Sri Lanka – Political Violence Escalating Crisis

October 28, 2018

Sri Lanka – Political Violence Escalating Crisis

Padmini Arhant

Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena actions beginning with removal of democratically elected Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and withdrawal of his security as well as privileges normally granted to any Prime Minister is acrimonious. Even worse is shutting down Parliament confirming gross misuse of authority and Presidential power.

President Sirisena and his appointee Mahinda Rajapaksa are subverting democracy and rejecting constitution to prove their resolve for personal agenda against national interest. The recent violence with one civilian casualty and several injured from President Sirisena orchestrated siege is reprehensible.

President Sirisena’s lack of respect for democratic values and procedure demonstrated in suspending Parliament without informing or consulting with Parliament Speaker, Karu Jayasuriya – a neutral entity presiding over Parliamentary functions is again a constitutional breach and utter disregard for electoral mandated Parliament assembly.

President Sirisena instructed mob surrounding the Petroleum Ministry premise and besiege of Petroleum Minister Arjuna Ranatunga, the cabinet member has prompted violence resulting in the preventable civilian death for which President Sirisena is responsible.

These latest developments from President Sirisena is a desperate strategy to install the controversial and most unpopular former President Mahinda Rajapaksa who do not have any political legitimacy to form a government.

In escalating rather than defusing tensions, President Maithripala Sirisena has jeopardized his own status disqualifying him to remain in his position as the authority to order any rule against elected members representing the Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe’s cabinet or political party.

As such the illegal and unconstitutional dismissal of active ruling party chief Ranil Wickremesinghe by President Sirisena proved systemic abuse of Presidential discretion plunging the nation into unnecessary political turmoil.

Parliament session must be allowed immediately enabling the legislative body for confidence vote to establish majority rule leadership to govern the nation without any more incidents of undemocratic and violent means to obstruct this fundamental democratic process. President Sirisena has crossed limits and proceeding towards illegitimate appointment of ex-President Mahinda Rajapaksa facing numerous criminal charges and human rights violations besides inflicting severe economic damages on the island nation is a coup against Sri Lankan population and democracy.

Under these circumstances and at all times, national unity across the spectrum denouncing such decisions from political entities at the helm viz. President Sirisena and his once political opponent turned preferred appointee Mahinda Rajapaksa is critical to safeguard democracy and constitutional law.

Sri Lankan citizens across the island have endured immense suffering from decades of civil war and series of crises related to political chaos such as the ongoing event and natural disasters restraining economic and social progress urgently required to stabilize the nation.

Neither President Sirisena nor his appointee Mahinda Rajapaksa appear to be concerned about consequences from the unprecedented and abrupt actions exacerbating political and economic conditions in their country.

Furthermore, the ex-President and military commander Mahinda Rajapaksa seeking blessings from Buddhist temple monks and priests in the hope of gaining positive outcome favoring the negative and untoward situation is futile as divine interventions irrefutably deliver peaceful resolutions extending support to non-violent, democratic and just cause not otherwise to suit ill-fated aspirations.

Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena has subject himself to trial in subjugating constitution and undermining democracy.  The current problem needs to be addressed in reversing course with resumption of Parliament and conducting affairs to determine legitimate leadership and governing body.

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe headed United National Party (UNP) and any coalition would be the ruling party considering majority representation in Parliament and any changes to this effect is to be brought in a democratic manner in Parliament or in the next free and fair election.

Sri Lankan citizenry, defense force, government institutions and judiciary solidarity to protect sanctity and integrity of democratic rule is crucial to avert President Maithripala Sirisena and his appointee Mahinda Rajapaksa created political upheaval.

Thank you.

Padmini Arhant

Author & Presenter PadminiArhant.com

Prakrithi.PadminiArhant.com

Written by Padmini Arhant · Filed Under Featured, Indian Sub-Continent, International Politics | Leave a Comment 

Sri Lanka – Political Crisis

October 26, 2018

Sri Lanka – Political Crisis

Padmini Arhant

The latest development in the island nation on the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka is unnecessary and could further exacerbate political and economic problems for the country.

The current President Maithripala Sirisena abrupt removal of democratically elected Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe over disagreements on economic reforms between the two entities is impulsive besides the action being unconstitutional and undemocratic that could have serious ramifications setting undesirable precedence through such reaction.

Furthermore, President Sirisena reinstating the former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, the most controversial political figure in the Indian Sub-Continent for his role in the civil war and gross human rights violations committed in the course of military assault on unarmed civilians i.e. Tamil citizens in Tamil Eelam and Jaffna leading to ethnic cleansing is reprehensible.

The former President Rajapaksa having lost the Presidency and parliamentary elections in 2015, the ex-President legacy marred with atrocities, war crimes, corruption not barring murder of political opponents were to be brought on trial by the present President Sirisena.

In fact, President Sirisena pledged to hold the former President Rajapaksa accountable in 2015. The hard line and iron fist ruler Rajapaksa who was also the military commander was directly involved in genocide of Tamil population during the 2009 operation. The recent turnaround of events with foes becoming friends viz. President Sirisena inviting his not long ago political opponent Rajapaksa subverts democratic system to suit individual political aspirations in Colombo.

Importantly, the constitutional amendment passed in 2015 removed the president’s power to fire or sack the prime minister. The decision to oust the incumbent Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe by the current President Maithripala Sirisena despite the elimination of Presidential power in this regard is clearly a constitutional breach that calls for resignation of the President Maithripala Sirisena.

The ousted Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe headed United National Party and allies being the majority remain the ruling party.  Accordingly, the expulsion of the sitting Prime Minister Wickremesinghe by President Sirisena is illegal not to mention the replacement of the post with the political member Mahinda Rajapaksa facing several criminal charges both in the domestic and international front details the state of affairs and mass abuse of power in the Presidential level.

Sri Lanka having experienced civil war lasting over decades resulting in tremendous loss of lives on all sides and subsequently deep economic struggles combined with financial woes creating sale of Hambantota national port to China are substantial and deserves immediate resolutions. Amid these severe economic challenges, the bitter confrontations within political system endanger democracy in Sri Lanka.

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe headed political party and allies elected to govern the nation are the legitimate power and the Presidential coup against the government is condemnable. As such the partisanship favoring the failed ex-President Mahinda Rajapaksa is unsustainable.

The former President Mahinda Rajapaksa should be brought to justice for destruction of Sri Lanka in every respect and not empowered with the prime minister post.

Sri Lankan en masse together with legislative body and Judiciary rising to the occasion to restore democracy and upholding constitution is paramount to rescue the nation from wanton political crisis.

Thank you.

Padmini Arhant

Author & Presenter PadminiArhant.com

Prakrithi.PadminiArhant.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Written by Padmini Arhant · Filed Under Featured, Indian Sub-Continent, International Politics | Leave a Comment 

India – Farmers and Workers Rally – Tribute to Major Workforce

October 7, 2018

Indian Farmers & Workers Plight (Hindi)

India – Farmers and Workers Rally

Padmini Arhant

This video is about Indian Farmers & Workers Plight. The farmers world over are confronted with powerful corporate and political complicity in depriving farmers due recognition and revenue for their tremendous contribution to humanity and life.

The outrageous response from governments at corporations behest for example Monsanto – manufacturer as well as distributor of GMO and chemical pesticide aimed at killing pests on the fields instead claiming farmers lives and livelihoods in many parts of the world. The lack of accountability in this regard are responsible for distress in agriculture economy. The multinational corporations wielding power over governments in agro-based economies are legitimate concerns considering the exploitation of farmers and excoriation of earth deriving mega profits at farmers and world population expense only to benefit the 1% reining control over any industry.

The agriculture in particular targeting farmers leave them with no choice except for tragic ending with many committing suicide and treated as mere statistics by governments such as in India.

Indian governments regardless of political parties in power have granted unfettered access with no checks and balances to Indian merchants and multinational corporations (MNC) like Monsanto and several others to prey on farmers under Foreign Direct Investments in India.

