Narendra Modi vs the Dynasty: Contrasting Ideas of India

Arunkumar · Post by **Arunkumar** » 18 Jul 2013 13:37

hmm....SS getting east. What is jharkand's equivalent of Bellary?

Sushupti · Post by **Sushupti** » 18 Jul 2013 13:44

Manish_Sharma wrote:
Sushupti wrote:With Nehruvians not in charge of BJP anymore, slowly congress starts getting in uncomfortable zone. This is the dilemma they were in all along from late 80s to late 90s until we all know what happened.
Errrm weren't ABV & LKA incharge of BJP "from late 80s to late 90s"? Are they not nehruvians?

ABV was on the sidelines(post 86) until he was declared PM candidate. When he got decisive victory in 99 he started showing his true colors. As far as LKA , his becoming BJP presidenthip in 86 was pretty similar to Rajnath getting his second term. RSS fedup with ABVs nehruvian bullcrap, Advani was given the charge with reminder that he will work on RSS plan. Advani could muster the courage to play Nehruvian only when all the giants of RSS Sheshadri, Rajju Bhaiya etc were dead.

Sanku · Post by **Sanku** » 18 Jul 2013 14:04

It is a insult to compare SSC with Yeddi, at best Yeddi can be compared with Uma Bharati.

Sushupti · Post by **Sushupti** » 18 Jul 2013 14:06

Pre-emptive attempt by Shoma Chaudhury minimise the impact when it happens?

Senior Editor Rana Ayyub has been having a close taste of this in recent weeks. Over the past three years, Rana — one of TEHELKA’s most sterling and fearless journalists — has doggedly chased the story of fake encounters in Gujarat. Her journalism has been driven by a keen sense of justice and constitutional values. Yet, as her scoops on the Ishrat Jahan case began to make national headlines, she has had to face the humiliating experience of being assessed not as a professional but as a “Muslim journalist”. Equally dismaying, a despicable slander campaign has been unleashed against her — shadowy whispers about a CD involving her and CBI officers that have absolutely no basis in truth.
http://www.tehelka.com/modi-epitomises- ... nglepage=1

krishnan · Post by **krishnan** » 18 Jul 2013 14:12

>when we say gujarat's agriculture growth is10-11% since whole last decade ->> THEY SAY 2002 >when we say he made the asia's biggest solar plant, ->> THEY SAY 2002 >when we say gujarat is only state in the whole india to provide 24*7 and 365 days electricity to almost all of its 18000 villages, ->> THEY SAY 2002 >when we recall them world bank's statement of 2011 in which they said, gujarat roads are closer to international standards, ->> THEY SAY 2002 >when we say gujarat is the first state in country to have "high speed wireless broadband service in its all 18000 villages, ->> THEY SAY 2002 >when in 2010 forbes magazine rates ahemdabad the fastest growing city in the india and 3rd in world, ->>THEY SAY 2002 >when we tell them gujarat tourism is growing faster than ever before, ->> THEY SAY 2002 >when we tell them according to central govt's labour bureau's report, gujarat has the lowest unemployment rate in country, ->> THEY SAY 2002 >when Narendra Modi is being chosen as best current indian leader in almost all of those surveys and polls again n again ->> THEY SAY 2002 >when we say 2003-2013 is the only 10 straight years in gujarat history which are riotfree, ->> THEY SAY 2002 >but when we remind them, 1947 bengal riots , 1969 gujarat riots,1980 moradabad riots, 1984 anti-sikh riots, 1983 nellie assam riots, 1989 bhagalpur riots and more than 18 riots (all of which occured during congress rule), ->> THEY CHANGE THE TOPIC!

I Support Narendra Modi

Chandragupta · Post by **Chandragupta** » 18 Jul 2013 14:52

Sushupti wrote:Pre-emptive attempt by Shoma Chaudhury minimise the impact when it happens?

