Strategic leadership for the future of India - II

chandrabhan · Post by **chandrabhan** » 30 Jan 2011 18:23

Murugan wrote:Where to post the news about Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri Awardees.

btw, Brijest Mishra has been awarded Padma Vibhushan

IMO, this is for the services rendered to the 'First family' for a certain incident at Boston airport while he was NSA in NDA. Even though the Kangress may say that it is for the support he rendered to the Nuclear deal

ramana · Post by **ramana** » 02 Feb 2011 03:37

SG planning a new Kamaraj plan?

NATION | Wednesday, February 2, 2011 |

At your age, you should retire, says Sonia!

February 02, 2011 3:59:28 AM

Pioneer News Service | New Delhi

Congress president Sonia Gandhi on Tuesday asked partymen to take inspiration from freedom fighter Chowdhury Ranvir Singh, father of Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda, who had voluntarily quit politics at the age of 64.

Interestingly, if Sonia practiced her own preaching, she is among the first few who fit the bill. For, it was just last December that she stepped into her 65th year.

In fact, a majority of Congress leaders will also either have to quit their Ministerial berths or leave the positions they hold in the Congress organisation.

Releasing a postage stamp in honour of the late freedom fighter at a function, Sonia said that at a time when people are running blindly in pursuit of money and position, the importance of Singh’s selfless act has gained more importance.

Sonia’s suggestion is significant in view of the fact that a number of prominent leaders — both within the Government and Congress — are septuagenarians (and even octogenarians!) with no immediate plans to retire.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who leads the UPA Government, is himself over 78 years of age. Similarly, a number of Cabinet Ministers — like External Affairs Minister SM Krishna, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee and Defence Minister AK Antony, who form the core of the Government — are septuagenarians.

Others like BK Handique, Vayalar Ravi, Veerbhadra Singh, M Veerappa Moily are also advanced in age. The same holds for leaders in the Congress organization, like its octogenarian treasurer Motilal Vora.

Meanwhile, Sonia also lamented that partymen have drifted from the values and ideologies set by Congress leaders during the freedom struggle. She asked them to set an example for the future generation by working to alleviate the pain and problems of the common man.

She might create a farce and force the resignations to make way for the new brigade?

JL Nehru did that with the Kamaraj Plan.

brihaspati · Post by **brihaspati** » 02 Feb 2011 03:52

Everyone will beg her to stay on - the country needs her, etc. Kamaraj plan succeeded because the old-guard had tremendous self-respect, and whatever they might have tolerated from the Brits for the sake of the country, they would find it difficult to face the arrogance sponsored around in the circle surrounding JLN. So Kamaraj and others "left" Delhi. But this "old guard" has risen only becuase they could shed behind all such trivial restrictions to rising under the dynasty - such as self-respect. Moreover, with the exception of Chidu - most others have been picked for their weak mass bases in their respective regions. Yes they may leave, but they might also bite. Just possible.

RamaY · Post by **RamaY** » 02 Feb 2011 04:11

Reading all these threads and news papers made me wonder...

RG is not in hurry to get on to PM gaddi. He is trying to play the extra-constitutional power by holding the party, while keeping a dispensable chamcha on the gaddi.

The Diggis and Doggys got wind of that and are trying to prove more loyal than queen game. Anyone who doesn't have that much strength, such as Jaipal reddys, are trying to build small fiefdoms for themselves by splitting states.

SG is trying to pass the baton by enabling creation of a new set of cronies for yuvraj

Bharath.Subramanyam · Post by **Bharath.Subramanyam** » 18 Feb 2011 06:13

Sources: Pranabda very angry.. Looks like MMS is against the proposed elevation of Pranbda to DeputyPM in the next cabinet expansion

Opposition Party has some constructive work :

1. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city ... 498082.cms

2. http://bit.ly/guVoVK BJP Water Management Cell Seminar

(Nitin Gadkari is making sure that there is good governance in BJP ruled states)

Bharath.Subramanyam · Post by **Bharath.Subramanyam** » 18 Feb 2011 06:42

Sources: Prince is ready to takeover from MMS only if Priyanka accepts UP CM candidature. Interesting times for Indian politics

brihaspati · Post by **brihaspati** » 18 Feb 2011 07:13

Prince may very well do it. He is not so bright after all. If he lets the sister sit in - end of his own gaddi. That lady is one to watch out. Only her premature exit will end the chain of succession. But they are both limited in their reach. The times are no longer in favour for the family.

Nihat · Post by **Nihat** » 22 Mar 2011 12:06

Why Manmohan Singh, Nero, is a Hero

ramana · Post by **ramana** » 23 Mar 2011 21:32

One problem is we want to fix all the ills of India accumulated over centuries in one generation.

Our time scale has compressed leading to mistakes and compromises.

Virupaksha · Post by **Virupaksha** » 23 Mar 2011 21:48

Nihat wrote:Why Manmohan Singh, Nero, is a Hero

So the congress is trying to brazen it out.

basically saying, "yes I am corrupt and what the f**k can you do about it"

ramana · Post by **ramana** » 23 Mar 2011 22:11

Thats the problem with the Westminister model. You need to move a no confidence motion and the opposition does not have the numbers or money to pull it off. And the press shedding crocodile tears are all in support of INC.

Muppalla · Post by **Muppalla** » 23 Mar 2011 22:19

ravi_ku wrote:
Nihat wrote:Why Manmohan Singh, Nero, is a Hero
So the congress is trying to brazen it out.

basically saying, "yes I am corrupt and what the f**k can you do about it"

Here is the positive from this from India's perspective -
(1) US helped MMS to win and be there as its point man
(2) MMS behaves so as a fall guy
(3) But when it comes to really doing something MMS purchases reactors and fighter jets from French
(4) Uncle gets agitated and orders Assnage to deliver the leaks to Hindu
(5) Now MMS corruption is nothing new for me. Yeah we are all corrupt and what the F**k you can do about it. French kiss is nicer and it is pleasure.

ramana · Post by **ramana** » 24 Mar 2011 22:28

Narendra Modi's speech at India Today conclave:

Making India a Great Power

Making India a great powerMarch 24, 2011 11:00:22 PM

Today India lives on the cusp of becoming greater. The potential of global leadership is being held back by a governance deficit that means undelivered public infrastructure and services, inefficient regulation and a lack of concern for equality. Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi offers an alternative agenda

Today India is recognised as a world economic power and in one decade India can become a global leader in workforce, technology and in democratic and inclusive growth. An approach centred on empowering our people will create a progressive society where everyone has the potential to succeed. Today India lives on the cusp of becoming greater. The potential of global leadership is being held back by a governance deficit that means undelivered public infrastructure and services, inefficient regulation and a lack of concern for equality. To see a quantum jump in development with knowledge-based employment, world-class infrastructure and comprehensive social services — the single answer is democratic governance that empowers all to realise their full potential.