Indian farmers have been completely neglected by the governments in the state and national level. To make matters worse both BJP under Prime Minister Narendra Modi and previously Sonia Gandhi led Congress have systematically seized land from farmers to aid their political donors and campaign financiers – i.e. the industrialists in India and foreign companies eyeing on coal and minerals mining industry resulting in explosive and embarrassing political scandals that cost their re-election.

Indian farmers grievance was taken to streets following prolonged struggles with no positive actions or policies from governments alternating power in New Delhi and States nationwide. The latest reaction from PM Narendra Modi government barring farmers entry to the capital – New Delhi deploying brute force and aggressive tactics witnessed in New Delhi on Oct 2nd, 2018 is reprehensible.

Farmers worldwide are the providers of food as they toil in the fields weathering harsh conditions to feed the global population. The governments could no longer ignore farmers problems as that would lead to serious catastrophe for life in general.

Farmers and similarly the labor force enabling businesses and industries to exist and thrive deserve to be heard and their issues resolved peacefully for global sustenance.

Any government exercising brazen means to quell farmers and workers peaceful and non-violent dissent are declaring the system is not democratic. Those who rely on violence to resist reasonable demands from farmers and workers are creating huge barriers in dialogue and reconciliation that could ultimately eject them from power.

Indian political parties at the center and states are hurting themselves in violating farmers and workers constitutional rights to meet with government to alleviate chronic crises. The government has the legislative and constitutional duty per oath to serve all citizens including farmers and workers rather than entirely spending their term in office to enhance industrialists and celebrities interests in society. 

Padmini Arhant

Author & Presenter PadminiArhant.com

Prakrithi.PadminiArhant.com

भारत – किसान और मज़दूर रैली

पद्मिनी अर्हन्त

आज का विषय है – भारत के सबसे मुख्य जन गण – कृषि और मज़दूर – दोनों देश के भोज उठाने वाले जिससे देश वासी और उद्योग क्षेत्र जीवित हैं |

राजनीति के सभी दल अब तक अगर कृषि अर्थव्यवस्था यानि एग्रीकल्चर इकॉनमी (Agriculture Economy) को जब आप उद्योगपतियों के साथ किसानों की तुलना करते हैं तो वे किसानों के प्रति सौतेला व्यवहार करते आये हैं | जिससे कोई पक्ष असहमत नहीं हो सकते | भारत के ७१ वर्ष की नाम के वास्ते स्वंतत्रता में, राजनीति यानी कोई भी सरकार को लिया जाये, वे सभी किसान और मज़दूरों के साथ बुरा सुलूक करते आये हैं | उनकी समस्या हल करने के बदले उन्हें उपेक्षा किये जैसे देश के लिए वे उपयोग नहीं हो, जो वास्तव से विपरीत है |

किसानों की संकट दूर करने के बजाय, उनके दुःख बढ़ादिए| पहले किसानों से उनके खेती ज़मीन छीनकर उद्योगपतियों को सस्ते में सौंपदिये ताकि उद्योग पति उससे माला माल हो सके और उनमें से कुछ पैसे उद्योगपति चुनाव में राजनीति के उम्मीदवार पे खर्च करते हैं ताकि उन्हें बाद में उनकी काम आ जाये |

दूसरी बात किसानों के क़र्ज़ की व्यवस्था नहीं की गयी | इसके कारण देश के हर एक कोने से किसान अपने क़र्ज़ में डूबे हुऐ, आत्म हत्या कर बैठे हैं, जिसके जिम्मेदार राजनीति के केंद्रीय, राज्य सरकार और विपक्ष हैं | यही बात जब उद्योगपति की आती है, तब राजनीती उनकेलिये हाथ जोड़कर उनकी सेवा में लगे रहते हैं | यहां तक कि, कई उद्योगपति जिनका गहरा सम्बन्ध पूरे राजनीत्ति यानी सभी दल से है, उन्हें देश से फरार होने देते हैं, देश को करोड़ों में नुक्सान पहुंचाकर यह उद्योगपति विदेशों में ऐश कर रहे हैं |

तीसरी बात किसानों को फसल के लिए जो दाम देना चाहिये, वो नहीं मिलता | उस वजय से किसानों को अपनी और से क़र्ज़ उठाना पड़ता है खेती बाड़ी के लिए और खेती से जुड़े हुऐ काम और साधन को भी मिलाकर किसानों को पैसों की बंदोबस्त करना पड़ता है, हालां की ऐसी समस्यावों के लिए देश में ग्रामीन बैंक होना चाहिये या देश के जितने भी बैंक हैं, उन्हें कृषि कार्य के लिए कम ब्याज में किसानों कि मदत के लिए अलग प्रबंध होने से किसान की संकट कम होगी |

ऐसे कई मुद्दे को लेकर किसान बिलकुल अकेले होगये हैं, जब की सर्कार को कृषि उद्पादन को बढ़ाने में और किसानों की सहायता के लिए कई प्रकार के योजनाएं और कार्यक्रम की आवश्यकता है | लगता है किसान जिस स्वामीनाथन रिपोर्ट की बात कर रहे हैं, उस मैं किसानों की हित में निर्णय किया हुआ कई विषय है जिसे किसान चाहते हैं की वो सब लागू हो |

उसके पश्चात, किसानों की तत्कालीन मांगें जितने भी वो वर्तमान समय को ध्यान में रखते हुऐ सरकार के सामने लाये हैं जो यहाँ पर प्रस्तुत है, वो सब तुरंत सम्मान करनी चाहिए ताकि देश की अनाज और धान्यबीज वगैरा की उद्पादन बढ़ सके और किसानों को भी राहत मिले |

देश के सभी किसानों के कर्ज माफ़ हो | किसानों को बिजली मुफ्त दी जाए | कृषि यंत्रों को जीएसटी में छूट दी जाए | ६० वर्ष से अधिक उम्र के किसानों को पेंशन दी जाए | प्रधानमंत्री बीमा योजना में बदलाव किया जाए | किसानों को मनरेगा से जोड़ा जाए | स्वामीनाथन आयोग की रिपोर्ट लागू की जाए |

स्वामीनाथन आयोग की रिपोर्ट के अनुसार – फसल उत्पादन मूल्य से ५०% ज़्यादा दाम किसानों को मिले | अच्छी क्वालिटी के बीज कम दामों में मुहैया कराए जाएं | किसानों की मदद के लिए गावं ज्ञान केंद्र बनाया जाए | महिला किसानों के लिए किसान क्रेडिट कार्ड जारी किए जाएं | किसानों के लिए कृषि जोखिम फंड बनाया जाए, ताकि प्राकृतिक आपदाओं के आने पर किसानों को मदद मिले |

यह रही किसानों की और से निवेदन सर्कार की तरफ जिसके बदले उन पर पानी के गोले, आंसू गैस और लाठी बरसाए गए और वो भी महात्मा गाँधी के १५० साल गिरा पर, देश को याद दिलाने कि जिन्हें भारत बापू के नाम से जानते हैं और जो अहिंसा के प्रथम अन्वेषक (Pioneer) रहे, उनके जनम दिवस पर प्रधानमंत्री नरेंद्र मोदी के सर्कार किसानों पर आक्रमण किए जो सबसे बड़ी दुर्भाग्य है, देश के लिए ही नहीं बल्कि पूरे राजनति के लिए अपमानित है |

जो उद्योगपति पूरे देश कि तिजोरी साफ़ करके विदेश में मज़े से घूम रहे हैं, उन्हें भारत लाकर उन पर कार्रवाई करने कि राजनीती के पक्ष और विपक्षों को कोई उत्सुकता नहीं हैं | शांतिपूर्वक रैली किए किसानों पर हिंसा जताने में कोई कसर नहीं छोड़े | यही हाल है भारत के गणतंत्र और लोकतंत्र का जहाँ गरीब किसान, मज़दूर, समाज में दबे हुऐ आबादी को उनकी आवाज़ पहुँचाने केलिए सड़क पर उतरना पड़ता है | उसके बाद उनके साथ हिंसक ज़रिये उनहैं बिखेरा जाता है | यह कहकर कि वे क़ानून और नियम तोड़े जो हर शांति अहिंसा आंदोलन के बारे में कहा जाता है | जो भी हिंसा तत्त्व शामिल होते हैं ऐसे रैली में, उनके पीछे राजनीती का हाथ होता है और आरोप लगाते हैं अहिंसक भाग लेनेवालों के ऊपर ताकि आम जनता संचार के धारणा से परे रहें |

