Dear Congress: Move on, dump Rahul!

Almost three decades ago, as a young kid it was a moment etched in my memory to get a glimpse of the then Prime Minister of India – Rajiv Gandhi – standing on top of a building which was far away from the helipad prepared for the late Prime Minister’s chopper to land!

 

Years passed; Prime Ministers changed! While I adore leaders like P V Narasimha Rao and Atal Bihari Vajpayee for the manner in which they led this great country; disliked leaders like V P Singh and Deve Gowda who I strongly feel had a negative impact on the future of India.

In 2004 when Rahul Gandhi became a Member of Parliament, likely many even I felt – here comes the future of India. This young, then 33-year-lad was being looked upon as the future Prime Minister who would put India on the path to greatness! After spending first term in learning, it was expected that Rahul Gandhi would take much aggressive stance in his approach. Elected to Parliament again in 2009, Rahul Gandhi showed great promise with his ‘Kalavati speech’ on the floor of Lok Sabha the same year. It was a great moment when Rahul Gandhi highlighted the plight of the widow and silenced the opposition who attempted a laugh.

 

After intense training from stalwarts of 150-year-old political outfit, Rahul Gandhi was expected to deliver miracles! But what followed was a huge disappointment! The scion of the grand old party of Indian politics failed miserably at each instance when he was expected to deliver.

 

Rahul Gandhi opted to stick to Party and not enter in order to strengthen the organization; he failed to stand up and take a Cabinet berth to show his ability to administer; biggest disaster came in when he opposed Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh’s decision! Failure after failure has only hurt the image of Rahul Gandhi. Maybe these was the reason for him not step forward and take the challenge thrown at him and Congress Party by Narendra Modi. Hiding behind the Congress Party policy of not naming Prime Minister candidate before the elections, Rahul Gandhi lost an opportunity to prove to the world that he is not running away from responsibility.

 

Now that Congress Party has suffered its worst poll debacle in the history of Indian elections, Rahul Gandhi still had his last chance to become Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha and work towards rebuilding Congress Party from its nadir! Instead Rahul Gandhi behaved like a rich spoil brat and chose to travel.

 

One thing is evident from these; Rahul Gandhi is not a serious politician! It is good for Congress Party if they realize this sooner than later and not remain in denial mood.

 

Congress Party should soon come out of Gandhi-Nehru family tangle and give reins to the younger generation who will be able to take the party forward. We do not wish to see Congress Party die completely and would really want them to play the role of an able Opposition. Because, in Democracy a strong opposition is as important as a stronger Government!

Elections 2014: #YoungIndia Zindabad

After three decades, #YoungIndia has taken a decision in the right direction! This post might sound like the one coming from a #NarendraModi or #BharatiyaJanataParty fan. Will try to remain objective in the words I choose to write below.

 

After #RajivGandhi era, started the era of coalition politics and that I consider has hurt the country’s development fabric. Though #AtalBihariVajpayee and subsequently #DrManMohanSingh tried to put #India on the path of development, still what this great nation achieved is just a fraction of the potential it had or still has.

 

#Elections2014 and #Mandate2014 has come at such a crucial term, when our country is on the brink of exploding into a real ‘Super Power’ or crumble under its own weight of expectations. It is a known fact that the just concluded Elections saw addition of 150 million new or first time voters. This was a sizeable number to decide the fate of this country. #YoungIndia had a huge responsibility on its shoulders to put #India on the growth pedestal or allow it to disintegrate to repairable standards.

 

#Mandate2014 showed us that #YoungIndia has aspirations to move forward and has taken up the responsibility to strengthen #India to emerge into a global force that will lead the world into the latter stages of the ‘21st Century’!

 

Voting pattern might not be uniform from political perspective. While, #NorthIndia overwhelmingly gave its mandate in favour of #PrimeMinister designate #NarendraModi; the same might not be the case in #SouthIndia and #NorthEast regions. But the common parameter that emerged from #Elections2014 is #India (#YoungIndia in specific) voted in favour of ‘Development’.

 

One common element between _ #Jayalalitha (#AIADMK) , #MamataBanerjee (#AITMC) , #ChandrababuNaidu (#TDP) , #NaveenPatnaik (#BJD) _ is that they are the face/s of Development, compared to their counterparts in their respective regions. And average Indian voter gave their verdict in favour of these leaders who have shown the credentials to put India on the aggressive growth path.

 

Majority of #India voted for #NarendraModi or the #BJP, not because of #RamMandir issue or to propagate #Hindutva agenda, but for development. The youth of this nation got connected with the next Prime Minister of India, for the language of development he has been speaking for the last few years. They also got attracted to the #GujaratModel of development that is being widely spokes about across the spectrum.

