07-16-2009, 07:52 PM (This post was last modified: 07-16-2009, 09:40 PM by ramana.)
Husky, What Shourie documents is the multi-step progression in the "Evolution of Civilizations" by Quigley. Its at step 3 or even 4.
<!--QuoteBegin-->QUOTE<!--QuoteEBegin-->Quigley was in fact a leading theorist of the rise and fall of civilizations, developing a 7-stage model (Mixture, Gestation, Expansion, Age of Conflict, Universal Empire, Decay, and Invasion) that was integrated into a framework of analysis that included dimensions of power (military and political), wealth (economic and social), and outlook (intellectual and religious).
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Shourie specifically warns about thinking about a particular political dispensation in India while reading his articles. He is right it applies to the whole political spectrum.
In gist what has happened is the harbingers of new ideas and changes(pre and post Independence movement reformers) have now become vested interests and the new status quo. What ususally happens is they have three choices: resist change, adopt changes or usher in the new reformers. The first two will lead to automatic decline and decay as they are the status quo powers. So they have to make way for the new changes by copting the new reformers. It then leads fo the next step.
<b>Be role models, people from Dakshina Kannada told
</b>
Special Correspondent
âThe region has earned a name in educationâ
They have a unique identity: Pejawar swamiji
V.S. Acharya
BANGALORE: Home Minister V.S. Acharya has called upon the natives of Dakshina Kannada spread across different parts of the State to become role models for others to emulate.
Speaking after inaugurating the Golden Jubilee of Dakshina Kannadigara Sangha here on Sunday, Dr. Acharya said the undivided Dakshina Kannada region stretching from Kundapura to Kasargod had earned a name for itself in the field of education, economic growth and other spheres of life.
âThe undivided Dakshina Kannada district had given birth to five nationalised banks, including Corporation Bank, Canara Bank and Syndicate Bank. The region also has a number of quality educational institutions. Students of Dakshina Kannada top the examinations,â he said.
Natives of Dakshina Kannada, who have moved out of their native land to other places, have prospered and earned a name for themselves.
âMy wish is that people from Dakshina Kannada should become role models for others to emulate,â he said.
Dr. Acharya recalled that the Human Development Index prepared during the regime of former Chief Minister late J.H. Patel showed that Dakshina Kannada was far ahead of other districts in education, health and sanitation.
âDakshina Kannada had occupied the top position,â he said.
During 1999, the Human Development Index of Dakshina Kannada was comparable with that of China. âDakshina Kannada was rated to be equal to China in terms of education, health, sanitation, infant mortality and the quality of life,â he claimed.
Earlier, Pejawar swamiji Sri Visvesha Tirtha said people of Dakshina Kannada had a unique identity. Even though the region was multi-lingual, multi-religious and multi-cultural, there was a distinct identity of people from the undivided Dakshina Kannada district.
Vijaynagar MLA Krishnappa said the people of Dakshina Kannada residing in Bangalore had contributed immensely to the growth of the city.
A souvenir titled âSuvarna Sambhramaâ to mark the occasion was released along with a compilation of short stories titled âSuvarna Salilaâ.
Industrialists Dayanand Pai and U.B. Venkatesh were among the dignitaries present.
BJP offered a cautious reaction to an MCOCA court dropping charges under the special law against Sadhvi Pragya Thakur, Lt Col Srikant Purohit and other accused of Malegaon blasts saying the party regretted politicisation of the case.
"What has happened is a part of a judicial process. Even at this stage we donât want issues to be politicised, let the judicial processes be completed which will prove whether the accused are guilty of a terrorist act or not," BJP spokesperson Prakash Javadekar said.
Shyama Prasad Mukherjee championed the cause of integration of Jammu and Kashmir with the rest of India. He was arrested in Srinagar and died on 23rd June, 1953, while in custody. The question has always been raised was he murdered? The death of one of the most important Hindu leaders of India, who had also served in Nehruâs cabinet, is still surrounded by controversy.