रहा सवाल मज़दूरों का, उनकी भी हालत किसानों जैसे है | उनके न्यूनतम मजदूरी (Minimum Wage) को महंगाई के हिसाब से बढ़ाना चाहिये ताकि यह समुदाय जो भारी संख्या में है वे अपना गुज़ारा कर सके | उसके अलावा मज़दूर और उनके परिवार को मुफ्त चिकित्सा यानी इलाज दिलाना सरकार का कर्त्तव्य है क्योंकि श्रमिक इकॉनमी के पहिये होते हैं जिनके बगैर कई कारोबार चल नहीं सकते | अर्थव्यवस्था के हर एक क्षेत्र में मज़दूर चक्र बनकर उस व्यापार को उठकर चलने पर सहयोग देते हैं | ऐसे होने के नाते मज़दूरों कि आम और मुख्य सुविधाएँ उन्हें प्राप्त होनी चाहिये | सरकार का फ़र्ज़ बनता है कि वे उद्योगपतियों पर भी यह लागू करें कि मज़दूर और उनके परिवार को मेडिकल और अस्पताल जैसे ज़रूरतें पूरी करें | मज़दूर के बच्चों को भी मुफ्त शिक्षा मिले ताकि वे इकॉनमी में उत्पादक कार्य बल बन सके |

मुझे यह भी ज्ञात है कि यह सुझाव को लेकर, राजनीति और समाज के कुछ सदस्य मुझ पर कम्युनिस्ट का नाम देंगे | समझने वाली बात यह है कि, जब राजनीति उद्योगपति और मनोरंजन क्षेत्र से जुड़े जितने भी व्यक्ति हैं जो अपने हिस्से का टैक्स नहीं भरते, काला धन बटोरकर विदेशों में बेनामी खाते में जमा किए हुऐ हैं जो सरकार को अच्छी तरह पता है | उसके बाद भी उनके प्रति कोई कदम नहीं उठाते हैं | इसलिए राजनीती में केवल तीन वर्ग अपने आप को क़ानून और नियम से ऊपर मानते हैं | वो है – राजनीति, उद्योगपति और सेलिब्रिटी यानि सिनेमा के अभिनेता, अभिनेत्री और खेल खिलाडी जैसे क्रिकेट वगैरा के मशहूर लोग जिन्हें कर चोरी से लेकर ग़बन (embezzlement)यहाँ तक खून भी माफ़ है देश में, जिससे लोकतंत्र एक मज़ाक बना हुआ है | जो देश कि नुक्सान करते हैं, बैंकों से करोड़ों रुपैया लेकर नौ दो ग्यारह हो जाते हैं, गैर कानूनी व्यापार उनका महत्व धन इकट्ठा करने का माध्यम होता है उन्हें खुली स्वतंत्र है कुछ भी करने कि और देश को बर्बाद करने कि मगर, आम नागरिक के मूल्य आवश्यकताएं उनकेलिये परेशानी बन जाती है |

इस रव्वैये को बदलना होगा | राजनीती समाज में भेद भाव करके साधारण लोगों के बीच दरार पैदा करते हैं जिससे वो चुनाव में फायदा उठा सकें | इनका निशाना चूत अछूत, दलित ब्राह्मण, हिन्दू मुस्लिम, आदमी औरत, अमीर गरीब करके देश कि आबादी को बटवारा करते हैं | यह नीति इन्होने फिरंगियों के आदेश निभाने के लिए निर्मित किए हैं |

आखरी में मैं यह कहना चाहती हूँ कि भारत के केंद्रीय और राज्य सरकार सभी सत्ता के मोह में अंग्रेज़ों को पीछे छोड़ दिए, जब उन्हें पीड़ित जनता को उत्तर देने की बारी आती है | मतलब लाठी, बन्दूक और बुरी तरह से घायल करने वाली स्नाइपर यानी निशानची का प्रयोग करके लोगों की मृत्यु के कारण भी बनते हैं | ऐसे करतूतों से वे स्वयं देश के दुश्मन बन जाते हैं | जब इस पर आलोचना किए जाने पर उनके कई परोक्षी (proxy), प्रतिपत्र और प्रतिनिधि द्वारा वार करते हैं प्रश्नों को टालने के लिए और सच को झुटलाने के लिए कई युद्ध-नीति (tactics) अपनाते हैं |

इस गंभीर परिस्थिति को सुलझाने के लिए सरकार और सभी पक्ष एवं विपक्ष को सुधरना बहुत ज़रूरी है | अगर उन्हें अपने मार्ग और हानिकारक विचार को छोड़ने की इच्छा नहीं और इसी प्रकार देश के प्रचंड बहुमत के साथ अन्याय करेंगे तो देशवासियों को नया राजनीतिक दल आयोजित करना होगा जो इस राजनीती के वातावरण पर
सकारात्मक परिवर्तन ला सके |

किसान जो निश्चित रूप से देश के अन्नदाता हैं और मज़दूर अर्थव्यवस्था के आधार हैं उनपर हो रहे हत्याचार को रोकना प्रत्येक नागरिक का कर्त्तव्य और धर्म है | जब भी किसी के साथ अनीति हो वो व्यवहार विष की तरह औरों पर फैलने में देर नहीं लगता | इसलिए भारत वासियों को सरकार के अप्राजातंत्रवादी (undemocratic) तरीकों को अहिंसक पूर्वक निंदा करनी चाहिये | अन्याय करने वाले से ज़्यादा अन्याय सहने वाले और उससे भी बढ़कर अन्याय होते हो उसे देखि अनदेखा करने वाले पाप और अपराध के सब बड़े भाग्यदार होते हैं |

मेरी आशा है की किसान, मज़दूर और देश के जितने भी लोग – मध्य और गरीब वर्ग जो देश के बिगड़ते हुऐ स्थिति से चिंतित हैं, उन्हें अपनी सारी कठिनता से समाधान मिले ताकि वे भारत की स्वतंत्र को पुनर्जीवित कर सके |

भारत के व्यथित आबादी को मेरी शुभ कामनाएं!

जय भारत!

धन्यवाद

पद्मिनी अर्हन्त
लेखिका एवं प्रस्तुतकर्ता पद्मिनीअर्हन्त.कॉम
प्रकृति.पद्मिनीअर्हन्त.कॉम

 

Written by Padmini Arhant · Filed Under Featured, Indian Sub-Continent, International Politics | 1 Comment 

India – Rafale Public Hearing

September 24, 2018

India – Rafale Public Hearing

Padmini Arhant

The strength of democracy lies in transparency and accountability. In the absence of checks and balances on crimes committed by those in authority especially the ones at the helm, the democratic system fails in the credibility factor leaving the population vulnerable to corruption and abuse of power. Prime Minister Narendra Modi declining to face the public on Rafale scandal in confirming whether or not he mentioned Anil Ambani’s Reliance Defense company during the signing moment on the Rafale deal as revealed by former French President Francois Hollande conclusively affirm allegations into conviction. 

BJP representatives and surrogates subversion of statement from French President Francois Hollande needs to be understood due to concerted effort to mislead Indian electorate. The ex-President of France, Francois Hollande’s initial statement categorically specifies Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s direct recommendation of Anil Ambani’s Reliance Defense company. The members present at contract signing were Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Anil Ambani of Reliance Defense company and French President Francois Hollande. 

The subsequent response from French President Francois Hollande to media question on his knowledge of Prime Minister Narendra Modi applying pressure on Dassault – the aviation manufacturer to choose Anil Ambani’s Reliance Defense company is reported as the former French President Francois Hollande indicating that Dassault should respond to that query. Again the French President did not retract from the earlier statement on PM Narendra Modi proposing Anil Ambani’s Reliance Defense company at the time of signing the agreement. 

