ON LINE TECHNOLOGY AND INDIAN ECONOMY.

 

By K P PASWAN.

On line technology has become a way of life, without which India cannot progress and cannot survive. In the context of Indian economy, online technology is of recent origin and is becoming an essential tool for an emerging economy. It cannot be defined in a few words or even sentences. There is hardly any sector which is immune from the impact of online technology. Globalization of economy without the application of this technology is meaningless.

 In the case of underdeveloped countries, industry and manufacturing activities flourished in traditional ways, but once online technology was introduced, even change in human behavior was seen and they were quick to realize the wonder of modern technology.

Since independence, India did not open its market for the world. Mixed economy was opted as there was no alternative. After 1970 televisions and first generation of computers were introduced, but the import of these items was restricted and India remained in isolation. Majority of Indians were unaware of latest inventions and new system of technology. In India, conventional system of communication like wired telephone and telegram were in operation, these were used by majority of Indians. Even Black and White TV sets were seen in big cities. Wireless based technology was restricted to armed forces.

UNCATADE, was the predecessor of WTO, and was responsible for regulating the international trade. After 1980, the world began to see the emergence of a different type of of technology which needed new regulations.Several steps were taken, both within and outside the country to meet new challenges.. Mobile phones were introduced in India, but importation was difficult and expensive and above all customs clearance was needed. While in agriculture, online technology was playing excellent role in western countries, India remains untouched by such development.

After 1998 Indian economic was globalized and import regulations were eased and the impact was felt in economic activities, Mixed economy disappeared and manufacturing activities based on new technology was needed if India was to compete with the rest of the world. Importation of majority of items were placed under open general license, meaning no license was required for importation of such manufactured goods.

INTERNET. Introduction of computer-based education, altered the pattern of teachings. High speed internet and communication changed Indian mindset in different dimension. Arrival of internet in open market changed the nature of our thinking. Growth of American economy is based upon a simple idea, ‘’Either invent or perish’’  A closer look at the growth of US and for that matter emerging economics of EU, reveal the part played by rapid progress in online technology. Outstanding economic progress in Chinese is attributed to applying online technology in manufacturing activities.

India is overpopulated countries with plenty of natural resources. Traditional coal-based industries played key role in the development of power sector. Steel plants in public sectors like Bokaro Visakhapatnam, Bhilai were established in collaboration with Russia, but the technology applies was ageing and needed upgraded tools to expand and renovate these steel manufacturing units, in private sectors Tata was the first to introduce online based technology.

 Green revolution was started in India by applying Japanese methods of harvesting paddy, but it was soon changed in favor of other methods with wonderful results. Online technology is being applied on grand scale in agriculture, modified version of certain agriculture  products  in India was introduced with excellent result.

PRESENT SCENARIO. Credit must be given to the present government led by Narendra Modi, who raised the slogan DIGITIZE INDIA, the country has entered into an age of  new technology for education, medical care and online consultation. Aadhar based welfare schemes for the poor has produced outstanding results. Aadhar is based on bio metric methods of identification was conceived long ago for some other purpose, but now this online based identity is generating employment opportunity for larger section of the people. 

In the field of communication, we see the pathetic conditions prevailing in post offices and  telecommunication. Old technology is being replaced by fastest and most reliable means of communication for rich and poor. Modrn technology saved Post Offices and is going to save BSNL. Contrary to popular belief, online technology or automation will nor result in trimming of work forces, but the technology will change the nature of jobs. Educated Indian youths with a little intelligence earn good amount of money and in fact there are thousands of young men and women who are earning through online business. Making graphic design is a newel way of earning money.

 There is online booking of railway tickets. Air tickets and cylinder gas. Online reservation of hotel room has become popular and it has boosted tourism.

PANDEMIC AND ONLINE TECHNOLOGY. Pandemic has adversely lampooned the economic of every country in the world. India along with Japan, Germany and Brazil were in the race for challenging the growth of Chinese economy. India and its friends lost the race, but temperament still exists. Complete lock down not only resulted in acute unemployment, but also led to closure of small-scale industries. People were dying in the worst possible manner, but online technology virtually saved Indian economy from dreaded collapse. School. Colleges and other educational centers remain closed, but online classes were introduced. Initially there were difficulties but once started, virtual attendance looked like real attendance.

 Works from home were introduced and this led to further improvement in economic sectors. In acute and in some form of chronic illness, online consultation established a different type of relationship between doctor and patient. People with a little patience were able to seek advice from eminent physicians. Online technology has strengthened the globalization of our health system and defense infrastructures.

