For a change, On the Record!!!

I dont know how many of you were lucky enough or if i may add, interested enough to watch Manmohan Singh take on Opposition in the Parliament on July 29th. After his joint state at Sharm-Al-Sheikh, there was quite an uproar in India, with not just Opposition crying hoarse on "why did we mention Balochistan" but also some congressmen themselves raising a furore over Singh's statement. For once and for all, and if i may add, for a change too, Manmohan Singh stood up for his statement, (ofcourse backed by Madame Sonia) and gave a stunning speech in the Parliament.

I enjoyed the speech to the core. Its a must read for those interested in India's meetings with Pakistani leadership, Indian Parliamentary affairs and even current affairs. And for someone who hasnt been a great fan of our Prime Minister, I, am slowly liking him. The best retaliation are in bold. The best parts are in bold. And an early tip to read this blog: Do it only when you have time... its long. And interesting...

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s Speech in the Parliament Reiterating India’s Stance Taken During NAM Summit at Sharm-Al-Sheikh in Delinking Talks From Terrorism While Dealing With Pakistan

Madam Speaker,

As I have said many times before, we cannot wish away the fact that Pakistan is our neighbour. We should be good neighbours. If we live in peace, as good neighbours do, both of us can focus our energies on the many problems – our abject poverty that confront millions and millions of people in South Asia. If there is cooperation between us, and not conflict, vast opportunities will open up for trade, travel and development that will create prosperity in both countries. It is, therefore, in our vital interest to make sincere efforts to live in peace with Pakistan. But despite the best of intentions, we cannot move forward if terrorist attacks launched from Pakistani soil continue to kill and injure our citizens, here and abroad. That is the national position. I stand by it. I have said time and again and I repeat it right now again: it is impossible for any government in India to work towards full normalisation of relations with Pakistan unless the Government of Pakistan fulfils, in letter and spirit, its commitment not to allow its territory to be used in any manner for terrorist activities against India. This was a commitment made as my friend Shri Yashwant Sinha has mentioned to my distinguished predecessor Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, and it has been repeated to me in every meeting I have had with the Pakistani leadership. The people of India expect these assurances to be honoured and this government recognizes that as the national consensus.

Madam Speaker,

The attack on Mumbai last November outraged our nation and cast a deep shadow over our relations with Pakistan. The reality and the horror of it were brought into Indian homes over three traumatic days that still haunt us. The people of India demand that this must never happen again. Over the past seven months, we followed a policy, using all effective bilateral and multilateral instruments at our command, to ensure that Pakistan acts, with credibility and sincerity, as we would expect of any civilised nation.