Shyama Prasad had a brilliant career. He was the youngest Vice Chancellor of the Calcutta University. He served in various capacities, which includes Principal Spokesman of the Hindus, the Finance Minister of undivided Bengal (1941-42), Union Minister for Industry (1947-50). He resigned from the ministry because of political differences with Nehru.
The year was 1953. Jammu Kashmir was a princely state. The great leader declared that he would go to Jammu and Kashmir as an Indian citizen and without seeking any permition from the Jammu and Kashmir government. The idea was to prove his point that Jammu and Kashmir was an integral part of India and thus there was no need for any âentry permitâ for an Indian citizen.
He was cordially, at least outwardly, received by high officers of the Jammu and Kashmir government. He was taken to Srinagar, the capital of Kashmir. As soon as Shyama Prasad arrived in Kashmir, he was arrested and jailed in a dilapidated house. His condition of health got detoriated. At the same time he couldnât gain access to any medical attention. Finally he paid price for his effort to integrate India. The patriot died while in custody.
There was wide-spread resentment and suspicion in the country. Leadaers cutting across party lines demanded an independent inquiry of Shyama Prasadâs death. But still Shyama Prasadâs death has been added to yet another mysterious political deaths of the country.
<!--QuoteBegin-->QUOTE<!--QuoteEBegin-->'It is clear that the criteria to invite party leaders has been formed with the intention to drop these two (Sinha and Shourie) because they had criticised the party leadership,' the leader told IANS on the condition of anonymity.
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<!--QuoteBegin-->QUOTE<!--QuoteEBegin-->BJP is an xtian pakora gas party. If they would have won, it would still be the same as Sonia "bleeped out" Gandhi being in power.<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Aug. 11: Leader of the Opposition <b>L.K. Advaniâs reported reluctance to relinquish the post has somewhat upset the RSS. RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat has apparently asked Mr Advani to âreconsiderâ his decision on continuing as Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha</b>. {He should step down, while people still hold him in some regard and respect. On a side note, what kind of perks do Leader of Opposition get?}
Both Mr Bhagwat and Mr Advani met on Monday at the Sanghâs Delhi headquarters. The meeting lasted for about two hours. The RSS chief is understood to have asked Mr Advani to make way for Gen-Next. Incidentally, there had already been rumblings in the BJP over Mr Advaniâs apparent desire to continue as Leader of the Opposition as long as he can. The RSS, however, has decided to give Mr Advani the freedom to choose his successor, sources disclosed.
The RSS chief has also asked Mr Advani to clarify his recent remarks showing an inclination to stay on. Mr Advani had said: âWhatever I agree to is of my own volition. the kind of political life I have had and the appreciation I have had from the country. I donât do anything reluctantly.â He was asked whether he would quit the post at the yearend. Sitting by his side, his deputy in the Lok Sabha, Ms Sushma Swaraj, went on to add that Mr Advani âhas been elected for a full term of five yearsâ.
While Mr Advaniâs remarks were interpreted within the party as his desire to âstay on as long as he canâ, Ms Swarajâs move to support him was being seen as a move to strengthen her own claim to replace BJP chief Rajnath Singh.
It can be mentioned that Mr Advani, who initially indicated that he could call it a day after the partyâs drubbing in the general elections, however, went on to take over as Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha.
It was being claimed that Mr Advani had to take charge since his absence could witness a civil war in BJP. However, after taking charge, Mr Advani once again hinted that he was taking charge only for a few months and would pass on the mantle to a young leadership by the end of this year.
The Leader of Opposition is same as Union Cabinet Minster rank. While LKA has moral responsibility to account for the loss in the last elections, there is a need to continue in that position as he could become the leader of the new cabinet in case of realignment of forces and that fear keeps the TSP and massa at bay. So even in this situation he does serve a purpose.
08-13-2009, 02:06 AM (This post was last modified: 08-13-2009, 02:12 AM by brihaspati.)