The world’s economic centre is shifting from the West to the East, where high rates of growth in emerging economies present challenges and opportunities. India’s inherent strengths are in being the world’s largest democracy, having an effective judicial system and the growing empowerment of the youth. Earlier this year concern for global risk was described: As the world grows together, it is also growing apart. India has experienced these main threats of economic inequality, problems in water, food and energy supply and disease pandemics. To overcome and advance, India requires a double-strategy of building democracy and empowerment inwardly and also opening relations internationally.

Asia is seen as a new centre of economic integration where global collaboration and dialogue can lead to new solutions for prosperity and peace. This year we held our international Vibrant Gujarat Global Investors Summit with country partners: Japan and Canada. The greater objective was to energise global networking for knowledge and technology sharing; learn the best practices and inspire entrepreneurs to think bigger. Over 100 countries participated to make use of our platform for business and technology partnerships at the national and international level. India must continue to develop working relations with business and Government, built with transparency and efficiency.

Preparing the World’s Largest Workforce

The demography of leading economies is changing. In US and Europe the population is ageing, whereas in India the young population has an average age 25 years, much lower than in China. India’s young workforce is estimated to increase by 240 million over the next two decades, and by 2035 India will have the largest working population in the world where 65 per cent will be of working age. With an intense investment now, India can gain the demographic dividend of a young workforce that is intelligent and productive, to sustainably propel our economic growth.

For many years the private sector has been demanding a more skilled workforce, and one study has estimated that only around 20 per cent of India’s graduates and professionals are employable in multinational companies. Government, Academia and Industry need to have constant interaction to systematically up-skill India’s youth with the education and expertise that is required. The private sector has a key role to assess and communicate the skills the youth need, to increase their competitiveness as India’s future workforce. To reach more people the education and training institutes must fully tap the potential of e-learning to multiply access to professional training.

A World Economic Forum Report estimated that by 2030, the US will need 26 million employees, and Western Europe will need 46 million employees. Other countries are also facing a future shortage in the population of a young workforce, and here India needs to prepare to send to other countries highly-skilled professionals, especially for the technology sector. Our goal should not be just to prepare for our own industry needs, but to serve the global need with a mobile talented and skilled workforce. The Society for Creation of Opportunity through Proficiency in English has been setup by the Government of Gujarat to enhance English language skills for employment of the youth. Through SCOPE over 1,00,000 youth have gained an international qualification through Cambridge ESOL, opening doors for global opportunities.

Globally the dramatic demographic changes of ageing populations as well as India’s youth-boom, will create a fast-changing international labour market. An assessment of future skill requirements both in India and internationally will allow strategic preparation of our workforce and migration policy. Migration of Indian workers has already shown how brain-drain can transform to a beneficial talent-circulation, where highly skilled workers return. Government and Industry associations together should assess and prepare mobile workforces with the skills and proficiencies to meet sector requirements. By invigorating our talent pool, in one decade our youth will be the engine of growth not just for India, but for the world.

Developing as a Knowledge Powerhouse

India should not follow other developing nations with expansion in the manufacturing sector to drive economic growth. Instead, India’s workforce should sharpen a competitive edge as a leading knowledge-based economy. It has been estimated that 90 per cent of jobs in our service sector are skill-based, and not knowledge-based, and this indicates the large scope for up-grading talent. By preparing a generation of highly educated and skilled youth, India will lead with a scarce resource for industry all over the world: Knowledge workers with flexibility and analytical powers will be a driving force for innovation and growth.

The demands for a world-class education are high for today’s job market and necessary for current professions. In Gujarat we have focussed on expanding and establishing new education institutes in focussed areas. Today people are studying at the only Forensic Sciences University in India, as well as at the new Gujarat National Law University and Pandit Deendayal Petroleum University. The recently established Raksha Shakti University is the first of its kind in India, conducting diploma and degree courses in public science and internal security. By preparing India’s youth in key areas we are ensuring qualified professionals are ready to address future challenges and create solutions.

Young India is in a hurry, this is not only limited to governance. This Net Generation — who from childhood have been stimulated by unlimited online information and instant social networking will be the future workforce. Their new tools for communication and approaches to work will give a technology-quake shaking up the work culture of traditional hierarchies as well giving an injection of creativity and innovation. The Net Generation will contribute advanced systems to revolutionise efficiency and with novel methods will solve persistent problems. India, by promoting a knowledge-empowered workforce can become a leader in alternative processes and pioneering innovation to address the challenges of a fast-changing world.

Global Gateways and Global Hubs

As the international business centres are re-balanced over the world, India needs to be ready to attract a flow of investments across the country. India’s business regulations has been found to be overly-complex and non-transparent and standards and certifications procedures are cumbersome. This over-regulation is turning away Governments and businesses. Necessary business regulation processes are taking hundreds of days when other countries are able to complete formalities in weeks.

India requires systems that deliver and an administration that focuses on outcomes. In Gujarat we use a single-window web portal for investors to apply and track their requests for a delay-free process. The recent Economic Freedom Rankings ranked Gujarat 2nd from the top in India, recognising the State’s improvement in legal institutions and labour and business regulation. Gujarat’s efficiency has attracted businesses from India and around the world. Over $450 billion of investments were committed at the last Vibrant Gujarat Investors Summit. India’s cities need to be upgraded to Global Gateways for business.

Forbes magazine named Ahmedabad number one in India in its list of The World’s Fastest-Growing Cities with a focus on the global emerging powerhouses. Ahmedabad was described as the “most market-oriented and business-friendly” among Indian States. Gujarat offers a model to transform business regulation processes that will bring investments with employment and new technology for our people.

Planning infrastructure for our country can no longer be driven by responding just to local needs and fixing the problem areas. Our roads, ports and energy hubs need to be globally connected to vitalise and drive our economy. Gujarat’s Port Policy has led to world-class private-sector ports and is recognised as one of the best public policies in Asia, by the US based Cato Institute. Today we see 35 per cent of India’s cargo-handling being through Gujarat’s ports.

To fully utilise the future potential, India needs to ensure that there is maximum use of the country’s natural resources and human capital. Gujarat has provided concrete solutions to capturing the energy of the youth to support social service. The Chief Minister’s Fellowship Programme is an opportunity for high achieving youth to work with senior Government Officers to contribute to society. Another initiative is apprenticeships with the urban municipalities and Gujarat Law University students are working with our judges for new solutions.