Soon after the attacks, the United Nations Security Council imposed sanctions on the Lakshar-e-Taiba and its front organisations, including the Jamaat-ud-Dawa. It also imposed sanctions on four individuals connected with the organisation, including one of the masterminds behind the Mumbai attacks, Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi.
We exercised great restraint under very difficult circumstances but made it clear that Pakistan must act. On 5th January 2009, we handed over to Pakistan the details of the links to Pakistan that were revealed by our investigators. Some action followed and Pakistan formally responded to us on two occasions regarding the progress of their own investigations — in February 2009 and then just two days before my departure for Paris and Sharm-el-Sheikh.
The latest dossier is a 34-page document that gives details of the planning and sequence of events, details of the investigations carried out by the special Federal Investigation Agency team of Pakistan, a copy of the FIR lodged and the details and photographs of the accused in custody and those declared as proclaimed offenders. It provides details of the communication networks used, financing of the operation and seizures made in Pakistan including maps, lifeboats, literature on navigational training, intelligence manuals, backpacks, etc.
The Pakistan dossier states that the investigation has established beyond doubt that LeT activists conspired, financed and executed the attacks. Five of the accused have been arrested, including Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi and Zarar Shah, and thirteen others have been declared proclaimed offenders. A charge sheet has since been filed against them under Pakistan’s Anti Terrorism Act and other relevant laws. We have been told that the investigations are nearly complete and that the trial will now proceed. We have also been asked for some further information. We will provide this shortly.
This is the first time that Pakistan has ever formally briefed us on the results of an investigation into a terrorist attack in India. It has never happened before and I repeat this is the first time. It is also the first time that they have admitted that their nationals and a terrorist organisation based in Pakistan carried out a ghastly terrorist act in India.
Madam Speaker,
The reality is that this is far more than the NDA government was ever able to extract from Pakistan during its entire tenure despite all their tall talk. They were never able to get Pakistan to admit what they have admitted now. So the UPA government needs no lessons from the opposition on how to conduct foreign affairs or secure our nation against terrorist threats.
But while noting the steps Pakistan has taken, I have to say that they do not go far enough. We hope that the trial will make quick progress and that exemplary punishment will be meted out to those who committed this horrific crime against humanity. We need evidence that action is being taken to outlaw, disarm and shut down the terrorist groups and their front organisations that still operate on Pakistani soil and which continue to pose a grave threat to our country.
Madam Speaker,
In the final analysis, the reality is that, despite all the friends we have, and we should have as many friends as Shri Mulayam Singh ji has said, when it comes to matters relating to our national security and defence, we will have to depend on ourselves. Self-help is the best help. There is no substitute to strengthening our defence capabilities, our internal security structures and our emergency response mechanisms. I wish to assure the House that the government is giving these matters the highest priority and attention.
Several important steps have been taken to modernise, rationalise and strengthen our defence, security and intelligence apparatus. A detailed plan to address internal security challenges is being implemented in a time-bound manner. The government is maintaining utmost vigil in the area of internal security. Measures have been taken to ensure enhanced information and intelligence sharing on a real time basis. A policy of zero-tolerance towards terrorism, from whatever source it originates, has been put in place.
In the area of defence, steps are under way to substantially improve our coastal and maritime security. Large acquisitions of major weapon systems and platforms have been approved for the modernisation of our Army, Navy and Air Force. There has been a special focus to improve the welfare of the Armed Forces personnel.
We will spare no effort and no expense to defend our nation against any threat to our sovereignty, unity and integrity. This is the sacred and bounden duty of any government of this great country.
Madam Speaker,
We do not dilute our positions or our resolve to defeat terrorism by talking to any country. Other major powers affected by Pakistan-based terrorism are also engaging with Pakistan. Unless we talk directly to Pakistan, we will have to rely on third parties to do so. That route, I submit to this August House, has very severe limitations as to its effectiveness, and for the longer term the involvement of foreign powers in South Asia is not something to our liking.
I say with strength and conviction that dialogue and engagement is the best way forward.
This has been the history of our relations with Pakistan over the last decade. Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee took a decision of political courage to visit Lahore in 1999. Then came Kargil and the hijacking of an Indian Airlines plane to Kandahar. Yet, he invited General Musharraf to Agra and again tried to make peace. The nation witnessed the terrible attack on Parliament in 2001. There followed an extremely difficult phase in our relationship. The armed forces of the two countries stood fully mobilised.