Senior Editor Rana Ayyub has been having a close taste of this in recent weeks. Over the past three years, Rana — one of TEHELKA’s most sterling and fearless journalists — has doggedly chased the story of fake encounters in Gujarat. Her journalism has been driven by a keen sense of justice and constitutional values. Yet, as her scoops on the Ishrat Jahan case began to make national headlines, she has had to face the humiliating experience of being assessed not as a professional but as a “Muslim journalist”. Equally dismaying, a despicable slander campaign has been unleashed against her — shadowy whispers about a CD involving her and CBI officers that have absolutely no basis in truth.
http://www.tehelka.com/modi-epitomises- ... nglepage=1

Putting journalist & Rana Ayyub in the same sentence itself is a blasphemy. The woman froths at the mouth while abusing & attacking BJP/Modi like a rabid female dog. The hurt in her eyes & the squeal in her voice makes me wonder if she is a closet fidayeen.

Virendra · Post by **Virendra** » 18 Jul 2013 15:25

krisna wrote:Among all the seniors looking after 4 differentr zones-
SS in the east- not to indulge in politicking in north which is her base. also east being a little weak helps NaMo is consolidating his hold amongst masses in north who are in awe of his popularity.

SS can wreck NaMo chances in west and south hence no go areas. Advani-SS duo have pull in all zones except east.

But SS has prior experience of South and others like Jaswant Singh have of North-East.

prahaar · Post by **prahaar** » 18 Jul 2013 16:36

Chandragupta wrote:
Senior Editor Rana Ayyub has been having a close taste of this in recent weeks. Over the past three years, Rana — one of TEHELKA’s most sterling and fearless journalists — has doggedly chased the story of fake encounters in Gujarat. Her journalism has been driven by a keen sense of justice and constitutional values. Yet, as her scoops on the Ishrat Jahan case began to make national headlines, she has had to face the humiliating experience of being assessed not as a professional but as a “Muslim journalist”. Equally dismaying, a despicable slander campaign has been unleashed against her — shadowy whispers about a CD involving her and CBI officers that have absolutely no basis in truth.
http://www.tehelka.com/modi-epitomises- ... nglepage=1

Putting journalist & Rana Ayyub in the same sentence itself is a blasphemy. The woman froths at the mouth while abusing & attacking BJP/Modi like a rabid female dog. The hurt in her eyes & the squeal in her voice makes me wonder if she is a closet fidayeen.

Many journalists do not make any bones about their bias (although they continue to claim they are objective and impartial). A marathi version of Rana Ayyub is Nikhil Wagle, who uses a term BJP/VHP/RSS. This is totally untenable behavior by a journalist and still we continue to have such people leading our outlets.

After yesterday's narendramodiplans namo4pm fiasco, any other "normal country" would have ordered a probe about media behavior. Similarly in any other "normal country" a union cabinet minister (aka Manish Tiwari) making such frivolous statements about Rs.5 fees for UK relief would have been forced to resign. I consider Rana Ayyub as least dangerous because she wears her biases as a badge of honor.

Murugan · Post by **Murugan** » 18 Jul 2013 16:42

THIS IS BIG
(Dated)
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/new ... ttarget=no

Narendra Modi piles up Rs 23 cr in guest appearances

AHMEDABAD: Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi, who knows that he is a crowd-puller, has been cashing in on his celebrity status, literally.

Like Bollywood stars, getting Modi to attend functions comes at a cost. A big difference, however, is that Modi uses his ''celebrity appearance fee'' for a cause.

So, even as his detractors slam him for hogging the limelight, Modi's office has collected Rs 23 crore in the past five years just from his public functions. A large chunk of these funds have been diverted to Kanya Kelavani Nidhi, created for educating the girl child in Gujarat.

While a major part of the sum comes from donations, considerable amounts are also raised from auctioning gift articles which Modi has received. A part of the collections also goes to the CM's Relief Fund, which saw inflow to the tune of Rs 104 crore ever since Modi took over the reins.

A Gujarat-based corporate house, which recently invited Modi to inaugurate its facility, donated Rs 11 lakh to CM's fund. The amount depends on the paying capacity of the organizers. Modi inaugurated about 20 such events in January 2010 alone and presided over hundreds of such events in the past five years.

''He started the practice in 2006. The donation is voluntary,'' said a CM aide. Officials do, however, size up the paying capacity of the organizers and drop hints about what should be the amount of donation. A lot of scholarships to bright girl students and bonds worth Rs 1,000 each to help support the education of lakhs of girls have come out of this fund.

Hari Seldon · Post by **Hari Seldon** » 18 Jul 2013 17:07

Hilarious spoof by unreal times

ensoi...

SaiK · Post by **SaiK** » 18 Jul 2013 17:56

I think it is time get CAG engaged to see the accounting practices of modi's money collection plan.

