ELECTORAL REFORMS = RIGHT TO VOTE – RIGHT TO REJECT NEEDED = YES! BUT WHOM TO VOTE? = WHOM TO REJECT = ELECTION COMMISSION MUST PROVIDE INFO ON CANDIDATES

ELECTORAL REFORMS

RIGHT TO VOTE – YES!

BUT WHOM TO VOTE?

& WHOM TO REJECT?

ELECTION COMMISSION MUST ACT FAST

It is Panchayat Elections time in Tamilnadu.  All Political Parties are fighting the Elections individually and independently – it seems.  There are also some Independent candidates – not currently affiliated to any Political Party.

There is a saying – as are the leaders, so are the people. Yathaa raja, thathaa prajaa.

So, how are the leaders? And, Who are our leaders? And what are they doing? Let us forget the central level and state level scams, land grabbings and so on – by our great leaders.

What about my municipal councilor, Panchayat President and councilors and so on ? Who are they? I don’t know.  The Great Election Commission of India – does not feel it fit to tell me, the Voter, – any thing about them.

I don’t understand why some one residing outside my ward should at all be contesting elections for selection as my Ward councilor / member. It seems meaningless. The Panchayat Raj system is  simply not that. We call it as LOCAL SELF GOVERNMENT. Let him be LOCAL – for my ward. Not from some other ward. So is the case with Panchayat President and so on.  It can be different for Assemblies and Parliament – but not for a system of Local Self Governance – at the Panchayat level. He must exclusively be Local. Not from outside.

Second – Who is he and What is he? This is the simplest information, I want. I need it to vote. Some one authentic like Election Commission should tell me – whether the contesting candidate is a murderer, thief, rapist or what else and what else not? What are the cases against him? What is his Education? What does he do for a living? Does he brew liquor, or sell marijuana – what else does he do in his life? And his immediate family members – spouse and children? Who are they? How much Income and Property does he have today – so that I will know, what is his income and Property are at the end of his tenure. Why are there no such details at all for the Voter? Am I voting for the Panchayat’s worst  Criminal and Rowdy sheeter, or, for a devoted social activist? Whom am I voting for? I must know that. The person I am voting for, will in due course, become  the Panchayat President, an MLA, a Minister, and MP – and, at any rate, a Crore-pati, for sure. And the country will go to dogs. That is – if I continue to vote for the wrong people. 

The Election Commission – especially after T.N.Seshan, has been doing a Good Job in conducting Elections. But, Sir, if I don’t have these details about the candidates in the fray – there is JUST NO POINT IN MY VOTING AT ALL. By voting for the wrong man, I may be putting the country at a Big risk.  Until and unless the Government and Election commission – tell me the important details about each Candidate – and this info must be contained on the back of every leaflet published by the candidate – my vote is putting the country at a Big Risk.

Will the Governments and the Election Commission wake up to this BASIC NECESSITY – for my exercising the sacred right of VOTE.

And, only if I have this Info about each candidate, the RIGHT TO REJECT, advocated by Anna Hazare, which I also support ardently – will make any sense.

I do want to VOTE – but more importantly, I do want to Vote for the RIGHT PERSON – irrespective of the party system.

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TELANGANA AGITATION = LESSONS FOR THE FUTURE = INDIA NEEDS POLITICIANS WITH ALL INDIA OUTLOOK IN ALL STATES

TELANGANA AGITATION

LESSONS FOR THE FUTURE

The separatist Telangana Agitation is in a very vigorous form  for nearly a month now. It was just a few years ago – that on this very Plank, the TRS Party fought elections. But, YSR and TDP fought TRS in Telenagana and trounced TRS in a convincing manner.

While TRS retained its political Plank for a separate Telangana even after that, it wasn’t scoring any major victories over Congress and TDP in any elections – when YSR was still around. 

But, the Political fortunes of TRS changed a lot after YSR’s demise. Congress brought in a non-charismatic CM like Mr.Rosaiah – who could not handle either TRS or TDP politically, and left the seat of CM on his own. His only plus point was that he was a good and obedient Congress man. Next came Mr.Kiran Kumar Reddy, but, precious time was lost for the congress by then. The Jagan Mohan Reddy break away group made things more difficult for Congress. No one in Congress knew how to handle him and his ambitions. Mr. Chiranjeevi was brought in – but he too was not handled by Congress effectively.

All these internal problems of Congress raised the Political fortunes of TRS in particular  and of all separatists in general – despite some of the negative points in them.

So, now the Telangana region is in turmoil for nearly a month. Some decision is expected from Congress High Command in the coming days – on formation of Telangana as a State.

