'મેઘ-સવારી'

વાયરા વાયાને વાદળ હાલ્યા,
ખેડુઓ વાવણીયે ચાલ્યા,
ભોમ પર વાદળ ઢોળાયા
ને નદી-નાળાં છલકાયા.

ઘરે-ઘરે આનંદ છવાયો,
ત્યારે શોક કોઈ ન ફાવ્યો,
વાદળ-સવારી મેઘરાજ લાવ્યો
ને કાળ-ઝાળ ગરમીનો કહેર ઓછો કરાવ્યો.

ખેડૂતને ઘરે મીઠાઈઓ વહેચાણી,
જયારે સૂર્ય-રથની લગામ ખેંચાણી,
વીજળીઓમાં થઇ ખેંચાતાણી
ને વરસાદમાં નહાતી વખતે આ દુનિયા ભૂલાણી.

-  રાજ રીન્ડાણી

N.E. India- The Forgotten Kingdom !

            India is a very large country having many regions and states. North-East India consists of 7 sisters (Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Meghalaya, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura) and Sikkim. The northern part of West Bengal (the Gorkhaland region) can also be considered in this region. Even, sometimes, it is called the ‘Enterance of the North-East’!

            Before the independence, these states of NE belonged to different dynasties or countries. After Independence, gradually they came under the Union of India.  The other states or regions who came under the Union of India developed in all directions but for NE, that thing didn’t happen. The NE has its own culture, tradition, languages etc. The majority of the population belongs to various tribal groups.  They have their own special festivals and wearings. It has a very rich flora and fauna. The Brahmaputra and other big rivers pass from here. It has plains, tea gardens, mountains, hills. The environment and weather of here is next to the heaven. So, in the terms of having nature’s beauty, NE is very much rich!

            This region has population of near about 4 crores and area of 2.6 lac sq.km. North East India is known for its unique culture, handicrafts, martial arts, and scenic beauty. The main problems of the region are insurgency, unemployment and lack of infrastructure. Since the beginning of the economic liberalization in the 1990s, studies have shown that this region is lagging behind the others in terms of development. The NE states have 25 out of a total of 543 seats in the Lok Sabha (4.6% of the total number of seats). In 1947, Indian independence and partition made this a landlocked region which isolated it from the mainstream India and the industries also. The main road block for economic development of the NE region is the disadvantageous geographical location. The heavy and privileged status of the security forces in Northeast India, as well as seeming discriminatory treatment against Northeast Indians remain factors that contribute to tensions in the region. There are many cases of discrimination with NE people who have migrated for studies, jobs etc. in bigger cities. Even the media is doing the same.

            NE lacks proper infrastructure, educational set-up, industries and jobs for people. That can be counted as one of the main reasons for this region not having much development. Because of that the people of NE have to migrate to the other parts of the country. There are many tribal groups in NE and the clashes between them are also one the main reason for the blockade in its development. Recent incident of the quarrel between two tribes in Nagaland and Manipur is the best example of it. Because of that Manipur was cut down from rest of the country for near about 200 days. The prices of all necessary things for living were gone at the sky! Many states of NE don’t have Airports and even the Railways. That’s why the progress is slow there.

            The main religion is Christianity here. As it is claimed that the missionaries come here and convert the tribal people into Christianity and in reward they are given good food, clothes and education. At some extent these missionaries have helped the NE in coming up and to develop.

It isn’t like that the government isn’t interested in the development of NE region. It has made many policies for the development of the NE region. There are many programs for the social, educational and economical upliftment of the region. Even the government have formed many tribal and territorial councils for the special identity and development of that territory and its tribes. At the same time, the people of NE also have to be more and more hungry for the development and have to ask the administration and bureaucracy for the progress. The NE is an integral part of India and all the Indians are proud to have it as a part of their country!

PM – 2014...

            2014 is the year when India will have its general elections. We have so many political parties in India and same as the candidates for the post of PM !

            The front runners for the PM post in 2014 are these :-

Rahul Gandhi – The most eligible bachelor of the country is the most awaited person to be the PM also. If INC led UPA wins the 2014 elections, he can be the PM. He is seen as the youth icon of country. He is the people’s man. He walks on the road with common man, he eats at common man’s house, he travels in Mumbai’s local... His image is of a common man’s man. The current UPA government is at back foot on many reasons and the PM Mr. Manmohan Singh is at the question at now, for his not being strong or lack of decision making or being extra cool. So, if INC wants to make UPA-3 then it is necessary for the party to promote RG as the PM candidate. Currently he is working to bring back his party in UP in office which is at opposition since last 2 decades. His fate is very much depended on the UP elections that whether the people like him or not.