But, to his great credit, Shri Vajpayee was not deterred, as a statesman should not be. In 2004, he went to Islamabad, where a Joint Statement was issued that set out a vision for a cooperative relationship. I must remind the House that opposition parties supported these bold steps. I, for one, share Shri Vajpayee’s vision, and I have also felt his frustration in dealing with Pakistan.
In my meetings with President Zardari in Yekaterinburg and with Prime Minister Gilani in Sharm-el-Sheikh, I conveyed, in the strongest possible terms, our concerns and expectations. I conveyed to them the deep anger and hurt of the people of India due to the persistence of terrorist attacks in India.
I told them that the operations of all terrorist groups that threaten India must end permanently. I urged them to make no distinctions between different terrorist organisations. I said that it was not enough to say that Pakistan is itself a victim of terrorism. They must show the same political will and take the same strong and sustained action against terrorist groups operating on their eastern border as they now seem to be taking against groups on their western border.
Both President Zardari and Prime Minister Gilani assured me that the Pakistan government was serious and that effective action would be taken against the perpetrators of the Mumbai carnage.
Shri Yashwant Sinha asked me what had changed between my meeting with President Zardari and the meeting with Prime Minister Gilani. In between came the dossier which showed progress though not adequate progress. Shri Sinha also asked me do we trust Pakistan. Let me say that in the affairs of two neighbours we should recall what President Reagan once said – trust but verify. There is no other way unless we go to war.
I was told that Mumbai was the work of non-state actors. I said that this gave little satisfaction and that it was the duty of their government to ensure that such acts were not perpetrated from their territory. I told them that another attack of this kind will put an intolerable strain on our relationship and that they must take all possible measures to prevent a recurrence.
Madam Speaker,
After I returned from Sharm-el-Sheikh, I made a statement in Parliament, which clarified and elaborated not just the Joint Statement issued following my meeting with Prime Minister Gilani, but also what we discussed.
I wish to reiterate that the President and the Prime Minister of Pakistan know, after our recent meetings, that we can have a meaningful dialogue with Pakistan only if they fulfil their commitment, in letter and spirit, not to allow their territory to be used in any manner for terrorist activities against India. This message was repeated when the Foreign Ministers and Foreign Secretaries met.
I stand by what I have said in Parliament — that there has been no dilution of our position in this regard.
An interpretation has been sought to be given to the Joint Statement that we will continue to engage in a composite dialogue whether Pakistan takes action against terrorism or not. This is not correct. The Joint Statement emphasised that action on terrorism cannot be linked to dialogue. Pakistan knows very well that with terrorism being such a mortal and global threat, no civilised country can set terms and conditions for rooting it out. It is an absolute and compelling imperative that cannot be dependent on resumption of the composite dialogue. In the Joint Statement itself, the two sides have agreed to share real time, credible and actionable information on any future terrorist threats.
Madam Speaker,
When I spoke to Prime Minister Gilani about terrorism from Pakistan, he mentioned to me that many Pakistanis thought that India meddled in Balochistan. I told him that we have no interest in destabilising Pakistan nor do we harbour any ill intent towards Pakistan. We believe that a stable, peaceful and prosperous Pakistan living in peace with its neighbours is in our own interest.
I told him then, and I say it here again, that we are not afraid of discussing any issue of concern between the two countries. If there are any misgivings, we are willing to discuss them and remove them.
I said to him that I had been told by the leadership of Pakistan several times that Indian Consulates in Afghanistan were involved in activities against Pakistan. This is totally false. We have had Consulates in Kandahar and Jalalabad for 60 years. Our Consulates perform normal diplomatic functions and are assisting in the reconstruction of Afghanistan, where we have a large aid programme that is benefiting the common people of Afghanistan.
But we are willing to discuss all these issues because we know that we are doing nothing wrong. I told Prime Minister Gilani that our conduct is an open book. If Pakistan has any evidence, and they have not given me any and no dossier has been given, we are willing to look at it because we have nothing to hide.
Madam Speaker,
I believe that it is as much in Pakistan’s vital interest as it is in ours to make peace. Pakistan must defeat terrorism, before being consumed by it. I believe the current leadership there understands the need for action.
I was told by the parliamentarians who accompanied Prime Minister Gilani that there is now a political consensus in Pakistan against terrorism. That should strengthen the hands of its leaders in taking the hard decisions that will be needed to destroy terrorism and its sponsors in their country.
Madam Speaker,
Our objective, as I said at the outset, must be a permanent peace with Pakistan, where we are bound together by a shared future and a common prosperity.
I believe that there is a large constituency for peace in both countries. The majority of people in both countries want an honourable settlement of the problems between us that have festered far too long and want to set aside the animosities of the past. We know this, but in the past there have been hurdles in a consistent pursuit of this path. As a result, the enemies of peace have flourished. They want to make our alienation permanent, the distance between our two countries an unbridgeable divide. In the interests of our people, and in the interest of peace and prosperity of South Asia, we must not let this happen.
That is why I hope and pray that the leadership in Pakistan will have the strength and the courage to defeat those who want to destroy, not just peace between India and Pakistan, but the future of South Asia. As I have said before, if they show that strength and that courage, we will meet them more than half way.
There are uncertainties on the horizon, and I cannot predict the future in dealing with neighbours, two nuclear powers. We have to begin to trust each other, but not blindly, but trust and verify. People say that we have broken the national consensus. I refuse to believe that we have broken the national consensus.
For the present we have agreed that the Foreign Secretaries will meet as often as necessary and report to the two Foreign Ministers who will meet on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly. The two Foreign Ministers have met even before the Joint Statement in Trieste. I met President Zardari in Russia. So in operational terms the effect of the Statement that the two Foreign Secretaries will meet as often as necessary followed by the Foreign Ministers is no more than what we are doing at present. Does it involve surrender or a sign of weakness?
As neighbours it is our obligation to keep our channels open. Look at what is happening in the world. The US and Iran have been sworn enemies for thirty years, and yet they feel compelled to enter into a dialogue. Unless we want to go to war with Pakistan, dialogue is the only way out. But we should do so on the basis of trust but verify.
- MN Singh, Prime Minister, India
And this is how it all began in Egypt. Here's the Joint Statement made by Singh and Gilani at the NAM Summit.

