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Posted on 02 December, 2013, No Comments Comments admin
Yesterday Shri Narendra Modi and Shri Rajnath Singh addressed a huge rally in Jammu & Kashmir.
Jammu & Kashmir’s integration with India is an essential part of the ideology of Bhartiya Jana Sangh and now the BJP.
The BJP believes that Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee’s vision of complete integration of Jammu & Kashmir was the correct vision for India.
The Nehruvian vision of a separate status has given rise to aspirations for the pre-1953 status, self-rule and even Azadi. The desire of proponents of these three ideas has weakened the constitutional and political relationship between Jammu & Kashmir and the rest of the country. The journey of separate status has been towards separatism and not towards integration. It would be incorrect for anyone to interpret BJP’s challenge for a debate on this issue as a softening of stand on Article 370.
The Anti daughter position in Jammu & Kashmir –
The State laws in Jammu & Kashmir were consistently interpreted for over five decades to mean that a daughter in Jammu & Kashmir would lose her status as a permanent resident of the State as also special rights and privileges available to her if she married outside the State. This was based on an erroneous belief that a wife followed the domicile of the husband. A large number of women in Jammu & Kashmir questioned the constitutional validity of this provision. A Full Bench of the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir by a judgement dated 7th October, 2002 re-interpreted the law and by a majority judgement held that a daughter marrying outside the State would not lose her status as a permanent resident. The National Conference government which was in power in the State was represented in this case by its Advocate General Mr. MA Goni who vehemently opposed the plea of the daughters.
The judgement records—
“Ld. Advocate General, Mr. MA Goni contended that a female descendent of a permanent resident of the state on marriage to a non-permanent resident of the state would lose the status of a permanent resident of the state and would not be permanent resident of the State as defined under section 6 of the State Constitution. He submitted that by marrying a non-permanent resident, a female descendent of a permanent resident of the State will not only lose the property which she may have acquired in the State before marriage as permanent resident of the state but she would also lose all special rights and privileges like employment in the State Government, right to scholarship or any other such privileges as the government may provide. He further submitted that the status of the wife or the widow depends on the status of the husband and in case she ceases to reside in the state and takes permanent residence outside the state she would lose the status acquired by marriage with a permanent resident of the State.”
This was the categorical position of the government of Shri Omar Abdullah’s party, the National Conference. Dissatisfied with this judgement, the National Conference government filed an SLP in the Supreme Government.
In the year 2003, the PDP Government in alliance with Congress Party was formed in the state. The PDP Government followed an alternative strategy. They withdrew the SLP and introduced ‘The Jammu and Kashmir Resident (Disqualification) Bill 2004’, which attempted to statutorily nullify the progressive majority view taken by the High Court. The Bill was enthusiastically supported by the PDP and the National Conference. It sought to withdraw the status of a permanent resident from a daughter who married outside the State. The Bill was passed by the Legislative Assembly.
Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the then Prime Minister in March 2004, suggested that the State Government should find a solution to this problem. The PDP and the National Conference linked it to the upholding the special status of the State guaranteed under Article 370 of the Constitution.
After being passed by the legislative assembly, this Bill was taken to the Legislative Council. It ran into some trouble with the Chairman of the Legislative Council adjourning the House without voting and referring it back to the Assembly where it again got stuck. Recently, again moves have been made to re-enact the Bill.
In 2010, a PDP member again introduced this Bill as a Private Member’s Bill in the Legislative Council. Competitive statements have been made by leaders of the National Conference that they are committed to bring this Bill. Special status and Kashmiri identity have been pitted against Women’ rights.
Can the Chief Minister Shri Omar Abdullah ignore a dubious track record of his Party on this issue and indulge in discourteous tweets on the subject ?
It must be accepted by one and all that such discriminatory provisions which also compromise on the right to live with dignity have no place in Indian law.
Posted on 30 November, 2013, No Comments Comments admin
The campaign having concluded in other States, the entire concentration of the BJP campaign is now on Delhi Assembly polls. Every leader of the Party has visited several constituencies to address large public rallies and Karyakarta sammelans. The entire party has been participating in the campaign.
Where is the Congress campaign ?
Who are the Congress campaigners ?