The comment from French President Francois Hollande is deliberately distorted to defend Narendra Modi’s indefensible engagement. As for respect to Prime Minister post, those occupying the office of Prime Minister is responsible to safeguard the status with honesty, integrity and courage by testifying to the people rather than avoiding them that only validate Rafale gate and other affairs.

Last but not the least, it is not only incumbent on Prime Minister Narendra Modi to come out in the open and clarify on the precise issue – the reason behind scrapping the earlier defense deal that was finalized on 126 air crafts, substituting government owned company i.e. people’s funds invested organization in the public sector – Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) with financially bankrupt, ill-reputed Anil Ambani’s Reliance Defense Company ignoring India’s security, economic and future prospects.

The individual contributing to complexity of the supposedly government to government contract –  Anil Ambani of Reliance Defense Company should appear in televised public hearing under oath to explain the dynamics of his business ventures covering all fronts through investment in former French President Francois Hollande’s girl friend film production and on the Indian side having Prime Minister Narendra Modi at his service. Clearly, Mr. Anil Ambani’s planning and pre-meditated strategy to seize multibillion dollars business opportunity comes to light with the calculated move to win favors from both sides without the risk of rejection.

Hence, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Anil Ambani of Reliance Defense Company should be subject to same laws that are applicable to average citizens in society instead of granting them immunity. The defiance in this regard from both of them would unequivocally signify the prevalent corruption culture in politics and prominent members in economic sector.

Importantly, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Anil Ambani should refrain from undemocratic and unethical tactics i.e. threatening and harassment of members in society sharing valuable analysis and opinion on this highly scandalous endeavor.

Thank you.

Padmini Arhant

Author & Presenter PadminiArhant.c0m

Prakrithi.PadminiArhant.com

 

India – Rafale Controversy Update

Padmini Arhant

The latest controversy on BJP defense purchase – combat aircraft Rafael from France deserves full investigation considering the tax payers funds and inadequate fulfillment of Indian Air Force inventory requirement. Furthermore, the deal benefitting a particular company lacking in relevant expertise on manufacturing or components supply of critical defense procurement pose conflict of interest.

The incumbent administration headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi is yet to satisfy Indian citizenry given the public funds investment in the venture. Notwithstanding depriving other Indian companies the fair opportunity to compete effectively in the major defense deal.

The Prime Minister rebuttals as clarifications through cabinet members and party representatives to political opposition and media discussions on this issue is missing on core substance especially the cost benefits and overall gains in the face of extraordinary expenditure and inventory shortfall that merits transparent public disclosure and settlement of this matter.

The scandal directly involving Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his recommendation of Indian business owner Anil Ambani newly set up Reliance Defense company in the government contract between India and France is quid pro quo largely benefitting the financially embattled Anil Ambani’s company with no exposure to defense projects at India’s national security expense.

As such Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s  failure in many economic and social fronts has staggering impact on the vast majority of Indian population with many forced into suicide on demonetization debacle, land confiscation from farmers and indigenous groups to favor Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s campaign financiers – industrialists Adani, Ambani among many others in the economic sector.  The skyrocketing fuel prices with ripple effects on food supplies has caused enormous strife against Narendra Modi’s government with the middle class, lower income and the poor struggling to make ends meet barely surviving on meager income amid rising inflation. The rural and urban youth unemployment under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership has been disappointing prompting young members in society to leave India in search of job opportunity overseas like Singapore, Malaysia, Middle East and other destinations. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s hardline approach with severe crackdown on human rights activists, civil rights advocates, journalists, writers and environmentalists sentenced to prison without trial or substantiated charges and many held in house arrest endanger democracy together with gross violation of fundamental rights nationwide.

The Rafale gate highlights Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s rejection of public request and expectation to present  personal account to dispel legitimate concerns and doubts about treason besides undercutting many worthwhile companies and industries in the multibillion dollars government procurement. The aggressive reactions from Prime Minister Narendra Modi through spokespersons and surrogates upon raising questions on the monumental breach of trust adds credence to critics assessment of defense deal as a setback in terms of fewer jets that are still well below Air Force stock replenishment together with the price factor and above all granting Anil Ambani exclusive economic privilege to salvage Mr. Ambani’s enterprise from chronic debt situation.

Under these circumstances, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s silence and unwillingness to address the nation with appropriate facts and figures including his endorsement of Anil Ambani’s Reliance Defense company that was confirmed by the former French President Francois Hollande, the other signatory and party to the agreement leads to the conclusion on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s acknowledgment of misuse of authority and erroneous decision.

The nation reserves the right to reset anything that are not in country’s best interest. Accordingly, the French company Dassault withdrawal of offer or revoking the pact with Anil Ambani’s Reliance Defense company as it is related to stipulation in government contract is necessary along with price revision to increase further affordability in fulfilling actual number on defense equipment i.e. fighter jets to strengthen capability. 

Any reluctance to accept or dismissal of this proposal would verify incumbent authority’s misplaced priority and squandering of public money to enhance individual political and economic status. The independent non-partisan probe is the immediate step to prevent such events from becoming established practice regardless of political parties assuming power. 

With election season underway, the public attention on these developments is critical in proper understanding to revive democracy and ethical efficacy in governance. 

The segment on election choices on this topic will be presented separately.

Thank you.

Padmini Arhant

Author & Presenter PadminiArhant.com

Prakrithi.PadminiArhant.com

 

Written by Padmini Arhant · Filed Under Featured, Indian Sub-Continent, International Politics | Leave a Comment 

Pakistan – Terrorism and Violence

September 23, 2018

Pakistan – Terrorism and Violence

Padmini Arhant

It is time for Pakistan to realize that terror and violence only lead to failures with nothing to gain instead tremendous loss of trust and respect from those Pakistan expects cordial relations. India as neighbor is routinely subject to Pakistan fostered terrorism and violent episodes targeting either Indian security force on the Line of Control (LOC) and on the International border or civilians in Indian metropolis that are not even recognized as criminal activities by those behind these actions in Pakistan.

In less than a week since the murder and mutilation of Indian Border Security Force personnel Narendra Singh on the international border in the Indian State of Jammu & Kashmir, there has been abductions of four police officers among whom three Special Operatives police (SOP) have been ambushed and killed with their bodies desecrated like the earlier BSF member in the abhorrent crime that appears to be the desperate strategy for terrorists and sources instigating such incidents.

The bizarre reference to these terrorists as Jihadis i.e. freedom fighters among Pakistan’s pro terror factions reflects the commitment to sabotage peace efforts held hostage to terrorism and destabilization in the dismal hope of causing eternal chaos and turmoil besides maintaining adversarial status with India. 

Ironically, the newly appointed government overture for comprehensive direct talks while remaining oblivious to cross border terrorism and serial killings of Indian security forces confirms the lack of sincerity especially in the absence of condemnation on terrorism resulting in tragic deaths and subsequent violations to their body contributes to acrimony.

Pakistan’s fragile democracy subjugated in sponsoring violence and terror across the border is also mostly experienced at home as witnessed during Pakistan’s national election in Quetta polling station producing 31 casualties that should be a matter of concern for relevant authorities to rein terror consuming lives within Pakistan. The denial of terrorism despite terror attacks in different parts of Pakistan is yet another problem for Pakistan citizens. 

The refusal to recognize the issue that are constant and continues to test terror victims’ endurance in Pakistan and in the Indian State of Jammu and Kashmir pose a major credibility factor for Pakistan army and ISI backed government. The authorities defiance to Indian citizens’ legitimate requests to Pakistan to purge terror on their soil prior to any engagement in dialogue is a conflict of interest. 

For example, quoting United States administration post 9/11 – You are either with us or with the Terrorists was the US political ultimatum to allies and enemies alike defining the criteria on relations beginning with security that enables free flow of economic, social and cultural ties directly dependent on transparent crackdown and containment of terror and other obstructive agenda. 

