SEPTEMBER 30 TO OCTOBER 06, 2013 POSTAL REGD. MP/BHOPAL/4-323/2013-15 We RNI NO. MPENG\2012\46415 he State Vol-02. Issue-1. Bhopal. Monday Page-12. Price-`5/- Online edition available at wethestate.com and wethestate.blogspot.in Anthony DeSa appointed as MP's new chief secretary MaharashtraMaharashtra govtgovt bodybody worksworks onon policypolicy toto protectprotect childchild artistesartistes Rahul stuns Government by slamming ordinance but why his outburst was so late?

ongress vice president Rahul Gandhi were jittery at having to defend the indefensible. stunned his party-led Union Government Congress MP Milind Deora and senior party by slamming an ordinance which the leader Anil Shastri, to name just two, openly op- Cregime had forwarded to the President for assent, posed the ordinance on the ground that any move and which seeks to protect convicted MPs and to protect convicted leaders would go down un- MLAs. It must be “torn up and thrown away”, an favourably with the voters and that the Congress agitated Gandhi said. That may not be needed; the would suffer as a consequence in the coming elec- Government has virtually decided to withdraw the toral battles. But Gandhi's eruption of anger on the shameful document after this flare-up. Gandhi issue, days after the Union Cabinet endorsed the must be complimented for being brutally honest. ordinance and passed it on to the President for his There is no doubt that the ordinance was ill- signature, leads to several interesting questions. thought out, ill-timed and mala fide in nature. It First, had the Manmohan Singh Government con- also did not have the approval of the opposition sulted the Congress high command before crafting parties and, therefore, contributed to increased the ordinance? Second, did the regime get the high friction between the Government and the Opposi- command's green signal before the Cabinet ap- tion. However, it is difficult to understand why proved the ordinance? Third, did the Government Rahul’s outburst against the ordinance was so late. coordinate with the party leadership before dis- It is difficult to imagine that Singh’s Government patching its senior Ministers to the President in a had bypassed Gandhi while resorting to the ordi- bid to persuade the latter to sign the ordinance? nance trickery. Even assuming that the Govern- ple of how the Congress turned a blind eye both to said, had been behind the ordinance. It doesn’t take ment had suddenly developed spine — though for matters of principle – in this case, defending the any great political acumen to understand that the How WE look it ! the wrong cause — the Congress vice president indefensible by trying to save the convicted MPs – considerations which guided the Prime Minister could not have been in the dark as the Cabinet's en- and also to constitutional propriety since the dubi- related to the impending judgment in the fodder dorsement of the ordinance and the document's ous nature of the ordinance has been commented scam case against Lalu Prasad Yadav. journey to Rashtrapati Bhavan has been public upon by jurists. Before bringing forward the ordi- Just as Manmohan Singh once hinted that the knowledge. Gandhi's late realisation must be seen nance, the Congress had also displayed the same government desisted from taking any action as an attempt at damage control. The Congress indifference to popular sentiment by seeking to against former telecommunications minister stood completely isolated over the ordinance. It amend the Right to Information Act to keep the po- Andimuthu Raja in order to avoid having a gener- could neither dispel the growing public impression litical parties out of its purview. al election if the DMK withdrew its support, simi- that the move was designed to save its allies nor True, the Congress isn’t the only party which has larly, the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader had to could it point to any extraordinary constitutional been engaged in unwholesome conduct. The culpa- be saved at any cost from disqualification at a time situation to justify the ordinance. bility of the political class, which invariably comes when the Congress needs every friendly party to If only Gandhi had spoken out earlier, the Gov- together for a self-serving cause, was one of stand by it to counter the challenge posed by ernment would not have had faced the embarrass- Rahul’s points of criticism during a Congress con- Narendra Modi. ment and his outrage would have sounded more clave in Jaipur where he said that every political When the Government came under attack over credible. The episode leads one to wonder if the party is run by a coterie. He was laughed at then the ordinance, it said the Bharatiya Janata Party disconnect between the Manmohan Singh regime because he himself belongs to such a clique if the had been taken on board over the provisions of the and the Congress has reached a tipping point. Congress high command can be so called. But, it ordinance. But the strong protest that the BJP reg- However, Rahul’s vehement outburst against the now appears that the unhappiness against such a istered — with senior party leaders meeting the ordinance appears to be the release of pent-up closed shop in his own party has been building up President and requesting him to not sign the docu- anger about the government’s functioning. He and may have contributed to his outburst. ment — exposed the regime's lies. Let alone having It is too early to say if Rahul intends to take his secured the BJP's consent, the Congress-led Gov- must have been fed up not only with the Congress’s ...Cartoon by K G OJHA cynicism, but also its indifference towards public party in a direction where morality will play a ernment did not command the support of quite a opinion. The ordinance was only the latest exam- larger role than political considerations which, he few of its own Ministers and party leaders who [email protected] 2 BHOPAL September 30 to October 6, 2013 Capital WE THE STATE Modi towers above all other leaders, crowd chantsAnthony his DeSa name BHOPAL appointed as MP's The popularity of BJP’s PM candidate new chief secretary Narendra Modi and the Modi wave blowing across the country was very palpable at the workers’ convention held here recently. The party workers did not allow any other leader to speak at the convention. Almost all top leaders of the BJP seemed to have lost their sheen before Modi. The party workers hooted and heckled leaders Lal Kr- ishna Advani, Sushma Swaraj, Shivraj Singh Chauhan, Murli Manohar Joshi, Venkaiyah Naidu and Anantha Kumar. The party work- ers asked the leaders to stop speaking and let Modi address them. Antony JC DeSa will be 29th Chief Secretary Leader of opposition in Rajya Sabha, Arun of Madhya Pradesh. The State government Jaitley, was wise enough to sense the mood of has issued orders to appoint Additional the people and ended his speech in five min- Chief Secretary, Food, Civil Supplies and utes. Other leaders discovered to their dis- Consumer Protection and Transport, may that it was Modi and Modi alone whom Antony JC DeSa as the new Chief Secretary the people wanted to hear. following retirement of Chief Secretary R It was perhaps for the first time in the state Parasuram. when the audience, during Shivraj Singh Antony JC DeSa belongs to the 1980 batch Chauhan’s address, raised slogans demand- of Indian Administrative Service. JC DeSa ing Modi to speak. The excitement and cu- was born on October 9, 1956 in Maharashtra. riosity amongst BJP workers and the public He was educated in Mumbai University and was clearly visible. at Harvard University in the US where he The enthusiasm vis- a- vis Modi seemed to Got invitation only three days back: Uma took a Master's degree. He has served in Bi- have depressed Advani. The state BJP unit JP national vice president and former chief minister Uma Bharati could not suppress laspur, Jabalpur and as Collector in Chhind- had got only one cutout installed of Modi but her anguish in the programme. She said she was invited for the programme only wara. the audience was keen on listening only to Bthree days back. She said that party workers reside in her heart and she resides in He had also been Housing Commissioner. him. The craze for Modi reflects that if Modi their hearts. She said when she was not in the BJP in 2008, her party merely got 5.5% During Central deployment, he served as Di- does election campaigning in the state, it votes. Uma said that BJP should get those votes too and the party must win more seats rector in the Ministry of Environment and would greatly benefit the party. Modi’s show this time than it did in 2008. She said that turn out of the party workers in the programme Forests, Controller of Bhabha Atomic Re- can become a cause of concern for the Con- signals the BJP coming to power again in the state. search Centre (BARC) in Mumbai and Joint gress. The wave in support of Modi might Uma said the real development means food, employment and electricity to poor and Secretary in the Ministry of Commerce and bring problems for the Congress and it could that is being done in Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat. Industry. Before being posted as Additional bring relief to the MLAs suffering from anti- She said Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi go to places of Dalits to eat food and do Chief Secretary in the State, he was on dep- incumbency factor. election campaigning but Shivraj invited people from all sections of the society to the CM utation to the United Nations Organisation The event could be a cause of concern for House. She said Advani had asked her in 2004 not to resign from the post of chief minister for 5 years. In a separate order, the State Gov- chief minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan too as but she stepped down for the sake of dignity of tricolour. She said she can lay her life for ernment has posted Additional Chief Secre- his party workers were raising slogans in the sake of dignity of national flag. tary, Home IS Dani as Officer on Special Duty support of Modi. at RCVP Academy of Administration.

BHOPAL: Chief Minister Shivraj Singh vani had a conversation with Shivraj while mer was declared prime ministerial candidate Advani shares Chauhan might have got success in bringing Gu- Modi spoke to Rajnath. There were many occa- of the BJP. And it was clear that there is hardly jarat chief minister Narendra Modi and former sions when Modi and Advani could have talked any chance of them coming close. Advani start- Deputy Prime Minister Lal Krishna Advani but they did not show any interest in coming ed opposing Modi when the latter was made dais with Modi, share the dais at ‘ Karyakarta Mahakumbh’ but closer. The programme organisers asked Ad- President of election campaign committee. The it was very apparent that the relations between vani to welcome Modi and Shivraj. When Modi body language of Advani during the convention Modi and Advani are far from cordial. touched Advani’s feet, the latter did not bless in Bhopal also reflected that Advani sees Modi During the entire programme, Modi and Ad- him. Advani and Modi did not come near to each as his rival. Initially, Advani was reluctant to at- but feeling of vani did not speak to each other even for a mo- other when a big garland was brought on the tend the function in Modi’s presence but agreed ment. Moreover, Advani appeared tense during stage to welcome them and Rajnath had to come to come on Chauhan’s persistent requests. the programme. State BJP had made BJP na- between them. When the people were raising slogans in sup- warmth missing tional president Rajnath Singh sit between Ad- It was the first time when Modi and Advani port of Modi, Advani remained expressionless vani and Modi. Shivraj sat beside Advani. Ad- came on a public platform together after the for- and was sitting with his head bowed.

