saddest part - there seems to be no end in sight for these disturbing problems the state is facing.

3. P.J.Thomas is one of the accused in a case that caused about Rs.23 crore loss to the exchequer in 1992. He was also the secretary to the telecom ministry when the 2G scam happened. Yet the central government went ahead and appointed him as Central Vigilance Commissioner - the watchdog for corruption in the country. And this week, the Supreme Court cleared the decks for this trial in the Rs. 23 crore case. Essentially the man who is supposed to be watching out for corrupt folks in the system is himself an accused! That's all, Your Honour!

అదన్నమాట! : జనవరి 9-15

రాష్ట్ర గవర్నర్ గారు సోనియా గాంధి ని కలిసి రాష్ట్ర పరిస్థితి ని వివరించారు అంట ! అసలు ఏ అధికార స్థాయి లో సోనియా గారు గవర్నర్ ని పిలిచారు? ఒక రాజ్యంగా పదవి లో ఉన్న గవర్నర్ , ఏ హొదా లేని సోనియా గాంధి ని కలిసి రాష్ట్ర పరిస్థితుల్ని వివరించాల్సిన అవసరం ఏమిటి? ఎందుకు మీడియా ఈ విషయం మీద గట్టిగ ప్రశ్నించట లేదు? విపక్షాలు ఈ గవర్నర్ ని వెనక్కి పిలవాలి అని డిమాండ్ చేస్తున్నాయి. ఈ డిమాండ్ ని నేను కూడా సమర్ధిస్తున్న - సోనియా గాంధి గారి విచక్షణ అధికారాల్ని గట్టిగ ప్రస్నిచే సమయం ఎప్పుడు వస్తుందో ఏమిటో ?

ఎక్కడ ఆ నాయకుడు ?

గత ఏడాది కాలం లో కనీసం 250 రోజులు , టీవీ లో ఒకటే టాపిక్ మీద చర్చ. పొద్దున్న టీవీ పెడితే చాలు. ఈ ఛానెల్ , ఆ ఛానెల్ అని తేడా లేకుండా ; ఈ పార్టి ఆ పార్టి అని తేడా లేకుండా; ఈ విశ్లేషకుడు ఆ విశ్లేషకుడు అని తేడా లేకుండా ; ఈ యాంకర్ , ఆ యాంకర్ అని తేడా లేకుండా - చూస్తున్న వారు ఏమైపోతారో అన్న కనీస మర్యాద లేకుండా ఒకటే టాపిక్ మీద చర్చ - తెలంగాణా.

ఒక్కో పార్టి ది ఒక్కో పంధా . పదే పదే వాళ్ళ వాదనలు వినిపించడం , తిట్టుకోవడం, అరుచుకోవడం , అప్పుడు అప్పుడు నవ్వుకోవడం - ఇలా కనీసం 250 రోజులు గడిచాయి. ఎప్పుడైనా ఒకటే టాపిక్ బోర్ కొడుతుంది అని అనిపిస్తే, జగన్ వర్గాన్ని పిలవడం . మళ్ళి తిట్టుకోవడం, అరుచుకోవడం, నవ్వుకోవడం, వెళ్ళిపోవడం ! అడపా దడపా రాష్ట్ర సమస్యలు మీద చర్చించికోవడం. ఏ రాష్ట్రానికి అయిన, సమస్యలు ఉండకుండా ఉండవు. వాటి తీవ్రత మాత్రం మారుతూ ఉంటాయి. కొన్ని సార్లు అత్యంత క్లిష్ట పరిస్థితులు వస్తు ఉంటాయి. అటువంటి సమయాల్లో, ముందు ఉంది ధైర్యం గా నడిపించా గలిగే నాయకుడు ఉంటె, వాటిని అధిరోహించి, రాష్ట్రం కాని దేశం కాని ముందుకి సాగుతుంది.

మన రాష్ట్రం ప్రస్తుతం ఎదురుకుంటున్న పరిస్థితులు ఆ కోవ లోకే వస్తాయి. కాని ఎక్కడ మన నాయకుడు ? ఇదిగో - ఈయన వస్తే మనం చూస్తున్న గడ్డు రోజులు ఇక మరిచిపోవచ్చు అనే నాయకుడు ఎక్కడ? ఒక ముఖ్యమంత్రి ఆకస్మిక మరణం ఇన్ని అనర్ధాలకు దారి తీస్తుంది అని అసలు ఎవరైనా ఊహించారా ? రోశయ్య గారు రాష్ట్ర వ్యవహారాలు చూసుకున్నారు కాని రాష్ట్రానికి నాయకత్వం అందిచలేక పోయారు. అయన రాజీనామా చేసేసారు. ప్రస్తుత ముఖ్యమంత్రి పని తీరు గురుంచి ఇప్పుడే ఏమి చెప్పలేము. కాని ఆరంభం మాత్రం బాగాలేదు. దాదాపు మూడో వంతు మంత్రులు వాళ్ళ శాఖలతో సంతృప్తి గా లేరు. జగన్ గారు ఏమో రోజుకో డైలాగ్. మొన్న ఏమో 24 మంది ఎమఎల్యేల మద్దతు ఉంది అని చూపించుకున్నారు - కాని ప్రభుత్వాన్ని పడగొట్టారు అంట. ఎలాగో ఈ ఎమ్యెల్యేలు రాజీనామా చెయ్యరు కదా అనే ధైర్యం తో కాంగ్రెస్స్ పార్టి ఉంది. ఎంత మంది మద్దతు ఇస్తారో, ఎంత మంది ఇవ్వరో తెలియని అయోమయ పరిస్థితుల్లో ఏ ముఖ్యమంత్రి సవ్యంగా పని చెయ్యగలరు అండి ?