Acharyaji,
Shyamaprasad's death has laways been under the clouds. I heard "somewhere" from an ex-IB, that there were records of correspondence and notes exchanged between the "great friends" deciding the fate of "Kashmir" about dealing with him on the spot, the same language used for Subhasji by Wavell. I guess none of this is provable anymore, just like Subhasji's case. C.R.Das is also another likely case. Slow poisoning was done under many excuses - sometimes in the name of treating infections. My syndicate-"granddad" told me how he was "wrongly" injected with a semi-poisonous substance under the excuse of treating apparent symptoms of "syphilis". The British doctor and his Indian counterpart later on apologized. The British admin seems to have a particular association with rumours of poisoning under medical care of unwanted persons, starting with Napoleon I.
BJP's future lies in tighter discipline, and some degree of training to upcoming faces how to talk, even under extreme provocation. I do not think, the gag order was a good strategy - but they should all have been allowed to talk and shout all their venom and frustration out, inside - inside all those "chintan" enclaves. But after that, come to decisions, and present a uniform rock solid face to the outside.
Both Advani and Rajnath Singh and their coterie should be kicked out of the BJP if we don't want to see the party is bled into its ruin. Their taking up of cudgel against Vasundhara Raje is the last straw on the camel's back.
How sad it is! Is there any prospects at all for the party?
<b>Advani, Rajnath are not BJPâs future</b>
August 17th, 2009
By Ashok Malik
It would be unfair to see the current mess in the BJP â with Rajasthan as its new theatre of civil war â as a simple battle between the RSS and the BJP or a factional tussle between Rajnath Singh and L.K. Advani.
Those are elements of the drama but the whole narrative, with its sub-plots and midnight intrigues, is far more complicated.
To understand the pathetic state of the BJP, consider four points.
First, the timing of the crisis is noteworthy. Each time the party prepares for a meeting that might just discuss and critique the Lok Sabha election of 2009 and demand an honest debate on the condition of the BJP, a convenient diversion appears.
When the national executive met a few weeks ago, some people began writing letters and then distributed them from a hotel in the heart of New Delhi.
This time, just before the chintan baithak in Shimla, Vasundhara Raje was told to resign. The provocative gesture was bound to spell trouble.
In both cases, the agenda for the meeting was sought to be pre-empted. The party leadership was helped out by the creation of collateral scripts and smokescreens. Who was the intended beneficiary and who the mastermind? The pattern is tiresome, repetitive and crystal clear.
Second, is Vasundhara Rajeâs removal an attempt at accountability or at factionalism? In the three months since the Lok Sabha drubbing, no benchmarks have been set for resignations and retrenchments. The entire process has been ad hoc and individual-specific.
This has led to the conclusion that the party headquarters is playing favourites within state units.
Rajasthan is a case in point. From 2003 to 2008, Vasundhara Raje was the chief minister. Her government had a mixed record; it had its achievements but also faced charges of condoning corruption. Vasundhara was not always seen as a team player. Some sections of the local RSS didnât like her.
However, it is equally true that the lady has a pan-Rajasthan appeal and fought a valiant state election, taking the BJP to 79 seats in a House of 200. She lost, but lost with honour.
The Lok Sabha election saw a poorer performance. Subsequently, the state party president resigned and the organising secretary â the RSS nominee in the party brass â was also removed. The organising secretary is close to the RSS faction that now runs day-to-day business in the BJP and uses Rajnath Singh as the ventriloquistâs doll.
The price this cabal has demanded is Vasundharaâs expulsion from Jaipur.
Politically, this is suicidal. Unlike, say, Madhya Pradesh the RSS does not have the grassroots network and rigour in Rajasthan to influence elections even after the removal of a popular leader.
The party itself has no one to match Vasundhara. For all her faults, she is indispensable. The dissenting MLAs who turned up in New Delhi were only reflecting this reality.
Third, the Rajasthan episode offers an interesting template. The state unit president, the RSS representative perceived as the organisational sheet-anchor and now the legislative leader have all been asked to move out.
If this standard is adhered to in one state, then why not at the central level?
In New Delhi, it is quite another story. L.K. Advani has more or less indicated he wants to remain Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha for five years, which would make him 86 when he leaves office.
Among the reasons cited is the fact that the party performed creditably in the recent parliamentary session!