bail of the accused earlier. lestation was registered against GP BEAURAUCRACY NEWS After the accused went hiding police an- Malviya in the MP Nagar police station. nounced a reward on September 21 and The victim who came to Bhopal prepar- have provided the status before the court ing for CA entrance exam went to meet inspector Jonwal, now posted in Ujjain, which provides a time bracket till October Malviya with her relative. In the office the Lokayukta registers case and patwari Bhankarlal Korat, also posted 21 for the accused to surrender after which accused started teasing her but the rela- in Ujjain. against IAS officer, 4 others the court would issue orders for attach- tive who went with her was not aware UJJAIN: The Lokayukta has registered The officials have been accused of re- ment of the property. about the teasing. cases against five persons, including an leasing .22 hectare of ceiling land in vil- Section 83 of the CrPC empowers for the Later when the accused and victim went additional commissioner, for misusing lage Bhakkarvasa and misusing their offi- attachment of property of person ab- to drop victim's relative and was on their their official powers and illegally releas- cial powers also gave additional .22 hectare sconding. Malviya was suspended by the way to drop the victim Malviya molested ing ceiling land to benefit private people of government land to the private party. Directorate of Industries recently. the victim in the car near Board Office and also causing financial loss to the gov- Suspicion over the absconding accused Square, told the police. ernment. Absconding Jt Director's has raised problems for his wife Vineeta The reason of the visit was to seek help According to Lokayukta DSP OP Sagoria, Malviya who is posted as Additional Su- from accused in case of any emergency for those charged under Section 13/13-2 of PC property may be attached BHOPAL: The district court could issue perintendent of Police at the State Police the victim. The victim went to the MP Na- Act and Section 120 of IPC, are additional orders for attachment of property of Joint Headquarters as rumours of her helping gar police to lodge a complaint against the commissioner Ramesh Thete, now posted Director of Industries GP Malviya who is the accused are growing but nothing con- accused. After the police registered a case in Bhopal, tehsildar Dharmaraj Pradhan, still absconding in an alleged molestation crete could be concluded. under Section 354 of the IPC, the accused now posted in Ratlam, tehsildar Aditya case. The court has rejected anticipatory Notably, on September 7 a case of mo- went missing. Sharma, now posted in Neemuch, revenue 3 BHOPAL September 30 to October 6, 2013 Editorial WE THE STATE

ASTROLOGY Cong, BJP look for allies; era of one-party dominance over BHOPAL Whether it is Sardar Patel or B R and Jharkhand, B S Yeddyurappa and Ambedkar, they were all rehabilitated Babulal Marandi, are likely to return to 02-10-2013- Wednesday - Ashwin eports that both the Congress in the national pantheon of greats only the BJP. The ascendancy of Modi in the Mah Krishnapaksh- Trayodashi and the BJP are scanning the po- when the grip of the Nehru-Gandhi BJP has virtually assured their return. (Pradosh) Rlitical landscape for potential al- family on the electorate slipped badly. In Assam, the AGP is keen to further Positive direction - East and North lies should cause no surprise. The era of Indeed, Patel’s birth anniversary was consolidate the alliance. In Haryana, Bad time - 12:19 pm to 1:50 pm Good time - 6:14 am to 9:16 am one-party dominance is well and truly only marked at a low-key function by a the party has already got a partner in and 3:22 pm to 6:24 pm behind us. Not since the freak 1984 elec- citizens’ body associated with the Jana Kuldeep Bishnoi’s Janhit Congress, but tion has a single party won a simple ma- Sangh-BJP till very recently. the ILD of Om Parkash Chautala too 03-10-2013-Thursday - Ashwin Mah jority. There were no official functions to may team up with it. Even the TDP may Krishnapaksh- Trayodashi Though the Congress and the BJP are mark the day. Ditto for Ambedkar. Now not be averse to a tie-up in Andhra (Chaturdashi Shradh) Positive direction - South and East the only two national parties, in a num- the Congress leadership perforce feels Pradesh. In short, as the Lok Sabha poll Bad time - 1:48 pm to 3:22 pm ber of states, even their presence is neg- obliged to expand the basket of notable nears, the flux in the polity is bound to Good time - 6:14 am to 7:45 am ligible. Regionalisation of politics, not a freedom fighters because it can no increase further. Though the crude `sec- and 10:48 am to 1:49 pm and 4:53 pm bad thing given the vast socio-economic, longer win the elections on its own. So, ular-communal card’ would be played to to 6:24 pm cultural, ethnic differences in the 1.2 various social groups and ideologies deny the broadening of the NDA, given 04-10-2013- Friday - Ashwin Mah billion-strong country, is good for represented by these leaders who were the woeful state of the UPA, the former Krishnapaksh- Chaturdashi strengthening the federal core of the contemporaries of Gandhi and Nehru, has a bright chance of widening its ap- (Sarvapitra Amavasya Shradh- Constitution as well. Monolithic one- have received a grudging recognition, peal. The electoral moves have just be- amavasya Tithi Kshay) party rule tends to suppress diversity thanks to the vastly reduced charisma gun and a lot can happen between now Positive direction -South and East and dissent. It is notable that in the offi- of the Family. and May next year when the parliamen- Bad time - 10:48 am to 12:19 pm Good time - 6:14 am to 10:47 am cial annual calendar of anniversaries, Small wonder then a number of for- tary polls are due. and 12:20 pm to 1:50 pm and 4:53 pm those who were outside the charmed mer BJP leaders, who had gone their to 6:24 pm circle of the Nehru-Gandhi family, re- own separate ways, are keen to return. (Share your views at editor@wethes- ceived scant notice till very recently. Former chief ministers of Karnataka tate.com) 05-09-2013- Saturday - Ashwin Mah Shuklapaksh- Ekam (Navratri Prarambh) Positive direction -West and South Bad time - 9:16 am to 10:48 am Good time -7:45 am to 9:15 am and 12:19 pm to 4:53 pm Mr. Right to Reject 06-10-2013- Sunday - Ashwin Mah Shuklapaksh- Dwitiya Rahul Gandhi’s Positive direction- West and South Bad time - 4:53 pm to 6:24 pm Good time - 7:45 am to 12:19 pm statement can be a and 1:50 pm to 3:22 pm face saving exercise 07-10-2013- Monday -Ashwin Mah Shuklapaksh-Tritiya to project him as an Positive direction-West and South Bad time - 7:45 am to 9:16 am honest leader Good time -6:14 am to 7:44 am and 9:17 am to 10:48 am and 1:50 pm BIPIN SASI to 6:24 pm nance, massive corruption, failed do- 08-10-2013- Tuesday -Ashwin Mah ehru Gandhi Dynasty scion mestic and foreign policies on Manmo- wrong way, here was Rahul Gandhi Shuklapaksh-Chaturthi Rahul Gandhi's entry in Mak- han Singh and project Rahul as a Con- virtually mocking at the entire UPA Positive direction- North and West Nen's Press Conference and the gressmen of change. This is necessary cabinet led by prime minister Manmo- Bad time - 3:22 pm to 4:53 pm because BJP and other parties have han Singh. Good time - 9:16 am to 1:50 pm outburst against the ordinance was like an actor entering on stage in a put a stiff opposition to the said Ordi- The ordinance was cleared by Cabi- net and the Core Group of his party By AACHARYA SARVESH Wrong play and yet speaking the orig- nance. The blame must go to the Man leaders which comprises Sonia Gand- E-Mail: [email protected] inal rehearsed lines. Congress who is Mohan Singh, but credit for anything Mobile: 9826609192 working on 'aggressive and effective' good will go to the Gandhi Family. hi, Ahmed Patel, A.K. Antony, Manmo- media strategy' under Rahul Gandhi Opposition Leader Arun Jaitely did a han Singh, Sushilkumar Shinde and P. had no idea about his entry in Maken’s very apt analysis, “It is a desperate Chidambaram. Press Conference . What a Fun ! What damage control exercise. It’s only The 43-year-old Gandhi’s outburst on was Ajay Maken defending in the press when the revulsion is built, the Con- the ordinance marks a watershed mo- meet till Rahul Gandhi crashed it. He gress party is trying to cut its losses. ment in Indian politics because it deci- was defending the Ordinance and then Belated realisation of what the Con- sively signals his arrival and emer- he reversed it back. gress party now calls non-sense. The gence as the new face of the Congress Their media strategist and their PM heads which brought out this non- party as it prepares for the 2014 gener- candidate Rahul Gandhi entered a sense twice in the last one month must al elections. Press conference without planning roll. It is a charade to show the govern- The Stunt of Rahul Gandhi will prob- VASTU TIPS FOR AQUARIUM anything. Isn’t it Strange ? It was more ment can make a mistake, but the Con- ably project him as an honest Man.Se- strange that he did not take any ques- gress’s first family doesn’t. “ nior leaders were confused about the • The dragon fish and the tion from the journalists present in the About 30 per cent of politicians in the party line and very few leaders were gold fishes are generally Indian Parliament and state assem- ready to talk on the timing and intent preferred. conference. blies have been convicted of various of Rahul Gandhi in what he did at the • The number of fishes in an According to sources, President crimes. The Union Cabinet had ap- press conference. aquarium should be nine in Pranab Mukherjee summoned Home which, eight can be either dragon Minister Sushilkumar Shinde and Law proved an ordinance to reverse the His stiff opposition to the said Ordi- fish or gold fish and one could be Minister Kapil Sibal for consultations Supreme Court judgment mandating nance will project that Congress don’t a black fish. on the issue.There are rumors that , the immediate disqualification of law- have any role in the Manmohan head- • If a fish dies, immediately replace When President denied to sign the or- makers convicted for a criminal of- ed goverment. After Rahul Gandhi’s the fish with another one, as it is dinance, Congress brought Rahul fence punishable with a jail term of remarks on ordinance, Sonia Gandhi believed that your problems tend more than two years. The ordinance called PM, told him 'Congress party is to reduce with the death of every Gandhi to oppose it, so that President with you'. fish. and BJP leaders cannot take credit of seeks to reverse the Supreme Court The crown prince who turned to a • It is strictly advised that the fish withdrawal of the ordinance. judgement that had not only disquali- warrior prince has communicated feeding should be planned and It can be another well thought propa- fied lawmakers convicted of offences done by only one person. ganda to save face of Congress in pub- with two years or more in jail, but also Manmohan Singh through an email af- lic. Congress wants to project Rahul barred from contesting elections. ter snubbing him in Public. The de fac- Gandhi as an honest politician and a Rahul Gandhi’s sudden discovery on to head of India's ruling party aspiring new hope for the nation. They want to the ordiance draft also surprise party- congress PM candidate should not put the entire blame for failed gover- men and people . If Modi’s elevation have a contrarian view . It will be now rubbed party patriarch LK Advani the an uphill task to fill the space between party and Goverment. 4 BHOPAL September 30 to October 6, 2013 Politics WE THE STATE Cong taking help of CBI as it doesn’t have courage to take on BJP: Modi BHOPAL sequent ten years of Congress brought the electricity to Madhya Pradesh but the Cen- state on the verge of destruction. Modi tre was not giving permission for it. Modi said Congress should battle with haratiya Janata Party’s Prime Min- said Shivraj, in the past ten years, had em- the BJP but it should not discriminate isterial candidate and Gujarat powered the people and now the state was with the people of Madhya Pradesh. He Bchief minister Narendra Modi, ad- ready to take off. Modi exhorted the party workers to work to bring the party into said the poor of Madhya Pradesh were also dressing the ‘ Karyakarta Mahakumbh’ power for third time too. the progeny of Mother India and hence here recently said that it was not the Con- they should not be discriminated against. gress but the CBI, will contest the Lok Sab- Modi held the Central government re- Modi claimed that Congress has stopped ha elections as well as upcoming assembly sponsible for the problems facing the state. making public the results of the audit of 20 elections in five states. He said when NDA was ruling at the Cen- point programme, launched by Indira Launching an acerbic attack on the Con- tre, the states never complained but the UPA government put obstacles in the de- Gandhi because as per the audit of past 7 to gress, Modi alleged that the Congress lacks velopment of Madhya Pradesh. Attacking 8 years, the BJP or NDA ruled states were the courage and the strength to take on the Central government, Modi said amongst top five leading states. Modi ap- BJP and that was why it was taking the installation of gates in Sardar Sarovar pealed to vote for the BJP to free the com- help of the CBI. Modi claimed that Con- the welfare of the poor 25 years back. And Dam will ensure a supply of 800 megawatt ing generations from poverty. gress had not brought development to the he had kept his word. Modi also termed country and had put obstacles in the path Shivraj as a leader who follows the philos- of governments of BJP- ruled states, for ophy of ‘ Ekatm Manavtawaad’ propound- which the people of the country would nev- ed by Deendayal Upadhyaya. Will win by action not by words: Advani er forgive it. Modi said Congress claims of promoting Talking about the purpose of inclusive growth but it is the BJP which ‘Karyakarta Mahakumbh’, Modi said that has worked for the welfare of villages and ormer deputy prime minister Lal Krishna Advani in his address gave credit to Narendra the programme was being organised on poor in the true sense. He urged the party Modi for making Gujarat the first state where electricity is supplied round- the- clock. He the birth anniversary of BJP’s founder workers to remain alert during state as- Fsaid BJP was a party which wins elections not by making tall claims but by doing concrete Deendayal Upadhyaya. He said 2015- 16 was sembly elections. He said Congress is hun- work. He said the party will win the elections in the coming time on the basis of its work. He the birth centenary year of Upadhaya, gry for the past 10 years and if it comes to blamed the Congress for not doing anything for country’s development in past 60 years. Advani which would be celebrated under BJP’s power, it would run amok. said he was astonished to see such a grand convention of the party workers. He urged the party rule. Modi also appreciated chief minister He said that MP was treading on the path workers to keep a record of percentage of voting at polling booths in the elections and also of Shivraj Singh Chauhan in his address. He to progress during Sunderlal Patwa’s rule how many votes the party gets in each of them. said Shivraj had taken a vow to work for but the people made a mistake and the sub- Chauhan: Let UPA adopts shameless course to shield convicted MPs, MLAs he Union Cabinet's clearance on the UPA, to take an unambiguous of an ordinance that seeks to stand opposing the ordinance. CBI conduct Tprotect convicted parliamen- The government, beset by scams, tarians and state legislators from dis- poor handling of the economy and qualification is a brazen course the policy paralysis on most fronts, has raids on Vadra UPA has adopted to nullify a Supreme not covered itself with glory in clear- Court order. The apex court's July 10 ing the ordinance that will surely ruling, aimed at setting right a legisla- outrage public opinion. It is now that tive flaw that shielded MPs and MLAs Congress president Sonia Gandhi from being disqualified till such time and vice-president Rahul Gandhi their appeals in courts remained pend- must intervene to prevent the ordi- ing, was long overdue. It is backed by nance from being given assent to by strong public opinion. the president. It's in Congress's inter- It's a suspicious coincidence that the ordi- found guilty of fraudulently nominating un- est that they do so before Modi seizes on the nance was cleared just when RJD chief Lalu deserving candidates for MBBS seats when issue - and the suspicious coincidences sur- Prasad Yadav, a UPA supporter, faces a likely he was health minister. The BJP's refusal to rounding it - to embarrass the UPA. Else conviction for the fodder scam. Another obsequiously support the legislation in par- Sonia and Rahul would have confirmed the politician who will benefit from the liament should be a cue for the party's PM impression that they manage to preserve ordinance is Congress Rajya Sabha MP hopeful Narendra Modi, otherwise vocal on their squeaky-clean image only by keeping Rasheed Masood, whom a CBI court recently issues of clean governance and eager to take mum on the critical issues of the day.