Now, here is the poignant question to Pakistan’s army, ISI and the civilian government on their oversight. 

Is Pakistan a safe country for its own citizens? 

The response is commonly known worldwide. The citizens in Pakistan are conditioned to accept terrorism as part of their life with scores of incidents that has claimed members not only in general society but also in politics. The several terror attacks and the significant one being Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) massacre in Army Public School in Peshawar in December 2014 killing 132 students and 9 staff members with ISI protected Taliban producing militants photos involved in the grizzly attack daring Pakistan government to take any action against them for that reprehensible slaughter. Similarly when a suicide bomber tried to blow up the school with 2000 students on the premise, the brave high school student Aitzaz Hasan Bangash, a Shia Muslim from Hangu District in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa thwarted the terrible attempt with his own life. 

The intolerance to Shia in Pakistan, the plight of Baloch in Balochistan, the Pashtuns in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the Sindhis in Sindh province, the economically and politically deprived citizens in Pakistan Occupied Azad Kashmir not to mention the diverse ethnic minorities including women in rural and tribal areas are all extremely marginalized and disenfranchised to a large extent. Pakistan electorate receive bullets in return for ballots with the civilian government run by military and intelligence agency exerting hardline policy predominantly disposed to combat position over conciliatory approach yielding setbacks on Pakistan’s desperately required peace and economic development. 

These facts should enlighten not only the obstructionists to Pakistan’s evolution towards viable and sustainable democracy but also the misled and misguided radicalized youths deployed as Jihadis in the Indian State of Jammu & Kashmir ruining their own lives as well as the inhabitants in the region. They squander their future in becoming the firing squad for those who care less about these recruits for ill-conceived aspirations. The decision to represent fanaticism is irrational as they are nothing more than convenient resources used against humanity. They also bear the burden of sins in killing innocent people and destroying the prospects of a positive trend that guarantees progress and prosperity for all those written off as irrelevant in society.

Pakistan authorities prioritizing their duty and responsibility to deliver safety and security in eliminating terror, insurgency and militancy together with allowing a functional democracy via government of the people, by the people and for the people would exemplify transition from destructive to constructive course that would then appeal to anyone they seek normal dealings with moving forward.  Until then there is no point in citing others as scapegoat for self-created paradoxical situation. 

Thank you.

Padmini Arhant

Author & Presenter PadminiArhant.com

Prakrithi.PadminiArhant.com

 

Written by Padmini Arhant · Filed Under Featured, Indian Sub-Continent | Leave a Comment 

India and Pakistan – Bilateral Talks and Relations

September 21, 2018

Pakistan – Terrorism and Violence

Padmini Arhant

It is time for Pakistan to realize that terror and violence only lead to failures with nothing to gain instead tremendous loss of trust and respect from those Pakistan expects cordial relations. India as neighbor is routinely subject to Pakistan fostered terrorism and violent episodes targeting either Indian security force on the Line of Control and on the International border or civilians in Indian metropolis that are not even recognized as criminal activities by those behind these actions in Pakistan.

In less than a week since the murder and mutilation of Indian Border Security Force personnel Narendra Singh on the international border in the Indian State of Jammu & Kashmir, there has been abductions of four police officers among whom three Special Operatives police have been ambushed and killed with their bodies desecrated like the earlier BSF member in the abhorrent crime that appears to be the desperate strategy for terrorists and sources instigating such incidents.

The bizarre reference to these terrorists as Jihadis i.e. freedom fighters

 

 

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India and Pakistan – Bilateral Talks and Relations

Padmini Arhant

The latest developments between two nuclear states – India and Pakistan as usual comprise a twist and a treat from the latter posing the strange predicament on bilateral relations.

First and foremost, the killing of Indian Border Security Force Head Constable Narendra Singh on September 15, 2018 i.e. the past weekend with his body mutilated and dismembered prior to disposal on the border of Indian State Jammu & Kashmir is a heinous crime worthy of condemnation. The gruesome act against an Indian security personnel with no formal denunciation of the murder from either Pakistan’s army or ISI and the newly appointed government is deeply regrettable.

Secondly, neither the Indian ruling government nor opposition has called for murder investigation with Pakistan’s government though Pakistan not surprisingly has denied any involvement. Unfortunately, loss of lives among security force or innocent civilians bear no significance among political class who regard any potential or imaginary threat to own lives seriously and pursue anyone including political targets such as genuine human rights activists and civil rights advocates in society sentencing them to prison or hold them in house arrest on suo motu.

As such political administrations appointed judiciary are maneuvered exempting members in politics and influential persons from law.  Those in politics convicted on homicide with criminal record compete in elections in violation of People’s Representation Act and upon assuming political position are granted immunity. Accordingly, they are acquitted by the Supreme Court from crimes such as causing fellow citizen’s death in the state. In other words, ordinary lives never matter compared to those in politics and their close affiliates – both practically get away with murder and criminal offense demonstrating abuse of power.

Pakistan on the other hand playing dual role in the lack of sincere commitment to purge terror and cross border killings as well as attacks against Indian security force or within the sovereign territory of Indian state anywhere and simultaneous overture on pilgrimage access arouse legitimate doubts on duplicity. Pakistan army and ISI along with civilian government are yet to convince not only Indian mass but also those affected by terrorism from Pakistan based terror factions and Taliban in Afghanistan on their responsibility to expunge terror and militancy from their soil.

Unless there is concerted effort from Pakistan army and ISI together with the civilian government under their purview to disavow ties with terror networks and criminal elements having sought refuge finding Pakistan a safe terror haven, the shadow of suspicion and mistrust would linger hindering any positive steps towards constructive discourse.

The religious tourism initiated by Pakistan Army General Qamar Javed Bajwa in response to long standing 1947 Indian Protocol and subsequent reminders from Indian governments until now on Kartarpur Sahib corridor, the Sikh Guru Baba Guru Nanak and Sikh religion’s holy pilgrim center located in Pakistan side about three kilometers across the border from North Indian state of Punjab is a welcoming gesture barring any hidden agenda that obviously cross many watchful minds in the backdrop of purported insurgency and anti-Indian movements threatening unity and territorial integrity of India.

Religion is best delineated from politics and strategic disputes in appreciation of every citizen of any nationality, faith or secular identity to observe and practice religious freedom or otherwise as their fundamental right.

Pakistan’s desire to permit Sikh pilgrims from India and elsewhere for economic reasons linked to travel industry is evidently a necessity to meet with dire economy and foreign currency deficit. Nonetheless, the religious sentiments on this issue for the followers of Sikhism and others merit respect and recognition especially in the upcoming 550th Birth Anniversary of Sikh Guru – Baba Guru Nanak in November 2019. The government on either side as well as defense authorities implementing a safe and secure passage for pilgrims and travelers to Kartarpur Sahib corridor is imperative to guarantee success of the anticipated event.

As for Kashmir situation, Pakistan authorities directing focus in improving lives and addressing security and various economic as well as social problems in their domain would establish a stable democracy expected among Pakistan’s electorate. There are far too many crises within Pakistan that demands immediate and undivided attention prior to intervention in foreign affairs.

Pakistan’s anguish over Muslim plight in Kashmir appears selective considering Muslim population experience beginning with Pakistan and world over. The incessant war in the Middle East using terror networks against Syrian people, Iraq and Libya are enabled with Muslim so-called Jihadi recruits against other denominations in Muslim Ummah.

Similarly, the brutal air raids and decimation of north African Muslim nation Yemen beckons instant halt on violence through permanent ceasefire on all sides, Saudi Arabia in particular. The subjugation of Uighur Muslim minority has prevented the far-northwestern region of Xinjiang in China from global view. Then there are hundreds of ethnic Hui Muslims staging a sit-in protest in China’s western region of Ningxia against government plans to demolish a huge new mosque, amid restricting Islam to pull its practice in line with the Chinese mainstream.