THE JOINT STATEMENT OF INDIA AND PAKISTAN

“The Prime Minister of India, Manmohan Singh and the Prime Minister of Pakistan, Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani, met in Sharm-el-Sheikh on July 16, 2009.

The two prime ministers had a cordial and constructive meeting. They considered the entire gamut of bilateral relations with a view to charting the way forward in India-Pakistan relations. Both leaders agreed that terrorism is the main threat to both countries. Both leaders affirmed their resolve to fight terrorism and to cooperate with each other to this end.

Prime Minister Singh reiterated the need to bring the perpetrators of the Mumbai attack to justice. Prime Minister Gilani assured that Pakistan will do everything in its power in this regard. He said that Pakistan had provided an updated status dossier on the investigations of the Mumbai attacks and had sought additional information/evidence. Prime Minister Singh said that the dossier is being reviewed.

Both leaders agreed that the two countries will share real time, credible and actionable information on any future terrorist threats.

Pak PM Gilani mentioned that Pakistan has some information on threats in Baluchistan and other areas.

Both prime ministers recognized that dialogue is the only way forward. Action on terrorism should not be linked to the composite dialogue process and these should not be bracketed. Prime Minister Singh said that India was ready to discuss all issues with Pakistan, including all outstanding issues.

Prime Minister Singh reiterated India’s interest in a stable, democratic, Islamic Republic of Pakistan.

Both leaders agreed that the real challenge is development and the elimination of poverty. Both leaders are resolved to eliminate those factors which prevent our countries from realizing their full potential. Both agreed to work to create an atmosphere of mutual trust and confidence. Both leaders reaffirmed their intention to promote regional cooperation. Both foreign secretaries should meet as often as necessary and report to the two foreign ministers who will be meeting on the sidelines of the forthcoming UN General Assembly.”

So thats the end of it... or rather i should say the beginning of what lies ahead. As an afterthought, i feel i wish Manmohan Singh should have been equally confident and roaring when he was in front of Gilani and not just Advani. Had he been equally vocal and determined the way he was in front of the Opposition on the 29th, when he met Gilani on the 16th... perhaps such feeble statements (which even i can draft) wouldnt have come out. At the end of this drama, i feel Manmohan's defense of his joint statement was much more powerful than the joint statement itself. Perhaps a powerful, upto the point and hard hitting joint statement would have silenced all - Gilani and Advani alike.

Down, down, down...

Australian Cricket Team is out of ICC T20 World Cup 2009!!!! Yipeeee... serves them right.

