Government spent huge amounts of money to give BSNL and Hutch mobile connections down to the level of Station Officers in each of the Police Stations of Lucknow. Consequent to this expenditure, the Government decided to do away with basic landline telephones in various Police Stations. Unfortunately, instead of becoming more accessible to public, the police officers still continue to remain as elusive as their phones are kept off most of the times and the helpless public is left with no option but to pass their grievances to the higher authorities. HTE has learnt that most of these officers have 'private numbers' on which they continue to talk freely while the official mobile is kept close. In fact, some daring officers even show the audacity to remove the official SIM and put their personal SIM, instead.
The case is different if you go higher up. While the senior officers are not resorting to keeping the phone off, their phone is picked up by a junior officer who decides whether to pass on the phone to 'saab' or not. Wonder whether giving mobiles has made any difference, if the 'saab' is not going to pick it up himself!
Showing posts with label Oct 28. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Oct 28. Show all posts
Sunday, December 3, 2006
Saturday, December 2, 2006
Travails of Sonia-Rahul’s Constituency
When Sonia and Rahul Gandhi visit their respective constituencies, they usually do so with lot of fanfare and media-hype. Several welfare schemes are launched and the duo organizes public durbars to listen to the woes of the public. However, once the dust settles down after their departure, there is not much to talk about until they plan a visit yet again.
This time though Hi Time Express followed Sonia’s trail and while she might be basking under the media hype of her visit back home in Delhi, we talked to people in her constituency to know what people think of Sonia and her illustrious family.
There is no doubt that Sonia is extremely popular in her constituency. The same can be said of Rahul and Priyanka though the later has the unique capacity charisma and capacity to draw the crowds. Several people that Hi Time Express talked to spoke in high regard for the Gandhi family. Sample these words of one Masshan Miyan from Nasirabad, who proudly boasts of several decades of selfless loyalty to this family, “This family is unique for its love for the people and the country. The amount of sacrifices they have given is an enough indicator of their patriotism and love for the country. Nobody else has given that much. Their undaunted desire for the upliftment of the people of India too cannot be questioned. Sonia may not be an Indian by birth, but she has proved that she is more dedicated to this country and its people than a lot many other Indians. Rahul too works very hard to understand the problems of the people. And Priyanka has the charisma of her grandmother. But despite all this, popularity does not transfer into votes for the Congress, which is evident from the fact that in assembly elections, not many Congress candidates win from the area,” adds Masshan Miyan.
Masshan Miyan is not the only person who says so. Others, in fact, are more vocal and though they do not wish to speak on record, the crux of their viewpoint is that the various developmental schemes launched by Sonia do not reach the common man. Says a young party worker: “When Sonia comes in the area, we go to her with petitions. Naturally, she cannot keep count of the progress of each case. She forwards the petitions to her staff. Thereafter, she never gets to know what happens as her staff is never serious about doing the work. Neither can we tell her that this particular person demands so much commission on schemes and welfare programs sent from Delhi.”
A companion of this young Congress worker said: “Those deputed to take care of the constituency should be thankful to Sonia for giving them such an enormous task. Instead, they go about behaving like spoilt bureaucrats.”
Others too agreed that this was the reason why votes were not transferring for the party, in an area that sends Sonia to Parliament by a record margin. It is because of immense respect for the family and her clean image or else confidantes had done and are doing all they could to ruin her image, laments an old man.
A gram pradhan from neighbouring Sultanpur district who regularly interacts with people from Sonia-Rahul’s constituencies, added that the two leaders need to do something fast. “I do not know whether they know of all the mess their own people have created behind them,” said he. All the welfare schemes, including those for Minorities and Dalits are being governed by these people who are not serious at all towards their implementation,” said he, accusing one of Sonia’s chief worker of Brahmanwad.
“When Sonia ji is here she asks her whether all is well. But with these people around, it is not possible for us to tell her what they are up to,” adds this man.