Manmohan Singh – One of the most humble and honest PM of the country ! His these good qualities are the path bumpers for him also. In UPA-1, he was many times lashed out by the opposition for being not strong or firm at many times still the people of India gave him a second chance ! But this time, it is unlikely for Manmohan Singh to be the PM 3^rd consecutive time. His strength/good qualities have now become his minus points. So, it seems that we may not be seeing him as the PM even if UPA-3 occurs!

Mamata Banerjee -  She is the ‘Dark Horse’ of the race of PM. After conquering the ‘Red Castle’, she is now eyeing to increase the area of her party-AITMC. She currently has 19 MPs in the Lok Sabha but as per current scenario, she can have 30+ in 2014 from West Bengal alone. In addition, her party is spreading also in U.P., Goa, Maharashtra and the North-East states. So in 2014, AITMC may have near about 40-45 MPs in the LS and as Didi is known as a rebel leader, she may ask for the post of PM if she holds the crucial numbers to form a government !

Sharad Pawar – One of the most awaiting person for the post of PM, we can say. He broke out from the Congress twice. Currently he is the president of NCP (Nationalist Congress Party). He has 9 MPs in Lok Sabha. If he gets near about 10-15 MPs in 2014, he can also ask for the post of PM. As UPA is facing severe problems like anti-incumbency, price-rise, corruption, scams etc., it will be a very critical time for them to keep the allies with them and Pawar may take the advantage of it.

Narendra Modi – Gujarat’s longest serving CM. Has many achievements under his belts but at the same time, he owns the equal controversies also. In BJP, currently only he is the strong person by whom the party persons can be impressed. Advani’s growing age and not so effective leadership have made Modi a front runner in the race of PM from BJP.

L.K. Advani- The man who is there with BJP since its birth. As Atal Bihari Vajpayee is enjoying his retirement, LKA is the seniorest in the party. He was also the PM candidate of NDA in the last elections. Even in political circles, on a lighter note he is known as the ‘PM in waiting’. So, he can be the PM if NDA comes in the office and as JD (U), an important ally of the NDA doesn’t support Modi, Advani has a good chance to grab the top most political post of our country!

Arun Jaitely- He is the Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha, a lawyer and a very good orator. If LKA is rejected because of being very old and Narendra Modi for his controversies, Jaitely can be the choice for the post of PM. He has a good experience of lawmaking, politics and public life which increases his merit for being the PM.

Sushma Swaraj- The female face of BJP. BJP can give her the post of PM against the female friendly image of Congress. She is currently the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha.

In addition of these candidates, there are many other regional leaders who can be the PM if they hold the crucial numbers like Gujaral and Dev Gowda in past. The toppers in this list are Mulayam Singh Yadav, Biju Patnaik, J.Jayalalitha and Mayawati.

Right to Recall-

After the movement for effective ‘Jan Lokpal Bill’,now the Team Anna aka the Civil Society is now working for the ‘Right to Recall’.

“According to General Clause Act, 1897, power to make the appointment shall also have power to suspend or dismiss any person appointed. Recalling is the right or procedure by which a public official may be removed from a position by a vote of the people prior to the end of the term of office. Recall is the retiring of an elected officer by a vote of the electorate. “ - Right to Recall.

Voters elect their own representatives in five years. But if the representative is not good or does not work or does abuse of his/her position then the voters can call that representative back at any time and instead of that one the voters choose another representative that is called Right to Recall.This  practice was started on the basis of “Public is the boss and the representatives are bound to them”.It was first implemented in the Greece in 500 B.C. and U.S.A. is the first country to implement it in the modern times.By this practice,the representatives fear of the recall and always be prone to the people as sometimes it is seen that after being elected the representative doesn’t come in the constituency until the next elections.

If the majority of the voters of any constituency apply to recall its representative then that seat is considered to be empty and a bye- election is held but for that half+1 signatures of the voters of that constituency should be gathered and given to the Hon. Speaker of that house where that representative is representating the constituency.In the bye-election,the recalled representative can also file the nomination and contest the election.

 

When the ‘Constitution of India’ was being written,Loknayak Jay Prakash Narayan aka J.P.  insisted to add a clause of ‘Right to Recall’ in it but somehow it was not implemented.