Balanced Development

Gujarat’s formula for balanced economic success is to avoid over-dependence in any sector. We have evolved a three-part development model for Gujarat: One-third is industry, one-third is service sector and one-third agriculture. If there is a balanced development in all three, the State economy can never slow down. As the technical and knowledge skills of the young workforce are further upgraded India can create multiple global manufacturing hubs. India’s geographic location and unique ethos of business efficiency will ensure lower costs of production and supply for the rising consumption of Asian economies.

Institutes from all over the country and the world come to Gujarat to study the key drivers which have been shown to contribute to the Gujarat Agriculture Growth rate of 12.8 per cent over the last 5 years (2001-02 to 2006-07), compared to India’s growth rate which has been 2.8 per cent over five years and not even close to the 11th Plan target of four per cent for 2007-12. Seven to eight years ago, the Gujarat’s agricultural income was Rs 90 billion, now it is over Rs 500 billion. Increased yields and crop diversification means farmers are reaping gains from high-value fruits including papaya, kesar mango and dates. Where once droughts were common new crops like sugarcane are flourishing, supported by drip-irrigation technology subsidised by the Government.

In other States farmers are tied to official procurement hubs. In Gujarat laws allow farmers to sell direct to private buyers. Companies buy crops from farmers one year in advance, reducing risks and encouraging investment. Many multinationals have established plants in Gujarat and farmers are benefitting through the increased sales and income. A focus on agriculture processing hubs will multiply value as we access global markets and this will further multiply incomes for our people.

India an Icon for Democracy and Empowerment

This year the world has witnessed the dramatic fall of authoritarian regimes where the people were constrained and powerless — there is a new hunger for freedom all over the world. The impact on global economic stability is threatened with oil prices rising and security risks heightened. These nations emerging from crisis are now looking how to develop a just and fair system of governance. India’s democracy where over one billion people have a voice in deciding their future is a world example of how governance can incorporate diversity into a movement for inclusive growth. New modes of democratic engagement, especially through using e-governance are allowing greater access to fundamental rights for all our people.

India’s strength as an international policy leader lies in fully democratising our governance functioning. Our country requires a commitment to people’s empowerment which will realise an end to inequality. Harnessing e-governance moves access to governance from long queues at offices to any internet point. In Gujarat, our UN awarded and Nationally awarded SWAGAT e-governance system ensures long-term grievances are resolved through use of online applications and video-conferencing across all District and Block offices. Thousands of applications are received each month and over 96 per cent have been resolved with a fixation on transparency and accountability. SWAGAT is mostly accessed by the poorest, the least educated and disempowered, who have failed to obtain justice elsewhere. SWAGAT exemplifies how today’s technology can transform systems to fully empower citizens so their voices are heard, and responses are given that are effective and time-bound.

India must further activate people’s role in governance to ensure the citizens are part of a development transformation. In Gujarat innovative citizen engagement has contributed to the success of groundwater levels increasing. 14,000 water committees are managing village water facilities through our Water and Sanitation Management Organisation which has won the CAPAM award (2010), and the UN Public Service Award for best participatory practice (2009). The withdrawal of groundwater, our most precious resource, has reached unsafe levels in about 30 per cent of our country. As food requirements increase and industry expands we will see only an increase in water needs. Policies and regulation are mostly failing to manage this complex open resource. The success of WASMO illustrates that people’s participation in governance is key to quantum changes in development.

The development strategy of Gujarat can be characterised as 360 degrees growth model where people become the drivers of development. In order to empower people locally to guide the growth process, we have initiated Taluka Sarkar — a sub-district citizen centric approach where governance and development is activated at the grass root level. Every Taluka in Gujarat will be empowered and self-sustaining to provide a local platform for driving double digit growth and social development. We are pioneering a new model of growth based on consent from the people rather than control of the Government — this is the essence of our democratic inclusiveness.

Erasing Corruption with Efficiency

Corruption and mismanagement are undercutting growth and threaten to further widen the inequality across the population. Leakage through the public delivery system has diseased outcomes for the poorest for decades and studies estimate impossibly huge amounts of leakage. India requires a full commitment to reverse the leakage and replace the rotten systems. In 2010 we pioneered a direct system of distribution through Garib Kalyan Mela held in all Districts and Sub-Districts. Beneficiaries were informed in advance of their entitlements and transport was organised to the Melas where benefits were allocated systematically. A tremendous Rs 4,859 crore of funds were directly distributed including cheques, auto and cycle repairing kits, sewing machines, cycles for the disabled. Hundred per cent of funds reached 100 per cent of intended beneficiaries through an efficient mass-scale system benefitting more than 3.7 million Gujaratis. The innovation illustrates that commitment to transparent systems can ensure the poor receive entitlements without diversion.

A Governance Environment Enabling all to succeed

Gujarat is showing the country what is possible, and once we walk this path it is irreversible. The result is inclusion, happiness, and people empowered to reach their potential. The political mindset of our country needs to develop a fixation for progress in inclusive development as the primary action of governance. Previously people were satisfied with accepting failures and limitations, and were convinced change would not be possible. These days there is an energy in the nation especially with the youth, that calls and searches for better answers for our deepest problems.

The best measurement of success is by the end-users, our people clearly know whether their lives are better, they are already moving from problem-filled areas to locations driven by success. In Gujarat we are seeing our population move to villages where they now have 24hr electricity, excellent roads, internet connectivity and vibrant employment. Businesses and Governments are choosing Gujarat over others as they have experienced the guarantee of key requirements and innovative methods to fast-track otherwise tedious processes. Our plethora of innovation is resulting in growth in all areas of the economy and a significant change in the quality of life of all our people, in cities and villages.

I have spoken about a vision to develop India’s workforce and to strengthen democratic governance as well as open international relations. Beneath all of these principles lie the core values of our country. Vasudheva Kutumbukam reminds us we are one family, a Global family. We should work so that each member of our family is included and connecting to the economy and society. Our ancient wisdom reminds us to ensure happiness, health and goodness for all — Sarve bhavantu sukhinah. This ethos permeates our inclusive growth strategy to ensure no person is left without the opportunity for equality. Most important of all, in Gandhi’s land, we are committed to transparency and truth. The value of truth should strengthen our resolve to make decisions that are true to the benefit of our people, and not to serve personal interests. This Indian ethos drives the inspiration for all our initiatives to better serve our people.