Personally i love Australia. Its a young exuberant country. With awesome places to see and experience. But thats no excuse for treating Indian Students the way they are being treated right now. In India, we would say, "Ghar aayi lakshmi ko thapadd nahi maarte!!"... Perhaps, the australians dont know that. The age old instinct of committing a crime is perhaps coming to fore. Years ago... people who were convicted in Great Britain were sentenced to live in Australia. So Britain's thugs and murderers were transported to Australia. Now imagine all the bumble-jumble that must have taken place over years. Convicts married convicts, settled down somewhere, got education, started work and were living peacefully and then Indians happened.

This sudden inflow of Indian Students, working hard and making Australia their home, didnt go well down with the convincts. Now who likes to see another person becoming succesful and taking your place in the society???

I guess thats exactly what has happened in Australia. This is my conspiracy theory of everything going wrong in Australia right now. One sort of community jealous of another community. And when communities and in this case, races clash... it becomes a racial attack.

Victorian Police is calling these attacks 'opportunism'. Indian High Commission is going all high and dry over this. They have sent a delegation to Australia. (Now which bureaucrat doesnt like a free trip). Meanwhile, the Australian Prime Minister, Kevin Dudd-sorry-Rudd is embarrassed. Rudd must be thinking... only if these stupid australians realised that beating up Indians will only bring our economy down... we dont need to add anything to the slow economy anyway, u duds!!! The embarrassed Rudd called up our docile Indian Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh, who is least worried about the attacks in Australia.

Meanwhile the poor Indian students, true to their blood, (Mahatma Gandhi zindabad), are out with their non-violent protests. Indian media is going ga-ga about the attacks on Indian Students. The visuals are appealing and the students rally look just like they happen in India. Some people think Media is being biased. Infact one of the news report talked about "well-settled australians of indian origin" who said that how they feel that Indian Media is blowing this out of proportion. (Perhaps they fear they will be deported back to India if they say anything against Australia) Anyway, my father-in-law thinks the same. He told us the other night, that its not as bad as its being portrayed on television.

Well, lets put it in black and white. Here's how it is.

25 year old Baljinder Singh, came to Australia in 2006 from Haryana. On 25th May, at 10.15 pm, he alit at Carnegie station, a relatively wealthy Melbourne suburb where his friend stayed. He was walking towards his friend's house, when two white youth approached him and asked for money. His instincts prompted him to give them the cash he had in his wallet. But as he went to get money out his wallet (which was inside his bag), the two whites stabbed him in the stomach. On television, Baljinder said, "It happened so quickly that i didnt even know i had been knifed."

23 year old Shravan Kuman had just arrived in Melbourne. He was attending what you could call a welcome party where half the 20 guests were students from India who had just arrived in Australia. The party was on way. And two drunk white guys barged in. "They began calling us Indian Bastards and M***** F*****," says Kaushik, who was at that party that night. The Indians (like filmy heros) cajoled the abusive duo to return to their car, but then one of them began to throw jabs at an Indian. As one assailant was promptly pinned down to the ground, his companion fished out a screwdriver and lunged at Shravan. Shravan was admitted to hospital with severe skull injuries.

So now you decide, if Indian Media is blowing these racist attacks out of proportion? Its no movie. Its real life incidents, attacks. Reported by Australian Media first and then taken up by the Indian Media. Infact Indian Media didnt even have to go looking for follow up stories. Indians are being attacked on daily basis in Melbourne and in Victoria. And if its about Indian Students under fire... why wouldnt the Indian Media make it a headline???

Infact, Kevin Dudd-- sorry Rudd is extremely worried. This has caused immense negative publicity world over. Even Americans (as if they dont have enough problems of their own) are reporting this. I saw a story on CNN. BBC is obviously reporting it. The British are making the best use of this available opportunity. Who wouldnt like to share the blame of being racists with their Australian Brothers??? So the point is Dudd-i mean-Rudd is working overtime to ensure that all this negative publicity doesnt affect his country's third biggest export business of education sector. According to Outlook Magazine, Australia's education sector, is country's third largest export earner and generated Au$15.5 billion in 2008.

