Daily News Tadka – 28.05.2016

PBs twisty take on the top five headlines of the day.

1. Cong picks Chidambaram, Sibal, Jairam for Rajya Sabha polls

It can be deemed as a good move because  P Chidambaram, Kapil Sibal and Jairam Ramesh one of the most educated persons in the party. Go for pro farmer policies but at the same time you need to be open with the old things that you had done like in 1990’s.
But then again, it seems like receiving a consolation prize for those who have no hopes of getting elected in near future. One can now expect more fireworks in the Rajya Sabha.

2. With Eye On Poll, Modi May Include New Faces From UP

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President Amit Shah on Friday confirmed that the much awaited Union Cabinet reshuffle will take place soon. Though he did not specify the date but party insiders claimed that it is likely to happen in the first week of June. There are speculations that Modi may axe some ministers because of their poor performances, which is a smart move considering the 3 years of governance left where he has to fulfill various expectations.

3. First Time In History, Polls Cancelled On 2 Tamil Nadu Assembly Seats

Moral victory for the opposition in TN. The whole state was witness to large scale vote buying and the EC was as officious as a policemen on highway patrol answering his control room rather than controlling a mob. It is a travesty of justice that while only polling in 2 seats has been postponed indefinitely , elections were held in other areas with equal violations leading one to question the legitimacy of the current government in TN.

4. Wondering whether Modi govt deserves Raghuram Rajan: P Chidambaram

Rajan appointed by Congress, at present is good at his work. But what the political game in Swamy’s objection is they want a person appointed by BJP. If they increase Rajan’s term all the credit will go to Congress. And that’s the reason PC is in support of Rajan.

5. Committed to bringing back Kashmiri Pandits to Valley: Mehbooba Mufti

For the betterment of all, Don’t be the prey of the political tokenism for Kashmiri Pundits. Just curb violence & militancy, maintain rule of law, restore peace and normalcy which will be beneficial to everyone regardless who is what.

Daily News Tadka – 25.04.2016

PBs twisty take on the top five headlines of the day.

1. Parliamentary panel favours Vijay Mallya’s expulsion from Rajya Sabha

Why this delay in throwing him out of parliament, defaulter is runaway from this country one month ago still no action from the Rajya Sabha? This is damaging the status of the Rajya Sabha MP status globally.

2. Emulate Sonia’s example to curb graft, Maneka Gandhi tells officials in UP

They say,blood thicker than water, it is true in the case of Maneka Gandhi. The fountain head of corruption for 10 long years is being praised by a Union minister. One small instance and the minister quoting, cannot condone the crores of rupees looted under very nose. How bizarre it is?

3. Indo-Pak FS to meet; to talk Pathankot terror strike

India rather should concentrate to do the public relation exercise on international arena on how Modi Govt. facilitated everything it could and wanted to resolve the problem and what it got in return. It should sell these points to those who are helping Pakistan. China of course off limit at the moment but there are other civilized countries who still may be confused!

4. Chidambaram Slams Centre over Ishrat, Says Fake Encounter Real Issue

Modi don’t need to create any kind of perception for Congress, they have done enough themselves. The problem BJP is facing is that most of the political parties are against them. In fact, they are creating a lobby against Modi. If they take any action, it will further disrupt Parliament sessions. Not to forget, there are enough media channels who are misguiding people at every level. At least, if media does it job properly, lot of things will change.

5. Fourth Phase of WB Polls to Decide Fate of Trinamool Ministers

Muslims + Christians + Bangladeshis + bridge collapse syndicate people + Anti-Hindu People = TMC Votes, BJP has tough one ahead but I wish them good luck.
The unemployment in Bengal has been successfully used by successive political dispensation to further their cause. Imagine a local-hood where every household has employed member , you will seldom find problem in polling booth or interference by so called clubs or youth groups or extortion , because nobody has time to indulge in these activities. More the unemployment , more will be political bosses expanding their cadre base.

Chidambaram accepts NaMo is a challenge for Congress

Chidambaram, one of the intelligent and sane men in the UPA cabinet recently admitted in an interview that Modi is a challenge for Congress in next Lok Sabha polls. He is one of the men who can be PM material (but family wont make him, his intelligence wil be a disadvantage, they want lame ducks) and coming from him is an honest admission of ground realities. NaMo is making a whirlwind tour of India, is gaining acceptance and is getting 6-8 times the crowd Congress PM aspirant Rahul is getting. Thanks Chidu, your party so far has been dismissive of Namo though day in and out they keep a close tab on him / his speech and activities. You showed your sportsman spirit. Even govts. abroad – US, UK, Germany etc. are acknowledging his presence now.