In many Muslim nations, the authoritarian governance and crackdown with zero tolerance to public dissent cannot be ignored like in Saudi Arabia as well as United States and Britain backed Bahrain’s Al Khalifa regime. The non-existent Muslim women rights in Parliament representation is visibly forgotten in Iran’s Majlis and the same applicable in many Islamic countries on human rights violations. The Chechens of Chechen Republic of Greater Caucasus, as part of the Russian Federation have been engaged in war for independence and Moscow pursuit on terrorism in Chechnya is ongoing.

The unresolved Palestinian rights to Statehood with Israeli authorities defiant illegal settlement activities in the occupied Palestinian territory apparently not UN Chief priority irrespective of seven decades occupation. 

Rohingya Muslims ordeal in Myanmar is a persistent struggle.

Muslim suffering anywhere emanates from oil rich Islamic nations in collusion with imperial powers extensively engaged in arms deal, subscribing to military base to retain dynasty rule and hardline authoritarianism and terror sponsoring leave the citizens oppressed in these countries in most regions viz. Middle East, Africa and Asia not excluding Indian sub-continent represented in Pakistan and Bangladesh.

In light of global circumstances and post 9/11 due to Saudi terror operatives, the west associate Islam to terrorism and radicalism not without complicity from oil barons of Islamic Middle East.

Last but not the least, the deteriorating economic and social conditions in Pakistan Controlled or Occupied Azad Kashmir, the internal conflict in Balochistan, the disenchanted citizens in Sindh and the troubled tribal areas of south Waziristan, Swat Valley with Taliban infiltration under ISI protection are far more debilitating for Pakistan than Indian State of Jammu & Kashmir.

In the Indian State Jammu & Kashmir represented by Muslim majority in Srinagar and adjacent areas with remaining part of the state like Jammu and Ladakh are domicile to Hindu, Sikh, Buddhists and other ethnic groups that are equally significant in terms of their nativity, origin and contribution to the State economy. 

Kashmiris not excluding the political separatist viz. Hurriyat Conference recent shut down in Srinagar on the Central BJP government’s prompted motion in the Indian Supreme Court to eliminate Article 35 A, one of the clauses in Article 370 of the Indian Constitution Act that categorically connects Kashmir to Indian Union proved Kashmir political factions and seditionists will to remain part of the Indian Union Territory to benefit from unconditional benefits and privileges granted to J&K.

Kashmiris major dilemma is cross border terrorism and relentless assaults as recently witnessed in BSF personnel Narendra Singh killing forcing the political authorities’ decision on troop deployment along the border. Once terror activities desist with Pakistan army and ISI reining in on these violent outfits, the troop reduction or withdrawal in J&K could be an imminent proposal.

At the same time, the Indian Central government regardless of political party and coalition is required to scrap the colonial era Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) that was enacted and enforced in the disturbed areas, the powers have been grossly misused facilitating crimes in uniform against civilians not only in J&K but also in northeastern states of India.

The economic woes in Kashmir mostly lie on the State political authorities and the Central government policies in semblance with the rest of the states in the Indian Union. Hence, they are not isolated from the burgeoning economic and social ailments suffered by citizens nationwide. Needless to say, alleviating economic misery, social inequality and prejudice is the prime responsibility of the government and economic sector in the state and national level. The failures in this monumental task would be reflected in public rejection of them through ballots in the state and general election.

On the bilateral talks between two nuclear neighbors, Pakistan’s swift action in containing violence and terror exemplified in strategy would set the course for mutual understanding, trust and acknowledgment to participate in trade and other activities like cultural, religious and social exchange. The trust factor is indeed the impediment in building reliable relations and maintaining contact across the spectrum that could be overcome with Pakistan’s renewed pledge towards credible investment in peace that would in return be rewarded in progress and prosperity forl both Pakistan and India as well as the entire Indian Sub-Continent.

Peace to all!

Thank you.

Padmini Arhant

Author & Presenter PadminiArhant.com

Prakrithi.PadminiArhant.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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India – Vande Mataram

September 19, 2018

India – Vande Mataram

Padmini Arhant

Indian society is subjugated by three segments – Politics, Economy and Entertainment industry.

The overwhelming population in India are either in abject poverty or struggling to make ends meet while the politicians, industrialists and performers in the entertainment industry continue to exploit ordinary citizens though their survival and success is dependent on average citizens nationwide.

The power, wealth and fame is exclusive to members in these three sectors reining control over the destiny of the remaining people in India. The political figures, industrialists and celebrities in the entertainment industry are held above law and known for corruption, embezzlement, tax evasion, murder, treason and various criminal dealings enabling their status as the powerful, rich and famous in society. They are also hired by foreign gangsta to undermine Indian democracy imposing undemocratic and unsustainable policies as well as strategies on mainstream.

The press and media groveling with entertainment industry and politics again aping their foreign masters paradigm, ignore the ordinary citizens plight and focus on irrelevant and nonsensical details on film actors and their scandalous lifestyle as well as notoriety. The above video highlights the urgent need for Indian citizens i.e. the vast majority burdened with economic woes, social prejudice and freedom at stake to rise to the occasion and claim the democratic rights that are currently under siege.

Padmini Arhant

Author & Presenter PadminiArhant.com

Prakrithi.PadminiArhant.com

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Indian Politics Erosion Under Foreign Powers Influence

September 7, 2018

Indian Politics Erosion Under Foreign Powers Influence

Padmini Arhant

The day India is freed from foreign syndicate subjugation of democracy together with all political parties including press and media treason in their collusion with extraneous elements,

Then there is hope and relief for Indian electorate i.e. the average citizens as overwhelming majority in the country to expect normal life.

Unfortunately, the politics of all shades and designs as well as communication media are controlled and directed by foreign diktat strangling democracy with brute force and crony culture prevalent in the system.

The rogue conglomerate abroad operating the Indian media and political structure alternating term in office as Congress and BJP along with coalition regardless of parties is factual event and not a perception.

The newspaper editor like Arun Shourie, a former economist at the World Bank joining the ranks and legacies of colleagues such as P. Chidambaram, Pranab Mukherjee, Man Mohan Singh in Congress having served World Bank were duly appointed as Finance Ministers to return favor to them and they also diligently did to stay in power.

Similarly, the lawyer appointed as Finance Minister at World Bank’s behest despite losing Lok Sabha election in 2014, Arun Jaitley in BJP pushed forward the international bankers digitalization concept in the recent demonetization debacle to eliminate cash economy replaced with credit and debit card widespread use as the transactional medium in India.

Accordingly, Indian Express news editor Arun Shourie chiming foreign employers’ tone, a disposition much to self-embarrassment reminiscent of colonial era is least surprising. The foreign invaders then and now use internal agents akin to Arun Shourie to prolong status quo.

World Bank, the financial institution together with IMF are directly responsible for transforming developing nations and once prosperous economies into banana republic with toxic prescriptions speaks volume on effacing growth and development worldwide.

The flawed so-called economic remedies from World Bank and IMF proved disastrous due to vested interests favoring international financial cartel and affiliates in power. Yet they were imposed on nations to submit to devious strategy to benefit core members in the circle.

They were successfully implemented in nations recruiting members like Arun Shourie to convince the already acquiescing political cadre in India and elsewhere.

In the political front, the scandalous dynastic Congress depleting national treasury amassing wealth and land by Sonia Gandhi family members and leading Congress party members viz. P. Chidambaram, Kapil Sibal and the likes on one side,

The other being, the fundamentalist demagogues evolving into despots in BJP not excluding the fringe political factions nationwide are under international criminal clique’s direct dominance.

Both Congress and BJP upon assuming ruling position in Delhi are then invariably guided and prodded by their international masters to fill key cabinet posts like finance, foreign and defense ministries involving foreign dealings and transactions to largely favor multinational corporations as well as prominent Indian companies such as Ambani, Adani, Tata, and Birla…to name a few with investments in foreign ventures to further drain Indian economy.

The implicit foreign consortium coup against population of every nation on earth cannot be ignored and evident in economic woes confronting global mass represented in the middle class, lower income and the poorest in every society.