Masshan Miyan however is too devoted and loyal to ‘Madam’ to notice these points related to mismanagement. He is all praise for Manoj Muthoo, who handles Rahul’s affair, calling him a good person ‘who talks to the workers’. Though he agrees that he couldn’t interact much with Kishori Lal Sharma, the man who overseas Sonia’s work, he, like a loyal worker, speaks no ill word. But there may not be too many people like Masshan Miyan in the constituency. If they are, their count is fast diminishing! When these disgruntled elements speak, they speak from the heart; and the word spreads. If only it could reach the corridors of power!
This time though Hi Time Express followed Sonia’s trail and while she might be basking under the media hype of her visit back home in Delhi, we talked to people in her constituency to know what people think of Sonia and her illustrious family.
There is no doubt that Sonia is extremely popular in her constituency. The same can be said of Rahul and Priyanka though the later has the unique capacity charisma and capacity to draw the crowds. Several people that Hi Time Express talked to spoke in high regard for the Gandhi family. Sample these words of one Masshan Miyan from Nasirabad, who proudly boasts of several decades of selfless loyalty to this family, “This family is unique for its love for the people and the country. The amount of sacrifices they have given is an enough indicator of their patriotism and love for the country. Nobody else has given that much. Their undaunted desire for the upliftment of the people of India too cannot be questioned. Sonia may not be an Indian by birth, but she has proved that she is more dedicated to this country and its people than a lot many other Indians. Rahul too works very hard to understand the problems of the people. And Priyanka has the charisma of her grandmother. But despite all this, popularity does not transfer into votes for the Congress, which is evident from the fact that in assembly elections, not many Congress candidates win from the area,” adds Masshan Miyan.
Masshan Miyan is not the only person who says so. Others, in fact, are more vocal and though they do not wish to speak on record, the crux of their viewpoint is that the various developmental schemes launched by Sonia do not reach the common man. Says a young party worker: “When Sonia comes in the area, we go to her with petitions. Naturally, she cannot keep count of the progress of each case. She forwards the petitions to her staff. Thereafter, she never gets to know what happens as her staff is never serious about doing the work. Neither can we tell her that this particular person demands so much commission on schemes and welfare programs sent from Delhi.”
A companion of this young Congress worker said: “Those deputed to take care of the constituency should be thankful to Sonia for giving them such an enormous task. Instead, they go about behaving like spoilt bureaucrats.”
Others too agreed that this was the reason why votes were not transferring for the party, in an area that sends Sonia to Parliament by a record margin. It is because of immense respect for the family and her clean image or else confidantes had done and are doing all they could to ruin her image, laments an old man.
A gram pradhan from neighbouring Sultanpur district who regularly interacts with people from Sonia-Rahul’s constituencies, added that the two leaders need to do something fast. “I do not know whether they know of all the mess their own people have created behind them,” said he. All the welfare schemes, including those for Minorities and Dalits are being governed by these people who are not serious at all towards their implementation,” said he, accusing one of Sonia’s chief worker of Brahmanwad.
“When Sonia ji is here she asks her whether all is well. But with these people around, it is not possible for us to tell her what they are up to,” adds this man.
Masshan Miyan however is too devoted and loyal to ‘Madam’ to notice these points related to mismanagement. He is all praise for Manoj Muthoo, who handles Rahul’s affair, calling him a good person ‘who talks to the workers’. Though he agrees that he couldn’t interact much with Kishori Lal Sharma, the man who overseas Sonia’s work, he, like a loyal worker, speaks no ill word. But there may not be too many people like Masshan Miyan in the constituency. If they are, their count is fast diminishing! When these disgruntled elements speak, they speak from the heart; and the word spreads. If only it could reach the corridors of power!
Hi Time Gossip 'Mulayam Alone in Office'
During his previous term as Chief Minister, Mulayam’s office was always swarming with people and party workers. People from far and near would come to pay obeisance. Mulayam too gave them a patient hearing. Things seem to have changed now. If insiders are to be believed, Mulayam is seeing less of political workers these days and his office has lost much of the buzz that it used to have. However, Mulayam is spending more time with his mobile. Perhaps this is the new found way to remain in touch with party workers and general public. Or is this Mulayam’s way to remember his one-time confidante and ex-Communication Minister, Beni Prasad Verma, for ushering in the mobile revolution.
