Many people want to join politics because it means making money with little investment
The declaration of assets by the Union Cabinet is now a hot topic of discussion in the Capital. Recently a group of youngsters who were discussing a list on a website were angry, amazed and embarrassed to read that the politicians whom they thought owned huge landholdings were actually the poorest!
Believe it or not, Sharad Pawar has declared that he has only Rs12 crore and owes no land. One wonders how many others there are like him who have declared their assets and claim to be poorer than the average man in the country. One just needs to look at their lifestyle to know the true picture of whether what they have declared is correct or not.
Almost all the children of these politicians study abroad and lead a luxurious lifestyle. But what the common man does not realise is that everything for these politicians is paid for by the Government. However, the picture put in front of the public is just the opposite — that the facilities given to them by the Government is paid by the politicians.
If you are a Union Minister or a Minister for State — housing, electricity, water, petrol and phone is all free. The bills are settled by the tax-payer’s money. All travelling expenses (including travelling expense of a companion, if needed, is also free), salaries of the staff and medical insurance is paid for by the Government. Even the politicians’ family’s health is covered under the Government expense. There was a time when the public servants used to get pension (the rules have changed and now public servants need to contribute towards their pension). And then there are those who have worked with the Indian Railways who get free tickets for First Class for the rest of their lives.
So is it any wonder that more and more people what to get into politics. After all it is good business — it gives good returns with very little investment. And it is not just one person who reaps the benefits. His entire family — friends and relatives also benefit. If it is not becoming a politician, then definitely a Government job.
And the reason why politicians go out of their way to help others? They believe that these very people will come to their rescue if and when the time arises. What they forget is that politics is all about kissa kursi ka. When out of power, the politician is automatically out from the other person’s phone list.
Therefore, in the end, it really doesn’t matter whether the Ministers declare their wealth and assets for the common man.
But it’s a good start and hopefully it will ensure that the politicians would think twice before amassing huge wealth that happens to be tax-payers money. This, of course, in no way means that politicians can’t have a lavish lifestyle.
What the public wants are politicians who are honest and corruption that has crept in be rooted out.
Monday, September 12, 2011
Monday, September 5, 2011
The Tribune-Chatterati-5th.Sept.2011
"A mecca for show of secular credentials"
The number of Iftars and festivities around Id has grown bigger in recent years. Delhi has always been a happy hunting-ground for those seeking display of symbolism. And these opportunities are being treated as occasions to display either secular credentials or powerful network. The noticeable increase in the intensity of Iftars sadly does not seem to denote anything more than just a convenient platform for the display of pulling power.
While the Prime Minister's Iftar is an extension of the government's sequential mishaps on Anna Hazare, feeding politicos and journalists at the time of agitation was a subject of discussion. The President's Iftar, on the other hand, was more of a formality. But must say never have the Congressmen missed Sonia Gandhi's presence more at these Iftar parties.
Shahnawaz Hussain and his wife played perfect hosts for a mixed bag of their political friends in one such party on their spacious home lawns. Of course, the BJP ensured that its leadership from Advani to Joshi and others from Lalu to Meira Kumar were all trotted out. But as always it was Bollywood in the form of Shatrughan Sinha and cricketer in the form of Azharuddin who got the hoi polloi excited.
The Chief Election Commissioner S.Y.Qureshi's home usually focuses its social gatherings around the music that is the man's private passion. But Id is the one occasion when music is replaced with meat.
Deliciously cooked authentic Id fare was the focus of his evening and bureaucrats rubbed shoulders with media professionals and just friends! As always in such events, there were those who stayed to enjoy the moment and those who had to scurry through to meet and greet others elsewhere. Symbolic or otherwise, the rise of cross-cultural celebrations across religions is a sign of a growing social integration.
========================================================
"Cong cronyism"
With the UP elections approaching, the first list of Congress candidates is out. It holds no surprises as the first round goes to mostly all the relatives of the leaders of the Congress party. It has the names of the wives of Congress leaders Salman Khurshid and Sanjay Singh.
A fair representation has been given to the sons and nephews of Congress leaders who will obviously become the young Gandhi's brigade. Owing to the mishandling of Anna Hazare's issue by some of the senior leaders in the Congress, the Rahul Baba brigade has got a new lease of life.