The experience of India’s development has lessons for all emerging and transforming economies. Access to governance has to be guaranteed with transparent systems that deliver responses and outcomes. The strengthening of democratic governance empowers the population to become active partners in the growth process. Come and see Gujarat where good governance has given new meaning to the people for jal, anna, chatt and shiksha.

It is the exemplary good governance that will then engage citizens at every locality as well as countries of the world to become active partners in India’s development.

This is the edited version of the text of Narendra Modi’s speech at the India Today Conclave which has caused considerable interest around the world and is being widely discussed and debated.

ramana · Post by **ramana** » 24 Mar 2011 23:01

Can be psoted in many threads!!!

Stop US bashing

The headline should be "how to gain from wikileaks!"

Check US-bashing
Punish the UPA for corruption, but beware the downside of uncontrolled anti-Americanism, warns N.V.Subramanian.

23 March 2011: The parliamentary resolution against US, British and French action in Libya should mark the finality of what it really is: anti-Americanism. America-bashing beyond this will hurt India's strategic emerging interests.

"Nations," Lord Palmerston said, "have no permanent friends or allies, they have only permanent interests." The trouble is that the Manmohan Singh government has no clue about India's "permanent interests". And in its cluelessness, it is looking for a "permanent friend/ ally" in the United States, which is the worst philosophical blunder any nation can make in foreign relations.

The more you think about it, the more you are staggered by Jawaharlal Nehru's pragmatic genius in formulating non-alignment. To run contrary to the trend of emerging rival blocs of the Cold War requires great intellectual courage, fortitude and independence, and Nehru combined this with foresight.

This writer has no hesitation in saying that, ultimately, non-alignment saved India the fate of Pakistan, which has been used and abused by its Western allies but particularly the United States since its 1947 Independence.

The narrative of Nehru's successors frequently has found mention in these columns, but one former prime minister, A.B.Vajpayee, deserves particular mention. Much is made of Vajpayee calling America India's "natural ally". But those who know him say he did not mean it. He carried the reflexive suspicions of America common to our political class throughout his prime-ministership.

To start with, he brought to successful conclusion P.V.Narasimha Rao's well-advanced plans for a nuclear test that were thwarted by the US. He got Jaswant Singh to engage Strobe Talbott but he never surrendered Indian nuclear-strategic interests to the US. He resisted to the end of his term signing CTBT under American pressure.

And it is well-known that he quietly got the Left and the Congress (outwardly the BJP's political foes) to foment parliamentary uproar over American pressure on India to deploy troops in Iraq, and used that to wriggle out of a looming disastrous situation. On the other hand, the Manmohan Singh government would have gone along with Western military action in Libya after the first UN Security Council vote, but for timely criticism in a section of the media, including in this magazine.

This is not the way to conduct foreign relations.

And it does not advance India's "permanent interests" -- the way Lord Palmerston articulated it -- at all.

But still, for all the terrible damage the Manmohan Singh government has done to the independent conduct of India's foreign policy (the Wikileaks constitute a shocking read), the damage is not irreversible.

As a start, a correct perspective on Wikileaks pertaining to Indo-US relations has to be taken. There is no point blaming America for the pressure it exerted on India on Iran's nuke programme and pipeline, pro-US cabinet changes, or even on the Indo-US nuclear deal. In doing so, America was following its "permanent interests", while India was discarding them, if it had any clue of them.

But it is in India's "permanent interest" now not to undo the past strategic progress with the United States, including on the Indo-US nuclear deal, which this writer was opposed to. India has earned a reputation of never breaching its international treaties, and that reputation must be kept intact. This goes beyond party politics.

And now to gain from the Wikileaks without being further damaged by them requires reasonable action on several fronts. This was written by this writer with the first of the Wikileaks several months ago but it bears repetition. India must make its conduct of foreign policy transparent. Indian diplomats cannot say and do one thing in private and speak untruly of it in public. Lies will be found out. It is happening now and will occur again.

Also, Indian political parties whether on the ruling side or in the opposition must be supremely cautious in dealing with foreign powers. Their ultimate loyalty is owed to the country and to the people. Why should they bare themselves to foreigners with agendas? Would you and I spill family secrets to outsiders with vested interests?

And, finally, the Wikileaks strongly point to a corrupt UPA victory in the 2008 confidence vote. It is immaterial that the voting was about the Indo-US nuclear deal. Even arguing in favour of the nuclear deal, ends cannot justify the means. Manmohan Singh should pay the price for condoning a corrupt vote.

That said, let us not carry anti-Americanism too far. A point has been made with the parliamentary unanimous resolution against foreign attacks in Libya. Manmohan Singh shamelessly is pro-American. He must be checked not to deviate from a focused consolidation of India's "permanent interests".

The Wikileaks have shown that India's foreign relations are part and parcel of its internal politics and cannot be divorced from them. Hitherto, the Indian political class, barring exceptions, was perilously detached from foreign-policy issues. This has to change. Only Parliament can contain a runaway pro-US PM.

Once Manmohan Singh and his government suitably are restrained, there is no reason at all not to build a relationship of equality with the United States. Anything is possible in today's world, and anything is possible for India, provided it becomes doughtily independent in thought and action.

N.V.Subramanian is Editor, www.NewsInsight.net, and writes internationally on strategic affairs. He has authored two novels, University of Love (Writers Workshop, Calcutta) and Courtesan of Storms (Har-Anand, Delhi). Email: [email protected].

Three laws of lying:

1) Never tell a lie. The reputation is more important than any transitory gain.
2)However even Dhramaraja(Yuddhistir) had to tell a lie. So be prepared for that need.
3) Never tell a lie on things that can be verified/leaked.

menon s · Post by **menon s** » 26 Mar 2011 18:00

Vinayak Damodar Savarkar’s ‘Strategic Agnosticism’:
A Compilation of his Socio-Political Philosophy and World view.
Siegfried O. Wolf
http://archiv.ub.uni-heidelberg.de/voll ... P_Wolf.pdf

ABSTRACT:
Since India’s independence (and even before) there is a growing ideological debate regarding its identity and self-understanding. The focal point of this discussion is the much-disputed and multi-faceted Indian historical figure Vinayak Damodar Savarkar (1985-1966). His life and work, and above all his literary compositions, point to numerous paradoxes and controversial phenomena, which divides the discussants basically into two essential camps. On the one side are those who see Savarkar and his socio-political vision (Hindutva) that he proclaimed as the greatest danger to the foundation of the modern, secular state, democracy, and multiculturalism. With this background, Savarkar is used as the synonym for an “anti-modern” regression, and as the ideological founder of a phenomenon that has usually been referred to as “Hindu nationalism” or “Hindu fundamentalism”. This side is opposed by a second camp consisting of people who tend to see Savarkar and his perceptions of state theory as a legitimate and ambitious form of democratic self-determination. However, all these controversies about Savarkar do not take into account the philosophical tenets underlying his social and political thoughts. Both Indian as well as Western scholars have ocused only on some particular fragments of his thoughts without spending the
time and effort to understand his various theoretical concepts in a complex and coherent framework. Therefore, this article aims to explore the philosophical
foundation of his notions and actions, and suggests crucial variables for further scientific analysis.