ఇక పొతే తెలంగాణా అంశం. ఇది కేవలం రాజకీయ సమస్య. ప్రధాన పార్టీలు నిలువునా చీలిపోయి ఉన్నాయి. ఆయా ప్రాంతం వారు వారి ప్రాంతానికి అనుగుణంగా, రోజూ ప్రకటనలు ఇస్తున్నారు. చంద్రబాబు ప్రజల్లో తిరుగుతున్నారు కాని, ప్రస్తుత సమస్య కి అయన వద్ద కూడా సమాధానాలు లేవు. ఇక చిరంజీవి గారి సంగతి సరే సరి.

శ్రీ కృష్ణ కమిటి నివేదిక, కూలంకుషంగా అన్ని విషయాలు చర్చించింది. కాని వాటిని అధ్యయనం చేసి నిర్ణయం తీసుకోవలసిన బాధ్యత రాజకీయ నాయకులది . విడగొడితే, అందరికి ఆమోదయోగ్యంగా ఎలా విడగొట్టాలి? సమైఖ్యంగా ఉంటె, శాంతి భద్రతలకు విఘాతం కలగకుండా ఎలా కొనసాగాలి? ఈ అనిశ్చితి ఎన్నాలు ? ఇంకా ఎంత మంది బలి అవ్వాలి ? ఇంకా ఎంత కాలం టీవీ లో మేము అదే చర్చ పదే పదే చూడాలి :D .ఇలాంటి చాల ప్రశ్నలకు సమాధానం మనకి కావాలి. దురదృష్టం ఏమిటి అంటే, ఆ సమాధానాలు ఇచ్చే సత్తా ఉన్న నాయకుడు మనకి కనుచూపు మేర లో కూడా కనిపించటం లేదు. ఈ నాయకత్వ సమస్య ఏ నాటికి తీరేనో ?

The co-relation between Inflation and Coalition

Inflation was taught to us as part of "Economics" in 9th class. So it's not really our fault when we assume that prices, interest rates etc that influence inflation are actually relateda to economics.

Now, here's where we are all wrong. The darling of the English TV media (especially NDTV), Shri Rahul Gandhi, has enlightened a group of students yesterday that price rise/inflation is not under control because the Congress in running a coalition government.

When a student wanted to know how come former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi could successfully contain price rise and corruption when she was at the helm of the affairs, Mr. Gandhi replied that Ms. Gandhi led a Congress government at the Centre whereas the UPA's was a coalition government.

First - the question itself is wrong (a testimony to how we are taught in schools!). Indira Gandhi fostered corruption - a universally acknowledged fact. She never contained corruption. Anyways, Shri Rahul Gandhi has now blamed the compulsions of coalition government in not being able to contain price rise! If you are wondering what the link is - here's the closest logical explanation one can assume - The President of International Cricket Council is also the Agriculture minister of India. Obviously his priorities lie elsewhere, and because he is a coalition partner, the Prime Minister is not able to take any action against him. And since we don't have a full time Agriculture minister, it is our fault and hence we bear the burden. And Rahul Gandhi gets the sympathy. That's the co-relation between Inflation and Coalition, as defined by Rahul Gandhi.

And if you think this is the only gyan he has meted out yesterday - here's more.

“The governments in U.P. and M.P. have been elected by you (the people),” Mr. Gandhi said, thus implying that since these were state subjects, the Congress cannot be blamed for their declining standards

Eh? Governments all over are elected by people only no? So, if tomorrow someone gets up and complains against UPA - will he dare say this - The government has been elected by you (thereby implying, please bear the burden without complaining much) ?

That's all, Your Honour! : Jan.2-8

1. Just when folks were thinking that it cannot get any worse for the UPA government, came the order of Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT). Win Chadha is one of the accused in the case, and his legal heir Hersh Chadha filed a case with the IT department asking it why he is liable to pay Income Tax of such high amounts. The 90 page tribunal order traced back in great detail the entire money trail, how both Win Chadha and Ottavo Quattrocchi (close friend of Sonia Gandhi&Family) received kickbacks, and hence how they are liable to pay Income Tax to the Government of India. ITAT order basically confirmed what we all know - huge amounts of kickback have been paid to get this deal done and the first family of India (Rajiv Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi et.al) has a lot to answer to the people of this country. Ohh wait - CBI filed an appeal in Supreme Court this week - asking permission to close the case because 23 years have passed by! All accused except one have died. The only one alive - Ottavo Quattrocchi cannot be extradited to the country. Even the Prime Minister has sympathised with Mr. Q. And hence CBI's request to close the case. Infact it went to say that "there is nothing new in the ITAT order"! Amidst all this - depositions of two witnesses were leaked to the media. One was the driver of Mr.Q and the other was an SPG officer. Both have given instances of how Mr.Q and his family had unfettered access to the Gandhis. Surely, the paragons of virtue, Sonia Gandhi and her family have a lot to answer for - sadly the media will not ask them anything!