The Young Turks have been assigned to deal with the anti-party propaganda. It is learnt that Sachin Pilot, Scindia and Jitin Prasada have temporarily been given the role to look into the handling of the Press. Subsequently, the Young Turks may be shifted to UP and the other states which will be going for elections soon.
With Anna back in his village, Maharashtra's heavyweight politician Vilasrao Deshmukh's image has gone up. He played a decisive role in getting the Anna team and the UPA closer. So his supporters feel he should get a heavyweight portfolio. But it was Chief Minister Prithviraj Chauhan who made sure that Anna should not be sent to Maharashtra from Tihar.
At the right time, he saved the UPA government from committing another blunder. But Delhiites were amused by the fact that some cabinet members were missing during the Janmashtami celebrations in their constituencies lest they should face the angry public for mishandling the Anna Hazare agitation.
The number of Iftars and festivities around Id has grown bigger in recent years. Delhi has always been a happy hunting-ground for those seeking display of symbolism. And these opportunities are being treated as occasions to display either secular credentials or powerful network. The noticeable increase in the intensity of Iftars sadly does not seem to denote anything more than just a convenient platform for the display of pulling power.
While the Prime Minister's Iftar is an extension of the government's sequential mishaps on Anna Hazare, feeding politicos and journalists at the time of agitation was a subject of discussion. The President's Iftar, on the other hand, was more of a formality. But must say never have the Congressmen missed Sonia Gandhi's presence more at these Iftar parties.
Shahnawaz Hussain and his wife played perfect hosts for a mixed bag of their political friends in one such party on their spacious home lawns. Of course, the BJP ensured that its leadership from Advani to Joshi and others from Lalu to Meira Kumar were all trotted out. But as always it was Bollywood in the form of Shatrughan Sinha and cricketer in the form of Azharuddin who got the hoi polloi excited.
The Chief Election Commissioner S.Y.Qureshi's home usually focuses its social gatherings around the music that is the man's private passion. But Id is the one occasion when music is replaced with meat.
Deliciously cooked authentic Id fare was the focus of his evening and bureaucrats rubbed shoulders with media professionals and just friends! As always in such events, there were those who stayed to enjoy the moment and those who had to scurry through to meet and greet others elsewhere. Symbolic or otherwise, the rise of cross-cultural celebrations across religions is a sign of a growing social integration.
========================================================
"Cong cronyism"
With the UP elections approaching, the first list of Congress candidates is out. It holds no surprises as the first round goes to mostly all the relatives of the leaders of the Congress party. It has the names of the wives of Congress leaders Salman Khurshid and Sanjay Singh.
A fair representation has been given to the sons and nephews of Congress leaders who will obviously become the young Gandhi's brigade. Owing to the mishandling of Anna Hazare's issue by some of the senior leaders in the Congress, the Rahul Baba brigade has got a new lease of life.
The Young Turks have been assigned to deal with the anti-party propaganda. It is learnt that Sachin Pilot, Scindia and Jitin Prasada have temporarily been given the role to look into the handling of the Press. Subsequently, the Young Turks may be shifted to UP and the other states which will be going for elections soon.
With Anna back in his village, Maharashtra's heavyweight politician Vilasrao Deshmukh's image has gone up. He played a decisive role in getting the Anna team and the UPA closer. So his supporters feel he should get a heavyweight portfolio. But it was Chief Minister Prithviraj Chauhan who made sure that Anna should not be sent to Maharashtra from Tihar.
At the right time, he saved the UPA government from committing another blunder. But Delhiites were amused by the fact that some cabinet members were missing during the Janmashtami celebrations in their constituencies lest they should face the angry public for mishandling the Anna Hazare agitation.
Pioneer-DilliBilli-4th.Sept.2011-"EMPOWERED YOUTH RISES"
"Empowered Youth Rises"
The youth today, is not swayed by empty promises made by politicians, nor will they tolerate a corrupt Govt
Even as Anna Hazare checked into Medanta Hospital in Gurgaon, Haryana his supporters could not contain their excitement and partied through the night. Of course, the celebrations were in tune with what Hazare had said — celebrate in a civilized manner. And it was a celebration that one would remember. The National Flag was seen flying everywhere and slogans like Bharat mahan reverberated the air. It was after all history in the making.