Neela · Post by **Neela** » 18 Jul 2013 18:00

Pranav wrote:^^^ The correct reaction would be to find out if there is any truth in the reports. There have several reports of scams in MP coming out time to time. Had written a couple days aback about the famous IAS couple living in govt accommodation in MP. Hubby was in Vajpayee's Defense Ministry. Shivraj has a complex vis-a-vis Modi and likes to proclaim that Advani is his tallest leader.

Hey .....a post without the word corruption in it. Congrats. BTW does it hurt when Hazare praises Modi. It does doesn't it.
Chauhan said modi is no. 1 and he is no.3. You ignored that and but bring this promptly. Why bring Modi in when Advani is being praised

Please stop guewishing and lay down your points one by one. We can discuss each in a civil manner .

SwamyG · Post by **SwamyG** » 18 Jul 2013 18:12

Sanku wrote:It is a insult to compare SSC with Yeddi, at best Yeddi can be compared with Uma Bharati.

More like the man who kicked the ladder that helped him climb up. Now that he wants to climb down to safety, begs for the ladder now.

Hari Seldon · Post by **Hari Seldon** » 18 Jul 2013 18:25

BJP divides along communal lines: Mamata takes a dig at Modi

Thanks mamta di. That opens good greenfield projects in WB for the BJP to try tapping into. At least in districts bordering Odisha, JH and Bihar they should be halfway competitive after vote division. Or so I hope. Also, putup a good fight (not just tokenism) in urban WB. Why the heck not, eh?

chaanakya · Post by **chaanakya** » 18 Jul 2013 19:29

Pranav wrote:^^^ The correct reaction would be to find out if there is any truth in the reports. There have several reports of scams in MP coming out time to time. Had written a couple days aback about the famous IAS couple living in govt accommodation in MP. Hubby was in Vajpayee's Defense Ministry. Shivraj has a complex vis-a-vis Modi and likes to proclaim that Advani is his tallest leader.

Both of them have been dismissed from service to my knowledge and their ill-gotten properties confiscated. I dont think MP CM has sheltered them. And I also dont think he has exhibited any complex vis a vis anyone. For whatever it is worth, anyone is yet to repeat LKA feat of achieving 182 seats from just two. AVB was unintended beneficiary of his hard work, good PM though he may be. NaMo has proved in Gujrat but if he gets BJP majority on his own that would be really remarkable feat surpassing LKA. My opinion only.

chaanakya · Post by **chaanakya** » 18 Jul 2013 19:35

Hari Seldon wrote:^^ Last year's tactics have grown way too old. Desi pols have watched and evolved defences against last year's attacks. Trying to use LKA camp to oust BSY won't work in MP. Chouhan can well see the after effects of BSY's revolt, ouster and polls. Even then, C-system had to obtain a conviction from court against BSY before wheels began to move.

I think there was no conviction.

Pranav · Post by **Pranav** » 18 Jul 2013 19:55

Neela wrote:Why bring Modi in when Advani is being praised

Gushing about Advani being "the tallest" only means the person involved is a Namonia sufferer.

krishnan · Post by **krishnan** » 18 Jul 2013 20:13

A Beggar sitting on the road With a board that says :
Give Me some Money or I'll Vote for Congress Again & you will sit next to Me!

member_20317 · Post by **member_20317** » 18 Jul 2013 20:26

What the hell is it with collective conscience that the MSM and Kongis and Nitish has found. Bomb blast in Bihar-collective conscience is a must. Children die in Bihar-collective conscience is a must. Children get poisoned in delhi again collective conscience must be used.

Niku - Boss you tripped because you became sloppy. While your ability to get muslim votes is suspect despite the Bihar ki beti, you at least could have covered your as_. Now that it shows somebody's got to give it what it deserves. And besides for a man who does not have an individual conscience how the hell do your people spout collective conscience.

Kongis - Yeh! conscience. hein!

MSM - How can Collective Conscience become usable suddenly. It was not so till some time back. What changed? Phat ne lag gayi kya? Abhi se?

Arre Individual Conscience ka kya hua bhai.

Sushupti · Post by **Sushupti** » 18 Jul 2013 23:13

Mean while ....

what's "Muslim Nationalism"?