 

Results of the just concluded Elections also show the level of maturity the Indian voter (especially, the #YoungIndia) has shown. Hence, “#YoungIndia Zindabad”.

Elections 2014: Congress moving from ‘Secularism’ to ‘Suckularism’

When Narendra Modi is all set to become the next Prime Minister of India, the outgoing Congress Party is making last ditch efforts to prevent the unstoppable! Senior Congress Party leader Rashid Alvi’s statement on Thursday showcases the myopic mindset of his Party which can stoop to any extent to stay in power. Rashid Alvi suggested that all secular parties in India must come on to a single platform and elect West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee as the next Prime Minister of India.

 

Though Congress Party has not welcomed or condemned Rashid Alvi’s comments, these comments are against the fundamental spirit of democracy. The outcome of Elections 2014 to a great extent is in favour of the BJP or NDA or Narendra Modi, it is completely against the ruling the United Progressive Alliance and the Congress Party. Any attempt by the Congress Party to get a large coalition run the country will be an attempt against the mandate of average Indian voter.

 

For years India has seen coalition politics at the top, and unfortunately these prevented successive governments take affirmative steps that would have helped India move ahead on the growth pedestal. Though NDA 2.0 too might be a compulsive coalition formation under Narendra Modi, this time around the formation is likely to possess intrinsic strength to take tough decisions. And this is the need of the hour for a better tomorrow.

 

Lets strongly hope, the ‘suckularistic’ politics of the Congress Party is defeated with the mandate voter of India gives to Narendra Modi and the Bharatiya Janata Party.

Elections 2014: #ThankYouDrManMohanSingh

At a time when India awaits results of #Elections2014 with much anticipation on who will be the next Prime Minister of #India, it is only fair to remember the man who gave the much needed impetus to the Indian economy in 1991, the man who laid the foundation stone to the India that moved miles away from the days of ‘License Raj’ – Dr Manmohan Singh, the outgoing Prime Minister of India! It is only fair to spare a thought for this gentleman.

 

In 2004, when there was high drama over who will be the Prime Minister of Congress-led UPA Government, like many across the country, I too was not comfortable with the idea of Sonia Gandhi on the hot seat. There were rounds of debates in New Delhi with many Congress leaders requesting their madam to take-up the responsibility. It was not just a moment of relief, but also a moment of great anticipation when Sonia Gandhi announced that senior Congress leader and a rank-outsider Dr Manmohan Singh will be the Prime Minister.

 

This announcement has brought great cheer across India. Indian industry was surely happy with the decision then! The man who liberalized Indian economy was to lead the Indian Government from the time when it was growing at over eight percent. India’s #Sensex and #Nifty gave a thumbs-up to the decision taken by the Congress party president and the Indian industry looked up to the man who they thought to put India among top economies of the world.

 

UPA-1 under Manmohan Singh fared decent, if not brilliant. The Government took many initiatives across sectors including measures to build robust infrastructure, along with welfare activities. The Government led by possibly the cleanest Prime Minister in the history and with a decent report card about its performance didn’t find much difficulty in returning to power as UPA-2.

 

Dr Manmohan Singh, who is a victim of bad performance of his colleagues unfortunately, is at the receiving end of utmost criticism. His great past is marred by greater scams that this country has seen. I strongly feel Congress Party has done a great disservice to the man who played the most crucial role in shaping the modern India since 1991 when he was the Finance Minister of India under P V Narsimha Rao’s leadership.

 

It would just be fair to say Dr Manmohan Singh, the outgoing Prime Minister of India was a great leader and fantabulous economist. We only wish this great man a long, happy and healthy life. #ThankYouDrManMohanSingh

Elections 2014: Why Modi?

 

Akin to many I belong to the community that ‘Like’ Narendrabhai Damodardas Modi! I belong to that section which strongly backs his candidature for the post of Prime Minister of India and cannot tolerate a word/statement to be made against Modi. Many may find this approach stupid. Many call us intolerant to others. Many term us blatant with a negative connotation. Many among us have hazaar reasons to stand up for Narendra Modi and firmly believe he becomes the next Prime Minister. I would like to list few reasons for our support, to whom so ever it many concern!

 

Humble beginning:

Unlike his possible counterpart from the Congress Party, Narendra Modi is born into a poor family with minimum means to survive. His upbringing was never planned and life has taught him more lessons than his parents or teachers. He understood the nuances of existence from the real life situations that forced him to sell tea to feed himself. Narendra Modi has never visited a foreign university or would have not read books written by greats who shaped the world with this thoughts and actions. It is his connect with the ‘real’ India that has educated him to become a better individual.