The aam admi feels that the Congress has lost it’s focus. The only work the party is busy with, is making money. The common man is frustrated that to even get a small work done, a bribe has to be paid. Even the NREGA beneficiaries have to give a part of their benefits to the middlemen. The Anna Hazare movement has not only won the trust and respect of the people in the country but also those who are living abroad. It was truly amazing to see the Indian public to come out in thousands and support a cause and that too peacefully.
The only group of people who were not happy about what had transpired between August 15 till August 28 were the politicians. While the UPA did everything in its power to discredit the movement by calling it an RSS dominated strategy, the public does not believe a word of it. The billion-plus population of the country had only one thing to say — kudos for those who were behind this movement.
And even if the movement had the backing of the RSS, as the Government claims, they have done a great service to the people of this country and the coming generations. Silent marches, candlelight walks and the patience that Anna supporters showed was a miracle.
The only losers in this entire episode has been the Government. The leaders must realise is that the aam admi is not concerned about the working of the Parliament. After all it was created more than six decades ago and nobody expected that the people who are a part of it will become corrupt. Today, the Government needs to understand that the people’s voice has to be heard and what they want needs to be taken care of. It has to realise that arrogance will not work and that it will only lead the Government on a path of doom.
The fact that the senior politicians in the Congress were at sea with UPA chairperson away was evident. This was not the time of smooth talkers but the time of political maneuvering. The youth is not ready to listen to empty promises. They are ready to fight those who are corrupt. The UPA’s credibility is zero today. It is their arrogance that is not letting them see the true picture of how much ground they have lost. The fact that there is no opposition and the NDA is divided gives the UPA false sense of hope. They do not realise that public votes to ouster the corrupt, not to see who will replace them. It’s about vote against the establishment. Corruption, non delivery, inflation and arrogance with a brash behaviour will be the down fall of the UPA.
The youth today, is not swayed by empty promises made by politicians, nor will they tolerate a corrupt Govt
Even as Anna Hazare checked into Medanta Hospital in Gurgaon, Haryana his supporters could not contain their excitement and partied through the night. Of course, the celebrations were in tune with what Hazare had said — celebrate in a civilized manner. And it was a celebration that one would remember. The National Flag was seen flying everywhere and slogans like Bharat mahan reverberated the air. It was after all history in the making.
The aam admi feels that the Congress has lost it’s focus. The only work the party is busy with, is making money. The common man is frustrated that to even get a small work done, a bribe has to be paid. Even the NREGA beneficiaries have to give a part of their benefits to the middlemen. The Anna Hazare movement has not only won the trust and respect of the people in the country but also those who are living abroad. It was truly amazing to see the Indian public to come out in thousands and support a cause and that too peacefully.
The only group of people who were not happy about what had transpired between August 15 till August 28 were the politicians. While the UPA did everything in its power to discredit the movement by calling it an RSS dominated strategy, the public does not believe a word of it. The billion-plus population of the country had only one thing to say — kudos for those who were behind this movement.
And even if the movement had the backing of the RSS, as the Government claims, they have done a great service to the people of this country and the coming generations. Silent marches, candlelight walks and the patience that Anna supporters showed was a miracle.
The only losers in this entire episode has been the Government. The leaders must realise is that the aam admi is not concerned about the working of the Parliament. After all it was created more than six decades ago and nobody expected that the people who are a part of it will become corrupt. Today, the Government needs to understand that the people’s voice has to be heard and what they want needs to be taken care of. It has to realise that arrogance will not work and that it will only lead the Government on a path of doom.
The fact that the senior politicians in the Congress were at sea with UPA chairperson away was evident. This was not the time of smooth talkers but the time of political maneuvering. The youth is not ready to listen to empty promises. They are ready to fight those who are corrupt. The UPA’s credibility is zero today. It is their arrogance that is not letting them see the true picture of how much ground they have lost. The fact that there is no opposition and the NDA is divided gives the UPA false sense of hope. They do not realise that public votes to ouster the corrupt, not to see who will replace them. It’s about vote against the establishment. Corruption, non delivery, inflation and arrogance with a brash behaviour will be the down fall of the UPA.
Monday, August 29, 2011
The Tribune-Chatterati-29th-August-2011
"Grand couple, grander celebrations"
The Second Sin', the posh new avatar of the barely laminated 'Manre', was the venue for the first wedding anniversary celebrations of Sunanda and Shashi Tharoor. One of the city's most social couples had put together a very varied guest list that ranged from Sunanda's army childhood classmates to Tharoor's companions.