hief minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan too, in his address, attacked the CBI. CHe said Congress leaders in the state Cong unwilling to name PM candidate as it were pretending to be united. They frequent- ly issue threats in the name of the CBI and the I- T department. Chauhan said Congress lacks leader to match Modi charisma was using CBI as a tool to terrorise the oppo- sition leaders in Gujarat and Madhya he reluctance of the Congress to gress. In the battle of perceptions, therefore, challenge. Pradesh. He said CBI should raid Robert name its prime ministerial candidate Modi is on a sound wicket. Can the Congress A bulk of the electorate wants potable Vadra’s house and offices. Tmust be seen for what it is: a tacit ad- turn this disadvantage into an opportunity? water and electricity, education and connec- Chauhan said that Lanka of Congress at mission that it cannot hope to rival Narendra This is doubtful given the unmistakable tivity, decent health services and sanitation, the Centre will be reduced to ashes in the Modi's marketing blitzkrieg. Neither Sonia trend in heavily media-driven elections food at affordable prices, jobs and security of Lok Sabha elections this time. Chauhan re- nor Rahul Gandhi can match the charisma of across the democratic world: all are leader- life, limb and property. The Congress will cited ‘ ABCD’ of Central government’s al- the BJP's choice for the post. In terms of ora- centric. The audio-visual media in particular have to convince voters that this is precisely leged involvement in various scams. He said torical skills, too, Modi is ahead of both of can focus only on known faces, not on the objective of the policies it has pursued the BJP has formed government in the state them. He works up his audience to a pitch of policies and programmes. They thrive on and the legislations it has initiated. Success to change the face of Madhya Pradesh and in euphoric frenzy while the mother-son duo drama that charismatic personalities on this score, especially in the so-called last the coming time, the party will utilise amply- elicits barely audible murmurs of approval. provide - not on bland platitudes that are mile, could go a long way to blunt the edges available electricity to achieve this objective. Each one of his gestures is calculated to cal- more often than not read out from written of Modi's discourse that is built around four He said units of medicine making, textiles, ibrate his image whether he bends low to pay texts. On all these scores, the Congress is on themes: muscular nationalism, economic information technology and food processing reverence to his mother, his party's elders the back foot. It hopes to turn the tide in its growth, efficient and corruption-free gover- would be set up in the coming times in the and saffron-clad sadhus, or sets aside past favour by harping on its achievements in of- nance and a no-nonsense approach to minori- state. He exhorted the party workers to en- differences and reaches out to erstwhile fice including, especially, its radical social ties. Only then will the Congress have the sure that the party wins in every polling party opponents. None of this is in evidence legislations. Whether this would address is- luxury not to name its prime ministerial can- booth. from the two seniormost leaders of the Con- sues of local interest and concern is its real didate. For now, it is advantage Modi. 5 BHOPAL September 30 to October 6, 2013 Feature WE THE STATE I am what I am, not what you think! SWECHCHHA OJHA run after someone to whom something said to their “you know what he said about her” never be, and you do not even try to make E-mail: [email protected] them by others about us matters more than mouth and their “I believe whatever is said to them yours. For even making those who love they know us? Do we? I don’t think so. What is me without thinking if it’s right or wrong” you happy is a big task and for that too our t was the end of the 3rd semester and just important to you? What others think of you brains. These, you’ll meet in hundreds and whole life falls short of time, then who has the a few had gotten placed in good compa- or what you think about yourself ? I don’t thousands in your lifetime and will get a lot of extra time to run after other people to make Inies. And she was the one who got a good think you need to think even a while for an- time and experience to understand and gain them love us and them love them back?? job out of campus. All her classmates started swering these questions. Still we always be- expertise. The ones from the second kind are ours for murmuring and making fun of her job be- have exactly opposite to what we would an- The second kind is those who always hear keeps and the one from the first kind are “Rest cause they thought she had gotten the job swer here! Strange, isn’t it? Why do we always what is said about you, then either come to of the world” and I don’t think what “rest of with “reference” of an “influential relation”. fail to understand that we are what we think you and verify or know you too much to even the world” thinks of us or says about us And this “news” was created by the topper of we are and in the end what matters is who we feel the need to ask you if whatever they heard should matter to us. What matters to us is two the class who thought she would, but could actually were and what we actually did, not was right or wrong! Some of them know you things, one is the few people from the first cat- not get a job better than her. But all she said what others thought of us and who said what too much to even hear about you from other egory and the other is us, our conscience. Yes. at others’ comments was “oh yeah! I have got to whom about us and who made what opin- people, leave aside verifying from. You will Do not worry about whatever rubbish other influential family, haven’t you?? Oh, what a ion about us, when we know everything we do not even come to know that something was be- people say about you, or think about you, or pity!!” She didn’t give explanation to a single in this matter will be wrong until we believe ing said about you to them because they never show you as. Just keep your conscience clear person in the whole world about her job. in ourself ! heard it. These, you will find in a really very and that will lead you to happiness. The kind This was just an instance. But this was what I think I know what may help here! Remem- small number in your whole life. And these, of peace that comes to us when our con- she was. And this is what everyone must be ber whenever you meet people and try to judge are the people, you can’t afford to lose at any science is happy is incomparable with any like! Unruffled by anyone’s mockery, un- them? Now on just don’t judge them the way cost! These are the people who are truly kind of peace ever. For conscience is the one moved by anything anyone says about them, you did last time, try to know them a little YOURS for life and you can believe in what thing that actually makes us who we are and serene and imperturbable by anything that is more, and then try to understand how they they say without a second opinion or confir- that should actually be taken care of ! If we are happening around us, that we do not like or will react when they hear something about mation. The ones from the first kind are too true to ourself, no one on earth can make s that we do not want to happen, and that we you, or how they will respond when they get to many in number and still do not matter to us think low of ourself, and nothing else should can do nothing about. Whereas we always run know from someone else what you did. Stop if we have even one or two from the second matter to us. Nothing. What others say or after friends, relatives and even just acquain- judging people, start judging their ways and kind in our life. We are lucky if we have more think or opine, or judge about us. Nothing. It’s tances to explain to them what we did and behaviours, their actions and their reactions, than a few of the second kind in our lives, for, just me and my conscience and the ones who what we did not, who we are and who we are their opinions and their judgements about even though they are less in number, they eas- believe in the person in “Me”. The problem is not, that what they heard about us was you. Because there are always two kind of ily outweigh a thousand of those from the not when people say bad things behind our wrong, or that what they think about is not people you are going to meet and everybody first kind. Those who are in kind one, can nev- back or when people think wrong of us. It is what we do! Do they matter so much to us that you meet can be put in one of these categories er move to kind two, and for kind two, it’s im- when we cannot trust ourself, when we cannot we can even forget our self respect and the and it never matters what relation is that per- possible to move to kind two, and if you think justify our own deeds to ourself, it’s when we fact that “we are who we are no matter what son to you! The first kind is those who always they do, they were always kind one, it was just cannot understand ourself but believe in what others think of us” for making them agree to listen to others regarding your life and look your mistake in knowing them. Just always others say. So just keep a clear conscience, what we say and explain to them that we are for something spicy and new in your life, for remember, those who are yours, are always stop listening to what others say. Start listen- not what they think? Do we have so much which they take help of their “whosoever yours, automatically, you do not have to make ing to yourself and see what life has in store time in this short life that we can afford to gives me something spicy is my friend” ears, them yours, and those who are not yours, will for you!! :) "Love isn't a feeling, it's an ability" (El amor no es un sentimiento, es una habilidad)