 Vaccines for Coronavirus within a short period was not possible without applying online technology. Traditional methods of manufacturing vaccines were time consuming and impossible to manufacture vaccines. Collecting data by fastest computer has miraculous result otherwise ten to fifteen years were needed were required for manufacturing vaccines as collecting data was a cumber process.

 Modern banking system in India is operating on online technology and in near future we may hear good news that every Indian has a saving account in different banks. Preventing bank fraud needs proper application of online technology, and certain positive steps have been taken by the government, like complete digitization and paperless works not only in banking institutions but in other offices of the country.

 We hear a lot about auction of SPECTRUM, which from G2 to G5 is going to change the entire economic structure of Indian economy. While it is the paramount duty of telecommunication companies to provide affordable communication services. including internet services to general people. It is for the regulatory authority to keep watch on such operators, who cannot innovate new ideas and seek packages for survival.

 Auction of spectrum has led to the growth of unnecessary rivalry and not the healthy co-operation among different private telecom companies. This does not augur well for the development of fastest communication. Govt owned BSNL, once enjoying monopoly in communication has become sick as it failed to introduce modern technology in the market. In absence of better service to common people, telecom companies, not adopting online technology are doomed and a few of them have disappeared from Indian market.

Can we imagine poor parent in remote areas talking to their son, working in distant parts of the country and in some cases video calling, removed the distance between the parents and children.Every person in India possess one mobile phone, it means, they understand the importance of modern technology and they are contributing to the growth of economy.  Online or digital technology is being applied to boost white revolution (milk production) Digital  health cards would be provided to deserving people and, health records will be digitized.

 Online purchase of essential items has become possible in the country because of this technology. The situation has taken a dramatic turn when the regulatory authority had to take corrective measures to protect the small manufacturers. Now people, do not run to big Malls or shopping complex to purchase small or big items like air conditioners and fridges.  Traditional cinema houses are being closed and completely new forms of movie halls are seen in Malls and Shopping complex. Traditional big cameras have been replaced by mobile phone fitted with cameras, which are faster and better.

 Indian economy is receiving outstanding boost from such technology. Giant IT houses like INFOSYS, WIPRO and TCL are internationally recognized for excellent working. Online filling of income tax return has been accepted by tax payers without even scant protest.

CARE FOR ELDERS. For pensioners, the govt has introduced system of submitting on line life certificate. A few years ago, pensioners were required to present themselves before the competent authorities to prove that they were alive and entitled to draw pension for the next twelve months. Introduction of Digital Life certificate means, a pensioner can submit his life certificate on line by bio metric authentication with the help of a not so expensive small machine. This technology is also being used for other welfare measures.

LIMITS. Online technology has also not without limits. There are unscrupulous elements known as Cyber Thugs who may commit different kind of crimes, difficult to detect and punish. In every police station. a separate Cyber cell have been established, but that is not enough, Stringent punishment is needed for cyber criminals.

 In fact, the entire human race is affected by these modern criminals who are product of online technology. In a booming Stock Markets and also in Medical and Defense sectors these Cyber Criminals are more active. Online crimes are turning into some forms of online industries. Political heads of different countries meet regularly to discuss the cyber crimes and ways and means to prevent such  crimes.

Online technology has virtually altered Indian defense system with enhanced to combat the external and internal threat. Defending Indian sovereignty and even open democracy is not a big problem. Casting of votes by Electronic Voting machines and counting votes based on modern technology has strengthened Indian democratic institutions.

FINAL THOUGHT. Without online technology, industries whether in large sectors or small sectors,emerging economy cannot succeed in boosting production. Online technology is necessary for survival instinct of common people. Modern banking system cannot be operated without online technology. In Pandemic education did not suffer much because of online education. Works from home encouraged paperless works. Online technology is going to influence climate change in a positive manner.

ANGELA MERKEL, AN ENIGMA.

 

 

 BY K P PASWAN.

Angela Merkel also known as Dorothy Angela Merkel is one of the longest serving Chancellor of Germany. She is all set to relinquish her post after parliamentary election. It is very difficult to make proper assessment of a politician, who headed a country in a post-cold war era. She managed to keep the robust economy of Germany intact, even if it means antagonizing other nations of EU.

When Dorothy Angela Merkel became the political chief of a prosperous Germany, there was grand celebration in Poland as her family was originally from Poland, but after heavy influx of refugees from Middle East, she was abused in Poland as her defiant attitude towards refugees convulsed certain countries including Poland. Germany itself became  a hub of religious based terrorism, from which Germany cannot recover even in coming years.