Guests were entertained in style presided over by 'Second Sin' owner and Rajya Sabha member K.D.Singh. But the highlights of the evening were the two presentation ceremonies--a painter who had done a large portrait of the much-in-love middle-aged couple and a printer who had dedicated a calendar with pictures of the couple adorning its pages.
The Anna Hazare tumult and the relatively faraway Saket location meant that many of Delhi's spoilt citizens who rarely travel outside their comfort zone of Central Delhi were missing in action.
But cheerful friends made up for the absence of the politicians and Shashi's colleagues, the members of Parliament. Giving an Anna touch to the evening were Kabir Bedi and his effervescent daughter Pooja Bedi flushed with stories of their speech from Anna's podium earlier in the day. Then there was a crooner who sang old film numbers praising the lovebirds Sunanda and Shashi. Though the crowd was thin, the spirits were high and the food was good.
==========================================================
"Cong misses Sonia"
In and out of Parliament chaos is supreme. The public is angry and so sorry that the taxpayer's money is going waste. As two spokespersons Jayanti Natrajan and Ashwani Kumar are now cabinet members, the Congress has two new spokespersons Renuka Choudhary and Rashid Alva. But sadly no Congress spokespersons are a match to the Anna team. Public temper is at the highest at the arrogance of the Congress troubleshooters. The Congress has constituted a team which is called G-7, informally of which seven ministers are members. They make the strategy to tackle media regularly.
This was constituted after the Anna Hazare fiasco in May where the government fumbled and appeared confused and weak to handle the issue. This committee has experienced and smooth talkers like Ghulam Nabi Azad and this is the first time an Indian government has institutionalized media management in this manner, where a group of ministers discuss and then in a united way handle media.
Chidambaram and Ambika Soni, members of G-7, are always prepared to take on the hungry media even though team Anna's anger towards the home minister is at its highest peak. But the minister's presence adds credibility and substance to the tackling of questions on all issues, including political.
The media-management structure was put together at the core committee of the Congress where the Prime Minister and Sonia Gandhi were present. Articulate lawyers but not politically savvy are the ones who are being blamed for the mess even though savvy politicians hardly talk.
Pawan Bansal brings to the table the views of other parties while the seasoned Ambika Soni sends out important headlines to the team in the morning. Then these ministers are given an update when they meet. This is how now the troubled government gets its views across. Of course now every hour there is something new that erupts and has to be tackled. As the media now plays the role of the opposition, they have to be careful all the time. But none of their assurances can get the emotionally charged public to be quiet now. There is a joke doing the rounds that when the lady of the house is away, the house is in disarray. With Sonia away, the Congress is in a state of complete confusion. The Congress is surely missing Sonia Gandhi and how?
The Second Sin', the posh new avatar of the barely laminated 'Manre', was the venue for the first wedding anniversary celebrations of Sunanda and Shashi Tharoor. One of the city's most social couples had put together a very varied guest list that ranged from Sunanda's army childhood classmates to Tharoor's companions.
Guests were entertained in style presided over by 'Second Sin' owner and Rajya Sabha member K.D.Singh. But the highlights of the evening were the two presentation ceremonies--a painter who had done a large portrait of the much-in-love middle-aged couple and a printer who had dedicated a calendar with pictures of the couple adorning its pages.
The Anna Hazare tumult and the relatively faraway Saket location meant that many of Delhi's spoilt citizens who rarely travel outside their comfort zone of Central Delhi were missing in action.
But cheerful friends made up for the absence of the politicians and Shashi's colleagues, the members of Parliament. Giving an Anna touch to the evening were Kabir Bedi and his effervescent daughter Pooja Bedi flushed with stories of their speech from Anna's podium earlier in the day. Then there was a crooner who sang old film numbers praising the lovebirds Sunanda and Shashi. Though the crowd was thin, the spirits were high and the food was good.
==========================================================
"Cong misses Sonia"
In and out of Parliament chaos is supreme. The public is angry and so sorry that the taxpayer's money is going waste. As two spokespersons Jayanti Natrajan and Ashwani Kumar are now cabinet members, the Congress has two new spokespersons Renuka Choudhary and Rashid Alva. But sadly no Congress spokespersons are a match to the Anna team. Public temper is at the highest at the arrogance of the Congress troubleshooters. The Congress has constituted a team which is called G-7, informally of which seven ministers are members. They make the strategy to tackle media regularly.
