Flood in J&K - an opportunity to drown the differences‏

On one side, the debate on J&K was taking on a new dimension. Sociologists were discussing on the possibility of return of Kashmiri Pandits to the valley. Defence analysts were talking of the need to check mate Hurriyat.  Political commentators were wondering how National Conference has become irrelevant to the J&K context and how Abdullahs have overstayed their presence in the history of the land. ISI was ranting how Kashmir should be liberated from the so called Indian occupation. Nawaz Sharif had gone huddled in a closet with his coterie to think if he can bring up the issue of Kashmir this 'n'th time to safeguard his own shaking seat in the Govt. As always - the communal, political, social and regional difference were rife.

Then came the sudden, incessant and unending downpour of rains into the State.  The torrents submerged nearly half of Srinagar, killed over 160 people, displaced tens of thousands of people, destroyed homes and farmlands, tore down the flanks of the hills in landslides, broke up roads and bridges and within the blink of an eye - caused an unprecedented national disaster of sorts.  In one sweeping moment of nature, all the clamour of civilization, militarization, communalism and extremism was drowned till the nostrils to the shock and dismay of people, parties and Govts. J&K on both sides of the border and across the several man-made borders, came to remain under the fury of nature, the almighty.

There is a lesson in this disaster, which is loud and clear.

Divided community, divided ideology, divided nation, divided region, divided polity and a manipulated state of existence do not provide you the strength of cooperation, mutual tolerance and mutual help that are needed to prosper and keep the nostrils in the air of existence.  If we are already half drowned under the divisive forces, it only takes very little for us to fully drown under the reality of our planetary survival.

This flood is a lesson.  This flood is an opportunity to drown our differences and stick our heads above the rising water. The Indian Prime Minister has already reached out to his Pakistani counterpart, offering assistance in flood relief operations in the areas "across the Line of Control", which is certainly a good initiative.

V K Saxena

NCCL 

Ahmedabad

Nitish ka 'Bhi haar'‏

It is often said - 'in the game of the fool, it is tragedy for the poor'.  Bihar has come to be that.  Governance in Bihar has become a game of the fool, alternating between Lalu Prasad and Nitish Kumar, with its people remaining poor and denied of any reasonably good livelihood. This resource rich state has been run as if an underworld enterprise is run by mafia lords.  Even in the election propaganda, their main issue was each other.   In fact, the JDU and RJD have held Bihar like their own inherited fiefdom.  The State that once was the seat of our ancient civilization has been reduced to an under-developed backyard of the nation, lorded by an insensitive and arrogant Chief Minister.

Nitish Kumar's arrogance did not end at lording his State to misery.  He often day dreamt of becoming India's Prime Minister.  Without a shred of ideology, he hobnobbed with Mulayam Singh , Mamta Banerjee and the likes, exhibiting an opportunistic political behavior and calculating his chances of occupying South Block.  He befriended Pakistan in order to appease the Muslims of the State.  He failed to address the Naxal threat or understand the needs for holistic development.  Carrying forward the legacy of RJD, he kept Bihar as one of our most backward States and denied it the benefits of 21st century India.

In spite of all the foolishness he exhibited, he might have been among the first people in India to recognize that Mr. Modi could surely become the Prime Minister.  I think that was the reason why he so violently protested when Mr. Modi's name was announced by the BJP as its Prime Ministerial candidate.  Then he made his worst political mistake of severing ties of JDU with BJP, mainly because his own ambition of becoming the PM would not be supported by the NDA as BJP had already announced their choice for the PM.  He over-estimated himself and grossly under-estimated Mr. Modi.

And now that Mr. Modi has swept the nation with his wave of patriotism and developmental vision, Nitish Kumar slid down the hill of despondency and resigned.  His resignation does not come in the background of any ideology or in acknowledgment of his inability to change the fate of Bihar.  It comes from his personal disappointment that Mr. Modi would now be the PM and from his personal embarrassment of not being able to face Mr. Modi in Delhi.

Good riddance.  Bihar is liberated now from the likes of Nitish Kumar and Lalu Yadav.  Bihar too can now share the delight of joining Indian resurgence and hope to elect a development oriented Party and Chief Minister in the next election for the State Assembly.  A beginning has already been made by wading into the Modi wave and kicking out an opportunistic Chief Minister.

VK Saxena
NCCL
Ahmedabad

RajNITISH Kumar, Chale Sarhad Paar

On the eve of Diwali, we know where the son in laws go.  And Nitish Kumar's hurried heading to Pakistan raises doubts if he is married to the Muslim vote bank!

In the strange political landscape of India and Pakistan, there is a certain reversal of practice.  

Before an election in Pakistan, the politicians go on an India bashing binge.  They demand for Kashmir.  Rip down the India image in half and blow it in the wind to the applause of their audience.  Praise Jinnah and deride Gandhi.  Increase the firing on the borders and if possible, go on a war like they did in Kargil.

Whereas, before an election in India, our politicians go on a Pakistan hugging binge.  They say that Kashmir issue can be discussed.  They praise Pakistan and propose trade and cultural ties.  They say that Babri masjid will be rebuilt.  And promise Indian Muslims of easier passage to Pakistan.

Congress is known to do it, Mulayam singh has openly did this but Nitish Kumar tops them all!

With a gleaming dream in his eyes to occupy the Prime Ministerial seat, he has started his political campaign unofficially from Pakistan.  On the eve of Diwali, he has rushed to Pakistan to visit Karachi, Islamabad and Lahore. This is Muslim appeasement policy at its lowest ethical standing.  He has gone to the extent of avoiding Mr. Narendra Modi from visiting Bihar thinking that it might not be conducive with his friendly image with Muslims.  Now, he does this unthinkable act - confirming that in the dynamics of Indian politics, Muslim vote lies in the heart of Pakistan.

V.K.Saxena

NCCL

Ahmedabad.