here is a segment of people who But today man prefers isolation and body believes that “Love is not a feeling, worship, giving up the chance to share Trather it’s an ability ! ” If a person your life with someone significant. who was not touched in a love ways , from Many try to escape their loneliness infant to adult, then that unlucky person through drugs or alcohol but when the ef- meant not to have the ability. Is it an abil- fects wear off the feeling of emptiness ity like performing or acting or singing ? tends to flare. Men to men the answer will differ and He boasts of his individualism but actu- those who have never experienced love in ally lost their individuality and has be- his life will always believe that its an abil- come an automaton. ity rather than a feeling . Women, in their eagerness to be equal to How difficult nowadays seems to be men have lost their femininity and thus keeping a couple. Is it because we intend the possibility of erotic love with the op- to require others to be as we want and we posite sex, because they are now identi- can not accept others as they are and fight cal. less? True love and mature means union, Why people get tired of being with while retaining both the individuality. someone you think is going to be different Love is possible only in freedom, envy, with someone else? This shows an excess jealousy, ambition, passion and love is not of optimism. a passion is an attitude, a human, not The problem is never the person with compulsive. There is a sudden outburst whom we relate but the way we relate. but a permanent arrangement is more Love is not accidental that an arrow about giving than receiving. through the heart of us side by side, but And give not mean giving or depriving that is something you can learn. It's not yourself of something, to sacrifice and about finding the perfect person but a cern focuses on the search for someone to that will produce the feeling of having impoverished, but is the most a beautiful skill to be acquired. love instead of finding someone to love, done a good business and the couple is be expression of power that produces happi- Young immature experience love while because true love gives, not possessive, a rather more in a market where every- ness and vitality. mature people learn to love, because the also receives genuine love. thing is bought and sold. Although it is not only material things emotional maturity is characterized by It can happen to anyone the miracle of In such cases it is a doomed enterprise, give each given but also the very vitality, emotional stability. falling head over heels, but that feeling of more emphatic than any other activity which is alive in each, your joy, your in- Love is not a feeling previously easy be- unity and intimacy only by its very na- and more difficult to assess. terest, your understanding, your knowl- cause it requires personal development ture is short-lived, until you get to know In actual life all strive to study and get a edge, your humor, sadness and all expres- that allows selfless toward others avail- well and realize that not tolerated, get degree or a promotion at work but nobody sions of each one. able only by love, with an attitude of hu- bored, and disillusioned. is willing to learn to love. In this area Something occurs in the act of giving mility, confidence and strong will. No one can believe that true love is an most plays by ear. love and more love. Love is an art that requires knowledge art to be learned, because some are con- "It is not good that the man should be Blessed are those who experienced love and effort. fused and looking for a partner as anyone alone" says the Bible, written by sages of They will always reply that " Love, It’s a Most believe in romantic love and con- looking for an apartment or a car, that is, antiquity inspired by divine revelation. great Feeling " 6 BHOPAL September 30 to October 6, 2013 Region WE THE STATE PMT Fraud : Ex-Controller Cracks in Chhattisgarh Professional Examination ‘RATION DISTRIBUTION TO Cong Committee Board arrested come to the fore CONTINUE IN CHHATTISGARH’ RAIPUR: Cracks in the Chhattisgarh Congress Committee again came out to the fore when par- ty's media in-charge, Rajendra Tewari, resigned recently over the omission of former CM Ajit Jogi's name from a press release detailing Rahul Gandhi's itinerary in the state. Tiwari said "he cannot work for selfish and personal ambitions of anyone." His resignation comes a day after a press re- lease was issued by the party's media cell on Rahul Gandhi's scheduled rallies in the state. While it had names of all Congress bigwigs, for- mer chief minister Ajit Jogi's name was miss- ing. And, this despite Jogi receiving invites to bsconding exam controller of Mad- the rallies. hya Pradesh Professional Examina- While there's speculation that PCC president Ation Board (MPPEB) Pankaj Trivedi Charandas Mahant may sack Tiwari, insiders was on Friday arrested in connection with claim the media in charge was being made a fall irregularities in the Pre Medical Test (PMT). guy, as he could not have taken an arbitrary de- The Special Task Force (STF) of Madhya cision. Pradesh police is investigating the case, ever They claim Tiwari was working on instruc- since the fraud in the PMT surfaced last tions of senior leaders and omission of Jogi's month. name was part of the on-going strategy of his PMT 2013 must be cancelled looking to the hhattisgarh Government has issued with the work of preparation of ration rivals. involvement of Controller Exam , Dr Trivedi a directive that those applicants who cards. Food Department officials here in- Tiwari categorically mentioned in his resig- .STF officials claimed that he was informed Chave not received their ration cards formed that in case the ration cards had not nation letter that his loyalties were towards So- about the racket run by Indore-based Dr by September 30 this year may be offered ra- been distributed to the beneficiaries for cer- nia and Rahul Gandhi. This indicates all isn't Jagdish Sagar that helped more than 100 stu- tion for both the current month and the next tain reasons on a pre determined date, the well between him and Mahant. Though he has dents get admission illegally into govern- month. same would be distributed when they have thanked the PCC chief for appointing him to the ment medical colleges in the last three years. The Government also clarified that in case been prepared. post, his letter reflects the tension between This is the 29th arrest in the case. of anomalies such as name, address or any The Government also clarified that the them. Tiwari also said in his letter that he felt Even his Brother Dr Piyush Trivedi Vice other typographical error in the ration process of preparation and distribution of "extremely uncomfortable in the media cell". Chancellor RGPV is involved in malprac- cards, the eligibility of the beneficiary ration cards is a continuous process while Political observers say Tiwari was being asked tices and do not deserve for the post .Dr would not be affected by such errors and also directing that the district collectors to do things that suited the ambitions of some- Piyush Trivedi who is heading the techno- they would still be able to receive ration must ensure that there is no rush created in one. "That someone is for all to guess," they say. logical University comes from a Pharmacy from the fair price shops in the State. The the centres distributing ration cards in the Tiwari said he felt "stifled in the media cell". Background . It surprises many people that applicants, for getting the errors in their ra- State. It also directed that if in case the data He said, "I think I was unfit for this post, as my how a person from pharmacy background tion cards corrected, can submit an applica- entry for a new applicant before May 15, 2013 ethics didn't allow me to do what was expected can be appointed as Vice Chancellor of a tion with their fair price shop from where a had not been made or wrong data had been of me". He admitted that omission of Jogi's Technologica, University . designated Nodal Officer or any other au- uploaded due to software problem, the ap- name was a mistake, but that was not the only It is an Open Secret that both the brothers thorised Government servant would carry plicant needs to be issued the ration cards reason from him to quit. "There were many is- are supporters of Mr Laksmikant Sharma sues and they all piled up," he said. out the necessary correction in the ration before September 30 this year. Higher Education Minister and Mr Sudhir Jogi, however, said that he was unaware of Ti- cards. The Government also informed that the Sharma Chairman, VNS & CRISP wari's resignation. "Mahant and Hari Prasad The Government also clarified that the dis- ration card holders would be able to receive Chancellor & Governor Shri Ramnaresh had called me to invite me to Rahul's rallies and tribution of ration would continue under ration from their choice of ration shops in Yadav must setup a judicial enquiry by a re- I will be attending them. The party has prom- Chhattisgarh Food and Nutrition Security Raipur and Durg under the core PDS system tired Judge . ised to arrange a chopper for me," he said. Law 2012 during the current month along- from next month. RESENTMENT BREWING AGAINST CONG MLA IN AARANG MAOISTS CALL FOR BHARAT undreds of people from Aarang Assembly con- stituency took out a rally on Sunday and demanded Hthat the Congress MLA Rudrakumar Guru must not be offered a ticket to re-contest the Assembly polls from Aarang. They demanded that Guru must not be allowed to re- BANDH ON OCTOBER 5 contest polls and somebody else must be given an opportuni- ty who can work while keeping the sentiments of Congress n protest of Silakota encounter, workers in mind. The protestors led by Aarang Janpad mem- Maoist organisation has called for ber Vatan Chandrakar and other Congress party leaders IBharat Bandh on October 5. In a re- gathered at the Sapre School ground while holding placards, lease, spokesman of Maoists Central Com- banners and posters in the noon hours and later marched to- mittee Abhay alleged that along with the wards Gandhi ground where they raised slogans at the venue Odisha and Union Governments, mineral of a meeting of the Congress Minority Cell. mafia are depriving Tribal people of their According to Chandrakar, the people of Aarang got a Con- lands. gress MLA after two decades and the Congress workers He also accused the Naveen Patnaik Gov- worked as a team in Aarang. However, still, Guru remained ernment of overlooking even the genuine inactive and did not participate in the dharnas and proces- grievances of people at the strength of sions held by the party. He said that the members of Satnami central forces. To protest the accesses of Samaj have also stood up against the MLA. Chandrakar al- the Government Bharat bandh is organ- leged that Guru could not tour many villages in any con- ised, the Maoist spokesman said. Notably, stituency during the last four-and-a-half years. on 25 September, in the forests of Silakota, He further stated that Guru could muster only five votes in in Malkangiri district of the neighbouring the Youth Congress polls while standing fifth in the poll rank- Odisha, a joint team of Odisha police and ings.‘Guru even lost the Nagar Panchayat polls’. ‘If Guru is al- Odisha Special Operation Group had lowed to re-contest, he would lose with not less that 20,000 gunned down 14 Maoists in an early morn- votes,’ Chandrakar said. ing fierce encounter. 7 BHOPAL September 30 to October 6, 2013 Glamour WE THE STATE