SaiK · Post by **SaiK** » 18 Jul 2013 23:26

in amrikka, the terms like afrikkhan-amrikkhan means different and amrikkhan-afrikkhan is a reverse definition. the second represents the nationality rather than former word.

similarly, musllim-nationalist makes sense, rather national-muslimist. a nationalist goal is for nationalism rather muslimism. the first word merely qualifies to where on belongs, rather where one wants to devote one's actions.

Sushupti · Post by **Sushupti** » 18 Jul 2013 23:29

SaiK wrote:in amrikka, the terms like afrikkhan-amrikkhan means different and amrikkhan-afrikkhan is a reverse definition. the second represents the nationality rather than former word.

similarly, musllim-nationalist makes sense, rather national-muslimist. a nationalist goal is for nationalism rather muslimism.

My question was about his hypocrisy of calling Islamism as Muslim nationalism in Bangladesh.

SaiK · Post by **SaiK** » 18 Jul 2013 23:38

I guess nationlism needs to be defined more importantly rather than chasing behind which religious angle it is taken.. the reason, why it is important to separate religion from politics.

religion if plays against nationlism definitions, then either you correct what nationlist means or correct what muslim means to nationlism.

ramana · Post by **ramana** » 19 Jul 2013 01:36

Wonder if the Food Security Bill will turn into a loaded poison pill like the mid day meal scheme? The latter turned out like that due to massive corrpution and unaccountable disbursements.

vishvak · Post by **vishvak** » 19 Jul 2013 01:43

Sushupti wrote:
SaiK wrote:in amrikka, the terms like afrikkhan-amrikkhan means different and amrikkhan-afrikkhan is a reverse definition. the second represents the nationality rather than former word.

similarly, musllim-nationalist makes sense, rather national-muslimist. a nationalist goal is for nationalism rather muslimism.
My question was about his hypocrisy of calling Islamism as Muslim nationalism in Bangladesh.

And then equal equal.

muraliravi · Post by **muraliravi** » 19 Jul 2013 01:46

ramana wrote:Wonder if the Food Security Bill will turn into a loaded poison pill like the mid day meal scheme? The latter turned out like that due to massive corrpution and unaccountable disbursements.

It will become one. It is best for BJP if they conjure up some good excuse to not support the bill and drown it in the parliament.

SaiK · Post by **SaiK** » 19 Jul 2013 02:17

we need job security bill

ramana · Post by **ramana** » 19 Jul 2013 02:20

INC will convert each and every bill into their way of earning more loot.

The two gullible fools/scholars Amartya Sen and Jean Dreze will dutifully convince people that there is need for more laws programs and INC will use those laws/programs to scam. Its constant process without any break or realization.
The Sen Dreze duo were dutifully quoted about need for the mid-day meals program without the accompanying checks and balances.

Sushupti · Post by **Sushupti** » 19 Jul 2013 06:03

'Modi factor' forces Digvijaya Singh, Mulayam to change tone

http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-new ... 94630.aspx

Sushupti · Post by **Sushupti** » 19 Jul 2013 06:13

Narendra Modi, aided by Rajnath Singh, has trumped an attempt to assign huge responsibilities for the 2014 elections to Delhi BJP satraps.

Instead, Modi has sought to put in place a panchayati raj-style model that would involve anybody who is a somebody in the BJP. The aim is to send the message that the election management would be “decentralised”, not a solo Modi show.

It is learnt that at the end of a long meeting last night at Rajnath’s house, Modi, Rajya Sabha Opposition leader Arun Jaitley and the BJP president decided to constitute “14 to 15” small sub-committees to deal with various aspects of poll management.

It was stressed that the conveners of the panels would work “closely” with Modi, who helms the BJP’s central election management committee.

The Modi election management template ostensibly seeks to farm out functions — from back-office supervision to manifesto writing, preparation of campaign material to co-ordination with state units — to office-bearers to buttress the perception that the BJP works like a beehive.

“There will be collective management,” a source said.

This marks a shift from an idea floated by some in the BJP after L.K. Advani, unhappy with Modi’s projection as a national face, couldn’t push through his plan for a panel that ran parallel to the central campaign committee headed by the Gujarat chief minister.

Under Advani’s blueprint, former party chief Nitin Gadkari would have overseen matters related to polls in five states later this year — the BJP-ruled Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, and the Congress-administered Delhi, Rajasthan and Mizoram.