Sometimes there are chances that this practice to be misused.The opposers or enemies of the representatives may also use it against them.This type of instances are noted in U.S.A. and Switzerland where such law is in existence.In addition,the authorities claim that in India,generally 50-60% people cast their vote then what is the authenticity of Right to Recall and how can it be used fairly? i.e.-50 -60 people out of 100 cast their votes in election and 40-50 don’t.Now when the representative is to be recalled,51 signatures are needed .In those 51 signatures there may be the signatures of those  40-50 people who haven’t voted.Then how can they given the right to recall that representative whom they haven’t voted.

Whatever the drawbacks are,the ‘Right to Recall’ must be implemented and it is the need of the time.The authority should work on the weaker sides and strengthen them.For the issue of 50-60% voting,we should also have a clause of ‘Right to Reject’. i.e.- if we don’t like any candidate then there should be a button of “No Vote” there in the EVM.Usually people don’t vote as they believe that all parties are same and then why to cast our vote? But by ‘Right to Reject’ we can make these people vote also.So,that is a very good practice for the betterment of democracy.

The democracy means ‘By the people,For the people and Of the people’... And ‘Right to Recall’ is a thing which strengthens this saying.

India and Women’s cricket:-

When it comes to cricket in India,we just have a picture in mind of Kapil Dev,Sunil Gavaskar,Dada,Sachin in our mind.....but no one of us have a picture of women’s cricket.We have many good cricketers in the women’s wing also i.e.-Gargi Banerji,Anjum Chopra,Mitali Raj,Jhulan Goswami etc.

Not just that but many records are done first in women’s cricket than in the male wing.Sachin Tendulkar scored 200 in ODI in 2010 but in women’s cricket it was done a lot far before in 1997 by Belinda Clarke of Australia.The barrier of the score of 400 in ODI was also broken first in the women’s cricket.Sachin Tendulkar has played 6 world cups,we know that but majority of us don’t know that Anjum Chopra has also done the same.First women’s cricket world cup was played in 1973 and the men’s one was 2 years later.Gargi banerji is the youngest player from India to represent the country at international level.At the age of just 14,she made her international debut.

We have a lot of talent also in the women’s cricket but because of not or less interest of ours and media it is wasted.In India,Women’s Cricket Association was established in 1973.We have 9 main national level domestic tournaments in men’s cricket which are played regularly and the media and we follow it but in Ahmedabad,currently the inter zonal tournament of women’s cricket is going but hardly it is being covered by the media.

Because of the heavy salaries and IPL,the male cricketers’ financial position is very much secured but the women’s cricket has not the IPL and many things are needed for the better future of it.

In other sports,people complaint that the parent associations are not helping or supporting but here the thing is totally different.BCCI is working towards the welfare and upliftment of women's cricket but here we,the people are less interested in it.Many camps are organized by BCCI,there are many women's cricket tournaments played which are organized by BCCI.BCCI is suppoting women's cricket fully but because of less interest of people,women's cricket is not getting advertisers and sponsors.So.we have to change our mindset and broaden the aspect and field of interests for the welfare and upliftment of women's cricket.

WEST BENGAL - AT A POLITICAL GLANCE:-

  The politics of West Bengal is one of the un-controversials or less controversials throughout the country.West Bengal has seen relatively less political changes and dramas to most of the other states of India.Here there was mostly government of Congress till 1977 and after 1977,it was the historical one of the Left Front.Then now again it is a historical one-All India Trinamool Congress.

  After Independendece till 1977,West Bengal was ruled by the governments of Congress and Bengal Congress.In 1977 general elections,the Left Front,captained by Late Jyoti Basu won and came into the office and then the 'Red Era' of West Bengal started.Late Jyoti Basu became the longest serving CM in the history of India,remaining in office for nearly 24 years.He resigned due to health problems and Budhdhdev Bhattacharya became the only 2nd CM in last 24 years in the year of 2000.This Left Front government governed West Bengal till 2011 and in 2011,West Bengal saw a historic change.All India Trinamool Congress led by Mamata Banerjee outplayed the Left and made a first non-left government in the state after 34 years.