'If they bring Rahul, we will bring Amitabh'
Competition is naturally at its peak now! Candidates as well as party workers are on verge of breaking down, moving about with bodies that squeak and pain and a throat that does not work at times. To boost the sagging (physical) spirits of these tiring 'forces', party bosses have resorted to the old trick - of bringing celebrities to infuse spirit and catch on votes.
So not only are Salman Khursheed and Sibtey Razi traveling from city to city, the high profile Bollywood celebrities are hitting the roads. Several of these are likely to be added to this list on the last two days of canvassing.
Those who are scheduled to visit as 'star pracharaks' include Jaya Prada for SP and Yukta Mookhey for Congress. These two ladies are likely to come on the last day, so that the 'feel-good' factor of their arrival converges in votes. Shahbaz Khan is already campaigning for Congress and Shadab Fatima for SP. Saleem Shervani too is supposed to come to cash in on 'Muslim' factor.
It seems Congress and SP are trying to match each other eye-for-an-eye. This was also reflected in the statement of a senior SP leader from Kanpur; when Hi Time Express told him of the rumour that Rahul Gandhi is likely to visit Kanpur soon, he retorted: 'If they bring Rahul, we will bring Amitabh'.
So not only are Salman Khursheed and Sibtey Razi traveling from city to city, the high profile Bollywood celebrities are hitting the roads. Several of these are likely to be added to this list on the last two days of canvassing.
Those who are scheduled to visit as 'star pracharaks' include Jaya Prada for SP and Yukta Mookhey for Congress. These two ladies are likely to come on the last day, so that the 'feel-good' factor of their arrival converges in votes. Shahbaz Khan is already campaigning for Congress and Shadab Fatima for SP. Saleem Shervani too is supposed to come to cash in on 'Muslim' factor.
It seems Congress and SP are trying to match each other eye-for-an-eye. This was also reflected in the statement of a senior SP leader from Kanpur; when Hi Time Express told him of the rumour that Rahul Gandhi is likely to visit Kanpur soon, he retorted: 'If they bring Rahul, we will bring Amitabh'.
Dr. Dang’s take on morality in politics, SP, BSP and BJP
From being President of BHU, Dr. Sarjit Singh Dang has come a long way. He has remained MLA from Mirzapur in 1989, 1991, 1993 and 1996 and has only lost the last 2002 election. He has also remained a Cabinet Minister in UP Government and is presently the spokesman of the Party. More importantly, he is known as an honest person who speaks his heart and in spite of being an MLA 4 times in a row, keeps a humble profile. Hi Time Express talked to Dr. Dang, a professional doctor whose chief hobby is to play cards with friends and know his take on present Government, on the state of affairs in his own party and its chances of coming back and other related issues.
Dr. Dang is extremely critical of the 3-year tenure of Mulayam Singh Yadav’s government. He says: “The whole state knows it is a mafia state, a goonda state. There is no law and order. Whoever is looking after affairs – be it SSP or DM – they all have paid huge amounts to get a posting. And the local goondas of SP are running the whole districts. There is land grabbing. Not even a single appointment has been done without money.”
Says he further: “Other than Etawah, Rampur, Lucknow and perhaps Hardoi, where in UP are people getting electricity. All type of epidemics are rising due to callous attitude of Govt. But priority is berozgari bhatta, making the youths beggars. First you do not provide jobs and when you do, you charge huge money. What is the purpose of distributing berozgari allowance?” “Not even a single new industry has come up in 3 years. Education is in tatters. All these frustrated youths, what will they do?” adds he.