What are the lessons that India must learn from the separatist movement that arose in Telangana - which became a strong force gradually. A few factors and their lessons are examined here :

One wise move by the Centre was the formation of the Sri Krishna Committee to study the developmental aspects and solutions of the Telangana Region vis a vis other regions in the combined AP state.

It submitted a report, which showed no bias against Telangana in allocation of funds or developmental activities. The work done by Sri Krishna Committee was however rubbished by the TRS more on emotional grounds than on any concrete arguments or realistic grounds. But, there wasn’t any one from the Government side – to effectively defend the Sri Krishna committee report and challenge the claims of the Separatists. If necessary – assuming that the Sri Krishna committee report is faulty - even a second committee could be formed by the centre or the state - with retired Judges and experienced senior bureaucrats from out side the state -  to re-look into the issues and submit a second report.

This was indeed necessary in this case – and it is necessary in the case of any such future, separatist demands. It is essential that there is a clear, reasonable, well  recognized ground for any such separatist Political agitations. If there is none, the Government of the day has the responsibility to prove the hollowness of the claims of such separatists with facts and figures.

If the separatist demand continues in spite of there being no such bias against the region in the past – the Government should be free to expose the vested interests of the separatist politicians and deal with them as a law and order problem. But, if the separatists have a genuine ground on the basis of these statistics – the government has the responsibility to look into it and correct the situation to the satisfaction of the people of the region – in a transparent manner, and fast enough. 

In fact, it is necessary for every government – to compile such statistics on a year to year basis in respect of each district of each state and ensure that no district suffers by being politically and economically neglected. India needs such district-wise statistics of developmental goals and developmental achievements. This is a lesson which India must learn and implement immediately.

The second lesson is more serious. A considerable section among the separatists were adopting forcible and anti-democratic methods of suppressing the FREE EXPRESSION of non-separatist voices in the Telangana region itself. How was it that the same people voted for YSR and TDP not long ago – but are now towing the line of TRS and other separatists without a dissenting voice?  Whatever happened to the non-separatist voices in Telangana?

This Fundamental right of Freedom of Expression of every Individual must be guarded by the Governments of all states and the Centre at all costs. This right is most basic to the functioning of a democracy. Any anti democratic, bullying methods must be dealt with firmly on DAY ONE, and on every day. Any one can seek a separate state – but they can’t bully the others in the region to tow their demand against their own wishes. If bullying tactics are not stopped – all people will either follow the separatists meekly or remain silent. It may not be that today, there are no non-separatist voices at all in Telangana – but obviously, they are not free to voice their opinions. Some people on some channels have said significantly – give us SOME, FIRM DECISION – and ensure that life comes to normal! These are obviously tell-tale signs.

This is no way for any Government to enforce the constitutionally guaranteed Individual rights. The Telangana agitation has now come a long way and perhaps it may have majority of Telanganiites’ backing as of now. But, the Centre and states must learn to protect Individual rights for free Expression – on every occasion that these rights are infringed.

Aren’t there such infringements in other states of India as well - as of now? India is yet to learn to protect the individual freedom of expression - from people who want to suppress it. 

Let us look at the concept of freedom of expression, in the purest sense of the term explained so well in the following quotes :

Ø  If the freedom of speech is taken away, then dumb and silent, we may be led, like sheep to the slaughter. - George Washington, First President of the USA.

Ø  I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it. – Voltaire, French writer and historian.

Ø  Give me the liberty to know, to utter, and to argue freely according to conscience, above all liberties.- John Milton, English poet.

Ø  In the future days, which we seek to make secure, we look forward to a world founded upon four essential human freedoms. The first is freedom of speech and expression. The second is freedom of every person to worship God in his own way. The third is freedom from want…. The fourth is freedom from fear.- Franklin D. Roosevelt quotes (32nd US President).

Ø  A people which is able to say everything becomes able to do everything.- Napoleon Bonaparte

Ø  If we don't believe in freedom of expression for people we despise, we don't believe in it at all.- Noam Chomsky

To me – it appears that – Governments and Political Parties have failed to protect individual freedom of non-separatists in the Telangana region. It does not matter whether the majority are separatists or non-separatists. But, individual opinions must not be suppressed by any force or bullying tactics. India will face many future problems if Governments fail to address this important issue in future.

The third issue is – Governments at the Centre and states must learn to seek individual opinions periodically on important issues – through some sort of referendum. This is becoming increasingly essential – as regional Parties are proliferating at the cost of National parties and National Parties are lacking national leaders of any significant stature. The former phenomenon is squarely due to the latter phenomenon. India’s concept of UNITY IN DIVERSITY is becoming more of diversity and less of Unity – due to this problem. It is not that the general masses are less Indian. It is simply that the political ambitions of the leaders is becoming more and more sectarian than Indian.