  In 1977,the needs of West Bengal were the principles of leftist.They fought for the rights of farmers and poor people.But till 2011,the need of people and the mind of leftist also changed.It is a fact that after Jyoti Basu,the left front couldn't find such a strong leader who can mix up with the people easily.The fall of leftist was started with Jyoti Basu's saying farewell to active politics but after thet they somehow maintained their government in the state.Finally,in 2008,the infamous sagas of Nandigram and Singur made the last blow in the 'Red Fort'.It was an oppurtunity which Mamata Banerjee was waiting from 1998,after breaking away from the Indian National Congress and making a new party-All India Trinamool Congress especially for the welfare of West Bengal and Bengalis.She grabbed the opportunity and defeated the Left Front in 2011 state assembly elections.All India Trinamool Congress won 184 seats out of 294 seats[its alliance won 227,in which INC won 42 and SUCI(C) won 1] and the Leftist only managed to get 62 in this election.

  In West Bengal politics,All India Trinamool Congress and the Left Front have a big present with Indian National Congress at some extent.There are many other parties also like Samajwadi Party,Jharkhand Mukti Morcha,BJP and Gorkha parties especially in the north part[GJM,GNLF,GNLF(C),ABGL etc.] but they all don't have a strong position in the state at whole.There are mainly two big political alliances in the state-All India Trinamool Congress led alliance having Indian National Congress,SUCI(C) and NCP and the other one is the Left Front having the leftist parties.There is also an other alliance of BJP and GJM(Gorkha Janmukti Morcha) present in West Bengal[it won 3 seats in 2011 state assembly elections],which is mainly for the demand of the separate state of Gorkhaland and have a good support in the dooars and the hill region.

  The West Bengal politicians have always maintained their status of people's representative at center.Pre-independence,it was Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose who made a parallel government to the britishers and fought for the independence maintaining himself out of at that time's inner politics.After independence,Leftist opposed many unfriendly decisions for people and now it is Mamta Banerjee led All India Trinamool Congress who is opposing price hikes even being a part of the government at center.After the recent price hike of 50 rs. in LPG,All India Trinamool Congress led government in the state removed the SESS on gas cylinders immediately.By virtue of that the people of West Bengal will get a relief of 16 rs. in the price hike.

GORKHALAND- AN UNRESULTING FIGHT......

  Gorkhaland is a proposed state in India containing Darjeeling and Dooars in North West Bengal of approximately 7000 sq.km by Gorkha ethnic group.

  The demand of a separate administrative region for Gorkhaland is since 1907.Even from 1935 to 1947,this region was treated as "Partially Excluded Area" by Britishers.After the Independence the cause was uptaken by Akhil Bhartiya Gorkha League(ABGL).This fight was going on smoothly till 1980s.But in 1980s violent movement was carried by Gorkha National Liberation Front(GNLF) led by Subhash Ghising in which near 1200 people met death.It carried to formation of a semiautonomus body called Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council(DGHC) in 1988 to govern the areas of the proposed state.In 2007,because of differences with Subhas Ghising,Bimal Gurung formed a new party-Gorkha Janmukti Morcha(GJM) and in 2008 this party restarted the fight of separate Gorkhaland.But because of assassaination of Madan Tamang,leader of ABGL in 2010,the movement cooled down as there were names of some GJM leaders in that.But in February 2011,attack on the padyatra of Bimal Gurung by police and GJM winning 3 seats in West Bengal assembly elections 2011 revoked the demand of Gorkhaland.

 The Gorkhas are claiming for separate state because of their identity problems,differences in culture,language and mindset with the people of rest of the West Bengal,less developement of their region and negligence by West Bengal Government(the old one).

  The issue of separate Gorkhaland has not much to do with outer bodies but the inner people.It seems that the Gorkha parties are more interested in personal gains than Gorkhaland.In a proposed state of nearly only 7000 sq.km there are so many political parties to take the gain of the movement.There is ABGL,GNLF,GNLF(C),GJM etc. there demanding for the Gorkhaland.but they lack unity.Madan Tamang of ABGL opposed the way of GJM's movement with peace and after that in the assassaination of him there came names of some GJM leaders.Even in 2003,late C.K.Pradhan(leader of GNLF)'s wife broke away from GNLF and formed GNLF(C).National party like BJP and state party like CPRM(Communist Party of Revolutionary Marxists) in West Bengal have supported the formation of Gokhaland but nothing can be done until the Gorkha parties unite.

  After the Madan Tamang issue,the GJM-front Gorkha party nowadays is on backfoot.In addition recently,Shri Mamta Banerjee-Chief Minister Of West Bengal has met GJM leaders for solving the issue and as a result of that a trilateral bill of 'Gorkhaland Autonomus Authority Council' is likely to be signed between GJM,West Bengal gevernment and the Central government which is probably believed as the end of the demand for a separate state.

  As it is said- "Too many cooks spoil the broath",the same has happened with the Gorkhaland issue.