Well, So Mr Dudd-Rudd will soon have do something. Amitabh Bachchan has already rejected an honour from them. Some Australian Students, who were attacked in the past, have returned to India. While some of them are contemplating. I hope it doesnt get worse... Mr baby-face dudd rudd... do something... alarm bells are already ringing loud in the international community!!!

Kudos to Democracy!!!

The black tip on my forefinger of the left hand makes me proud today. Indian citizens like me have shown how a collective effort can put people in their right place. I am indeed delighted that Indian citizens, only known for their poor manners and bad traffic sense, have proved to the politicians and the world at large that they have the brains to choose a government at the centre.

All the political pundits were crying hoarse about how its going to result in a hung parliament. The scouting for allies resembled like finding grooms for your daughter in Bihar. Anybody and everybody will do. It was shameful, dirty and cheap to say the least. But while Congress and BJP did all in their means and tried every trick in the book, the one who emerged the smartest was the Indian voter. The smart Indian voter knew that India cannot afford elections regularly. That India needs a stable government that can make changes over their full term. The same Indian voter also knew that giving a majority to a single political party would be the only thing that would end this dirty game of give and take that the coalition polictics is made up of.

I bow down to this Indian Voter. Its unbelievable the way Congress emerged as the single largest party with 206 seats. And the UPA alliance at 262 proved it, in just a matter of hours on May 16th, that Manmohan Singh will be the next Prime Minister. Good news. Though i am inno awe of Manmohan Singh. I feel he hardly talks. India is on its way to become one of the strongest economies and a power hub in years to come. We need a more vocal leader. And a person, who's personality strikes down not just allies but also your enemies. A Prime Minister, should be someone, who is not only witty like Winston Churchill but also a suave smart guy like Barack Obama. A Prime Minister should have a voice that is affirmative and assuring. Someone who can tell us, 'I am there for all of you'. Not a meek looking guy who's always watching his back. I find Sonia Gandhi more powerful than Manmohan Singh. Her body language shows that she's incharge. Her mannerisms prove her confidence and her concern. She doesnt look here and there everytime she's about to say something important. And believe it or not, her vocal chords too are stronger than that of Manmohan Singh. Looks like Sonia is the boss and Manmohan is her closest and the most powerful secretary.

I have nothing against the Congress party or the UPA. I am just putting my analysis of the guy who's India's Prime Minister. He lacks the machoism, good looks and a confident body language. I guess my favourite phrase 'there's nothing like an ideal man' holds true here. Only if the Prime Minister was a woman.... she would be all of it. But i dont want to turn this into a gender fight.

On the other hand, LK Advani, too wasnt a favourable choice. Infact, i liked the BJP manifesto much better than the UPA manifesto. I am not from the minority community, neither i am a farmer nor am i unemployed. So i am of no importance to the UPA. The BJP manifesto, on the other hand, had something for me. I am an educated, middle class, employed girl who dreams big and would like to see foreigners scout for Indian visas one day. BJP Manifesto promised that the tax exemption limit will be raised to 3 lakhs for women... and i loved that proposal. Another feature i liked was the Ladli Laxmi Yojna where a new born girl child is promised 1 lakh rupees by the time she turns 18. I really liked that. These were the real concrete measures to empower my gender. But unfortunately, LK Advani didnt look as a likeable Prime Minister either. He was too old. Today's youth hardly listen to their parents... forget grand parents. They want someone who belongs to their generation to make policies for them. Why would people chose LK Advani? So BJP, smart enough, to expose their second rung leaders... quickly came up with Narendra Modi's name. Now who would in their best senses talk about a megalomaniac, arrogant and eccentric Narendra Modi, who has been accused of butchering muslims in Gujarat? But BJP did. And i guess thats what can be attributed as the second best reason for NDA's loss. They thought people have forgotten Godhra and the riots that followed in Gujarat. Who can forget post godhra riots? Not us guys. We are too young to forget things that happened just 7 years ago.