Some people look good only when the going is good. That is a more apt description of the central leadership of the Congress party. After the fiasco at the Virat garden, Ambedkar Nagar, Rahul Gandhi has not endeavoured to hold another meeting in Delhi. He has ignored the Delhi campaign.
Mrs. Sonia Gandhi has addressed a solitary rally in Delhi.
Dr. Manmohan Singh was scheduled to address a rally today which was cancelled on account of his other important engagements.
It seems that central leadership of the Congress Party has virtually written off Delhi and is not actively participating in the Delhi campaign.
Mrs. Sheila Dixit appears to be going about it all alone.
Even in publicity over the radio, outdoor advertising and newspaper advertisements, the Congress campaign appears to be both subdued and confused. It is this inactivity which is likely to add to the BJP’s advantage.
The Aam Aadmi Party is also endeavouring to find a space for itself from the vacuum that Congress has created.
The lowest percentage of votes that the Congress in Delhi received i.e. 33% , was in 1977.
I reiterate that in this Assembly elections the Congress will fall much below even that figure.
Posted on 29 November, 2013, No Comments Comments admin
I have earlier commented that the Congress Party is unable to deal with Narendra Modi. The Congress‘s undeclared Prime Ministerial Candidate is making no impact. It has therefore resorted to some of its leaders confining themselves to tweets and press conferences.
Modi in the meanwhile continues to tour the entire country. His audience response has been unprecedented. I have in the last two decades after the expansion of 24*7 satellite TV, seen a lack of interest in public rallies. Narendra Modi’s public meetings have revived that interest. The environment at the rallies is electrifying.
Governmental authorities have denied to him the permission to hold rally in the Chief Minister’s constituency at Sarojini Nagar, Newdelhi. Prime Minister’s rally scheduled for Delhi has been cancelled so that comparison can not be drawn with Modi’s rally on the same day.
I have earlier mentioned that the dirty tricks department of the Congress has used disgruntled police officers and civil servants to make baseless allegations against Modi. Even that doesn’t seem to be cutting ice.
An important publication which was used in the past for more than a decade to carry on anti-Modi campaign appears to be collapsing under the weight of its own immorality.
A large number of NGOs with invisible funding which had made a living out of keeping anti-Modi litigations alive in Courts have not so far succeeded in bringing out any material evidence against him.
What does the Congress Party then do ? Suddenly a series of Websites have appeared with some stories and some non-stories.
Anti-Modism is no longer merely a political philosophy. It is also commerce. Some of these websites are making a mountain of what is not even a molehill. The dirty tricks department of the Congress continues to commercially flourish. It is a different matter that even the tricks are failing to spread the dirt.
Posted on 28 November, 2013, No Comments Comments admin
I have returned today after campaigning in Rajasthan. The voters of Rajasthan are yearning for change. They find the Chief Minister of the present state government as non-inspirational. He lacks dynamism necessary to give push to a state like Rajasthan which otherwise has very high potential. The Congress government in Rajasthan remained non-functional for more than four years. In the last few months it did try to come out with some populist measures. By that time, it was too late. Rajasthan remembers the decisiveness of Smt. Vasundhara Raje. Her capacity to push development initiatives is praised by many. She unquestionably remains the most popular political personality in the State. Her meetings have been well responded to. Shri Narendera Modi’s extensive campaigning has given to the BJP the cutting edge that it needs for Rajasthan. The Congress suffers from a bad image. A large number of Ministers and MLAs have been arrested for allegations relating to sexual abuse charges. A beleaguered Congress is hardly likely to pose a serious challenge to the BJP.
I have campaigned in all the four States going to poll other than Mizoram. I find the audience response in public rallies in Rajasthan most electrifying. The environment of political rallies gives you an idea about the things to come. For the BJP, Rajasthan may give a better than expected results.
Posted on 27 November, 2013, No Comments Comments admin
The G-33 submissions in the negotiations in Geneva at the WTO contain the “peace clause” . India is a part of G-33. There are mixed reports in the media that India has agreed to this clause in Geneva. The final outcome of this round of negotiations would be decided in the Ministerial meeting at Bali during 3rd-6th December 2013. Media reports suggest that the Prime Minister has promised to ensure that India would seek a permanent solution at Bali to protect its food security programme.