Indian electorate is at the crossroads to either continue or decline foreign conglomerate guided political and economic systems not excluding the press and communication outlets spreading propaganda and condescendence laden bizarre innuendoes against anyone challenging the foreign sources obsolete and dysfunctional policies in the effort to retain ascendancy and subordination.

There is also another impediment to alternatives considering the trend in buying the individuals heading any new political parties with incentives such as power, fame and fortune.

The ones who volleyed Indian citizens’ aspirations in the anti-corruption rally were typically lured with Magsaysay awards, Indian Padma Bhushan or Vibhushan titles and so on besides appointment of others in government positions like governor or lieutenant governor and higher civil service posts to prevent effective anti- corruption legislation.

These members also fall in line conforming to the theory and practice – If you can’t beat them then join them. They become one of them with business as usual.

Human weakness to material status is exploited by forces persistently engaged in undermining and marginalizing segments no longer limited to minorities and other demography. In fact, affecting vast numbers in mainstream as well.

Elections in general in most parts of the world are marred with irregularities, vote rigging and ballot disposal. The massive cash influx in campaign financing from various origins is a common factor almost everywhere and deploy diverse means defying electoral rules and regulations.

Indian election campaigns are anything but an exception in this regard. All political parties compete with one another in exceeding violations on election campaign. They adopt any and all tactics ranging from bribery to violent threats and vote manipulation to stamp their illegitimate victory.

The tradition is shared by all political parties and factions in varying proportions and already underway towards 2019 Indian national election.

The northern Indian state Rajasthan’s BJP Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje battling with corruption scandals in contradiction to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s narrative on BJP’s clean government and representation nationwide has committed to distributing 1 crore /million free smartphones to Rajasthan’s disenchanted and disillusioned electorate. The rural voters and urban unemployed youth in particular are vulnerable to these scams during election.

This is resumption in subverting the idea of free and fair election.

No wonder, the sane voices and capable competent members as intellectuals, activists with leadership qualities refusing to toe the line are held in house arrest or face incarceration and defamation from the unscrupulous enterprise in house and offshore running the gamut.

Padmini Arhant

Author & Presenter PadminiArhant.com

Prakrithi.PadminiArhant.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Indian Politics and Society – Could this be a Democracy?

September 6, 2018

Indian Politics and Society – Could this be a Democracy?

Padmini Arhant

Indian political class is representative of only three segments – the corrupt political establishment which is the incumbent and opposition alike, the industrialists and celebrities amassing illegitimate power, wealth and fame.

The so-called world’s largest democracy is hostage to corrupt, criminal and crony celebrity worship where political parties desperately depend on celebrities from entertainment industry during election campaign to mislead voters with big and small screen fictional heroes and fake heroines to sell fairy tales. They are also the preferred candidates for members in both the lower and upper house of the Indian parliament. Both BJP and Congress governments never fail to confer civil awards to Bollywood actors and actresses regardless of many among them being undeserving and unworthy of such honor. This is nothing more than bribery to retain relations between politics and entertainment industry.

There is a pact to have each other’s back and accordingly they exchange favors to benefit one another. The Bollywood actor and actress engaged in hit and run manslaughter from drunken driving and excess speed respectively resulting in loss of lives of innocent mainstream citizens are exempt from law that is otherwise applicable to average citizen in society. Prime Minister Modi government had gone out of their way and intercepted the criminal charge brought on the actor and actress with the latter being BJP’s lower house MP and the former recruited for 2019 election campaign.

Furthermore, in February 2018 a Bollywood actress passed away from alcoholism, the BJP government in the State of Maharashtra with Central authorities’ approval bid farewell to her with a state honor and national flag wrapped around the coffin falsely suggesting martyrdom. Notwithstanding denigration of the national flag and importantly those genuine martyrs, the true patriots responsible for the flag and national independence.

Ironically, the current BJP government headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi fictitious claims on random citizens quoting disrespect to national flag subsequent to the above-mentioned fanfare to Bollywood actress despite the circumstances of her demise and the misuse of national flag is hardly a matter of insolence to the flag or freedom fighters per government definition of patriotism and behavior pattern.

In comparison, the seventeen-year-old high school girl student in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu falls victim to targeted sniper attack in the peaceful protest for environment protection, her family is denied possession of slain body to perform last rites making them plead for nearly two days since fatal shooting.

Likewise, the ordinary female citizen in Delhi is a gang rape victim and Congress President Sonia Gandhi intervenes between the doctor and patient forcing the critically ill patient transportation overseas against physician advise causing patient’s death. To add insult to injury to her traumatized parents and other family members, the state together with political opposition at foreign authorities’ behest withheld her name again in violation of both the patient and her parents’ will.

Contrarily, the politics fueled social issues based on caste and religion aimed at marginalized demography and violence experienced by citizens in different states from deployment of troops or public funded law enforcement routinely produce casualties sparking reaction amongst members in civil society.

Those who dare to raise voices and express concern over these flagrant incidents are framed anti-nationals with arrest warrants issued witnessed in Prime Minister Narendra Modi government’s latest action. Indian governments in power at any time displaying zero tolerance to constructive criticism and fair analysis is a serious blow to the idea of democracy. The heads of state at the national and regional level assume position of authority to the extreme undermining civil rights to question abuse of power in the absence of transparency and accountability.

Yet another political maneuver is using caste, minorities and disenfranchised segments as vote banks for political mileage. Both BJP and Congress along with their coalitions in different states continue to exploit these groups for political advantage ignoring the social and economic repercussions lasting generations among these population. The caste classifications as scheduled caste and scheduled tribe not excluding Dalits are maintained under the pretext of reservations or quota and preference only to polarize society. In return, drawing attention to such manipulation is rebutted as seditious accusing the fact presenter.

The trend has been exhausted and reached saturation with clashes erupting from other castes for not having equal opportunity to compete on meritocracy though the policy is deceptively dubbed inclusive. In fact, the contrast is evident with the Home Minister Raj Nath Singh in his latest press conference confirming caste census for citizens to specify their caste made mandatory and expected to be implemented by PM Modi government rather than moving towards abolishing caste system and placing all citizens and territories for due economic development increasing prospects for financial and social progress.

Indian electorate rejecting celebrity-oriented election rallies and candidacies together with objection to massive campaign funding from all sources without limits enabling political parties to buy votes from economically vulnerable voters are preliminary steps towards freeing the society from affluent dominance. Additionally, demanding political parties to adhere to democratic process holding primary election allowing people to choose Prime Minister candidates instead of imposing incumbent and opponent from either party as the only choice leaving the electorate at the national parties mercy is fundamental to free and fair election.

In terms of privileges and immunity on crimes, the celebrities, politicians and industrialists are entitled to tax evasions, embezzlement and various nefarious unscrupulous dealings not barring illegal arms trade, drug trafficking including elimination of anyone regarded an obstacle through contractual killings are not uncommon.

The politics owned media, press and communication outlets are inundated with propaganda to muzzle objective evaluation of the government policies and programs having negative impact on overwhelming majority in the country.  The freedom of speech is curtailed to a large extent with hardline approach exercised by all political parties to remain in power. The broadband access is also stifled to contain free flow of information even during state or national crisis related to government crackdown on citizens seeking solutions to problems arising from dereliction of public servants duty.

In the course of corruption scandals or major investigations involving government entities and their relatives in sensitive issues like drug and flesh trade as well as other matter, the investigating officials with incriminating evidence leading towards indictment are invariably transferred at the nick of time and alternatively they are compelled to quit job ending the probe there and then to shield members in politics, entertainment and other industry.

The political situation is toxic and deteriorating with Prime Minister Modi and administration exerting extra judicial power considering the blanket order on dissent and activism on human rights violations coded anti-nationalism. The other being embankment defending prevalent silent emergency rule to mute credible and legitimate opposition. The predecessor Congress were no different in their effort to quell opinion and smudge data on mountainous scandals that ousted them from power.

Not surprisingly, the independent organization Transparency International in Europe has categorized India nearly close to Somalia in corruption among the worst corrupt nations in the world.