 

Experience:

Narendra Modi has worked his way up the ladder and didn’t take a lateral entry. From being a Swayam Sevak, to a small worker in BJP, to an office bearer, to Chief Minister – the path he covered over the past few decades has seen him climb step after step before he stands to become the Prime Minister of this great nation. He has fulfilled his responsibilities with great conviction at each level and has only emerged successful from most adverse situations.

 

Breaking complexities:

Rahul Gandhi is backed by each and every leader within the Congress Party, he has the brains and cumulative experience of hundreds of years of his senior colleagues who have been working hard to mend him to become Prime Minister material. We witnessed the outcome over the last eight months of elections campaign to four State Assembles late last year, and the ongoing General Elections. Every Indian would have formed his/her opinion on Rahul Gandhi’s ability.

 

On the other hand, Narendra Modi is vehemently opposed from within the party hierarchy! It is his work and ability to translate words into action that has been the driving force that pushed Narendra Modi ahead of many within the party and in the political spectrum. His ability to think for people has positioned him as the most successful Chief Minister in the country.

 

Innovator:

Modern India has high aspirations! The new age India acts, thinks, does things differently; they exist more in the virtual world but dream of the real world. Catering to their ambitions need action not words. Congress claims it has brought many schemes for betterment of society at large; the growing restlessness among the youth of this country tells a different story. Today, the young leader of Congress talks about his family’s sacrifice, talks about fake marketing by opposition; instead of progressive future for youth. Many neutral youngsters might not find fault with me as I say “Rahul Gandhi failed to inspire Young India”!

 

The opposite, Narendra Modi reached out to that section of modern India in the most effective manner. His past work, credentials, promise made for a brighter India are reasons sufficient for the Young India to stand up in support of Narendra Modi. Irrespective of party ideology, GenNex backs Narendra Modi to become the next Prime Minister.

 

Similar to the above mentioned, there are many parameters on which Narendra Modi fares higher than his closest rival for the top post! Narendra Modi’s conviction and commitment was evident from each media interaction he took part in over the last few weeks. Facing the fiercest of journalists, a highly confident Modi spoke his heart out and showed a glimpse of what he stands for and what is dreams, to make India a better nation in the times to come.

 

Final word: No person is perfect; but considering the promise made to this nation Narendra Modi deserves a change.

Elections 2014: Why I don’t believe in AAP?

Unlike the many so-called intellectuals who support Arvind Kejriwal and his Aam Aadmi Party, I believe he is the biggest spoiler when India is looking with great hope towards a ‘MAN’ who proved that a complex democracy like India can be put on a faster growth path! Narendra Modi might be Chief Minister of just a State in India, but what is more important is that he proved to the world that if the intent is right and spirit undeterred, nothing in India is difficult.

 

There are more reasons why I don’t believe Arvind Kejriwal is right for India.

 

Ran away from responsibility: Arvind Kejriwal and his jokers spent most of their time to protest, even while in the Government! People of Delhi believed in them, elected MLAs and hoped they would resolve issues plaguing them. Instead of providing solution/s to the problems, they chose to resign from responsibility. It was sad that AAP decided to not administer the State just because one Bill was not supported! People of Delhi voted for them not for that Bill, but for better administration. And Arvind Kejriwal failed to fulfill the promise made to bring in change. He and his Cabinet should have taken more challenges to do good for the society.

 

Not a leader: Arvind Kejriwal says, “main mamooli aadmi hoon, meri koi aukhat nahi hai”. I condemn this attitude, that too after lakhs of people stood behind you and sent you to the Delhi Assembly. It was his duty to lead from the front and his choice of words or actions are just uninspiring. At a time when India needs a strong leader with great determination who can stand-up to internal and external challenges, this attitude is a put off.

 

Choice of candidates: There are sufficient media reports to believe that the choice of candidates of Aam Aadmi Party has gone all wrong. While they want people of India to believe it the party of the common man, they have given tickets to many who don’t have a clean track record. Every principle or philosophy that Arvind Kejriwal speaks about has been sidelined while selecting candidates. There are people who made huge wealth (not sure if people can make millions staying honest) and with criminal cases pending against them. In the rush to field maximum candidates, spirit of Aam Aadmi has taken a royal beating.

 

Anti-Corporate: India needs capitalism in the right spirit to achieve growth! Arvind Kejriwal, a protestor at heart, speaks against Corporate India. There could be some anomalies, but that can be corrected through right administration. Unfortunately, Arvind Kejriwal speaks about killing such businesses instead of rectifying the errors. India cannot afford to go into License Raj or go the China way of Government control on every business. Whether, Arvind Kejriwal accepts this or not, India will emerge stronger due to its entrepreneurial spirit.