Under the Agreement on Agriculture(AOA), subsidies in the nature of domestic support measures and export subsidies are exempted up to 10% of the value of agricultural production (prices taken for the base period 1986-88) from any challenge at the WTO . The proposed peace clause would exempt subsidies in excess of the 10% limit for a period of just four (4) years. The total subsidy under the Food Security Act in India may exceed the 10% limit in the very first year given the current level of Minimum Support Prices (MSPs) and the subsidized rates under the Food Security Act (FSA) . The total subsidy basket would further go up as MSPs and procurement costs rise in the coming years. India needs to comprehensively protect these subsidies on a permanent basis if there is to be sincere and meaningful food security for Indians. This peace clause seeks to provide only a semblance of protection for a period of 4 years. Our food security programmes would still be exposed during this period to punitive action under the Agreement for Subsidies and Countervailing measures. This may force India to substantially limit the food security programme immediately. The much-hyped food security for Indians would eventually come to a naught in just 4 years if this peace clause is acceded to.
The peace clause in its current form is not in our interest. We can not compromise on the livelihood of millions of subsistence farmers in India . We can not accept any limitations on our food security programme. India should persist with its demand for a “Food Security” Box which would protect on a permanent basis the price support to farmers (MSPs) and food subsidy to millions of vulnerable Indians.
Posted on 26 November, 2013, No Comments Comments admin
The Delhi Unit of the BJP has released its manifesto for the forthcoming assembly elections. I had an opportunity to be present at the function where the manifesto was released by Shri Vijay Goel and Dr. Harshvardhan. The manifesto is a well drafted document which promises to improve the quality of life of the citizens of Delhi and provide a cushion to them against the uncontrolled inflation.
Delhi elections conventionally have been bipolar. There are several small political parties whose area of influence is somewhat limited. At best, they act as spoilers. This time the Aam Aadmi Party is making its debut. It is hoping to open up its’ account in Delhi.
The Congress in Delhi suffers from double anti-incumbency. Price rise, mismanagement of the economy, a large number of scams, a weak central government on issues of internal security are all areas which are impacting on the psyche of the voter in Delhi. The Congress suffers from a leadership crisis at the Centre. A non-performing government led by an indecisive leader has unquestionably disillusioned the people. The new leadership for the Congress that the Congress promises is non-inspirational. A local anti-incumbency against the State government is predominantly on account of corruption resulting from innumerable Lok Ayukta reports against the State government. A huge increase in the electricity and water tariff and inadequate amenities in very large part of Delhi have created popular anger. I anticipate that the popular vote in support of the Congress Party will hit a rock bottom. I won’t be surprised if the Congress’s share of popular vote falls to the lowest ever it has received in any State election since 1952.
The Aam Aadmi Party is thriving on publicity and cynicism. Its electoral base is narrow. Its political style is adventurous. Recent disclosures indicated that the facade of morality put up by its leaders is unconvincing. Its leaders and candidates have been seen discussing helping people to eject occupants from properties, settling financial disputes and participating in demonstrations against business rivals. This is indeed a ‘rent a cause’ party.
The BJP has gained in the present political environment. Dr. Harshvadhan’s leadership has provided it a leader with credibility and integrity. The fact that he is a professional has added to his stature. I foresee a convincing victory for BJP in Delhi.
Posted on 24 November, 2013, No Comments Comments admin
How does the Congress party deal with Narendra Modi? It is a question that the party is unable to answer?
In Gujarat, the party has flip-flopped. Either they are very aggressive against him or alternatively they pretend that he doesn’t exist. In the 2012 state assembly elections they could not project a leader to match him. They hired a young brand Ambassador to counter him.
This dilemma obviously continues in Delhi. Rahul Gandhi is no match. The Congress is on the back foot as far as the leadership battle is concerned. Today it is under the impression that tweets, taunts and press conferences of its’ second row leaders will match Modi. This hasn’t worked. They are back to their old game of detecting a disgruntled police officer or a civil servant and getting him to make absurd charges. This didn’t work when Sanjeev Bhatt did it. It won’t work with Congress party’s newly discovered suspended civil servant doing it.
Posted on 23 November, 2013, No Comments Comments admin
I spent the last few days in Madhya Pradesh campaigning for the BJP. The response was extremely encouraging.