or the first time, a draft policy has been pre- Fpared by the Maharash- tra State Commission for Pro- Maharashtra govt body tection of Child Rights (MSCPCR) in order to protect children who participate in reality shows, as well as other works on policy to protect forms of entertainment such as the circus. The child policy draft, ac- cording to a report in the In- dian Express, also asks the child artistes state to assume the role of the “nourisher” of the child, from time of birth till they reach the age of 18. The ini- tial drafts of the report had been prepared in 2012 when a case was lodged by the par- ents of working children. The report had included recom- mendations such as “proper arrangement for their studies and entertainment at the shooting venue, ensure no physical stress during the shooting, and see that a child eliminated from a reality show must not be subjected to adverse/harsh comments by judges,” according to the Indi- an Express report. Earlier this month, the MSCPCR act- ed on the complaint of an NGO on the difficulties in- volved in rescuing children working in factories, said that the managers and employees of factories that flout regula- tions will be booked under various provisions of the In- dian Penal Code and Juvenile Justice Act. Rekha, Sridevi, Katrina and SRKs tribute to Yash John Abraham is Chopra the new face of National Geographic

ctor-producer John Abraham was Anamed the face of the National Geo- graphic Channel on Friday. John said he is a fan of the channels content. As the face of the National Geographic channel, John will be eteran actress Rekha took everyone by sur- part of the campaigns film and related com- prise when she shook a leg on the ramp today munications.The essence of the campaign is Vat a fashion show organised in memory of that it is time to open the doors of the mind - late filmmaker Yash Chopra. Nine actresses who its time to Unlock. have been a part of Yash Chopra films, came to- gether to salute the legendary filmmaker who gave romance a whole new meaning in Indian cinema. 8 BHOPAL September 30 to October 6, 2013 Must Read WE THE STATE Can Urban Planning Help India’s Cities Reduce Sexual Violence ?

anaki Sharma, 24, a producer with ed,” said Amitabh Kundu, an economics a radio station, commutes for professor at Jawaharlal Nehru Universi- Jabout 40 kilometers, or 25 miles, ty in New Delhi who specializes in ur- from her home in West Delhi to work banization. across the city. Ms. Sharma uses multi- The perpetrators in the Delhi gang ple forms of public transport — subway, rape case and the men accused of a sep- bus and shared auto-rickshaw, to get to arate rape, that of a young photojour- her office. And the last stretch of her nalist in Mumbai, came from so-called commute is a mile-long walk on a deso- urban zones of exclusion — Ravidas late stretch to reach her office. Camp slum in New Delhi and the Dhobi Ms. Sharma encounters a varied group Ghat slum in South Mumbai. of men on the way, whom she described “Gender-inclusive cities are not just as “all kinds of letches, perverts, and safer for women, they are also more egal- morons.” Yet she noticed that their be- itarian for all citizens,” said Mr. Bhan. havior changed depending on whether According to India’s National Crime she encountered them on the metro, on a Records Bureau, crimes against women bus or hanging out on a sidewalk. have been on the rise in Indian cities in Her experience is that of India’s every recent years. In 2012, Delhi accounted woman. for 10 percent of all the crimes against Urban planners and designers argue ual violence in India. been removing hawkers from the side- women in the 53 cities with more than a that apart from better policing, gender- Vehicular speeds in Indian cities have walks because they are seen as eating up million people. Mumbai followed with sensitive city planning and design can increased in the past decade with the space reserved for pedestrians. 6.4 percent, Bengaluru was third at 6.2 help make India’s cities safer for women. construction of multiple overpasses and “The presence of hawkers along a road percent, and Kolkata had 5.4 percent. Patterns of crime in a city, according to several major roadways that eliminated provides social surveillance and de- Apart from class-based segregation, In- these experts, vary according to its ur- the need for traffic lights. These changes creases the likelihood of crime, espe- dia also faces the challenge of segrega- ban design. saw a parallel increase in motor-borne cially against women,” he added. tion on the basis of religion, with mi- One of the most striking components crimes from snatching, road rage, and The emergence of gated neighbor- nority religious groups mostly living in of urban infrastructure in New Delhi is assault on women in moving vehicles. hoods in India has also added to creation ghetto-like neighborhoods. the Ring Road, a massive circular road “The speed of a city is very critical,” of empty, potentially dangerous spaces “Exclusionary cities wherein upper that circles the city. It passes through said Mr. Ravindran. “You can have fast- outside their confines. and middle class people create bound- several desolate areas of the city and has track lanes for public transport and cars “When cities become fortified, they aries around their localities and thereby vast stretches without any traffic lights because the city has to move. But it create ‘non-space’ or ‘residual space’ create a degenerated periphery tend to for miles. should have safe havens for pedestrians. outside the walls of their gated be extremely violent in situations of “One of the most common places of That is the primary condition for a city colonies,” said Gautam Bhan, a senior breakdown of law and order or outbreak rape in Delhi is a moving vehicle,” said to become safe.” consultant at the Indian Institute for Hu- of group violence,” Mr. Kundu said. “We KT Ravindaran, an urban designer, who In most Indian cities, the pedestrians man Settlements. “Those spaces then be- saw that in 1984 when the Sikh neigh- retired as the head of School of Plan- find that streetlights are positioned in a long to no one and creates empty land- borhoods were attacked in Delhi and in ning and Architecture in New Delhi. way that they illuminate the roads, but scapes that violence then fills.” the attacks on the Muslim areas in Gu- “They can just go on until the fuel runs not the sidewalks. Pedestrians have to Yet urbanization experts are aware jarat in the 2002 riots.” out.” The best-known instance of such a rely on lights coming from shops in the that sensitive planning is not enough to Both the 1984 attacks on the Sikhs in crime was the gang rape and subsequent vicinity, without which the sidewalks re- prevent crime in a city. New Delhi and the 2002 riots in Gujarat death of a 23-year-old paramedic student main dark and lonely. “Creating exclusionary urban spaces were characterized by widespread sexu- in a moving bus in Delhi in December, Also making things more dangerous is tends to develop an atmosphere of dep- al violence against women from Sikh which focused intense attention on sex- that authorities in Indian cities have rivation and violence among the exclud- and Muslim minorities. The Man Riding to BlackBerry’s Rescue ho is BlackBerry’s savior: The acquiring other property and casualty so-called Warren Buffett of insurance firms over the years. He then WCanada. began investing broadly, a similar tactic The beleaguered smartphone maker to Mr. Buffett, who uses the core insur- stunned the investing world by an- ance operations of Berkshire Hathaway nouncing it had an offer for $9 a share to fund investing activities. from a consortium led by Fairfax Fi- Among Mr. Watsa’s high-profile scores nancial HoldingsFFH.T +0.20% Limit- was a bet against rising U.S. housing ed, the largest holder of the company process that registered more than $2 bil- with about 10%. lion in gains. The announcement comes a month af- He also updates followers with long, ter Fairfax’s boss Prem Watsa stepped detailed and folksy annual letters and down from the BlackBerry board as the has been known to make the pilgrimage company announced it would seek a to Nebraska for Mr. Buffett’s annual in- sale. Mr. Watsa’s resignation was widely vestment carnival. Otherwise, Mr. Wat- viewed precursor to him making a bid. sa avoids the limelight. Mr. Watsa is often called Canada’s ver- But in 2002, in the wake of the Sept. 11 sion of Mr. Buffett, the famed U.S. in- terrorist attacks, Fairfax took a big loss, vestor. prompting Mr. Watsa to tell investors The Canadian version joined the the loss was “not a typo” and host his BlackBerry board in January 2012, as first-ever quarterly conference call. the two founders gave up their co-CEO Shares of the firm were battered and roles and current boss Thorsten Heins some investors chided the firm for fail- took the helm. Investors at the time ing to live up to a reputation like Mr. were happy to see a famous value in- Buffett’s. vestor join the board amid the turmoil. The company had to fiercely battle sides, according to reports. BDT & Co., the boutique investment He has long maintained that he is con- short sellers it accused of market ma- The stock ultimately recovered and is firm of Byron Trott, the former Gold- fident in RIM’s long-term prospects and nipulation, including filing a lawsuit recently trading at $416 a share. man banker known as Mr. Buffett’s fa- said the company is undervalued. that alleged salacious claims and bold- Meanwhile, Mr. Watsa scored another vorite banker. Mr. Watsa built his investing platform faced lies were being spread by short- reason to be compared to Mr. Buffett in Mr. Watsa was also advised by Bank of Fairfax from a trucking insurance firm, sellers. Regulators investigated both the BlackBerry deal. He is advised by America Merrill Lynch and BMO. 9 BHOPAL September 30 to October 6, 2013 Commerce WE THE STATE Farmers don’t benefit from increasing price of vegetables