From Gandhiji "World and Life negation" theory, to Lord Krishna`s "World and life Affirmation theory". I think this should be read by anyone serious about Indias strategic leadership.

menon s · Post by **menon s** » 27 Mar 2011 09:53

Shakthi Aur Kshama, Ramdhari Singh Dinkar.

Mercy, resolve, tact, tolerance
You've tried everything and some
But o my king of men
When did Suyodhan succumb?

The more forgiving you were
In your humane compassion
The more these rouge Kauravas
Pegged you as cowardly ashen

This is the consequence
Of tolerating atrocities
The awe of machismo is lost
When one's gentle n kindly

Forgiveness is becoming of
The serpent that's got venom
None cares for the toothless,
Poisonless, kind, gentle one

For three days Lord Raam kept
Asking the ocean for a passage
Sitting there he petitioned
Using the sweetest words to engage

When in response there was
Not a whisper from the sea
A raging fire of endeavor
Rose from Raam's body

The ocean took human-form
'N supplicated to Raam
Touched his feet, was subservient
A slave he had become

Truth be told, it's in the quiver
That lies the gleam of modesty
Only his peace-talk is reputable
Who is capable of victory

Tolerance, forgiveness and clemency
Are respected by the world
Only when the glow of strength
From behind it is unfurled

I think this is apt for our line towards Pakistan.

Bharath.Subramanyam · Post by **Bharath.Subramanyam** » 28 Mar 2011 01:16

Lot of people in Internet are supporters of a 'nationalistic' party. As political parties give leadership to masses, posting it in this forum:

Came via email (need to discuss this) :

=====================================================================
Truth has mysterious ways of coming out. Now, thanks to WikiLeaks, what was a mere conjecture, stands confirmed.

Wiki on Jaitley: 'Hindutva an opportunistic issue'
http://ibnlive.in.com/news/hindutya-jus ... 37-64.html

BJP was never serious about Hindutva. They merely exploited the RJB to become the 2nd pole of Indian politics, and once they got there, they discarded Hindutva like a hot potato. This objective is not a bad one in itself, as Indian politics really needed a counter-balance to the Congress. That has been achieved (I suppose).

By content and character, BJP is just like any other secularist political party. Consequently, they will not be able to take up any cause that is driven by Hindutva / Hindu Civilizational imperative.

But in terms of long term civilizational vision, a political party is needed that can carry forward the torch. Doesn't matter if it cannot win a majority on its own. Even if it has 10 MPs, it is good enough to have some minimal presence in the national political discourse.

... Perhaps "A**** ****** ***** *********" could potentially play that role.

best regards
========================================================

Guddu · Post by **Guddu** » 28 Mar 2011 02:58

ramana wrote:One problem is we want to fix all the ills of India accumulated over centuries in one generation.

Our time scale has compressed leading to mistakes and compromises.

Nothing wrong with wanting to do that quickly, the pace of change has accelerated significantly, ala Kurzweil.

Sanku · Post by **Sanku** » 28 Mar 2011 12:13

Bharath.Subramanyam wrote: Wiki on Jaitley: 'Hindutva an opportunistic issue'

Well BRF as usual has been ahead of the curve, it has been discussed that BJPs current crises is due to the fact that "some" leaders within BJP decided that back peddling on the core identity issues was what real-politic demanded for centrist leadership position, but BJP as a party and as a organization is indeed staunchly behind the core ideological issues. Its just that post Godhara, the RJB issue had to be back-peddled.

However BJP can not come back without systematic and structually restoring the core concerns. Thus the travel to Kashmir was a good idea.

More such moves, both symbolic and changes on ground are needed.

somnath · Post by **somnath** » 28 Mar 2011 12:39

Its interesting what is happening with the ideology of "God's own party"..

1. Leaders, "core insiders" at that, fall over each other to certify a certain MA Jinnah...
2. Sushil Modi by all accounts concurs with Nitish Kumar on keeping Narendra Modi out of campaigning in Bihar..
3. Sudheendra Kulkarni tells the RSS leadership how the so-called hindu vote is a mirage..
4. Arun Jaitley talks to "opportunistic" hinduism..

Barring #1, which is really a question of historical interpretation, the rest are simply exigencies and outlook of functioning politicians, who have to listen to the constituents to get re-elected...In some time, hopefully BJP will morph into a right-wing party with liberal values, something on the lines of the erstwhile Swatantra Party - its a pole that India needs in its polity..

ramana · Post by **ramana** » 29 Mar 2011 03:46

LINK

Mirage of peace

Root for scarce more than a good cricket match in Mohali, says N.V.Subramanian.

28 March 2011: Manmohan Singh hopes to use the Mohali cricket match to restart Indo-Pak peace talks. It will fail for the following reasons.

Pakistan wants all of Jammu and Kashmir. Indian public opinion won't permit any government -- regardless of the size of its parliamentary majority -- to concede an inch of J and K territory.

Pakistan has tried military, military-terroristic and terroristic means to grab the present J and K. It has failed. Its failure has grown its J and K stakes.

It wants J and K for itself and to trigger India's Balkanization.

India won't allow this.

Also, Manmohan Singh is isolated within his government and in the Congress party on Indo-Pak peace. Most people want peace. But they also understand it is presently unachievable.

Manmohan Singh has zero achievement as PM. He believes Indo-Pak peace will earn him a prized place in history. He won't get it.

Manmohan Singh fundamentally misreads the psyche of Pakistan's ruling class. It is immaterial to talk about people. As people, Pakistanis are likely to be as good or bad as the Indians, Americans or the Japanese.

Whatever the nature of government in Pakistan, a hardline Islamist ideology guides it. Active Islamist guidance is provided by the Pakistan army and ISI.

They believe they are the ultimate guardians of the Islamist soul of Pakistan. Only an Islamist identity will differentiate them from India, and cause Pakistan to overwhelm India.

In that line of thought, Pakistan cannot prosper unless India is vanquished.