2. The SriKrishna Committee, which was constituted last year, to submit a report on how to resolve the Telangana tangle, has submitted it's report. Contents were made public on the 6th of January. The report is exhaustive in its content. A LOT of statistics have been presented. The committee detailed how the three regions have fared in vaious fields (education, health, law&order, irrigation, water resources etc). After 8 chapters of detailing, it proceeded to discuss the "Way Forward". Six options were presented. The first one was to maintain status quo. The second option was to split the state into Telangana and Seemandhra, with Hyderabad as a Union Territory (and the 2 new states will have new capitals). The third option is to Bifurcate the state as Rayal-Telangana and Coastal Andhra, with Hyderabad as capital for Rayal-Telangana. The fourth option is to split into Telangana and Seemandhra, and an enlarged Hyderabad as UT (infact the committee even drew up the boundaries for the proposed option!). The fifth option is to split into Telangana and Seemandhra, with Hyderabad as capital for Telangana. And the last option is to have an united Andhra Pradesh with an constitutionally empowered regional council for Telangana. The committee has said that the last option is their first preferred option. The second best option is the 5th option - split the state with Hyd as capital of Telangana provided all regions agree. The committee has detailed the pros and cons of each of these options. And as expected, the pro Telangana parties have rejected this report. Advocates of an united AP felt vindicated by their stand. However, this problem is a political problem - purely existing because of the lack of political leadership. Shortsided decisions coupled with reckless leaders we have compounded this even further. Sad that we don't see one leader who can lead us through these turbulent times.

3. After A.Raja resigned as Telecom Minister, Kapil Sibal was appointed in his place. And 2 days back - Kapil Sibal enlightened the whole country on the 2G scam - "Zero Revenue loss in 2G spectrum sale". That's all, your honour!

అదన్నమాట! : జనవరి 2-8

శ్రీ కృష్ణ కమిటీ తన నివేదిక ని సమర్పించింది. 450 పేజీల నివేదక లో అన్ని విషయయాలు కూలంకుషంగా చర్చింది. విద్య, ఆరోగ్యం, ఇరిగేషన్ ప్రాజెక్ట్లు , నీళ్ళు - ఇలా వివిధ రంగాల్లో మూడు ప్రాంతాల్లు ఎలా అభివృధి చెందాయో వివరంగా చెప్పారు. ఆ తరువాత ఈ సమస్య పరిష్కారానికి ఆరు ఆప్షన్స్ సూచించారు. మొదటిది ఎదా తద స్థితి కి కొనసాగించడం. రెండవది రాష్ట్రాన్ని తెలంగాణా, సీమాంధ్ర గ విడగొట్టడం, హైదరాబాద్ ని కేంద్ర పాలిత ప్రాంతం గ ప్రకటించడం. మూడవది, రాయలసీమ తెలంగాణా కలిపి రాయల తెలంగాణా అనే రాష్ట్రాన్ని ఏర్పరచడం. దీనికి హైదరాబాద్ రాజధాని గ వ్యవహరిస్తుంది. కోస్తా ఆంద్ర ఇంకో రాష్ట్రం. నాలుగవది - తెలంగాణా, సీమాంధ్ర గా విభజించడం, హైదరబా మరియు చుట్టూ పక్కల కొన్ని జిల్లాల్లో మండలాలను కలిపి, కేంద్ర పాలిత ప్రాంతం గ ప్రకటించడం. అయిదవది - తెలంగాణా, సీమాంధ్ర గా విభజించి - హైదరాబాద్ తెలంగాణా కి రాజధాని గా ఉంటుంది. చివరిది - రాష్ట్రాన్ని విభాజించాకుండా, తెలంగాణా కోసం ప్రత్యెక ప్రాంతీయ కౌన్సిల్ ని ఏర్పాటు చెయ్యడం . కమిటి ఈ చివరి ఆప్షన్ వైపే మొగ్గు చూపించింది. దీనితో ప్రత్యెక తెలంగాణా వాదులు నిప్పులు చెరిగారు. బూతులు తిట్టారు. కాని అన్నిటికన్నా గొప్ప విషయం ఏమిటి అంటే, ఒక కాంగ్రెస్స్ నాయకుడు మీడియా ముందికి వచ్చి - సోనియా గాంధి కి కృతఙ్ఞతలు తెలపడం ! ఎలాంటి సందర్భం అయిన మన కాంగ్రెస్స్ వాళ్ళు ఇది చెయ్యడం మరవరు కద! అదన్నమాట!