The next day, Home Minister and Leader of Congress in Lok Sabha, Sushil Kumar Shinde, dismissed Chidu’s statement and said that Namo is no match for Congress. He stressed that the party has been there for 125 years and is difficult to be dislodged. Basically singing the family jingle. Be mindful Shinde is in race for PM post if UPA comes back to power. Shindeji all your spokespersons day in day out 24×7 are talking only about Modi picking up loopholes in all his speeches and you say NaMo is not a challenge. Who are you fooling? Probably yourself.

This shows the massive differences within Congress on how to tackle the NaMo wave and they say there is infighting among BJP. Take him seriously or take him lightly NaMo has arrived and caught public imagination. The juggernaut is rolling and could create history. Only time will tell…. 

Chidambaram admits Modi has united BJP

After dilly dallying for months that Congress is least bothered who is the PM candidate of BJP and claiming that Congress doesn’t give any importance to NaMo, Chidambaram recently admitted in an interview that NaMo has united the rank and file of BJP and has gained some traction among the urban youth. BJP would thank him for this acknowledgement. Chidambaram is among the few intelligent, smart and sane men in the cabinet full of jokers. He nurses PM ambitions if Rahul for some reason doesn’t want to become PM. But his chances are lesser. His strength “intelligence / smartness” will be his weakness in the race I feel. Antony’s chances are bright.

NaMo has of course caught the imagination of youth and social media. The kind of crowds he is getting in rallies is a testimony. Opposition says that rented people are being brought to rallies. Fail to understand why Congress yuvraj cannot match the crowds. Are they a poorer party than BJP and can’t rent more people.

He also mentioned that NaMo has a checkered history (perhaps a reference to Gujarat riots, the only weapon Congress has against NaMo) and is no Vajpayee. He stressed that people would also consider his past while voting and it will be an exaggeration to say that NaMo will sweep every state.

Some people might argue that even earlier people with so called checkered history (Rajiv G – Bofors, Sikh riots; Chandrasekhar, VP Singh) have all become PMs. Even PM hopefuls Sonia and Rahul have checkered history (internet is full of such stories). People will decide who will be PM not you Chidu. Yeh jo public hai yeh sab jaanti hai. Don’t doubt the intelligence of Indian voter.

He further stated “My party will return to power.” Your party since when it became your party, it is Gandhi family’s party. You might get a bashing for this from yuvraj. Don’t be under any wrong impression.

NaMo and Chidambaram fight over economic growth figure

NaMo and Chidambaram recently fought over economic growth remark made by the former in one of his speeches. NaMo in a video conf speech to Indian community in US criticized the current govt. and held it responsible for India’ economic woes. He said that under Vajpayee’s regime GDP growth was 8.4% while this has been reduced to 4.8% during UPA’s rule.

This infuriated the Congress which termed it as “staging a fake encounter with facts”. FM Chidambaram countered by stating that average growth during NDA’ regime was 6%, while under UPA I was 8.4% and UPA II was 7.3%. BJP attacked FM and defended its PM aspirant stating it as “terrorism with facts”.

As I have repeated often “statistics is like a bikini which conceals more than what it reveals”. NaMo of course was referring to the last year growth rate under NDA (2003-04) and comparing it to last year growth rate under UPA (2012-13). Since he was giving a speech he forgot to mention the star (*) after 8.4% number and the following explanation in font of 7 (terms and conditions apply). While, FM is referring to the average growth. Some might argue average is history, current is the best indicator.

I feel NaMo should start taking his anointment seriously; he is now the PM candidate of BJP and has a lot of responsibility on his shoulders. He has to be very clear about facts / figures he presents as all will be seen with a microscopic eye. Earlier also he has bungled with some figures. Be crystal clear my friend, don’t create unnecessary confusion.

To my Congress friends I suggest to put their own house in order. They have been saying that they do not take NaMo seriously but still they tear apart his each and every speech. More you attack him more popular he becomes. Be mindful of this catch. As far as economy goes, despite higher growth in your regime, past few years have been pathetic and three fourths of CEOs of corporate India prefer NaMo as PM. High time to introspect.

Chidu now blames Pranabda for current economic mess

MMS and Chidu first blamed global external factors for India’s economic woes. Under pressure they both added that domestic factors were also responsible. Now Chidu finding more reasons blames it on former FM, now President Pranabda.

The domestic factors he says originated in part during 2009 to 2011, during Pranab’s tenure. Chidu you are such a senior member and you don’t know that cabinet is a collective responsibility. What were you doing when Pranabda brought to the
cabinet these issues for discussion? Did you object then? Pls tell the world. And cabinet is headed by PM, so he is responsible too? UPA Chairman is responsible too? Or have you started batting for becoming PM next time if Baba declines.

Opposition is enjoying. Pranabda seems to have been extremely hurt and has made his displeasure to high command. Lets not forget that Pranabda will be a key man for next Lok Sabha elections in case of hung house. Its better for Congress not to take panga with him. Rein in Chidu or else you will suffer.