The alternative plan, mooted by others, was to divide the country into four geographical zones, each headed by seniors — Sushma Swaraj, Jaitley, M. Venkaiah Naidu and Gadkari.

Sushma and Jaitley were considered potential counter-weights to Modi until his ascendancy.

Last night’s plan is different. “The sub-committees will be formed on the basis of specific functions, not geography,” a source said. The members could include general secretaries and those “above them”. In some cases, national secretaries could be inducted too.

The nuts and bolts of the plan were discussed this evening at a meeting of the parliamentary board, the BJP’s top decision-making body, attended by Modi, Advani and others. The specifics may be announced tomorrow.

The monsoon session and the food security bill were among other issues discussed at today’s meeting. The leaders spoke of backing the food law if the Centre accepted some amendments. The changes are drawn from a similar law Chhattisgarh’s BJP government passed and one the party showcased as a “model” to the Centre.

http://www.telegraphindia.com/1130719/j ... 133850.jsp

Sushupti · Post by **Sushupti** » 19 Jul 2013 06:54

Watch how Vijay Jolly (opposed to Vijay Goel in Delhi BJP) gives to Asif Raza. Calls Asif Raza "Ghatia" and opportunist. Language of Shahid Sidduqi will give nightmares to cow belt secular leaders.

http://ibnlive.in.com/videos/407437/is- ... hobia.html

Sushupti · Post by **Sushupti** » 19 Jul 2013 07:11

For Gujarat slum no longer glum story

Gujarat is the only one among 14 states where slums have reduced; about 42.58% of the population lives in cities.

http://www.dnaindia.com/ahmedabad/18610 ... glum-story

Singha · Post by **Singha** » 19 Jul 2013 07:38

poverty - writing about it, talking about it worldwide, using it as a cats paw, organizing seminars on it , managing fund flows toward poverty removal, running orgs and schemes for poverty removal has got to be the biggest "industry" in quantum of funds that GOI or the world at large spends money on.

it feeds many a mouth (not the poor) and sustains many a career. only the truly nationalist like Namo want poverty removal and not a institutionalization of poverty under govt handout schemes.

Pranav · Post by **Pranav** » 19 Jul 2013 08:23

Sushupti wrote: what's "Muslim Nationalism"?

It means "The Ummah / Caliphate is the Nation"

Pranav · Post by **Pranav** » 19 Jul 2013 08:49

What do folks think of these posters in Mumbai -

IMO, it will not appeal very much to the bulk of the population that is living hand-to mouth in slums. But it will cause polarization of minority votes. NaMo's Indic credentials are already very clear to everybody and there is no need to bang that drum. In a recent interview of Tavleen Singh on NitiCentral, she related how Rajasthan villagers are very much pro-Modi but never mention Hindutva.

Arjun · Post by **Arjun** » 19 Jul 2013 09:02

Pranav wrote:IMO, it will not appeal very much to the bulk of the population that is living hand-to mouth in slums. But it will cause polarization of minority votes. NaMo's Indic credentials are already very clear to everybody and there is no need to bang that drum. In a recent interview of Tavleen Singh on NitiCentral, she related how Rajasthan villagers are very much pro-Modi but never mention Hindutva.

I agree...I think he was forced into a reply by the Reuters interviewer. I don't think he is going to beat the 'Hindu Nationalist' drum in his speeches.

prahaar · Post by **prahaar** » 19 Jul 2013 09:11

Pranavji,
Which part of that statement is bad? NM saying I am a patriot, I am a Hindu nationalist. In last 60+ years we have taken so much solace when influential Indian Muslim leaders have claimed that they are proud to be Muslim and great patriots.

If you want, please search the work and writings of Maulana Abdul Kalam Azad. He even had the distinction of leading a totally communal movement aka Khilafat movement. And we have our so-called secular polity have educational institutions in his name. What polarization you talk about? Do you expect the people who vote for the likes of Abu Azmi will vote for NM?

A leader should not fight elections only based on what journalists and political pundits say. A genuine appeal can only come from the leader when it is from his/her heart. If voters see a hint of opportunism, they will switch back to the Samrat of opportunism i.e. UPA-X dispensation.

Hari Seldon · Post by **Hari Seldon** » 19 Jul 2013 09:22

I disagree with the thesis that NM should not have spoken about his unapolegetic Hindu nationalist credentials.