 

Kudankulum nuclear plant, Khap Panchayats, Meeting with Muslim clerics – these are some of the many issues that force us to believe that Arvind Kejriwal does not care for ethics and will do anything in his tryst for power. Arvind Kejriwal shot into prominence due to his proximity with people like Anna Hazare and Kiran Bedi. If they cannot support Arvind Kejriwal’s ambition, why should people of India support him?

Battleground Balasore! Fight tooth and nail

On April 11th 2014, media across India will focus on this sleepy town _ Balasore _ located on Odisha-West Bengal border, from where I write this post of mine! Congress president Sonia Gandhi and BJP Prime Ministerial candidate Narendra Modi will descend to address public gatherings/s and seek votes for the candidates of their respective parties. An otherwise sluggish town is all set to witness intense action and throw lives of people out of gear! Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik will tour in this constituency on April 14th.

Balasore, a coastal district on the northern most part of Odisha was once part of the ancient Kalinga Empire. Today, the town is known for Balasore Alloys, the lone major industrial outfit in the district. Why this sudden interest in Balasore; that is drawing attention of political heavyweights that is forcing entire nation to shift its attention towards it for a day? We hear at times that politicians fight tooth and nail to win an election! Balasore is one such ‘Parliament seat’ that is forcing Congress, Bharatiya Janata Party and the ruling Biju Janata Dal fight to the end.

 

While, Congress do not want to let the seat slip out of its hands again; BJP is putting in all efforts to win and showcase Modi wave! BJD on the other hand wants to hoist its flag here for the first time. Balasore, is an example how even one seat becomes crucial for political parties, that too in an election where each seat will play a crucial role in deciding the next Prime Minister of India.

Balasore, a traditionally Congress stronghold drifted off its hands for two terms during the ‘Atal Bihari Vajpayee’ era and went to the BJP. But, Congress fought back hard to reclaim the seat and establish its dominance in the region. Srikant Jena, a veteran leader who was close to father figure of Odisha, ‘Shri Biju Patnaik’ won the election in 2009 against NCP’s Arun Dey, who had the backing of Biju Janata Dal then. Naveen Patnaik’s Biju Janata Dal, which earlier had alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Dal, never contested this seat!

Elections 2014 is witnessing a three-way fight between BJD-Congress-BJP! Congress is fielding sitting MP and Union minister in the UPA-2 Government Srikant Jena, BJD has decided to field former Balasore Alloys MD and noted industrialist Rabindra Kumar Jena. BJP is fielding Pratap Chandra Sarangi, a MLA from of the Assembly segments that fall under Balasore Parliament Constituency.

Witnessing the campaign underway one gets a sense how hard these leaders are battling it out under the hot sun! Padhyatras, meetings with women groups, interactions with the youth, debates with senior citizens – it is a roller-coaster ride for these politicos who are leaving no stone unturned to win the battle of heavyweights.

2014 Elections: Technology turns battleground!

The upcoming Elections to the Indian Parliament that are likely to be held between April and June this year is first of sorts on many key parameters!

The Elections will be a major step for India, as the country aspires to be a global super power in the 21st century. And outcome of this Election has a lot to do with India’s aspirations. With the possible inclusion of 150 million new voters, Elections 2014 is all about their aspirations. Every political party, national or regional in nature is vying to win the hearts of ‘young India’.

With mobile penetration crossing 90 percent ‘households’ in India; technology has breached Illiteracy barrier by miles! Today almost every household, irrespective of their economic status has benefitted from the telecom revolution this country has seen in the last 5 years. Access to low priced handsets and truly easy tariff plans enabled this changing scenario.

There is a popular belief that the Elections in 2014 will be fought on social media! Popularity of Facebook, Twitter and other social networking sites among the youth of this country forces us believe this idea, which is true to a greater extent.

While every political party trying to engage internet literate audience using social media, it is the mobile phone which could emerge as the deciding factor in the Elections. Voice being the only parameter, mobile phone breaks all hurdles like language, illiteracy, internet reach etc in spreading message of political outfits and contestants.

Irrespective of it being national or regional party, irrespective of its affiliations or their philosophies, every political party today use or must use technology to run their day-to-day operations. Mobile connectivity helps leaders stay in constant connect with his/her cadre to ensure the campaign is on track. Innovative approach to mobile phones will not just help in engaging and motivating the cadre, but also attract voters. Direct access or seamless connect with the contestant is inspirational most times.

President of the United States, Barack Hussein Obama has shown the world that an Election can be won through a systematic campaign using technology platform/s. The same is likely to become true in the case of India, the world’s largest democracy with the most complex and diverse framework. While internet played a prominent role in the United States, its absence in most semi-urban and rural areas will not hamper prospects in India!

It is time political parties and leaders turn innovative and ride on technology and its reach to emerge victorious in the most important Elections, India is likely to witness.