Whatever his Indian apologists may say, Mohammed Ali Jinnah infected Pakistan with this devilry. He hoped to make Pakistan of use to the West in the anti-Soviet Great Game/ Cold War to gain mileage and strength against India.

Military dictators after Jinnah carefully hewed to this line. For example, Pakistan's terror war against India began as a by-product of the anti-Soviet Afghan "mujahideen" war.

The present prolongation of the Af-Pak crisis is also an outcome of Pakistan's strategic designs against India. Pakistan seeks "strategic depth" in Afghanistan against India.

It won't permit the installation of any government in Kabul that is friendly towards India.

Never mind that Pakistan's India obsession has made it a failed state. In return for elusive "strategic depth" in Afghanistan, it is forced to cultivate the Al-Qaeda/ Afghan Taliban in Quetta and North Waziristan.

Pakistan hopes and believes that when US/ NATO forces leave Pakistan after 2014, a Taliban/ Al-Qaeda government will aid its strategic struggles against India.

As this writer has warned before, the Taliban will meet a Northern Alliance II resistance backed by Russia and Iran regardless of India's participation. And this will turn the Taliban/ Al-Qaeda to chase Pakistan's nuclear assets.

The hordes of terrorist groups Pakistan has nurtured against India will join the Taliban/ Al-Qaeda hunt for Pak nukes and fissile spares.

The failure of the Pakistan state will be complete then.

This is the denouement India should prepare for, rather than pursue the mirage of peace with Pakistan.

The point is Pakistan does not want peace.

It is a nation that has come to accept life in a state of permanent war -- war with itself, and war with its neighbours.

Prime minister Manmohan Singh's search for personal glory is compromising India's national security. His new peace initiative will bring equal if not less embarrassment for the government and the Congress party as his Sharm-el-Sheikh blunder did.

Prone to flattery, Manmohan Singh cannot be trusted with dodgy Pakistani rulers.

So before the Mohali meet, the Congress leadership, after consultations with Pranab Mukherjee, should introduce a cautionary note that boxes in Manmohan Singh.

The PM lacks judgment. His previous bungles with Pakistan cannot be repeated.

After a budget session torpedoed by Wikileaks, the country, the government and the ruling party could do with controversy-free times ahead.

N.V.Subramanian is Editor, www.NewsInsight.net, and writes internationally on strategic affairs. He has authored two novels, University of Love (Writers Workshop, Calcutta) and Courtesan of Storms (Har-Anand, Delhi). Email: [email protected].

Man! Press is getting like BRF posts.

archan · Post by **archan** » 29 Mar 2011 04:39

somnath wrote:Its interesting what is happening with the ideology of "God's own party"..

To what do we attribute the birth of this particular phrase? is it a new invention by you, sir?

Samudragupta · Post by **Samudragupta** » 29 Mar 2011 06:58

somnath wrote:Its interesting what is happening with the ideology of "God's own party"..

1. Leaders, "core insiders" at that, fall over each other to certify a certain MA Jinnah...
2. Sushil Modi by all accounts concurs with Nitish Kumar on keeping Narendra Modi out of campaigning in Bihar..
3. Sudheendra Kulkarni tells the RSS leadership how the so-called hindu vote is a mirage..
4. Arun Jaitley talks to "opportunistic" hinduism..

Barring #1, which is really a question of historical interpretation, the rest are simply exigencies and outlook of functioning politicians, who have to listen to the constituents to get re-elected...In some time, hopefully BJP will morph into a right-wing party with liberal values, something on the lines of the erstwhile Swatantra Party - its a pole that India needs in its polity..

Somnath
And what happened to Swatantra?

somnath · Post by **somnath** » 29 Mar 2011 07:08

archan wrote:To what do we attribute the birth of this particular phrase

??

Samudragupta wrote:Somnath
And what happened to Swatantra?

If longevity in a specific form were to be a touchstone, then the only parties wirth emulating would be the INC and the Communist Party

...But seriously, India had stumbled upon a great template of a right-wing party - one combining right-wing conservatism on economy and foreign policy with liberalism on societal outlook - in Swatantra Party...Unfortunately it couldnt survive the extreme radicalism of the '70s, but it is a template worthy of emulation - if one looks at NDA's actual policy bouquet in power, the programmatic outlook is very similar to the Swatantra PArty - on the economy, on Pakistan, on J&K as well as on the more "contentious" issues...

Arjun · Post by **Arjun** » 29 Mar 2011 07:54

somnath wrote:In some time, hopefully BJP will morph into a right-wing party with liberal values.

What India needs is a party that can protect the historical tradition of liberalism in India, and which takes a strong stance against the forces of illiberal dogma.

ramana · Post by **ramana** » 29 Mar 2011 20:02

The Swatantra Party was like British Conservative party just as INC modelled itself after the British Labor party. The SP got wiped out in the 1971 Indira Wave as they became irrelevant to Indian politicial scene. Their message got irrelevant to the India of the 1970s: post bank nationalization and garibi hato mileu. In other words fiscal conservatism was not what the people wanted. The SP members were former maharajas and maharanis, business tycoons and some elitemen to use Rahul Mehta speak.

Prior to that they had ~60-70 MPs and had a weight beyod theri numbers due to some very good speakers. They were able to have good press as most opress barons were their supporters.

Some of the former SP members went to join the Janata Party after Emergency. And the rest you know.

The demise of the SP paved the way for BJP.

Sanku · Post by **Sanku** » 29 Mar 2011 20:13

>> In other words fiscal conservatism was not what the people wanted

Slightly disagree Ramana. SP was wiped out by political violence by IG. It is just that she used her popularity post 71 to achieve it.

brihaspati · Post by **brihaspati** » 29 Mar 2011 21:50

Whenever there is some kind of dirty linen washing about the Congress for some time in any thread, there has to be a few posts about how there are dirty linen too in the BJP etc. This is not surprising. What is surprising is that we don't get equal dirty linen washing about the CPI(M) [which is virtually a regional party], about the SP, or the BSP.

Now for "strategic leadership", what would be interesting is to look at exactly what are the dirty linen about! Let us take the first issue that has been tossed about here for a couple of pages - the Wikipee "expose" of how Jaitley thinks that "Hindutva" is political opportunism, and supposed "falling out" among the top leadership over a historical interpretation.

Of course we don't have falling out over matters of historical interpretation in the Congress, because obviously there is no one to dispute any history interpreted by the High Command! All history is appointed centrally by the chairperson, and party workers are disciplined followers who obey that history in the regions. Historical interpretation is by unanimous and disciplined consensus. No similar problems for the CPI(M) either, because Marx has done it all already. All historical interpretations are already there in the penned outpourings of Marx, Engels, Lenin and Mao, and their authorized "interpreters". For SP, and BSP too no history exists outside of what their founders wrote up.

