The Great Indian 'Congress' Circus

So what do you think about charms of old form of entertainment – circus? In the absence of 375 TV and dozen FM channels, movies and circus formed core of entertainment sources in good old days. 

Some people still miss that era. And some people call a 125 year old political party – a circus! Rajiv Gandhi loyalist and out of job former minister known for his foot-in-mouth proclamations, Mani Shankar Aiyar produced another gem – Congress Party is a circus and everybody has a role to play. And the 24, Akbar Road office of Congress is a dharamshala! 

Only other senior leader competing Mr. Aiyar in pronouncing absurdity , would be the chanakya or the mentor of PM-in- waiting Rahul Gandhi, and quote-a-day Mr. Digvijay Singh.  General Secretary and MP, Satyvrat Chaturvedi, reprimanded by replying that if Congress Party is a circus, then Mr. Aiyar is the joker! Party spokesperson Manish Tewari went to the extent of saying that Mr. Aiyar has a reputation of being a loose canon and such comments were uncalled for.  

Truth is we are not used to hear so candid and accurate statements about the general degradation of our political affairs. This grand declaration, however, mirrors what is happening to the grand old party. It is an all time nadir. Access to 10, Janpath is what matters the most to succeed.  

Some people think that Mr. Manmohan Singh has been one the most ineffective and non-influential prime ministers. And not necessarily, only BJP and Mr. Adwani feel this way.  There is a growing sense of disappointment about UPA II. It is embroiled in so many scams and political blunders. 

To compound woes, the infamous Tihar-jail niwasi A. Raja now insists that PM and P Chidambaram ‘knew’ about whatever happened in the 2G scam.Other leader there in the jail, Mr. Kalmadi  is 'diagnosed' with 'dementia'! 

It would be a huge task to restore faith and feel-good factor about the party. Moreover, Congress should thank their stars that the Opposition is utterly in disarray!              

Bomb this political thoughtlessness!

Another day, another series of bomb blasts in Mumbai - "India's Financial Capital." Same modus operandi. And same bloody blame game. 

Still 'new and unsettled' Chief Minister, Prithviraj Chavan in desperation, almost defended lack of action and lack of intelligence. He talked about his inability to do anything substantial because Ministry of Home Affairs is with coalition partner – NCP! Ultimately CM is, as the name indicates, Chief Minister, head of government. He signs the last on the files.

One never gets ‘ideal conditions’ to administer and govern. One has to rise above predicaments and deliver instead of giving excuses.  

The political class, in general, indulged in dirty politics over what? 18 dead and 180 injured people and pathetic security condition for ‘aam aadmi.’ Most vulgar sideshow was when the entire set of important politicians including PM visited the ailing sufferers in the hospitals much to chagrin of the relatives, who were whisked away by the security personnel. 

What are you supposed to do is lead from the front, coordinate between security agencies. Expedite the search operations for the culprits. That is the least you can do when you are in power. What ‘future prime minister’ Rahul Gandhi chose instead is to make a grand statement – 99% of times bomb blasts have been averted, 1% would happen! 

How does he know? How did he conclude on the numbers? Certainly the timing was bad. It sounds almost as if ‘we are helpless.’   

Even CM was not allowed to visit injured people at one of the hospitals. What does this indicate? Obviously it points to the fact that general public is fed up and wants concrete action on the ground. And very soon. 

Meanwhile as general public, let's be more cautious and vigilant. All the time.