ll-informed politicians claim that farm- ers benefit from increasing vegetable Iprices when in fact the latter receive a minimum price for their produce. Unscrupu- lous traders and middlemen make a killing by engineering shortages. “While, like last year, I seek the blessings of Lord Indra to bestow on us timely and boun- tiful monsoons, I would pray to goddess Lak- shmi as well. I think it is a good strategy to di- versify one’s risks”, said then Union Minis- ter for Finance Pranab Mukherjee while pre- senting the Budget for the year 2011-2012. The statement is symbolic of the unfortunate ways in which our Ministers have been keen on invoking divine power rather than de- pending on science, technology and ground level solutions to rescue India’s dwindling agricultural sector. This sector employs around 50 per cent of India’s workforce but its contribution to the gross domestic prod- uct has been decreasing year after year. “As per latest estimates released by Central Statistics Office the share of agricultural products/agriculture and allied sectors in GDP of the country was 51.9 per cent in 1950- isters, it’s more important to understand the hoarders and black marketeers. However, de- onion... Prices of commodities including veg- 1951, which has now come down to 13.7 per real problems of agriculture. At the farm lev- spite repeated offences by traders and recur- etables like onion and tomatoes are mainly cent in 2012-2013 at 2004-2005 prices...” This el, the usual suspects are the ones that are ad- ring problems with agri-product pricing, not governed by market forces of demand and statement of Union Minister of State for dressed the least. The acreage in India has much attention has been paid towards agri- supply, cost of transportation and storage, Agriculture Tariq Anwar last month in a re- been around 140 million hectares, but with culture reforms at the ground level. Unlike in weather conditions etc.” But then, where’s ply to a query in the Rajya Sabha shows the the number of farmers increasing, divisions other nations, agricultural reforms in India the ground-level action against hoarders that pathetic downfall of a once-glowing sector. in land have resulted in decrease in produc- are still treated as children of a lesser god. should have been undertaken days, if not Even in absolute terms, India’s foodgrain tivity and diminishing economies of scale. In 2011, an onion export ban was lifted in 10 weeks, ago? production declined to 250.14 million tonnes Then there are the reduced financing options days flat by an Empowered Group of Minis- Increase in onions prices is just one indica- in 2012-2013 from 259.32 tonnes in 2011-2012. and the killing debt traps. This apart, lack of ters, led by then Finance Minister Pranab tor of the many malaises inflict our agricul- What continues rising in this sector is the irrigation, warehousing and cold-storage fa- Mukherjee. ture system. For instance, the Agriculture number of farmer suicides, which reached a cilities and almost non-existent technology The situation is quite similar even now. On Ministry should immediately take steps to shameful figure of 15,440 in 2012, close to 50 support from the Government also are criti- August 13, Union Minister of State for Con- introduce stringent laws against hoarding, farmer suicides every day of the year, as per cal issues for farmers, pushing them towards sumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution publicly arrest hoarders and initiate action the National Crime Records Bureau. The destitution. KV Thomas said, “We would wait for 10 days against them, and open the market further. Government admits that since 1995, more Each year, onions, tomatoes and other es- and if the prices do not come down, would After all, we are talking about policies that than 3,00,000 farmers have committed sui- sential food items are upgraded from basic ban exports.” On August 23, just 10 days later, are not for a few crore farmers but for the en- cide. necessities to luxurious items. And the chief he said, “Currently there is no proposal un- tire nation and for the larger good of the Leaving aside our pseudo-intellectual min- culprits for this and the related price-rise are der consideration to ban the export of economy. RBI Blocks “Interest Free” Plans Oily Moily Slips Again n the back of a surprise increase in a key interest rate last week, India’s cen- tral bank dealt another blow to banks this week by asking them to stop en- fter coming up with the bright idea of Ocouraging credit-card use with misleading “zero interest” payment plans. shuttering gasoline stations at night, Indi- While credit card issuers have been working with retailers to offer special no inter- Aan oil minister Veerappa Moily has come est offers for years, the Reserve Bank of India said the plans were misleading as they up with an even slicker plan to conserve oil. He often have hidden costs. plans to take public transportation to work every The banning of this standard promotion could prove to be a dampener for banks and Wednesday starting next month. consumer product manufacturers ahead of the festival season that begins in less than Of course he expects petroleum ministry em- ten days. ployees as well as the employees of state-owned oil Zero interest payment plans have become popular in the companies to follow his example. They will all have last couple of years with most big electronics and con- to leave their cars at home one day a week and take sumer durable stores offering them. The trend spread the bus or the train to work, said the minister. roads. “I like the idea of a minister taking public when smart phone and tablet manufacturers introduced “It’s a voluntary act. I cannot punish anyone not transport to work even though it is (largely just) them to push up the sale of their expensive devices. taking public transport but I want everyone from symbolic,” said M.K. Venu, executive editor at Hin- While the drawn out payment plans for the purchases the highest ranking officers to the lowest, to take du Newspaper. “But such mechanisms won’t work. had no interest, they often included a processing fee. public transport,” the minister said. Conservation can only happen by right pricing of Meanwhile consumers that bought the products using the Friday’s statement comes within days of Mr. fuel products.” plans sometimes had to pay a higher price than those that paid in cash. Moily’s fuel conservation program aimed at cut- India currently subsidizes prices of fuel products The RBI felt that the plans were just camouflaging the interest and passing it on to ting as much as $5 billion from India’s crude oil im- such as diesel, cooking fuel and gas. consumers as a fee or higher price. It said that any discount on prices should be passed port bill this year. Mr. Moily’s political rival Gurudas Dasgupta also on to all customers. His comments set Twitter alight. scoffed at the idea. “The very concept of zero percent interest is non-existent and fair practice demands “Seriously! Security will follow in cars?” asked “Nonsense! All non-sense,” said Mr Dasgupta a that the processing charge and rate of interest charged should be kept uniform,” The one Twitter user who uses the name Seema Dubey. politician of the Communist Party of India. “What central bank said in its notification. “Such schemes only serve the purpose of alluring “You know your country has a badly run fuel sec- difference will it make by using public transport and exploiting the vulnerable customers.” tor when the #Oil Minister pledges to travel by pub- once a week?” The end of the plans won’t affect most people, some industry analysts said, as the val- lic transport,” said another user named Priya Mr. Moily had to beat a hasty retreat after getting ue-for-money conscious Indian consumer has always been aware of the other costs of D’Souza. lambasted for an earlier plan to shut all gasoline the interest free plans. The minister also prescribed staggered govern- stations in the evenings. “Consumer sentiment is fairly cautious on spending, especially high-price consumer ment office hours, government employee carpool- Only time will tell whether Mr. Moily will actual- durables, given the general economic scenario,” said Devangshu Dutta, chief executive ing and implementing a “use the bus day” for all ly become a regular user of the capital’s over- officer with Delhi-based Third Eyesight, a retail and consumer durable consulting government offices, to help decongest India’s crowded buses and trains. firm. 10 BHOPAL September 30 to October 6, 2013 World WE THE STATE Five Things to Reset U.S. India Relationship