Moreover there are no such disputes at the "top" for the above because there are not many at the top - typically only one, and where more than one - their heads are fused into one big head that has only one mouth and tongue.

This is of course a superb example of dirt in the party that allows such fights at the top. Its dirty because it is proof that it still has some vitality left in the intellectual department. "chi chi etna janjaal! "

Now for the Jaitley issue - this is also interesting in the way we view leadership. When Jaitley supposedly says that "Hindutva" is "political opportunism" for the BJP, we are not told whether he personally approves of such "opportunism" or not. But then why is saying such things dirty? In what sense does it show a weakness of leadership or deficiency in the party? For the first time there is apparent convergence and unity in the opinion of opposing parties - they both think that "hindutva" is "political opportunism". If thinking so is bad, then obviously opponents of the BJP are also bad. If thinking so and coming out in the open is "bad", then we must be thinking that integrity of ideology - thinking and saying the same thing - is dirty. Which means the clean white starched and ironed parties are clean because they think one thing and say something completely opposite or different.

Wonderful!

somnath · Post by **somnath** » 30 Mar 2011 06:57

ramana wrote:The Swatantra Party was like British Conservative party just as INC modelled itself after the British Labor party. The SP got wiped out in the 1971 Indira Wave as they became irrelevant to Indian politicial scene. Their message got irrelevant to the India of the 1970s: post bank nationalization and garibi hato mileu. In other words fiscal conservatism was not what the people wanted. The SP members were former maharajas and maharanis, business tycoons and some elitemen to use Rahul Mehta speak.

Prior to that they had ~60-70 MPs and had a weight beyod theri numbers due to some very good speakers. They were able to have good press as most opress barons were their supporters.

Some of the former SP members went to join the Janata Party after Emergency. And the rest you know.

The demise of the SP paved the way for BJP.

Ramana-ji, Swatantra Party generally stood for a "liberal" economic policy, though not fiscal conservatism...dont think fiscal conservatism became a standard-bearer for any political party in India, or for that matter in policy circles..With a country with such a large deficit in development, its hard to argue that the govt should not be spending more than what it is earning..Its only in recent times that it has become a mainstream discussion...But Swatantra PArty did stand for a non-statist economic policy, greater role of the private sector, opposed bank ntionalisation...A lot of insipiration taken from the likes of BR Shenoy, and then articluated by Minoo Masani...

In terms of its world-views, SP was influenced by the traditions of John Stuart Mill & Co from the English liberal traditions...Any association with the BJP's worldview would likely make Rajaji, minoo masani and Pilloo Modi turn in their graves

Among other things, they advocated plebiscite in J&K and a confederation between India and PAk! Most importantly though, the philosophical underpinnings of SP were of a different datum level altogether...

Of course, you are right - they could never live down the image of being the "rich man's party".....Pity...

ramdas · Post by **ramdas** » 30 Mar 2011 08:40

Any group advocating plebiscite in JK is (wittingly or unwittingly) anti-national. If Swatantra did that, their getting politically wiped out is good riddance. We have lost enough territory in the past and must never accept any further loss of territory in the future. If some resentful groups have to be kept inside the union at gunpoint, so be it..

Arjun · Post by **Arjun** » 30 Mar 2011 09:38

somnath wrote:Any association with the BJP's worldview would likely make Rajaji, minoo masani and Pilloo Modi turn in their graves

Another one of your hypothetical inanities !?

Any association with a feudalistic dynasty that has negated the spirit behind the movement to create the Indian republic would likely have made them turn in their graves way faster !

Suggest you stop bringing in juvenile political references to this thread - and restrict yourself to the level of policies and worldviews that are consequential for the country.

Sanku · Post by **Sanku** » 30 Mar 2011 10:24

ramdas wrote:Any group advocating plebiscite in JK is (wittingly or unwittingly) anti-national. If Swatantra did that, their getting politically wiped out is good riddance.

Perhaps before forming an opinion about a statement, you should ask for proof. (Of course in time I have learnt who are the posters who are credible and whose opinion if asked for a back-up is invariably likely to have a basis and those who are well......)

ramana · Post by **ramana** » 30 Mar 2011 10:29

Arjun, Somnath is entitled to his views. You cannot decide what he should and should not do.

somnath · Post by **somnath** » 30 Mar 2011 10:37

ramdas wrote:Any group advocating plebiscite in JK is (wittingly or unwittingly) anti-national. If Swatantra did that, their getting politically wiped out is good riddance. We have lost enough territory in the past and must never accept any further loss of territory in the future. If some resentful groups have to be kept inside the union at gunpoint, so be it..

I agree with you, substantially..For Swatantra Party, the position was driven more by the idealism of Rajaji, and not (and I am speculating here) so much by realpolitik...Though their throught processes in a lot of other areas have stood the tests of time - including their heroic effort in preventing the "nationalisation" of agri, as well as other aspects of economic policy...

BTW, Rajaji was a close friend of Sheikh Abdullah, and the latter conferred with him often...

Nice write-up on liberalism and the Swatantra Party by SV Raju (he was quite close to Minoo Masani)..
http://www.liberalsindia.com/relevence/ ... ryview.php

Arjun · Post by **Arjun** » 30 Mar 2011 11:38

ramana wrote:Arjun, Somnath is entitled to his views. You cannot decide what he should and should not do.

Ok, And I have stated my view on the speed of revolution of Rajaji in his grave...

Btw its unlikely any of them would be in graves given their religions

brihaspati · Post by **brihaspati** » 30 Mar 2011 21:19

For the liberalism in Rajaji - which aspect and which period or region should we use as an example? Let's say about "self determination" and "regional integration" - Rajaji initially opposed formation of separate Andhra, later on agreed. Pushed Hindi first and blew wind into the sails of Periyar and then later on turned full circle and joined Periyar over Tamil. He opposed annexation of Goa, because the "Portuguese" were "not invading", but had no hesitation in pushing for annexation of Hyderabad and removal of the Nizam - all this at a time, post 1947, when he had already broached the idea of a joint "management"/confederation failing which conditional self-determination - in 1943.

It seems Rajaji was more "liberal" for distant or outlying regions far from his own political base, compared to closer to his home.

svinayak · Post by **svinayak** » 31 Mar 2011 00:15

ramana wrote:The Swatantra Party was like British Conservative party just as INC modelled itself after the British Labor party. The SP got wiped out in the 1971 Indira Wave as they became irrelevant to Indian politicial scene. Their message got irrelevant to the India of the 1970s: post bank nationalization and garibi hato mileu. In other words fiscal conservatism was not what the people wanted. The SP members were former maharajas and maharanis, business tycoons and some elitemen to use Rahul Mehta speak.