<b>This is astonishing. Mr Advani was Leader of the Opposition in the previous Lok Sabha when the BJP made a hash of things, resorting to boycotts and walkouts rather than serious interrogation of the government. As the partyâs prime ministerial candidate, he was roundly rejected by the electorate.</b> How can he expect to stay on? Rajnath Singhâs performance as party president has been equally abysmal. A post that should have been above the fray has been opened up to accusations of caste bias, in-house conspiracy and transactional decision-making.
Mr Singh has made common cause with a sliver of the RSS leadership that has influence but, it must be stressed, does not constitute the entirety of the Sangh.
Mr Singhâs biggest guarantor is, paradoxically, Mr Advani. <b>The patriarchâs refusal to bow out gracefully has given the over-promoted president a sort of moral case. </b> Nevertheless Mr Singh and his Sangh handlers know he cannot possibly get another term after his presidency ends this winter.
That is why they are resorting to a scorched-earth policy â leaving the party ravaged before they bid goodbye.
<b>
Fourth, that both Mr Advani and Mr Singh have to walk into the sunset is non-negotiable. The BJP may or may not have a future â but, certainly, these two are not the future.</b> <b>Their individual and combined cussedness and â harsh as this sounds â selfishness has contributed to the BJP central hierarchy losing all authority and credibility.</b>
There is no quick-fix solution. Even so, the Rajasthan chapter offers an alternative template as well. Irrespective of whether Vasundhara Raje stays on or is forced out â how long can a party endure such defiance, however justified it may be? â the stateâs angry MLAs have made it obvious that the BJP cannot ignore internal democratic impulses for long.
The leadership of the BJP, its presidency and choice of electoral mascots cannot be treated as guru dakshina or manipulated by mysterious cliques and extra-political lobbies. Is this a democratic party that claims mass support and seeks votes â or is it the inner chamber of the Mughal zenana?
The upshot is that after Mr Advani and Rajnath Singh have been escorted to the exit door their successors must be elected rather than selected.
The mode may not be smooth; there may be contentious competition. Never mind, the BJP will emerge the stronger for it. The next leadership will have legitimacy.
Before he launched the Quit India movement this month 67 years ago, Mahatma Gandhi told the British: âLeave India to God. If that is too much, then leave her to anarchy.â <b>The BJP needs to give its Fevicol-coated veterans a similar message.</b>
n Ashok Malik can be
contacted at malikashok@gmail.com
So they analysed the post poll debacle and came to fixing responsibility? Once the state level accountability is fixed then it has to be at national level for credibility.
While on issue of Rajasthan, what about reports of Shekawat and his meddling?
<b><span style='font-size:14pt;line-height:100%'>L K ADVANI -- A Muslim appeaser? Or a Hindu betrayer?</b></span>
V SUNDARAM | Tue, 18 Aug, 2009 , 02:26 PM
At a function held at FICCI Auditorium, New Delhi recently, the Urdu version of L K Advaniâs autobiography titled, âMy Country, My Lifeâ was released.
At last, LK Advani's autobiography has been published in Urdu. It is understood that he wanted this Urdu version to appear in print much before the elections. Despite the fact that he was once Indiaâs Deputy Prime Minister, he could not succeed in finding a suitable Urdu publisher to publish his autobiography. The fact of the matter is that most of the Muslim Urdu publishers were reluctant to associate themselves with this book. I am aware of the fact the reason is that majority of Urdu publishers are in the business of commercial Islamic religious literature for which there is an endless and steady demand. Every responsible person interested in Indiaâs security and survival is fully aware of the fact that there is a steady flow of unaccounted money (petro-Dollars) for such anti-National Islamic propaganda purposes from the Middle East, especially from Saudi Arabia. By associating themselves with a kaffir like Advani --- despite his loud proclamations of being the most âsecularâ Hindu leader in the Sangh Parivar --- these Urdu publishers were seized by fear that they stood to loose commercially by indiscreetly wounding the Muslim religious feelings, emotions, sentiments and sensibilities.