Fortunately, NDA lost. Modi's hopes shattered of taking over from Advani. But i must say, Advani, even at 81, was extremely gracious enough to accept his defeat. He not only sent a message through Arun Jaitley that he congratulates Sonia Gandhi and Manmohan Singh, but also graciously offered to step down as the Leader of Opposition and morally took the responsibility of NDA's loss. That was in his most parliamentarian style. I appreciate that. On the other hand, there was Narendra Modi. Used to victories, Modi exposed how badly he handles losses. He remained cocooned in his bungalow. Gave strict instructions to security personnel that no one was to be allowed inside. Even media didnt get a chance to meet him and take his reaction. Perhaps Modi was too dumbfounded. And his ego didnt allow him to accept defeat graciously. So he took full 24 hours to recover and finally on his way to Delhi claimed 'there are no full stops in politics'. Right. Thank You Mr. Modi. Perhaps, Modi doesnt know how to be calm and gracious in defeat. He made an extraordinary attempt to give a broad smile as if nothing had happened. He behaved like everything was fine and he was on his way to congratulate UPA for their victory. Mr. Modi, its alrt to lose. Its alrt to accept your defeat. And its alrt to show how upset you are at NDA's loss. That would have seemed genuine. Your broad smile and arrogant optimism only turned off your sympathizers.

And i feel UPA would be smiling coyly in a corner after seeing Modi so hapless. They are on their way to form the next government and what seems from the news, is that more young faces will be inducted in the cabinet. That would really be a relief. I guess the biggest relief is not having Arjun Singh as part of the cabinet. He and his reservation politics have done no good either to the backward classes nor to the country. I hope some young guy like Sachin Pilot or Jyotiraditya Scindia is made the HRD minister. That would be nice. And Rahul Gandhi, true to his blood, is not likely to take up any post in the cabinet. When he knows he can be the Prime Minister, why would he be in a hurry to be part of the cabinet. He doesnt want to spoil his image or rather expose his working style by being a colleague when he knows that he can directly become their boss, in a few years. And not forgetting that even without a cabinet post, after Congress's stupendous success in these polls, Rahul Gandhi can wield enough power to have things his way in any department he wants.

So while Congress is on its way to form the next government, BJP is still thinking how to gather itself. I guess the reason why BJP lost and Congress won was because of the colour psychology. In the scorching heat, the saffron only hit your eyes and brains so badly that Congress's light blue was calm, refreshing change. Maybe they should look at colours the next time. But even as 2009 elections have drawn to close... the battle and preparations for 2014 have already begun. Rahul is aiming for the top most job next time around and BJP is determined to fight back and collect its reins to pull it off the next time.

I, at the end of all this tamasha, only hope that India's top political parties, keep in mind that the indian voter, is much smarter than they can think of. Kudos to Democracy!!!

Dear Mr Prime Minister

Dear Mr. Prime Minister,

Hello. Please understand that i am at my politest best. Considering the present scenario (incase you dont understand what i am talking about - let me be clear - i am talking about how India was caught napping when Pakistan came and blew us out), i would like to get straight to the point.

You ofcourse (i believe) know what has happened in Mumbai. Its a kind request not to procrastinate any further and get a national defence policy in place. Like as soon as possible. And i have the right to tell you this. We elected you and our lives are being sacrificed as you go around with your ultra-sophisticated security. God knows whats taking you so long to make up your mind. First it was Jaipur, then Bangalore, then Ahmedabad, then Delhi, then Assam... and Mumbai was the final nail in the coffin. If losing a 1000 lives in the recent attacks is not enough, i would like to know, what will motivate you to take some action.