On Mayawati, Dr. Dang says: “Who doesn’t know she charges huge amounts of money from the candidates. I want to address dalits. People are paying such huge amounts because they now that by paying they are buying a chunk of votes. She is treating Dalits like buffaloes and goats.” He further says: “What has she done when she was CM thrice. She lives in luxury and knows nothing of the plight of dalits.”
“Dual face of politician is a hypocrisy that is killing the nation,” says he. I was an MLA four times, but earned no money. But I have seen people talk ill of honest men these days. I saw this happen with Harbans Kapur, who was an MLA with me, and a honest man indeed. It is a very old dictum: ‘You get what you deserve.’ Since the mindset of people has changed, they are getting these types of governments.”
Replying to a query on the present state of politics, Dr. Dang says: “Politics is running away from the basic fundamentals of human values. Definition of good leaders has changed with mafia and corrupt people joining politics. “Dual face of politician is a hypocrisy that is killing the nation,” says he. I was an MLA four times, but earned no money. But I have seen people talk ill of honest man.”
Of honest in BJP, he says: “I will never say 100% of BJP leaders are honest. But comparatively, they are far far far better than others. Here corruption, dishonesty, insincerity is an exception; in other parties, it is a rule. In BJP, if you find somebody bad, it creates a very bad impression.
On sectarian issues, Dr. Dang says: “The womb of your mother should not decide your fate as a citizen of a nation. Nobody gets born in a family or religion because of his own choice. In BJP, we are trying to tell the people, particularly the Muslim minority that they are not a vote bank for us. We are not going to satisfy their demands that are not in interest of nation. Otherwise, we will do justice to you. Whether you go to church, or to mosque, gurudwara or temple – you go to worship the one and only power.”
He calls sarcastically Azam Khan as Azam Khan the great, on lines of Akbar – the great, because his idol is Mohammad Ali Jauhar and for belittling Gandhi. “If such elements are there, there is a reaction to it, as everybody is not as balanced as you and me,” says he adding that “Gujarat riots were a reaction to Godhra incident.” “All of a sudden there was a reaction, I do not approve it, but the reaction happened because nobody – neither CPI, nor SP, nor Congress – spoke when the train burnt.”
Coming back to morality, Dr. Dang says that the root cause should be treated. Religion and its values should be separated from fundamentalism. He is confident that BJP’s chances of coming back to power in the forthcoming UP Assembly elections are increasing compared to 3-4 months back when they were very bleak. “SP will be routed. I cannot say whether BSP or BJP will be number one.”
Dr. Dang is extremely critical of the 3-year tenure of Mulayam Singh Yadav’s government. He says: “The whole state knows it is a mafia state, a goonda state. There is no law and order. Whoever is looking after affairs – be it SSP or DM – they all have paid huge amounts to get a posting. And the local goondas of SP are running the whole districts. There is land grabbing. Not even a single appointment has been done without money.”
Says he further: “Other than Etawah, Rampur, Lucknow and perhaps Hardoi, where in UP are people getting electricity. All type of epidemics are rising due to callous attitude of Govt. But priority is berozgari bhatta, making the youths beggars. First you do not provide jobs and when you do, you charge huge money. What is the purpose of distributing berozgari allowance?” “Not even a single new industry has come up in 3 years. Education is in tatters. All these frustrated youths, what will they do?” adds he.
On Mayawati, Dr. Dang says: “Who doesn’t know she charges huge amounts of money from the candidates. I want to address dalits. People are paying such huge amounts because they now that by paying they are buying a chunk of votes. She is treating Dalits like buffaloes and goats.” He further says: “What has she done when she was CM thrice. She lives in luxury and knows nothing of the plight of dalits.”
“Dual face of politician is a hypocrisy that is killing the nation,” says he. I was an MLA four times, but earned no money. But I have seen people talk ill of honest men these days. I saw this happen with Harbans Kapur, who was an MLA with me, and a honest man indeed. It is a very old dictum: ‘You get what you deserve.’ Since the mindset of people has changed, they are getting these types of governments.”