Telugu, Hindu and English editions of L K Advaniâs autobiography were released during the ad blitz preceding the recent General Elections, projecting him as the future Prime Minister of India. The aim of Advani was to reach out to the Muslims and win their favour before the elections. Keeping this in view, a prominent Muslim leader of BJP tried hard to convince a well-known Urdu publisher to undertake the job of publishing the Urdu version of this book. The concerned Urdu publisher gave his consent subject to the condition that the name of the publication house would, on no account, be printed in the book. Naturally, the idea was dropped because it was thought that if a book is published without the publisher's name and address, no political purpose would be served, apart from presenting a totally undignified picture. L K Advani failed magnificently not only to get this simple job done, but also failed to carry political conviction with both the Muslims and the Hindus of India.
Urdu Book âMera Watan, Meri Zindagiâ Release Function at New Delhi. Anti RSS journalist Aziz Burney is third from the left. Rajnath Singh, Advani and journalist M J Akbar (second from right) can also been in the above picture.
After so much of Islam-embracing trial and tribulations, selflessly undergone by L K Advani to get the Urdu version of his life story published, the book titled âMera Watan, Meri Zindagi [My Country, My Life] has finally been released at the FICCI Auditorium in New Delhi in the second week of this month. This Urdu book release function was presided over by Maulana Wahiduddin Khan. Journalists like MJ Akbar, Aziz Burney and Waseemul Haq participated in the function. Besides, poet Chandrabhan Khayal, Najma Heptullah and Rajnath Singh were also present.
Speaking on the occasion Advani, thawing with great affection for the âpatrioticâ Muslims of India (perhaps with an eye on Muslim votes in the 2014 Parliamentary Elections!), In a very moving manner declared that though his autobiography has been translated into many languages yet he views the Urdu edition as the most important one --- as something that is closest to his heart. In his usual pseudo-secular enthusiasm for the Muslims of India (not even excluding the Islamic terrorists) he spoke on the political importance of 'secularism' and the cosmic transcendental and transmuting significance of 'Hindu-Muslim harmony' for not only national peace but international peace and tranquility! At the same function, Rajnath Singh expressed his Himalayan love and passion for Urdu. A journalist called Aziz Burney lauded Advaniâs Urdu book and said that it resembled Maulana Azad's writings. A large number of Shia and Sunni scholars attended the event at the FICCI auditorium. Editor of Urdu Rashtriya Sahara, Aziz Burney said that what Advani has written about killing in Karachi in his book is similar to what has been mentioned regarding what happened in Delhi in Maulana Azadâs bookâIndia Wins Freedomâ. He appealed to the BJP not to create problems in the way of âpeaceful relationsâ with âpeaceful and compassionateâ IslamicPakistan. . All the lovers of Hindutva and Sanatana Dharma on the one hand and dedicated Swayamsevaks of the RSS, have been shocked beyond words by the fact that a known anti-Hindu writer and RSS baiter like Aziz Burney was chosen to release Advaniâs Urdu book at a function in New Delhi. I have read innumerable articles written by Aziz Burney where in he has castigated the Swayamsevaks as terrorists and attacked the RSS as a terrorist organisation. Aziz Burney has written an article in which he has said that ATS chief Hemant Karkare, who lost his life in terrorists attack on Mumbai, was killed by the Indian army. He has also alleged that RSS and Narendra Modi were involved in this terrorist attack on Mumbai. Aziz Burney not guilty of treason? For anti-National writers like Aziz Burney only the ISI in Pakistan stands for âglobal Peace and Tranquilityâ. Ignorance of law is no excuse for any citizen and it does not behove well for Advani to plead ignorance of Aziz Burneyâs vitriolic anti-Hindu and anti-National ways. Any one can see that Aziz Burney is an anti-Indian. I am presenting below the front cover of a book published by him which speaks for itself and its venomous diatribe against India.
Bharat Main Musalmanoun Ka Wahsheeyana Qatal-e-Aam Almaroof Daastan-e-hind This is not the authorised version of Indiaâmap as it excludes the Pak-Occupied kashmir
(Courtesy: www.bahoo.org/ Bookdes.asp? productid=1011541...)