In today’s political atmosphere, people’s voices must be heard more in a free atmosphere – than political voices. This is the only way to preserve Unity over diversity. So, on every important issue – we must evolve a system of Public Opinion Polls – covering a large fabric of general public.

For example – look at the way – Team Anna is going about conducting such public opinion polls, in various important constituencies, when actually, it should be the government doing it. Some TV channels and some organizations have developed excellent systems of predicting Poll outcomes, accurate to a significant degree. Such methods must be adopted, preferably by Government, with unbiased third party expertise, with larger public participation, for all important issues. This is an important lesson, which if adopted in right time, can avoid many problems from arising at all.

We do find that every separatist agitation necessarily divides people emotionally too – on grounds which are unconnected with people on either side. The whole Telugu Film Industry shifted from Chennai to Hyderabad, assuming Hyderabad to be their own place! And, most of the people who shifted from Chennai to Hyderabad then, actually have roots in either the coastal AP or Rayala Seema regions, with some coming from Telangana region too. Now – where are their voices being heard at all?  Suddenly, the separatist voices are making them feel as persona non grata. It is also a well known fact – that all the CMs, specially NTR and Chandra Babu Naidu, devoted total energy to develop Hyderabad region, almost neglecting all other regions. There were many other CMs who did develop the Hyderabad region – much more than any other region in the whole of AP. Hyderabad was not worth a second look twenty years ago. But today, it is a premier city in India. If people from other regions felt free to settle in that region – it is because of the one single reason that the whole of AP was emotionally treated by them as one. That emotional bond is under merciless attack today. This can’t be ignored. Either in this case; or in any other future cases any where in the country.

There is one aspect peculiar to the whole of Indian Political system today. Most of our MLAs, MPs, State level Ministers and other Politicians in all states - have not lived outside their state, or even outside their region in the same state, for even a period of 2 years. This is the single most significant cause of parochialism raising its head at different places, periodically.

Why do some of the separatist leaders not feel an iota of remorse while speaking ill of people of other regions? Because, they have not lived outside their region. Their world is not even India. Their world is not even their state. Their world is their small region comprising the focus of their Political ambitions. It is so with every state in India today. Name one CM who has lived outside his state for at least 2 years! How can they be expected to have an ALL INDIA OUTLOOK? 

I feel, our electoral reforms need to start with this first prescription that every Political aspirant must have lived at least in 2 states of India for a period of not less than 2 years in each and must have toured all states of India, having stayed in each state for at least a week – seeing places and talking to people across that state.The Centre must arrange for such tours for all Political aspirants.

If we don’t make such a significant Electoral reform, which I consider as minimum requirement for every Political aspirant in India, India faces the danger of more and more diversity and less and less unity. Where it will lead India finally – is anybody’s guess. When you hear the views of Politicians who have thus stayed in a number of states and toured many states – the differences between them and those who have not done that – becomes very clear.

If Telangana is formed, there is intrinsically no issues about it. Telangana needs development in all of its districts. But, there is a huge need to develop many districts in the other two regions in the state – which are factually as much or much more backward than Telangana. There is also a greater need to foster Unity of mindsets in the people of all three regions.

For the Future, Let us all strive to ensure - that all of our Politicians hold a more vigorous ALL INDIA OUTLOOK than at present.

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JAN LOKPAL BILL = TEAM ANNA IN POLITICS ? = WHY? = WILL WINTER SESSION BRING GOOD TIDINGS?

JAN LOKPAL BILL

TEAM ANNA & POLITICS

The million dollar question  in the minds of many people in India is – will the LokPal Bill be passed by the Parliament in winter session? Will it be the one that effectively tackles Corruption in India? Will it be a strong, effective Institution – or will it be just another one among the many, already around in India?  Will the Lok Pal be a strong, unbiased, committed person? Will he receive support from the other institutions, which need to support him?

Look at the other many institutions which are performing various important functions in India. The Election commission was an ineffective institution – until T.N.Seshan came and decided to put his down on erring Politicians and Political parties. But then, the Politicians joined together – and tried to dilute the set-up by making it a 3 member commission. The dilution did lead to some problems initially – but it is now moving more or less on Seshan lines. But, there are any number of Electoral reforms, which are overdue in India – and Government is no hurry to bring them.