These actions without a shadow of doubt endanger democracy and set precedence for mass subjugation. The tradition misinterpreting people’s mandate for governance to address relevant and significant issues confronting them and national interests diverted to empowerment of selective class in society would definitively lead to undesirable outcome.

Change must begin at the top to trickle down to bottom. Indian electorate have the right and power to enforce the long overdue evolution through ballot, the non-violent and peaceful means to bring about positive effect.

Padmini Arhant

Author & Presenter PadminiArhant.com

Prakrithi.PadminiArhant.com

 

 

 

 

 

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India – The New World Order Experiment

September 4, 2018

Hypocrisy Ad Nauseam – Author & Presenter Padmini Arhant

 

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India – The New World Order Experiment

Padmini Arhant

The current situation in India is troubling reminiscent of time when emergency rule was introduced under former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

MISA  – Maintenance of Internal Security Act in 1971.

Such law prohibits citizens constitutional rights and movement as well.

MISA – Indian law enforcement agencies super powers – indefinite preventive detention of individuals, search and seizure of property without warrants were key features of this particular act.

MISA was imposed to silence opposition and any form of criticism against government. The Central authorities on taxpayers’ payroll use public funded police force to harass and intimidate citizens under the pretext of national security and alleged threat to high profile political entities in the government when often the reverse is experienced by ordinary citizens nationwide.

There is no doubt these measures by government strangle democracy to curb dissent. The confirmation to this effect was identified in BJP’s Rajya Sabha MP Subramaniam Swamy heralding the BJP move through his representation in the Supreme Court on the purported Hate Speech. Again, this is extrapolated to mute credible and legitimate opposition denying citizens the freedom of expression.

Interestingly, the government representatives in discussion panels hosted by Indian media attack isolated members whom they regard as threat to their power. The insinuations are slated as Free Speech on their part juxtaposed any response to their comments labeled as hate speech.

These are precisely the format laid on the New World Order (NWO) template. India is being tested with political authorities’ eagerness and agreement to implement the globally dreaded controversial NWO agenda. The new world order prescribes the use of police force with harsh techniques to disperse crowd and severe action against human rights activists projecting them in bad light framing them as anti-nationals and terrorists though the dark forces behind NWO scheme are terror sponsors besides embarked on destabilizing nations world over.

The Congress under Sonia Gandhi employed similar strategy especially members like P. Chidambaram, the former finance and Home Minister together with Kapil Sibal, both Harvard Alumni in business and law respectively, are exponents in abuse of power shielding and defending Congress party’s scandalous tenure while cracking down on ordinary citizens with brute force during anti-corruption rally in 2011 resulting in the death of a woman participant Rajbala with no inquiry or investigation on the crime.

P. Chidambaram facing numerous corruption charges along with his son Karti Chidambaram has successfully evaded law and zealously pursued human rights activists labeling them as left-wing revolutionaries despite being personally weighted down on political baggage from corruption and misuse of authority.

The political parties at national and regional states enthusiastically and obediently follow foreign diktat reflected in the maintenance of two laws enacted in the colonial era to subjugate population.

They are zero tolerance to fair and rational thoughts on government policies and rules affecting citizens across the spectrum – the marginalized and disenfranchised demography in particular.

The concerns over the plight and injustice endured by residents deemed outcasts and minorities in these regions are condemned as sedition efforts though political parties at the Central and State governments have systematically split India into various statelets arriving at 29 States from 22 earlier on, other than 7 Union territories in the current Indian territorial configuration. Such maneuver by political parties unequivocally attributed to gerrymandering to favor them in election.

The other colonial remnant retained among political parties viz. Congress and BJP alike is Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) that provides immunity against prosecution on crimes committed in uniform in territories with troops deployment at Central government’s authorization.

The negative connotations on AFSPA are predominantly related to alarming rise in civilian casualties in the deployed territories with the Central government previously Congress and now BJP choosing to remain oblivious to ground reality. Conversely, the fatalities suffered by army and police force not excluding recent abductions of law enforcement personnel’s relatives in Kashmir are deeply regrettable and once again lead to relevant political authorities’ complacency to the problems.

The contentious act had drawn Supreme Court attention with the petition on allegations of 1582 cases including a minor, the 12-year-old boy in the north eastern state of Manipur alone citing extra judicial killings from 2000 -2012.

The victims in other states in the north east and Jammu & Kashmir with troop commissioned under Disturbed Areas Act continue to plea on the veracity of prolonged army presence in these regions with no sincere commitment from political powers in the state and Central government to resolve the longstanding issues contributing to status quo. Not to mention the unresolved disputes for decades fomenting frustration evolving into militancy and rebel factions converting the otherwise solvable situation into an armed conflict due to lack of political will and economic opportunity.

Meanwhile, the locals caught in the crossfire between militants referred to as Maoists / Naxalites and Indian army, seek human rights activists’ assistance to access facilities and services that are critically affected depriving them of basic existence. There are many humanitarians who engage in providing help to civilians in these troubled spots or remote and rural areas that are neglected by political cadre.

Now in the wake of Prime Minister Narendra Modi government’s newly invented accusations against human rights activists, the aid to civilians is deceptively phrased as logistics and intellectual support to rebels contrary to actual state of affairs.  Among those accused, the United States native Sudha Bharadwaj, Professor of Law, civil rights activist and advocate for Adivasis (the indigenous tribe) in India against land acquisition held in House Arrest pending hearing in the Indian Supreme Court on September 6 is branded anti-national and accused of alleged links with the government banned organization coining the phrase Urban Naxalite.

Instead of reviewing the conditions and deriving solutions in these parts of the nation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government targeting human rights activists in good standing and high reputation in civil society for political reasons is a travesty.

The earlier incidents last year targeted intellectuals, academics, poets and writers viewed as government critics with at least four individuals gunned down much to national dismay. These actions categorically threaten democracy with state intolerance and prejudice and are in accordance with NWO prescribing civil rights suppression exerting extra judicial power at the executive branch.

There is no doubt the political witch hunt prompting incarceration and potential imprisonment of respectable members in civil society made scapegoat in the self-inflicting damage to political authority and those behind the devious strategy.

The question arises on the vitriolic innuendoes referring to treason, sedition and subversion that are aptly epitomized by political parties in India alternating terms in office.  The political parties’ subservience to foreign elements as the colonial imperial power demonstrated in their acquiescence to neoliberal globalization and subversion of democracy to appease global masters whom they serve for individual political aspirations and vested interests.

The proof of the pudding is indeed in the eating were clearly proved in two instances – once in December 2012 by Sonia Gandhi in the lethal intervention of the rape victim’s medical treatment tantamount to state murder of an Indian citizen and declining to reveal her given name from birth. BJP on the same trail withholding her name with political members and Bollywood charlatans rhyming the state imposed pseudo name for the victim in media appearance was classic narcissism.

The other being Prime Minister Narendra Modi government in Delhi and State of Maharashtra sacrilege of the national flag and significantly the bona fide patriots and martyrs of Indian independence that is now in shackles displayed in Bollywood actress demise from alcoholism in February 2018.  The self-caricature and desperate tactic only established corrupt mindset in Indian politics.

Last but not the least, the insinuation on my house arrest is an ill-conceived fantasy for political class and sycophants as I am a free spirit and ever remain so believing and committed towards individual and collective freedom of all species on earth.

Whereas Prime Minister Narendra Modi implicated on communal violence in Godhra, Gujarat and accordingly rejection of travel visa to United States is something to introspect when aiming at others on unsubstantiated charges.

The human rights activists facing complaints share the fundamental rights like those in politics and they are innocent until proven guilty barring manipulation and manufacturing of false evidence.

Perhaps draining the political swamp considering the overwhelming majority in politics on either side of political aisle have associations and connections to fugitives like Lalit Modi, Nirav Modi, Vijay Mallya to name a few and in the domestic front Ambani, Adani, Reddy Brothers and the likes bankrupting Indian economy would provide credence to the prospects of New India.

Padmini Arhant

Author & Presenter PadminiArhant.com

Prakrithi.PadminiArhant.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

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