The minority vote is against BJP anyway. No upside to deferring to their hypersensitivities. They anyway vote en bloc (as per reports) to anyone best placed to defeat the local BJP candidate. That part would continue to be true even if the reuters interview had never happened.

IMO, what this one act does do is force a show of the cards others - both within and outside BJP -are holding close to their bosoms. Better now than at the 11th hour when space-time for manouvre is limited. Only. JMTPs of course.

Pranav · Post by **Pranav** » 19 Jul 2013 09:28

prahaar wrote:Pranavji,
Which part of that statement is bad? NM saying ... I am a Hindu nationalist.

When a substantial number of Muslims start thinking of themselves as Hindus by civilization then that statement can be made.

Otherwise why exclude anybody by making statements which will in any case not excite the bulk of the poverty stricken population.

For a Mumbai resident, "I will set up an efficient Metro / BRT transport grid with high capacity and low fares" or "I will ensure a clean city with proper footpaths, garbage bins and public toilets" or "I will remove all slums by resettling slum-dwellers in multi-storey apartments" is much more interesting than "I am a Hindu nationalist".

chetak · Post by **chetak** » 19 Jul 2013 09:34

How Team Gujarat made a difference in Uttarakhand

The Uttarakhand Floods were a natural disaster of unprecedented scale as heavy rainfall and cloudburst led to the destruction of numerous roads, buildings and bridges. Thousands of people died in this disaster and a large number of villages in the hilly State became inaccessible and thousands of pilgrims from across the country were stranded in valleys, waiting to be rescued.

We may never fully know the magnitude of the human tragedy in Uttarakhand with clarity still lacking on the exact number of Indian Citizens missing or presumed to be dead. In the face of such overwhelming death and destruction was the sorry spectacle by a section of the media and a political party to scavenge for political controversies. No amount of relief can reverse the human tragedy that occurred in Uttarakhand. But the story needs to be told of how a small team of dedicated officers from Gujarat managed to make a difference even as a political firestorm blew over their efforts.

What Gujarat really did for Uttarakhand flood relief

As soon as the Gujarat administration came to know about this tragic occurrence and how a large number of tourists were trapped at various places in the affected region, they tried to establish contacts with the Uttarakhand Administration on July 17 and 18, 2013 through the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC).

A high-level Gujarat Relief co-ordination team under the leadership of Shri PK Parmar, IAS, Relief Commissioner and Principal Secretary was then formed and deputed to flood affected regions in Uttarakhand to provide Government support including lodging, boarding, transportation victims and to coordinate efforts to facilitate returning back of travellers to their home State.

The team comprised of:

Shri PK Parmar, IAS, Team Leader

Shri TS Bisht, IPS

Shri SC Pant, IFS

Shri Ashwani Kumar, IAS

Shri Sandeep Kumar, IAS

BJ Bhatt, GAS

Shri DL Rathod, GAS

Support staff

The team contacted Dr Pranav Pandya who is the head of Shantikunj Gayatri Parivar located in Haridwar and to seek his permission to open Gujarat Control Room in their campus. Two local help line numbers were finalized and Gujarat Control Room arrangements were made there with basic amenities, lodging and boarding, Campus with computers and Internet facilities, medical support for the retuned pilgrims and space to park the buses.

The team formed by the Gujarat Government left for Dehradun on June 20 where four sub-groups were formed, each with a specific objective and area of focus.

The first group was located at the basecamp positioned at Haridwar. Their job was to organize and control relief operations including lodging, boarding, medical help and transportation needs of the pilgrims coming back to Haridwar and Rishikesh from char-dham. Control room numbers were established on which family members of stranded tourists and others could call to either inquire or provide information. The helpline number was broadcast to the public at large through the local and State media. The task of the team was: to maintain different types of information / inquiry registers for reporting and information; to facilitate the pilgrims who are coming back in terms of lodging boarding and sending them back to Gujarat by various means; coordinating with local authorities and State Government authorities for rescuing stranded pilgrims from Gujarat at various places of Uttarakhand; working as an information centre.

Secular relief anyone?