ndian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's The real obstacles to medical access stem visit to Washington on Friday is an oppor- principally from the Indian government's fail- Itunity for President Barack Obama and the ings. India devotes a derisory 1.25% of GDP to U.S. Congress to highlight a worrying develop- health care, a level lower than Haiti, and lacks ment in the bilateral relationship: the Indian the insurance, doctors, clinics and hospitals government's discrimination against Ameri- necessary to make effective use of the full po- can firms and misappropriation of their intel- tential of modern medicine. Health-care infra- lectual capital. These actions punish our inno- structure problems won't be solved by plunder- vators and stifle job creation. ing foreign inventions. While India's economy has expanded nearly For all the pretense of altruism, the motives eight-fold since turning from autarky to liber- for disregarding foreign intellectual property alization in the early 1990s, the Indian govern- rights appear to be mercenary. Indian drug gi- ment now seems intent on returning to protec- ants, many of which make the majority of tionism and intellectual property theft. During their sales in the United States and Europe, a visit to Washington earlier this year, Indian want the technologies created by foreign R&D. Finance Minister P. Chidambaram praised Chi- Cipla Chairman Y.K. Hamied, a revered Indian na's "indigenous innovation" program of forc- business leader, has called for the "automatic li- ing transfers of new technologies from foreign cense" of foreign patents to local champions. firms as a model for India. Some may counsel forbearance in the face of True to that vision, India has been demand- India's mercantilism because of the country's ing technology transfers and local content, poverty. But India isn't the destitute land of yes- erecting barriers to investment, and disregard- teryear. It also has a burgeoning middle class of ing foreign intellectual property rights. The more than 150 million people and vibrant ur- most flagrant abuses have been aimed at the ban regions. Indeed, by some estimates, the pharmaceutical sector. Mumbai area's GDP per capita is higher than Over the last 18 months, India has denied, re- Hungary's. It does not have to depend on hand- voked or otherwise attacked the patents of 15 outs or intellectual property theft. of the 45 or so patented medicines on the Indi- In light of Indian policies' impact on U.S. ☛ International Coordination. The Obama fails to respect American intellectual property. an market. In March, for example, Indian offi- growth and jobs prospects, the Obama admin- administration should work with like-minded ☛ New Leverage. Congress and the adminis- cials authorized a local company to copy Bay- istration and Congress should reconsider the governments with innovative industries, start- tration should explore other avenues for ensur- er's innovative Nexavar cancer drug, citing the economic relationship with India. A new ap- ing with the European Union and Japan, to ing respect for U.S. intellectual property rights. fact that the drug was not manufactured local- proach should include the following five com- raise jointly their concerns in international Some have suggested excluding from U.S. pro- ly. Such local production conditions violate ba- ponents: fora such the WTO as well as directly with In- curement any country that has not signed up to sic World Trade Organization non-discrimina- ☛ Top-to-Bottom Review. U.S. Trade Repre- dia. the WTO procurement code and fails to protect tion principles. sentative Michael Froman should initiate a ☛ Leverage. Congress and the administra- U.S. intellectual property. Indian officials seek to justify their disregard comprehensive review of the bilateral econom- tion should consider all means of leverage. For Such an approach would encourage India for foreigners' intellectual property rights by ic relationship that examines the impact of In- instance, the United States includes India in a (and others such as China) to provide recipro- pointing to the need to ensure their citizens' ac- dian industrial policy on the U.S. economy and special poor-country program that allows Indi- cal procurement access as well as to respect cess to medicines. But patents are not the ob- how to respond, much as his predecessor (now ans to import $4.5 billion in goods without pay- U.S. intellectual property. stacle to treatment that these officials and ac- Senator) Rob Portman did for China in 2005. ing any U.S. tariffs, even as India runs a $20 bil- Failure to oppose India's depredations would tivists allege. ☛ Enforcement Resources. The U.S. Trade lion trade surplus with the United States. Con- invite widespread imitation. It is time to return For instance, 95% of the Indians who were Representative's Office and Commerce Depart- gress needs to decide whether to reauthorize the U.S.-India economic relationship to a more prescribed Novartis's Glivec received the can- ment should expand their India-focused en- this program which lapsed this summer. balanced footing. In the meantime, President cer medicine for free. Nonetheless, the Glivec forcement capabilities by dedicating lawyers Assuming Congress does so as expected, the Obama should make clear to Prime Minister patent, recognized in over 40 other countries, and other trade-compliance staff, as they have Administration is entitled to withdraw that Singh that the discrimination and pillaging of was rejected in India. with China over the past decade. preferential treatment from any country that foreign intellectual property need to stop. NuclearNuclear TalksTalks onon Singh’s U.S. Agenda

ndia’s policy on nuclear power suppliers is mercial agreement to sell reactors to Nuclear “There is no question of Indian law being vio- A preliminary contract between Westinghouse likely to be under scrutiny when Prime Min- Power Corp. by September. Last week, India’s De- lated or diluted. The projects will have to meet the and Nuclear Power Corp. would only allow for ba- Iister Manmohan Singh travels to the U.S this partment of Atomic Energy confirmed that the highest standards of safety and the power gener- sic assessments of potential sites for power plants, week, with some reports suggesting a liability companies are negotiating a preliminary con- ated will have to be competitive with other sources an Indian government official said. clause could be diluted to secure business. tract. of nuclear as well as other forms of power,” thede- Mr. Singh will meet U.S. President Barack Oba- India passed a law in 2010 that made suppliers of This has led to suggestions that India will bend partment said in a statement last week. ma at the White House on Friday. nuclear reactors and other power plant equipment its nuclear liability clause to make the deal go “This will apply to our projects with Russia, Frances Beinecke, president of the Natural Re- liable for accidents. This departure from standard through. Reports say that India’s Attorney Gener- France and the United States,” it added. sources Defense Council, last week said the coun- international practice, where liability falls on al G.E. Vahanvati said Nuclear Power Corp. could Saturday, the Press Trust of India quoted Murli cil sent a letter to the White House calling for the plant operators, spooked companies like Westing- choose not to have the right to claim compensa- Joshi, a senior leader in India’s main opposition U.S. and India to work together on renewable en- house Electric Co. who plan to sell nuclear tech- tion from the manufacturer in the event of an ac- Bharatiya Janata Party, as saying the government ergy. He said the countries should cooperate in ar- nology to India. cident. seemed determined to support U.S. companies at eas such as funding renewable energy projects, For several years, Westinghouse has been in The government has said the law won’t be the expense of India. sharing technology and growing their solar ener- talks to supply a nuclear reactor to state-run Nu- changed. “All contracts with foreign companies “We are surrendering our sovereignty on nu- gy markets.The council also urged both sides to clear Power Corp. of India Ltd., a possibility that are subject to the Indian Civil Liability for Nu- clear issue to U.S. agencies,” the report quoted Mr. work to phase out hydrofluorocarbons, which are opened up after New Delhi and Washington clear Damage Act and Rules. The contracts have to Joshi as saying. Nuclear Power Corp. has devel- potent greenhouse gases used as a refrigerant. agreed in 2008 to end a moratorium on nuclear be consistent with Indian law and there is no ques- oped a nuclear power plant with both Indian and Mr. Singh’s talks in the U.S. will also cover de- trade put in place after India’s atomic weapons tion of Indian law being violated or diluted,” For- Russian technology in Kudankulam, in the south- fense cooperation, policing, bilateral trade, visas tests in the 1970s. eign Secretary Sujatha Singh said Friday. India’s ern state of Tamil Nadu. It has also signed a pre- for information technology workers as well as re- During a visit in July, U.S. Secretary of State Department of Atomic Energy also has said the liminary contract with Areva of France for a nu- gional issues including Afghanistan, the Ministry John Kerry said Westinghouse would sign a com- law won’t be changed. clear project in the western state of Maharashtra. of External Affairs said. 11 BHOPAL September 30 to October 6, 2013 Sports WE THE STATE India Blue win NKP Salve Challenger Trophy 2013 with 50-run victory over Delhi in final

iding on Manish Pandey's knock of 62 and Bhuvneshwar Kumar's four-wicket Rburst, India Blue registered a compre- hensive win by 50 runs over Delhi in the final of the NKP Salve Challenger Trophy 2013, at the Holkar Cricket Stadium in Indore on Sunday. Chasing a daunting total of 275 to win, Delhi's star-studded top order flopped in the big game from which they could never really recover in the game, and were bowled out for 224 in 44.4 overs. Milind Kumar fell after scoring 54 while Puneet Bisht remained unbeaten on 54 but their efforts went in vain. It was due to a flop show from the Delhi's top order consisting Virender Sehwag, Gautam Gambhir, Virat Kohli and Unmukt Chand that left Delhi under immense pressure in the crucial tie. While Gambhir fell after scoring four on the fourth delivery of the innings, Chand went back a confident start. Both batsmen looked set to to the pavilion soon for six in the third over of make big scores before Ojha played on a length the game that left Delhi in a bit of bother. delivery from Parwinder Awana to give the op- Delhi's woes increased when their in-form position their first wicket in the 12th over. A few Ronaldinho in doubt for batsman Sehwag was cleaned up by R Vinay Ku- overs later, Reddy followed suit as he was foxed mar for five, and Kohli, who managed to spend by a slower one from Rajat Bhatia. This was sometime at the crease scoring 23 runs, had a Bhatia’s first ball off his spell. With Yuvraj mixup with Milind while taking a run and was Singh and Manish Pandey in the middle, anoth- FIFA Club World Cup run out in the 10th over that left Delhi reeling at er big partnership was brewing. The duo had 46 for four. Earlier in the match, despite regular the responsibility of rebuilding the score after wo-time FIFA world player of the year the club's official website. The Club World breakthroughs from Delhi’s Rajat Bhatia (four they were reduced to 62 for two in the 17th over. Ronaldinho could miss December's Cup, featuring each of FIFA's six continental for 59) and Parvinder Awana (four for 39), India Brief scores TClub World Cup due to an injury. The club champions plus the host nation's league Blue reached 274 for nine in the final of the NKP 33-year-old tore the muscle in his left groin winners, will be played in Morocco from Dec Salve Challenger Trophy 2013. An important India Blue 274 for 9 in 50 overs (Manish Pandey while training for Brazilian outfit Atletico 11-21. Atletico Mineiro earned the right to play half-century from Manish Pandey (62) and vital 62, Piyush Chawla 42; Parvinder Awana 4 for 39, Mineiro Friday, reports Xinhua. "After clinical in the tournament by defeating Paraguay's contributions from Ankit Bawne (37) and Rajat Bhatia 4 for 59) beat Delhi 224 in 44.4 exams and a scan we confirmed he had totally Olimpia in the Copa Libertadores final in July. Piyush Chawla (44) down the order helped their overs (Milind Kumar 54, Puneet Bisht 54*; ruptured the adductor muscle of his left They are favourites to meet European champi- side post a good total. Bhuvneshwar Kumar 4 for 39, R Vinay Kumar 3 thigh," Atletico's doctor Rodrigo Lasmar told ons Bayern Munich in the final. Openers Akshath Reddy and Naman Ojha had for 64) by 50 runs. BCCI will ask Sachin to quit after 200th Test