This was constituted after the Anna Hazare fiasco in May where the government fumbled and appeared confused and weak to handle the issue. This committee has experienced and smooth talkers like Ghulam Nabi Azad and this is the first time an Indian government has institutionalized media management in this manner, where a group of ministers discuss and then in a united way handle media.
Chidambaram and Ambika Soni, members of G-7, are always prepared to take on the hungry media even though team Anna's anger towards the home minister is at its highest peak. But the minister's presence adds credibility and substance to the tackling of questions on all issues, including political.
The media-management structure was put together at the core committee of the Congress where the Prime Minister and Sonia Gandhi were present. Articulate lawyers but not politically savvy are the ones who are being blamed for the mess even though savvy politicians hardly talk.
Pawan Bansal brings to the table the views of other parties while the seasoned Ambika Soni sends out important headlines to the team in the morning. Then these ministers are given an update when they meet. This is how now the troubled government gets its views across. Of course now every hour there is something new that erupts and has to be tackled. As the media now plays the role of the opposition, they have to be careful all the time. But none of their assurances can get the emotionally charged public to be quiet now. There is a joke doing the rounds that when the lady of the house is away, the house is in disarray. With Sonia away, the Congress is in a state of complete confusion. The Congress is surely missing Sonia Gandhi and how?
Pioneer-DilliBilli-28th.Aug.2011-"HAZARE MAKES GOVT BITE DUST"
"Hazare makes Govt bite dust"
There has not been a single instance where the UPA has been able to break Hazare or his team or find a solution
It is an absolute disaster how the Congress has gone about handling the Anna Hazare situation. It has left almost everybody shocked and bewildered. Every step that the party has taken has been outwitted by Hazare’s team. His team has used Hazare’s image to the hilt and proved that they are much smarter than the Government. Attacking Hazare, his team and his people only helped his case and showed how the Government has been misinformed about the public sentiments and emotions.
Why was Hazare arrested, sent to Tihar jail and then released at 7:30 pm? Why could he have not been put under house arrest? Who were the people behind this Government’s strategy? Why did the Prime Minister not come out in the open and speak on the issue? The seasoned Congress politicians who had isolated themselves from the Hazare issue were asked to step in and settle things amicably. The strategists have not tried to shield the Prime Minister, instead they have been successful in destroying the Prime Minister’s image. In the beginning, at least one thought, that whatever corruption was surfacing in the UPA Government, the Prime Minister was above it all and he did want to punish the guilty. But now he has virtually turned a blind eye towards the demand of the people. If a dialogue had been initiated, the Congress’ image would not have taken the beaten it has received.
Corruption is not new in our country but the scale at which it has risen is shocking. One has to bribe everyone for everything. The Prime Minister has legal minds assisting him on political decisions. Hazare on the other hand has people who are obviously a lot smarter. There is no doubt that the Government is without a direction or focus. They tried everything in their power to break Hazare and his team and failed. Hazare’s strength lies in the huge support he got globally. There are some members of the Union Cabinet who may not ever win an election because of the negative image they have got from this mess. If Sonia Gandhi was in the country the situation would have been handled in a more dignified manner.
And what is stranger is how the Government is blaming the Press for the situation? Can the Government not see the frustration of the people? The Government may be entering the phase of policy paralysis and it has to do damage control if Rahul Gandhi has to head the party in the near future. But one thing is clear — Hazare and the aam admi has crippled the UPA Government. The public is sure that the Nehru-Gandhi parivaar is against personal attacks and is waiting for them to find a solution. The Prime Minister must realise that by keeping quiet he has not only destroyed his image but also the image of the Congress. He and his advisors should at least protect that.
There is a joke doing the rounds these days. When the lady of the house is away, the house is in a disarray. The Congress is in a state of confusion with Sonia Gandhi away.
There has not been a single instance where the UPA has been able to break Hazare or his team or find a solution
It is an absolute disaster how the Congress has gone about handling the Anna Hazare situation. It has left almost everybody shocked and bewildered. Every step that the party has taken has been outwitted by Hazare’s team. His team has used Hazare’s image to the hilt and proved that they are much smarter than the Government. Attacking Hazare, his team and his people only helped his case and showed how the Government has been misinformed about the public sentiments and emotions.