Prior to that they had ~60-70 MPs and had a weight beyod theri numbers due to some very good speakers. They were able to have good press as most opress barons were their supporters.

Some of the former SP members went to join the Janata Party after Emergency. And the rest you know.

The demise of the SP paved the way for BJP.

when any party is aligned like a foriegn party or after colonial days then they cease to be representative of the future of India.
This is the time to rethik everything of the past.

This period is a generational change where all the influence of the west for the last 100-200 years will be questioned and it is time to remove the vestige of all the colonial days out of the identity, ideology and ideas.

Roots are the most important.

ramana · Post by **ramana** » 04 Apr 2011 22:38

Exhausted Union

Exhausted Union

Coalition politics and growing regionalism are threatening the Congress and BJP, says N.V.Subramanian.

4 April 2011: This is a philosophic question that should engage the mainstream Congress and BJP more strenuously than it does today.

Which is, how do they ride the twin trends of deepening coalition politics and strengthening regionalism?

Because, if the present situation continues, the Congress and BJP will shrink their national base.

This will put governance at the Centre hostage to regional coalition partners, whose growing demands eventually will exhaust the Union.

Till the Congress commanded its own parliamentary majority, this was not a problem. This period also coincided with powerful mass leadership residing in a single person from the Nehru-Gandhi dynasty.

State satraps were there in Jawaharlal Nehru's time. But they were weak when Nehru was strong and vice-versa.

The second scenario unfolded after Nehru's post-1962 decline.

Indira Gandhi inherited a similar situation. But her long authoritarian reign amended matters in her favour but to the Congress's detriment.

But even as she cut party opponents to size confident of her electoral bankability, the Congress could still boast of a reservoir of political talent.

In a real sense, the Congress was an all-India party. Its hold-all politics accommodated all the various interest groups, from the venal quota-raj industrialists to the poor, the Dalits, the Muslims and the Brahmins.

Indira Gandhi's assassination snapped the mass connection of the Congress.

Despite getting the largest mandate in Indian election history, Rajiv Gandhi couldn't decently and credibly run his government beyond the first two years.

The rise of the BJP came at the cost of the Congress, which P.V.Narasimha Rao effectively decimated in North India. It is instructive that the BJP lead two coalition governments, one term after another, but could not gain its own parliamentary majority.

That history was repeated with the Congress, and although it inexplicably increased its seats in the 2009 elections, the disastrous performance of the UPA-2 government has destroyed that gain.

Indeed, UPA-2 may become a prime example of the worst excesses of a coalition government, and it is this writer's analysis that the situation will worsen.

On the other hand, regionalism is growing from strength to strength, and threatening the Congress and BJP, but perhaps more the Congress.

If any chief minister has caught the public imagination, it is Nitish Kumar. People blur the detail that he is running a successful coalition government in Bihar with the BJP.

But ask to choose a PM for tomorrow, and pat comes the reply: Nitish Kumar.

To be sure, Narendra Modi comes second, or perhaps, he is running neck-and-neck with Nitish Kumar. Very likely, Modi and Nitish Kumar are equally rooted by the middle class, whose former hero, Manmohan Singh, is now (to use a tired phrase) zero.

There is no one in the Congress who compares with Nitish Kumar or Modi, both of who, directly or indirectly, bring advantages to the BJP.

Not one Congress chief minister can claim administratively to be on a par with them.

If you consider Modi controversial (many people call his critics "hypocritical" for turning a blind eye to the Godhra carnage and focusing on the post-Godhra riots), the BJP still has Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Raman Singh.

The Congress has nobody in the states of equal competence and stature, and strangely, it does not worry the central leadership.

Certainly, the BJP has plenty to ponder in the absence of a national leader like A.B.Vajpayee. But it can look with some hope on a second-line, to which Chouhan, Modi, Sushma Swaraj, Arun Jaitley, etc, belong.

The Congress has nobody comparable, and the Nehru-Gandhi charm has worn out. One Bihar rout shot Rahul Gandhi into the rabbit hole.

And the best Sonia Gandhi and Manmohan Singh can do to divert attention from insurmountable internal troubles is to nest an Indo-Pak summit within an India/ Pakistan semi-final match in Mohali.

Worse, Sonia Gandhi thinks that a photo-op with revellers in Delhi's ITO area post India's World Cup victory will bring everlasting political mileage.

It is pathetic.

Within the Congress party, strategists despair. They see a sinking ship and are making their respective plans to secure themselves.

They say the party has no use for politicians who win elections. Only the Rajya Sabha types (Manmohan Singh & Co.) are being rewarded.

The Congress leadership believes the party will continue forever. That is what some arrogant NDA ministers thought.

And that same feeling pervaded the P.V.Narasimha Rao government, which needed a shock defeat in Andhra Pradesh to return to senses, and it was too late.

There is obsessive talk in Congress circles of the "southern ulcer", which has come essentially to mean Andhra Pradesh, which could destroy the chance of a UPA-3 government.

And Mamata Bannerjee has smelled blood, and is returning to the CPI-M's old theme of West Bengal's step-motherly treatment by the Centre, meaning the ruling Congress party.

The Congress has long believed in the infallibility of the Nehru-Gandhi name to win elections. Well, times have changed.

If the Congress cannot grow a Nitish Kumar or Chouhan, it could be the end of the road for it.

And things may look rosy for the BJP. But remember, it is out of power in the Centre. Without massive strides in North India, and particularly in UP, which it continues criminally to neglect, it can at best hope for a weak NDA government at the Centre.

A weak NDA won't grow the BJP nationally.

To that extent, and by a fluke, the Congress is in power at the Centre. If it does not make strategic adjustments with state leaders and potential satraps, it will be over for it.

Very despondent article/op-ed....

India always rose like the proverbial Phoenix and threw up leaders thru the ages.

brihaspati · Post by **brihaspati** » 04 Apr 2011 22:50

No its a whine against regional parties who are not playing ball with the Congress. Forget that it was the Congress which used and encouraged regional politics for various tactical reasons. It is also a whine thrown at BJP to see the "danger" and do something! A kind of united national front for restoring federal absolutism.

joshvajohn · Post by **joshvajohn** » 05 Apr 2011 04:05

Future leaders of India
http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php ... 2436714027

differently abled children singing Indian Anthem who will form future leaders of India and will make us feel great.

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