Replying to a query on the present state of politics, Dr. Dang says: “Politics is running away from the basic fundamentals of human values. Definition of good leaders has changed with mafia and corrupt people joining politics. “Dual face of politician is a hypocrisy that is killing the nation,” says he. I was an MLA four times, but earned no money. But I have seen people talk ill of honest man.”
Of honest in BJP, he says: “I will never say 100% of BJP leaders are honest. But comparatively, they are far far far better than others. Here corruption, dishonesty, insincerity is an exception; in other parties, it is a rule. In BJP, if you find somebody bad, it creates a very bad impression.
On sectarian issues, Dr. Dang says: “The womb of your mother should not decide your fate as a citizen of a nation. Nobody gets born in a family or religion because of his own choice. In BJP, we are trying to tell the people, particularly the Muslim minority that they are not a vote bank for us. We are not going to satisfy their demands that are not in interest of nation. Otherwise, we will do justice to you. Whether you go to church, or to mosque, gurudwara or temple – you go to worship the one and only power.”
He calls sarcastically Azam Khan as Azam Khan the great, on lines of Akbar – the great, because his idol is Mohammad Ali Jauhar and for belittling Gandhi. “If such elements are there, there is a reaction to it, as everybody is not as balanced as you and me,” says he adding that “Gujarat riots were a reaction to Godhra incident.” “All of a sudden there was a reaction, I do not approve it, but the reaction happened because nobody – neither CPI, nor SP, nor Congress – spoke when the train burnt.”
Coming back to morality, Dr. Dang says that the root cause should be treated. Religion and its values should be separated from fundamentalism. He is confident that BJP’s chances of coming back to power in the forthcoming UP Assembly elections are increasing compared to 3-4 months back when they were very bleak. “SP will be routed. I cannot say whether BSP or BJP will be number one.”
Another Attack on Muslim Sentiments
Muslims in the US are extremely angry over alleged insult meted out to them in an area called Mid Town in New York where a glass cube shape of the Apple Store entrance, alleged to have a bar inside, and with the name "Apple Makka (Mecca)" has come up. Muslims are of the view that the structure is exactly like Kaaba, the most revered place of the Muslims. This is to be reminded that consumption of alcohol is strictly banned in Islam whereas in this bar alcoholic drinks are served for 24 hours.
This is being seen as another attack on the sentiments of Muslims, already simmering with anger over past insults at the hands of hardline American and Europeans, be it the case of Prophet Mohammad’s cartoons, the disrespect shown to Quran by few American soldiers and attack on their lands and people by Israeli forces, fully backed by the US. This has led to a raging debate whereas some are raising questions as to how can a simple glass cube really be blasphemous? But the offended Muslims in question need no more explanations as they feel that this structure, built in the form of their most sacred place and also named Apple Mecca, has been done on design to offend their sensibilities.
US Government’s silence on the issue is another reason for the simmering anger, as people believe that insults on other religions like thoseof Hindu devis and Muslim prophets has become a norm with Government doing nothing to curb this menace.
Adding fuel to fire are insulting statements on chatgroups, like “Dirty Moslims will never quit moaning, will they?”
At Hi Time, we only hope that sense prevails!
This is being seen as another attack on the sentiments of Muslims, already simmering with anger over past insults at the hands of hardline American and Europeans, be it the case of Prophet Mohammad’s cartoons, the disrespect shown to Quran by few American soldiers and attack on their lands and people by Israeli forces, fully backed by the US. This has led to a raging debate whereas some are raising questions as to how can a simple glass cube really be blasphemous? But the offended Muslims in question need no more explanations as they feel that this structure, built in the form of their most sacred place and also named Apple Mecca, has been done on design to offend their sensibilities.
US Government’s silence on the issue is another reason for the simmering anger, as people believe that insults on other religions like thoseof Hindu devis and Muslim prophets has become a norm with Government doing nothing to curb this menace.
Adding fuel to fire are insulting statements on chatgroups, like “Dirty Moslims will never quit moaning, will they?”
At Hi Time, we only hope that sense prevails!
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