Two Teams of Deputy Mamlatdars were setup at Jolly Grant Airport and Sahastradhara Air base. One team of three senior officers and other volunteers stationed at Rishikesh Bus Station for facilitating the pilgrims rescued from various places in Uttarakhand. The same team also worked as an information centre at Rishikesh. A special facility to pick up the rescued pilgrims from various places i.e. Rishikesh, jolly grant etc., and bring them to the camp Haridwar office was started.

The second group was located at the Disaster Management and Mitigation Center (DMMC) building at Sachivalaya, Dehradun with Aswini Kumar as in-charge officer. Their job was to collect information pertaining to pilgrims/ travellers from different sources and communicate the same to Hardwar Control Room, Uttarakhand SEOC and general operations at Dehradun.

The third group led by TS Bisht was sent to visit Guptakashi to organise a help desk for Gujarati travellers rescued and coming from Kedarnath valley and assist them in returning back from the pilgrimage.

The Team Leader PK Parmar along with SC Pant were taking care of overall coordination, direction and monitoring of the three groups and also coordinating with Uttarakhand Officers, Government of India Officers, District officers of Uttarakhand, local ashrams, NGOs, relatives of pilgrims, local media and at Gujarat and maintaining a close liaison with the Gujarat State and District Administration.

To ensure that nothing hinders information transmission and communication, telephone numbers of not only the established control rooms but also the individual officers from the response teams were publicised. Due records of all information regarding the travellers stranded in the flood affected Chardham areas received either from individuals / family members or through papers or provided by the travellers coming back from the Chardham was maintained.

RSS swings into action in flood-hit Uttarakhand

By the time Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Uttarakhand on the June 21, the support operations were already underway by Team Gujarat. A briefing by Team leader PK Parmar on the action already taken by Team Gujarat took place on that day itself. While Narendra Modi undertook an aerial survey of the impacted areas on the next day, Team Gujarat went about its business without losing any focus.

A medical team from Gujarat joined the relief operations at Haridwar with the necessary medicines. One team was deployed at the Haridwar Control Room for OPD services for Gujarati and other States pilgrims coming to the centre. Another team was converted into a mobile dispensary started visiting Relief Camps in Hardwar, Rishikesh and Dehradun. A total of 12,226 individuals were screened and 1396 people were treated by the medical team from Gujarat in eight days. These people were not just Gujarati pilgrims but from all regions of the country. Also, medicines and drugs worth Rs 30.39 lakh were sent from Gujarat and handed over to the Uttarakhand Government.

A total of 2,890 persons were sent back to their homes in Gujarat 157 by air, 636 by bus, 1,734 by train and 363 by own mode. 27 buses, including 20 from Delhi, booked and kept ready by Tourism Corporation of Gujarat Limited (TCGL) were already hired and were under the group based in Haridwar for transportation of pilgrims from Haridwar to Ahmedabad.

Team Gujarat directed District Collectors and selected Public Sector Undertakings in the State to prepare relief kits. Special family kits were made which consisted of 43 articles ranging from food items like spices, flour, rice, pulses, tea, biscuits, clothes, utensils, raincoats, blankets, tent, stove and other items of daily use. 1000 family Relief Kits were sent from Gujarat State Petroleum Corporation and 100 Ration Kits from Ahmedabad were delivered to the Uttarakhand Government on the July 2. Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC), BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha and other organisations and Collectors of some Districts put their efforts together and prepared 15,000 Relief Kits with good packing. A Special Train loaded with 15,034 Relief Kits was sent on 9th July 2013. Many other State organisations like i.e. GSPC, GMDC, GSFC, GNFC, GACL, Gujarat Gas, GUVNL, UGVCL, DGVCL, SSNNL, PGVCL, MGVCL also sent Relief Kits to Uttarakhand.

Collectors of Vadodara and Surat had dispatched 6,000 kits separately through railway wagons on July 9 and 10, 2013. A total of 31,416 Relief Kits were sent from Gujarat to the Government of Uttarakhand; of which 27,934 were Complete Family Kits and 3,482 were only ration kits.

Disaster management as a professional discipline continues to be at a nascent stage in India. The NDMA itself owes much to tragic lessons learned earlier by States like Gujarat that had to figure out best practices of Disaster Management themselves well before the NDMA came into existence. It was this institutional memory of best practices in Disaster Management developed over the decade that came handy as Team Gujarat pitched in to do its bit in Uttarakhand unmindful of political controversies and un distracted by the media mischief.