Why was Hazare arrested, sent to Tihar jail and then released at 7:30 pm? Why could he have not been put under house arrest? Who were the people behind this Government’s strategy? Why did the Prime Minister not come out in the open and speak on the issue? The seasoned Congress politicians who had isolated themselves from the Hazare issue were asked to step in and settle things amicably. The strategists have not tried to shield the Prime Minister, instead they have been successful in destroying the Prime Minister’s image. In the beginning, at least one thought, that whatever corruption was surfacing in the UPA Government, the Prime Minister was above it all and he did want to punish the guilty. But now he has virtually turned a blind eye towards the demand of the people. If a dialogue had been initiated, the Congress’ image would not have taken the beaten it has received.
Corruption is not new in our country but the scale at which it has risen is shocking. One has to bribe everyone for everything. The Prime Minister has legal minds assisting him on political decisions. Hazare on the other hand has people who are obviously a lot smarter. There is no doubt that the Government is without a direction or focus. They tried everything in their power to break Hazare and his team and failed. Hazare’s strength lies in the huge support he got globally. There are some members of the Union Cabinet who may not ever win an election because of the negative image they have got from this mess. If Sonia Gandhi was in the country the situation would have been handled in a more dignified manner.
And what is stranger is how the Government is blaming the Press for the situation? Can the Government not see the frustration of the people? The Government may be entering the phase of policy paralysis and it has to do damage control if Rahul Gandhi has to head the party in the near future. But one thing is clear — Hazare and the aam admi has crippled the UPA Government. The public is sure that the Nehru-Gandhi parivaar is against personal attacks and is waiting for them to find a solution. The Prime Minister must realise that by keeping quiet he has not only destroyed his image but also the image of the Congress. He and his advisors should at least protect that.
There is a joke doing the rounds these days. When the lady of the house is away, the house is in a disarray. The Congress is in a state of confusion with Sonia Gandhi away.
Sunday, August 28, 2011
The Tribune-Chatterati-28th-August-2011
"Grand couple, grander celebrations"
The Second Sin', the posh new avatar of the barely laminated 'Manre', was the venue for the first wedding anniversary celebrations of Sunanda and Shashi Tharoor. One of the city's most social couples had put together a very varied guest list that ranged from Sunanda's army childhood classmates to Tharoor's companions.
Guests were entertained in style presided over by 'Second Sin' owner and Rajya Sabha member K.D.Singh. But the highlights of the evening were the two presentation ceremonies--a painter who had done a large portrait of the much-in-love middle-aged couple and a printer who had dedicated a calendar with pictures of the couple adorning its pages.
The Anna Hazare tumult and the relatively faraway Saket location meant that many of Delhi's spoilt citizens who rarely travel outside their comfort zone of Central Delhi were missing in action.
But cheerful friends made up for the absence of the politicians and Shashi's colleagues, the members of Parliament. Giving an Anna touch to the evening were Kabir Bedi and his effervescent daughter Pooja Bedi flushed with stories of their speech from Anna's podium earlier in the day. Then there was a crooner who sang old film numbers praising the lovebirds Sunanda and Shashi. Though the crowd was thin, the spirits were high and the food was good.
=========================================================
"Cong misses Sonia"
In and out of Parliament chaos is supreme. The public is angry and so sorry that the taxpayer's money is going waste. As two spokespersons Jayanti Natrajan and Ashwani Kumar are now cabinet members, the Congress has two new spokespersons Renuka Choudhary and Rashid Alva. But sadly no Congress spokespersons are a match to the Anna team. Public temper is at the highest at the arrogance of the Congress troubleshooters. The Congress has constituted a team which is called G-7, informally of which seven ministers are members. They make the strategy to tackle media regularly.
This was constituted after the Anna Hazare fiasco in May where the government fumbled and appeared confused and weak to handle the issue. This committee has experienced and smooth talkers like Ghulam Nabi Azad and this is the first time an Indian government has institutionalized media management in this manner, where a group of ministers discuss and then in a united way handle media.