Look at the RTI Act. Government under Dr.Manmohan Singh was exuberant in bringing the RTI Act. It was a very well-meaning Act – and must be totally credited to Dr.Manmohan Singh. There is no doubt, that in practical terms, some changes are required in the act – even while keeping the Act an effective Instrument in the hands of the public for settling their grievances. But,  some politicians in the Government, at the centre and the states,  are becoming increasingly restive – that the RTI is embarrassing them no end. The very fact that RTI Activists are being attacked by ruthless elements and getting even killed – tells a sad story on the Indian Democracy.

The CVC is one institution – which can do a lot of things to reduce corruption significantly. But, its effectiveness today – is much less than what we expect. Mr.Vittal was a charismatic person when he was heading it – but, corruption did not see much significant downturn because of CVC – for various reasons. Some guidelines formulated by CVC were good, especially in respect of tendering practices, e-governance etc – but, their effectiveness did not  match the requirements of India to the required level.

The CAG was another institution – that was dormant until recently. The present CAG seems to have given it some life. Some politicians call it a Government auditor – who should merely state facts and not give opinions. But, let us not forget the fact that when Satyam computers was embroiled in the frauds committed by its founder directors – many heads rolled in its Audit firm, for not pointing out the frauds. Therefore, CAG as Auditor must unearth Frauds and also the scope for frauds – as indicated by the records submitted to him. And, Government must therefore submit ALL RECORDS that CAG needs, for this purpose. CAG is also fallible, like any other institution, but then, he submits his observations only to the Parliament and State legislatures – and leaves them to ACT on them. He is not going to ACT  on them at all. 

Let us face the facts – most CAG observations – do not receive the attention they deserve. If 2G did – it is because, it was already attracting attention for many other reasons. If CWG did – it was because, it was also already attracting lot of attention. And in all these, there is a clear smell of corruption. What is happening in Air India – is another matter. We are all able to see that it is mismanaged at all levels. Even CAG is not needed to tell us this. But, we do need a strong, able, efficient, independent CAG – to tell us facts and their implications – as he sees. There is absolutely no need for keeping his observations secret. Once they are tabled in Parliament, Public too must be made aware of it through web site and other means. Transparency in Governance goes a long way – in ensuring Good Governance.

Same goes with CBI. It is nobody’s belief – that CBI is anywhere near being as effective as CAI or FBI etc. But, Indians believe that it is much better than the Indian Police in any state. There is need to ensure better recruitment, better investigation methods, much more pro-activeness in investigation and so on. All this means – it needs some more Independence from Politicians in these matters.

I am not going to talk about the Supreme Court. Just Hats off to them – for many of their active interventions of the recent years. They have certainly restored some sanity in many places, where there wasn’t any.

Now – why do we need a strong LokPal for India? Many politicians, even now, claim that LokPal is not going to reduce corruption much in India. Are they voicing their HOPE, or, are they voicing an OPINION, is clearly UNCLEAR.

The intent must be to reduce corruption significantly. Where this will is there, we can find ways to make it happen through LokPal as well. Surely, we also do need Lok Ayukth in all states – on the same lines as LokPal at the Centre. And, this should not depend on the state CM’s wish – it must become a must in all states. Corruption in most states is at very high levels. And, most politicians do agree on that.

Will LokPal become a reality in winter session of Parliament? Now that Congress and BJP both seem to have agreed on this – will both of them bring LokAyukth in their respective states – immediately after the LokPal Bill is passed by Parliament?

The talk of making the LokPal a constitutional Authority – has clearly  sent wrong signals to the Team Anna. If 2/3rds majority is needed – it is enough if Congress and BJP agree. But, if Congress wants all of its allies to agree, and all other smaller parties to agree , and wants that there should be a consensus – clearly, it is not going to happen. The women’s Bill hasn’t happened because of such reasons. Consensus is not going to come in Indian Parliament for many Bills. We must be able to pass any Bill – if we can get 2/3rds majority in the Parliament – and in respect of State related subjects also – if we can get a Bill centrally passed with 2/3rds majority in Parliament and 2/3rds of state Assemblies, this must be enough for all states.

This means that – LokPal Bill can be passed with 2/3rds majority in Parliament easily – if Congress and BJP agree. It is not that all other Parties are to be ignored. By all means, take all their opinions, but go by 2/3rds majority of such agreed opinions. Government should not wait for total consensus. 

This implies that the standing committee – must come up with such a mutually agreed Draft Bill of the committee - to the Parliament so that 2/3rds majority is assured. This further implies that objections from one or two smaller parties or Individual MPs must not be a reason for not passing the Bill – in the name of Consensus. This must be so - even if such smaller partiers happen to be the allies of the Ruling coalition.