ith the ageing legend giving no hint of retiring, since his last senior board officials are all set to ask him to Test hundred in Cape Town in 2011 has also been unusually Wmake way for youngsters low (for him) with 560 runs in eight Tests at an average of 35. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) will be Board officials who spoke to this correspondent on the con- asking India's greatest cricketer, possibly its greatest sports- dition of anonymity revealed that the two-Test series man, to retire after playing his 200th Test this November. against the West Indies in Impeccable sources within the top echelons of the board November has been arranged keeping Tendulkar's mega- confirmed to this newspaper that Sachin Tendulkar, who milestone in mind. Though the formal decision has not been has given no indication of any plans to hang up his boots so taken, Sachin's 200th Test is likely to be allotted to Mumbai, far, will be asked by board officials to step down and make his home town. way for newer talent. The reason for the unseemly haste on the part of the Board It has also been decided exactly who it will be who will con- stems from the fact that as long as Tendulkar keeps himself vey the message to Sachin. However, given the flux within available for selection, no selection committee dare drop the BCCI at present — N Srinivasan who was this week elect- him. "At the same time his batting frailties have become too ed as board president has been asked by the Supreme Court stark to ignore," said the senior official. "He could not face a not to act as president — the name of the messenger has not bowler like Monty Panesar in home conditions. He was fur- been publicly divulged. When contacted, Srinivasan refused ther exposed in the series against Australia. Now the tricky to comment on the development. bit is who will let him know this..." The overriding impression in Chennai, where the man- darins of the BCCI converged for the Board's Annual A senior administrator, and not any of the selectors, will General Meeting, is that Sachin, who turned 40 this April, approach Tendulkar with the delicate matter of announcing has outlived his usefulness. The maestro's string of recent his retirement. "Put together, they (the selectors) do not failures - in the Test matches against England and Australia match his stature of 200 Tests and over 33,000 international at home in particular - have convinced the BCCI that Ten- runs. Between them, the four selectors -the other one has not dulkar is well past his best. played Test cricket - have not played even one third of the And anything short of that is not good enough for the Tests that Tendulkar has played," said our source. BCCI, which is looking to fashion a newer, younger team. Tendulkar himself was not available to answer queries Tendulkar has not scored a century in 22 Tests, and has only about his future plans. Text messages sent to him remained two half-centuries in his last 12 Tests. His overseas record unanswered. 12 BHOPAL September 30 to October 6, 2013 Nation WE THE STATE Some Economists Question Modi Magic Who is Lalu Prasad Yadav? eople who back Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi for India’s next prime minister invariably cite how he has turned his western state into an economic power- Phouse. Some scholars, however, now argue the glories of Gu- jarat have been exaggerated and its outperformance is hardly the result of any special Modi magic. Big believers in Modi’s mojo were out in force in the capital this weekend. Tens of thousands of NaMo supporters showed up to hear him speak in New Delhi Sunday at a political rally or- ganized by his party, India’s main opposition party Bharatiya Janata Party. Mr. Modi’s supporters say he can use what he learned as chief minister of Gujarat since 2001 to get India’s sagging economy back on track. Thirty-three year old web designer Yashpal, who goes by only one name, showed up to the Modi rally on Sunday because he be- lieves in what he can do for the country. “The way he has developed Gujarat, he will completely trans- form the country,”he said Sunday at the rally. Leaders of Indian industries have also lauded Mr. Modi’s lead- ership, saying the way Mr. Modi has been able to build infra- structure and reduce the perception of corruption has helped the state shine. However new research in the Economic & Political Weekly, a he next time Parliament is in session, it will be modeled after him in 2005, when state elections again took scholarly journal, suggests otherwise. While Gujarat is one of short on humor. On Monday, a court convicted place, according to a report on news portal Rediff.Even so, India’s richer states, the report said, it has always had one of the Lalu Prasad Yadav,Congress party ally,former fed- the party lost to Nitish Kumar and the Janata Dal (United) country’s strongest economies and there is limited evidence to Teral railways minister and wise-cracking MP, of misap- party. suggest that Mr. Modi did much to add to its outperformance. propriating hundreds of millions of rupees in govern- Despite losing power, Mr. Yadav continues to exercise Mr. Modi may have simply been riding on the back of histori- ment funds meant to purchase animal feed in Bihar in the considerable influence in Bihar, one of India’s most elec- cally strong growth, the report suggested, in a state that had 1990s. Mr. Yadav was chief minister of the eastern Indian torally important states, with 40 seats in the 543-seat low- been a shining example of India’s industrial development even state between 1990 and 1997. er house. He relies on a power base of Muslims and Ya- decades before he took charge? A court in Jharkhand – a state carved out of Bihar in davs, a caste community that traditionally tends cattle, The report’s authors –R. Nagaraj, a professor at the country’s 2000 that got jurisdiction for the case – also convicted 44 and because of this support, he is considered unlikely to prestigious Indira Gandhi Institute of Development Research in others on charges of corruption and criminal conspiracy, ever ally with the Hindu nationalist opposition Bharatiya Mumbai and Shruti Pandey of EPW Research Foundation – said Arvind Kumar Singh, a lawyer for the Central Bureau of Janata Party. Gujarat’s performance relative to other states over the past cou- Investigation, the federal agency that prosecuted the case, During the Congress-led government’s first term, from ple of decades in areas such as agriculture, industry and social told reporters on Monday.The trial began in 2002. 2004 to 2009, he was federal railways minister, and was development has been relatively stable. Mr. Yadav, who maintains he has done nothing wrong, credited with bringing India’s railways back into the “Contrary to popular and political perceptions, in none of the could face jail time of as much as seven years. Sentencing black, a feat that led to invitations to speak at business indicators has there been a measurable improvement in Gujarat is set to take place Oct. 3. schools. Political analysts expect his party to ally with the in the last decade relative to the national average,” the article Manoj Kumar Jha, a spokesman for the Rashtriya Jana- Congress to fight national elections that are due by May says. “There is no evidence of Gujarat’s share (of the nation’s ta Dal, or National People’s Party,founded by Mr. Yadav in next year. GDP) surging ahead of the rest of the country as popularly be- 1997, has said that he will appeal. His loss is likely to be felt in Parliament – and not just by lieved.” While Gujarat’s agricultural output has increased The conviction means that Mr. Yadav, who is currently a Congress. faster than other states in the last decade it may have just been member of the Lok Sabha or lower house of Parliament, Mr. Yadav was prone to wise-cracks and often livened up recovering ground it lost in the 90s, the authors said. They said won’t be on the benches when the next session opens, most India’s Parliamentary proceedings – already quite exu- its share in the nation’s industrial development has also climbed likely in November. In July,the Supreme Court ruled that berant by any standard – with puns and other jokes. In this to account for 14% of the country’s industry, up from around lawmakers who were convicted of a crime can no longer 2008 presentation of the railway budget, lawmakers can be 11% in the early 90s but much of that increase came from a few hold office. Earlier, they could stay in power as they ap- seen giggling in the back ground, especially when Mr. Ya- petroleum refining plants in the state. If you take out petroleum pealed their convictions. Mr. Yadav is the first lawmaker dav,who sometimes appears to make the most of his coun- refining, the contribution of the rest of manufacturing indus- to be affected by the court’s decision. try-bumpkin image, translated his Hindi remarks into tries has actually declined in the state, the report said. Last week, the federal Cabinet issued an order overturn- English. “Lalu Yadav has planted a fruit tree,” in particu- On social development, measured in terms of literacy rate, in- ing the ban – a move that has been widely criticized even lar, elicited many laughs. fant mortality and life expectancy, the research said that Gu- from within the ruling party – but this has not yet gone At a March debate earlier this year, when another MP jarat has maintained its 7th rank among 17 major states between into effect. complained that interruptions were making him lose his 2001 and 2011. In other words, on these important measures it Mr. Yadav first became a lawmaker nearly four decades train of thought, Mr. Yadav joked, in a reference to his for- hasn’t improved its position relative to other states. ago, at the age of 29. A little over a dozen years after that, mer portfolio, “Get back on track.” A recent study by a government-appointed panel also pokes he was elected chief minister of Bihar. Political analysts suggest that this is advice Mr. Yadav’s some holes in the Modi myth. Last week, the report categorized A hugely popular politician, even though his tenure in party will find hard to follow, now that their popular Gujarat among the “less developed” states in the country, the Bihar saw crime increase and led the state to gain a repu- leader is likely to remain behind bars. He won’t be allowed middle of three categories. The panel, which was tasked to sug- tation of lawlessness, Indian reporters often recount hi- to run for office again from there – another break with the gest methods for identifying struggling of states, ranks Gujarat larious stories about him. Some of these are possibly apoc- past that comes as a result of the Supreme Court decision. 17th among 28 states, the 28th being the most developed. ryphal. Pradip Kumar Dutta, professor of political science at The states of Goa, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Punjab, Maharashtra, In one such anecdote, described in a New York Times re- Delhi University,says the court’s decision puts Mr.Yadav’s Uttarakhand and Haryana were all categorized “relatively de- port, Mr. Yadav was described as periodically taking a fire party in “bad political shape.” veloped,” in the report. The findings and timings of the reports engine to a local village to give children there a wash. “At the moment, there’s no one in the RJD who can match in the run-up to general elections next year could ruffle some In 1997, as corruption allegations against him gathered up to his mass appeal, leadership qualities and his ability feathers among Mr. Modi supporters who say the government steam, he left the party that he belonged to at the time and to cobble together alliances,” Mr. Dutta said. has been trying to discredit his achievements. A spokesman for created the Rashtriya Janata Dal. A rival politician told reporters on Monday that Mr. Ya- Mr. Modi’s party, the BJP, did not reply to requests for com- When he stepped down as chief minister that year, his dav’s conviction sends a very positive signal to the coun- ments. As India heads toward national elections, scheduled to wife, with whom he has nine children, served out the re- try,which has been beset by several corruption scandals in happen before the end of May, the debate about Mr. Modi’s eco- mainder of the term. recent years. nomic record will only get hotter. And as the country struggles In elections in 2000, the party was re-elected and Ms. Devi “It shows no one is above the law, no matter how power- with a weak currency, slowing growth and stubborn inflation served a second term as chief minister. ful you are,” said Sabir Ali, a spokesman for Bihar chief economic credentials are set to become one of the most impor- Mr. Yadav’s popularity even led toy stores to carry a doll minister Nitish Kumar. tant issues for voters.

Owned Printed and Published by M.M.Baig. Printed at lucky, 267, Pragati Nagar, Shahanshah Garden, Bhopal (MP) and published from H.No.101, A-SECTOR INDRAPURI BHEL, WARD NO.63 DIST BHOPAL-462021, M.P. Tele/FAX 0755-4292545,Mob.09425029901 [email protected] RNI No. MPENG\2012\46415 Editor: M.M. BAIG -Responsible for selection of News & Articles under PRB Act, Subject to Bhopal jurisdiction