Chidambaram and Ambika Soni, members of G-7, are always prepared to take on the hungry media even though team Anna's anger towards the home minister is at its highest peak. But the minister's presence adds credibility and substance to the tackling of questions on all issues, including political.
The media-management structure was put together at the core committee of the Congress where the Prime Minister and Sonia Gandhi were present. Articulate lawyers but not politically savvy are the ones who are being blamed for the mess even though savvy politicians hardly talk.
Pawan Bansal brings to the table the views of other parties while the seasoned Ambika Soni sends out important headlines to the team in the morning. Then these ministers are given an update when they meet. This is how now the troubled government gets its views across. Of course now every hour there is something new that erupts and has to be tackled. As the media now plays the role of the opposition, they have to be careful all the time. But none of their assurances can get the emotionally charged public to be quiet now. There is a joke doing the rounds that when the lady of the house is away, the house is in disarray. With Sonia away, the Congress is in a state of complete confusion. The Congress is surely missing Sonia Gandhi and how?
The Second Sin', the posh new avatar of the barely laminated 'Manre', was the venue for the first wedding anniversary celebrations of Sunanda and Shashi Tharoor. One of the city's most social couples had put together a very varied guest list that ranged from Sunanda's army childhood classmates to Tharoor's companions.
Guests were entertained in style presided over by 'Second Sin' owner and Rajya Sabha member K.D.Singh. But the highlights of the evening were the two presentation ceremonies--a painter who had done a large portrait of the much-in-love middle-aged couple and a printer who had dedicated a calendar with pictures of the couple adorning its pages.
The Anna Hazare tumult and the relatively faraway Saket location meant that many of Delhi's spoilt citizens who rarely travel outside their comfort zone of Central Delhi were missing in action.
But cheerful friends made up for the absence of the politicians and Shashi's colleagues, the members of Parliament. Giving an Anna touch to the evening were Kabir Bedi and his effervescent daughter Pooja Bedi flushed with stories of their speech from Anna's podium earlier in the day. Then there was a crooner who sang old film numbers praising the lovebirds Sunanda and Shashi. Though the crowd was thin, the spirits were high and the food was good.
=========================================================
"Cong misses Sonia"
In and out of Parliament chaos is supreme. The public is angry and so sorry that the taxpayer's money is going waste. As two spokespersons Jayanti Natrajan and Ashwani Kumar are now cabinet members, the Congress has two new spokespersons Renuka Choudhary and Rashid Alva. But sadly no Congress spokespersons are a match to the Anna team. Public temper is at the highest at the arrogance of the Congress troubleshooters. The Congress has constituted a team which is called G-7, informally of which seven ministers are members. They make the strategy to tackle media regularly.
This was constituted after the Anna Hazare fiasco in May where the government fumbled and appeared confused and weak to handle the issue. This committee has experienced and smooth talkers like Ghulam Nabi Azad and this is the first time an Indian government has institutionalized media management in this manner, where a group of ministers discuss and then in a united way handle media.
Chidambaram and Ambika Soni, members of G-7, are always prepared to take on the hungry media even though team Anna's anger towards the home minister is at its highest peak. But the minister's presence adds credibility and substance to the tackling of questions on all issues, including political.
The media-management structure was put together at the core committee of the Congress where the Prime Minister and Sonia Gandhi were present. Articulate lawyers but not politically savvy are the ones who are being blamed for the mess even though savvy politicians hardly talk.
Pawan Bansal brings to the table the views of other parties while the seasoned Ambika Soni sends out important headlines to the team in the morning. Then these ministers are given an update when they meet. This is how now the troubled government gets its views across. Of course now every hour there is something new that erupts and has to be tackled. As the media now plays the role of the opposition, they have to be careful all the time. But none of their assurances can get the emotionally charged public to be quiet now. There is a joke doing the rounds that when the lady of the house is away, the house is in disarray. With Sonia away, the Congress is in a state of complete confusion. The Congress is surely missing Sonia Gandhi and how?
Monday, August 22, 2011
Pioneer-DilliBilli-23rd.Aug.2011-"INDIA MAKES A MARK FOR ITSELF"
"India makes a mark for itself"
Today, our country has the best to offer to the world — whether it is in the form of goods, talent or creativity
It is a well-known fact that Indian fashion and designers are now in-tune with international market because of the exposure from the west. This has ensured that we are very much at home with our dress sense even when we are travelling abroad. Today, wherever we go, we are looked upon with great respect.