There are many things in which Governments some times say – I have tried – but they all did not co-operate. THEY ALL will never co-operate. Some Individuals will always differ. That is why – 2/3rds majority support is considered  GOOD ENOUGH – for any Bill.

Will the Government adopt such a course of pragmatic, Result-oriented Action in the winter session?

The Biggest Gap in the world is COMMUNICATION GAP. Governments especially must be communicating all that they are intending and all that they are doing. In India, even now – SECRECY is considered a Great Virtue – which it is not. For instance – what comes before a Parliament (except Budget) can always come after a significant public Debate! Why should it be very secret? Why should not the standing Committee – always keep its thoughts public? After all these are not final decisions, but mere intermediate thoughts. Let there be a public debate on whatever it is proposing. Public debate is enlightening, but not binding on it. It can accept the best of opinions arising out of such debate, incorporate in the Draft Bill and get it approved by the 2/3rds majority.

Dr.Abhishek Manu Singhvi, the Chairman of the standing committee – has been making very pragmatic statements on the LokPal Bill. I do hope, he will consider these aspects and adopt a transparent approach in formulating the LokPal Bill.

One of the prime actors in the LokPal Bill movement is – obviously Anna Hazare and Team Anna. In the History of Independent India, there has never been a movement as strong as this – and for a cause as far reaching as this. Now – why are they still not confident that Government will or will not really come up with a strong LokPal Bill? Why are they suspicious of the whole process? Why are they intent on campaigning against the Ruling Party – in elections coming up - even before the winter session? By what rationale can one justify the stand of Anna and Team Anna?

Team Anna probably, genuinely believes that if Government is talking of making LokPal a CONSTITUTIONAL AUTHORITY, it is with the intention of not passing the Bill, delaying it indefinitely and finding scapegoats among the Opposition Parties for failure to pass the Bill with the requisite 2/3rds majority, or worse still, for not arriving at a consensus. The women’s reservation Bill, some taxation Bills etc are examples that – in the name of finding consensus – things can be delayed forever. If government is unsure of 2/3rds majority – it would be worthwhile to pass it with simple majority and make LokPal a statutory authority first. Then Government can go further - for making it a constitutional Authority. But it must pass the LokPal Bill any way – in the winter session. Corruption in India does not brook further delays. Likewise, Government must seriously find ways of making the LokAyukth a reality in all states – and make all appointments to these institutions - apolitical.

A strong assurance from the Government, and from the standing Committee chairman – will go a long way in alleviating the fears of Team Anna and general public on these aspects.

Is that the only reason why Team Anna is so suspicious about the Ruling Party? 

There is a saying in my language that – the distance from my house to your house will be exactly equal to the distance from your house to my house!

Its meaning is very, very simple. The way you treat me today will be the same way I will treat you tomorrow. It is as simple as that.

Anna and Team Anna were campaigning against corruption and for Jan LokPal Bill  consistently – and not against any Political Party initially. It was the same with Baba RamDev too. I remember that Baba RamDev was even against bringing the PM under the ambit of LokPal.

But, how did the Government treat Baba RamDev and his movement and Team Anna and their movement? That’s no way a Government treats a peaceful movement for such a just cause – especially in the land of Gandhiji.

Even today – Government is still pursuing vindictive measures against RamDev and members of Team Anna -  and public clearly see them as vindictive measures. More importantly RamDevji and Team Anna do see them as clear vindictive measures. These were not in the natural flow of governance. Out of over one lakh NGOs and trusts – those of Baba RamDev and Team Anna were singled out for hounding and that too – after their peaceful movement – for what people see as a Good Cause. And – look at the way – some Ruling Party Politicians used highly offensive words against RamDev and Team Anna members! It was wholly unnecessary.

So – why RamDevji or Team Anna should hold any Great Love for the Ruling Party – or Government, which is so vindictive for peacefully agitating for a JUST CAUSE?   They may even be justified to campaign against the vindictiveness of Government itself.  So, why they will not campaign against Government’s apparent, half hearted approach and support to LokPal Bill, which has become their Life’s goal? Their mood and actions may just be instinctive and not planned that way – but it happens. If X is  against Y so much – Y also feels that way towards X.

So – will the Government withdraw all such vindictive measures initiated by it against Baba RamDev and Team Anna -  and allow them to settle any small issues with the authorities concerned  in a more peaceful way as permitted under law? General public also would also be very been happy if some compensation gets declared for Ms.RajBala’s family. If Government comes forward this way – I feel, Team Anna and RamDevji  will also be coming forward to help the Government in formulating and carrying the LokPal Bill through, with greater understanding and lesser suspicion.

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