In this context, another stark fact has to be kept in view. Recently, a social worker has filed a case of treachery against Aziz Burney in Mumbai. Even in a New Mumbai Court, a case has been filed against Burney by Mr. V V Joshi. In this connection, Mr. Joshi said, "Burney is always writing against the security system, secret agencies and foreign Ministry of this country. Therefore, we have filed a case against such writings. We have also made a demand to book Burney under MCOCA or National Security Act and to take necessary action against him." The advocate of Mr. Joshi informed that the case against Burney has been filed under clauses 121, 107, 108, 117, 124(A), 153 (A)(B), 502 (2) and 506.. (Courtesy http://www.hindujag ruti.org/ news/7598.html ) So Much for the exemplary Credentials of Aziz Burney. Such a ânobleâ and âexceptionalâ man was invited by the BJP party for the urdu book release(Authored by L.K. Advani) function in New Delhi.
Another disgraceful aspect about the Urdu book release function is that the National Song 'Vande Mataram', which is normally sung at all functions and programs organized by the BJP, was not sung at this function. This is a classic instance of not only minority appeasement but also national betrayal by L.K Advani. The Congress party and the UPA Government have already cast aside the âVande Mataramâ song as a âHindu communalâ song. Now the great secularist Advani has also blown his whistle as a star anti-Hindu, pseudo-secular performer! When L.K Advani on his return from Pakistan three years ago, described Jinnah as a great secular leader, I wrote in these columns that Advani had succeeded in converting the BJP into a true Bharatiya Jinnah Party (BJP).
BJP is incapable of introspecting as to why the people did not vote for them in the recently held Parliamentary elections!
( The Writer is a retired IAS officer) E-Mail the writer at vsudaram@newstodayne t.com
NEW DELHI: The Bharatiya Janata Partyâs (BJP) patron organisation, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), has urged a âtransitionâ in the party leadership ahead of the partyâs âChintan Baithakâ conference. In an interview to a private TV channel, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat asked the BJP to look at the future and appoint a younger successor in place of Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha LK Advani. He said the BJP had â<b>lost its balance</b>â and needed to discuss its future in the âChintan Baithakâ. iftikhar gilani
<!--QuoteBegin-->QUOTE<!--QuoteEBegin--> <b>Everybody free in BJP to kick ideological football'</b>
pioneer.com
PTI | New Delhi
Jaswant Singh, who was unceremoniously ousted from BJP for "attacking" the party's "core ideology", had described the saffron organisation as "an open field where one gets to kick an ideological football everyday".
The June 9 letter Singh had written to the party's core group calling for a "deep review" of the outcome of the Lok Sabha elections raised the hackles of the party leadership.
The letter, which had also set the stage for his expulsion two-and-a-half-months later, had lamented that the analyses of the defeat in the 2004 parliamentary elections and Rajasthan Assembly polls had not been made public.
<b>"The party has become an open field where one gets an ideological football every day. Everybody is free to kick it anywhere as there is no goalpost,"</b> Singh, 71, had said in the letter accessed by PTI.
In the missive that brought him into confrontation with the top party brass, Singh raised questions about rewards and performance (of leaders during the elections).
<b>"When the top leadership (Advani) can accept responsibility (for the poor showing), why not us or those managing the party affairs (Rajnath and Arun Jaitley). Is there no link between rewards and results? Or do we claim credit for success and lay the blame for failure at other's door?" </b>he said.
The expelled BJP stalwart was referring to the appointment of Jaitley as leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha notwithstanding the party's dismal showing in this year's Lok Sabha polls for which he was one of the key campaign managers.
About the analyses of the outcome of the 2004 LS polls and the Assembly elections in Rajasthan, Singh said "<b>we are still not aware of the results of the deliberations on the debacles" and wondered whether the review of the 2009 LS polls would meet the same fate.</b>
In an oblique reference to the bickering in the party, he said, "a collective voice can be born only out of mutual respect and cooperation which is not happening. As a result, the trouble will increase, it is imminent."
He had requested the members of the core group to make "a deep review of the elections within a time frame. Any delay will be hazardous. A review (of the elections) will help establish the principle of accountability. Decisive action needs to be seen to have been taken". <!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->
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