I read this on your official website. And i would like to politely quote your own website as to what your duties are:

"Some of the important matters that require the Prime Minister's personal attention include the following:

(a) Important defence-related issues;
(b) Decorations, both civilian and defence, where Presidential approval is required;
(c) All important policy issues;
(d) Proposals for appointment of Indian Heads of Missions abroad and requests for grant of agreement for foreign Heads of Missions posted to India;
(e) All important decisions relating to the Cabinet Secretariat;
(f) Appointments to State Administrative Tribunals and the Central Administrative Tribunal, UPSC, Election Commission, Appointment of members of statutory/constitutional Committees, Commissions attached to various Ministries;
(g) All policy matters relating to the administration of the Civil Services and administrative reforms;
(h) Special Packages announced by the Prime Minister for States are monitored in the PMO and periodical reports submitted to Prime Minister; and
(i) All judicial appointments for which Presidential approval is required.

So, to get to the point directly, your foremost duty, in the most simplest terms, is to protect India. And i must add that you have failed miserably at doing that. Had you spent even half of the energy you spent on acquiring that nuclear deal, behind securing our land and sea borders, we wouldnt have been in such a vulnerable position today. Had you spent even half of the time you spent discussing the alliances with the LEFT, behind listening and talking to our army, navy and air force chiefs, our safety wouldnt have been compromised to such degrees today. Had you spent even half of your time, addressing the important defense related meetings, instead of meeting the business honchos of this country, our financial capital wouldnt have been attacked.

Its high time you and your cabinet, give in your 100% to secure this country. We would like to see some action. We would like you to put your speeches into practise. We would like you to raise your voice and show Pakistan where it belongs to. We would like to see some of the promises you made come true.

And please dont cite budget or financial problems. It would be fair to pool in all your resources and invest them in securing our borders. Infact i have a brilliant idea. The donations that you will gather for the Congress party for the coming elections, why dont you divert all that funds into equipping our army with the best weapons, paying our soldiers enough money that the career in the armed forces is attractive, behind building such a huge army that any nation will think twice even before raising their sight towards us??? Believe me, the votes will follow automatically.

And the nation is with you. If you promise honest disbursement of money, the indians are ready to contribute their bit for the security of this nation. We will carry out a nationwide donation campaign to strengthen our army. And we already have The National Defense Fund in this regard. Though its sad to see, that inspite of the contribution from the public, the funds have been grossly underutilised.

Here are the details:

The National Defence Fund was set up to take charge of voluntary donations in cash and kind received for promotion of the national defence effort, and to decide on their utilisation. The Fund is used for the welfare of the members of the Armed Forces (including Para Military Forces) and their dependents. The Fund is administered by an Executive Committee, with PM as Chairperson, and Defence, Finance and Home Ministers as Members. Finance Minister is the Treasurer of the Fund and the Joint Secretary, PMO dealing with the subject is Secretary of the Executive Committee. Accounts of the Fund are kept with the Reserve Bank of India. The fund is entirely dependent on voluntary contributions from the public and does not get any budgetary support.

The Income and Expenditure Statement of the NDF for last five years is follows:-
B/F (Rs. in crore)

So its time to take some action, Mr Prime Minister. We have enough threats on our heads and we are sure that none of the leaders of the political parties will die. It will be those innocent civilians again. Do your bit and the votes will follow. Take some step and we will back you. Its time to leave apprehensions behind and take that one bold step that is the need of the moment. Do whatever in your means to secure this nation. Some dozen men cant just enter India, shoot some 150 people on a fine wednesday night at some of the poshest hotels in India. We cant let them to continue laughing at us. Go prove, we are not some jokers.

Promise us, that you will do something and you will do something good, something concrete. You have few months left in office and this is your time to transform your words into action. This is the time to show Pakistan that we wont take their droppings on our heads at the cost of humiliating us. This is the time to show to the world that we wont only be an economic superpower of the world but also the most secure place in the word. This is the time to show everyone that we cannot only produce the best engineers, doctors and scientists of this world but also the best army of this world. This is the time to show your fellow Indians that behind the soft spoken demeanour, there's a determined man who will stand by them in their trying times.

This is the time Mr. Prime Minister. And your time starts now.