In 2003 I was in-charge of the Party’s campaign in Madhya Pradesh. The Congress had been in power for 10 years. The state was in bad shape on all developmental parameters. The roads of Madhya Pradesh were the worst in the country. Electricity supply was for a minimal period. There was huge shortage of water both for domestic consumption and also for agriculture. There was barely any investment being attracted to the State. The Party wanted to get back to the basics. Our election slogan was ‘Bijli, Sadak, Pani’ which was described by the media as the BSP campaign. There was a huge anti-incumbancy against the Congress. The BJP scored a record victory getting three-fourth majority in the State.
The credit for good governance today goes to Shri Shivraj Singh Chauhan. He is a picture of humility, discipline, and compassion. He has maintained utmost social harmony in the State. Today Madhya Pradesh can boast of an exceptionally good road network. Most areas of the State are connected with excellent roads. Sub-urbanizations is taking place in a big way. The inter-city connectivity has hugely improved. Electricity in the State is now available 24 hours a day. Electricity for agricultural purposes is also available for several hours. The irrigation schemes are expanding in a big way. Local irrigation programmes, connectivity of river waters to dry districts is improving. Madhya Pradesh today has become the largest producer of foodgrains in the country.
The State’s Budget has increased five times. The enrichment of the State is evident from the fact that GDP of the State is growing by double digit. The social sector schemes for poverty alleviation are exceptional. Distribution of the resources of the State to the weaker sections is helping to reduce the poverty levels.
It is this performance of the State Government and the image of the Chief Minister, Shri Shivraj Singh Chauhan which is going to steer the BJP to a decisive victory in the forthcoming assembly elections.
Posted on 22 November, 2013, No Comments Comments admin
Yesterday, I happened to glance at the Television debates on the serious charges made against Tarun Tejpal. Regretfully, some participants provided an escape route for the accused. They argued that the victim has a freedom of choice whether to pursue her complaint before the in-house inquiry or pursue the criminal investigation.
A criminal offence is a crime against a victim. It is also a crime against society. This is precisely why the ‘State’ pursues a criminal action. The public exchequer pays for it. There is a larger public interest in punishing a criminal. A departmental or an in-house inquiry and a criminal trial complement each other. They are not alternatives. Punishing an offender acts as an deterrent in the larger interest of the society
It is the duty of one and all to encourage victims to depose truly and faithfully. Public interest must always prevail over private embarrassments. The ‘alternative option’ theory is an accused-friendly approach.
Posted on 21 November, 2013, No Comments Comments admin
The Indian Media is on trial. A young intern alleged that a retired Judge had made an improper advance towards her. The media reported it extensively. The Chief Justice of India appointed a three Judge inquiry to examine the issue and report its’ finding. A Section of the media is outraged that the police in Gujarat was protecting or allegedly keeping an eye on a young lady even with her and her family’s consent.
The Goa incident involving Tarun Tejpal and a young journalist is in a different league altogether. The victim’s complaint makes out a clear case of rape. The definition of rape was amended by the parliament subsequent to the Justice Verma Committees recommendations. The ingredients of an offence of rape as amended by parliament are squarely made out in the victims e-mail. Why was the offence not allowed to be reported forthwith? Were any pressures brought on the victim not to lodge a complaint? How can an offence of rape be compromised by an atonement that the guilty will not attend office for six month? It is unheard of that a private treaty between Tarun Tejpal and Shoma Choudhary wipes out the penal consequence of rape. How can Shoma Choudhary so definitely say that the victim will not depose before the police? Is she not guilty of tampering with evidence in a rape case by pressuring a young employee to conceal the offence?
The grievance of the of the citizens’ movement after the gang rape of Nirbhaya in Delhi was that sexual assaults are alway under reported. Is this what is happening in this case? Just because the assailant has connections in the Congress party the nation is deprived of the sage advise of P Chidambram, the caustic comments of Kapil Sibal and the exaggerated tweets of Manish Tiwari.
Manish Tiwai was in Goa recently. He discovered Hitler there. What a pity that he could not discover a serial rapist in Goa. Additionally we will all await if the outrage in the media is proportionate to the offence. Or will journalistic pressures e brought on the young journalist to conceal the truth. May be secular philandering is to be dealt with a different standard. We all wait to see if the young lady testifies to the truth or not.