There was a time when we used to return from a foreign trip with bags full of soaps, shampoos, chocolates, biscuits and other knick-knacks. We used to pay for extra baggage and ladies used to stuff their handbags with cosmetics and creams. There was a limit on how much foreign exchange one could carry. So most people ended up borrowing from friends and relatives abroad.
Making several trips to Gaffar market to buy things like coke and imported sweets with friends was common. Things have changes and for the better. As our economy has opened up, everything is now easily available in the market. One need not go abroad for shopping now. People travel to a foreign country for a holiday, to know about different cultures, to understand how their Government works and study their policies. We have realised one important thing — if we are not a step better, we are as good as they are. The Internet and other social network sites have ensured that we are aware of what is happening all over the world. With more and more people getting education, the level of awareness is also on the rise.
Travelling from France to Italy to Scotland to the UK, one thing stands out — foreigners are curious about our heritage, culture and how a nation of over a billion-plus population with different ideologies and beliefs live together in harmony. They do want to come to our country and learn from our rich heritage. Homeopathy, Aryurveda and Yoga are very popular with the average westerner.
On a recent trip abroad, I met a 23-year-old Argentinian who practices yoga with her 80-year old-grandmother. They do asanas and meditation. Her family had never travelled out of Argentina. She was the first to travel to London so that she could learn English. I felt proud when I saw her taking Homeopathy medicine for her acne. Our tandoori chicken and idlis are available as health food in up-market stores. Kurtas modified as shirts worn over jeans with Kolhapuri chappals is a fashion statement in many places in the west. Even our nose pin is popular.
One feels proud as one walks into stores like Harrods or a designer store in Paris and see India designs and clothes on display. The quality is brilliant and as good if not better than the brands that are available there. The creativity, talent and material that is now there in the market, I can proudly say that we are at par with the finest in the world.
When you spot Indians on the streets, they are confident, well-dressed and are brilliant at whatever they undertake — job or business. A new India is making it’s mark across the globe.
Today, our country has the best to offer to the world — whether it is in the form of goods, talent or creativity
It is a well-known fact that Indian fashion and designers are now in-tune with international market because of the exposure from the west. This has ensured that we are very much at home with our dress sense even when we are travelling abroad. Today, wherever we go, we are looked upon with great respect.
There was a time when we used to return from a foreign trip with bags full of soaps, shampoos, chocolates, biscuits and other knick-knacks. We used to pay for extra baggage and ladies used to stuff their handbags with cosmetics and creams. There was a limit on how much foreign exchange one could carry. So most people ended up borrowing from friends and relatives abroad.
Making several trips to Gaffar market to buy things like coke and imported sweets with friends was common. Things have changes and for the better. As our economy has opened up, everything is now easily available in the market. One need not go abroad for shopping now. People travel to a foreign country for a holiday, to know about different cultures, to understand how their Government works and study their policies. We have realised one important thing — if we are not a step better, we are as good as they are. The Internet and other social network sites have ensured that we are aware of what is happening all over the world. With more and more people getting education, the level of awareness is also on the rise.
Travelling from France to Italy to Scotland to the UK, one thing stands out — foreigners are curious about our heritage, culture and how a nation of over a billion-plus population with different ideologies and beliefs live together in harmony. They do want to come to our country and learn from our rich heritage. Homeopathy, Aryurveda and Yoga are very popular with the average westerner.
On a recent trip abroad, I met a 23-year-old Argentinian who practices yoga with her 80-year old-grandmother. They do asanas and meditation. Her family had never travelled out of Argentina. She was the first to travel to London so that she could learn English. I felt proud when I saw her taking Homeopathy medicine for her acne. Our tandoori chicken and idlis are available as health food in up-market stores. Kurtas modified as shirts worn over jeans with Kolhapuri chappals is a fashion statement in many places in the west. Even our nose pin is popular.
One feels proud as one walks into stores like Harrods or a designer store in Paris and see India designs and clothes on display. The quality is brilliant and as good if not better than the brands that are available there. The creativity, talent and material that is now there in the market, I can proudly say that we are at par with the finest in the world.
When you spot Indians on the streets, they are confident, well-dressed and are brilliant at whatever they undertake — job or business. A new India is making it’s mark across the globe.
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