Angela Merkel is the daughter of a Pastor who did not make serious attempt to flee from East Germany to West Germany. In East Germany Christianity was not allowed to flourish by the communists and Angela Merkel once remarked that Christian was the most oppressed religion in the world, but the hard truth is that during her regime Christianity was further demoralized, not only in Germany but in all the neighboring countries. In East Germany, where Angela was born and grew up, was filled with spies from Soviet Union known as KGB. A very handsome and ruthless KGB agent was posted in East Germany to keep  watch  on certain groups of people. That handsome KGB agent was  Vladimir Putin, who was known to the family of Angela Merkel. Putin’s dislike of Angela is not secret. Mystery surround Angela’s first marriage with Merkel and after divorce, Angela stuck to her husband name and is popularly known as Dorothy Angela Merkel. Her second husband is a physicist and keeps a low profile. As per East German records, she was not a devoted Christian. She used this religion to serve her own purpose

Bismarck led the foundation of an united Germany, which was once again divided after second world war, but again reunited with collapse of USSR..  Merkel predecessor Helmet Kohl was a towering political figure and his defeat at the hands of Merkel loose political equation created a flutter among the political heads of certain countries. Helmet Kohl believed in mutual cooperation, but Angela Merkel inaugurated the policy of mutual distrust. Germany is known as producing excellent scientists and brilliant philosophers. While German scientists contributed to the industrial growth, German philosophers succeeded in splitting Christianity into Catholic and protestant, German protestants known as Lutherans Christian are known for their charity works.

 Angela Merkel wanted Germany to be the supreme leader of EU and she attained her objective. Her methods to achieve her political ambition led to the emergence of rightist wings, who are not only against the Jews but also against the Muslims.

Rightists did not do well in the elections as the right-wing politicians were already active in the political parties led by Angela Merkel. German MNCs are spread over every corner of the world, but their presence in China led to outstanding economic growth of Germany. There is second part of the coin. For some reasons, Merkel took undue advantage of prevailing political and economic situation in Central Asia. Only France is in comfortable position to expand its economy in its former colonies of African countries. These Muslims majority countries provide much needed natural resources to French industries. Germany under Merkel had limited options to force its term and conditions to a few countries, which were colonies of undivided Germany, these countries are poor in natural wealth.  US was pouring dollars little knowing that these aids will cater to the sinister design of an over ambitious lady.

Both Russia and China are leading trading partners of Germany and Angela Merkel strengthened this bond by adopting dubious means. She cared little for other members of EU. She inherited an impressive legacy from Helmet Kohl, who was both a politician and statesman. He knew that without a strong EU, it was not possible for Germany to maintain its economic growth. With the collapse of USSR, NATO beginning to lose its strategic importance as Russia was not in a position to spread its political ideology known as Communism through violent means, because communism also disappeared. There were no problems of Islamic radicals as barring Turkish Muslims, Germany did not face sudden exodus of migrants from the middle east and some African countries.US was still bearing expense  to maintain the sanctity of NATO. It is not secret that 70% of defense budget of EU was borne by US without any return. Germany under Helmont Kohl was economically better than under Angela Merkel.

Advent of Angela Merker witnessed undefined political and economic activities in Germany. After coming to power, she was hell bent on making Germany most prosperous country in Europe. As most of the German MNCs were making profit abroad, they were also indulged in tax evasion. Merkel acquired sick industrial units of smaller countries like Hungry and Czechoslovakia and turned them into profitable by utilizing US money. Impressive health infrastructures were created with US money and there are reasons to believe that she was involved in currency manipulation as accused by Donald Trump.

GREECE CRISIS. Economy of Greece is mostly Tourism based and was politically and economically mismanaged by politicians in power. But nearly ten years ago Greece faced unprecedented financial crisis, when this country was facing bankruptcy. There were talks of Grexit, meaning leaving EU as no country was coming to help Greece. Credit goes to Angela Merker to uplift Greece from financial crisis, but Greece had to pay price. Germany acquired the right to maintained ports, airports and certain important public places for fifty years. A brilliant PM of Greece T Sipras had no alternative but to surrender to economic colonization of Germany as leaving EU would have further complicated the economy. Greece was already being threatened by Turkey under Recep Erdogan. Other members of EU miserably failed to help Greece as the economy of Greece was ruined by Papandreou former political boss of Greece. EU extended financial help to Greece, but it was Angela Merker who stole the show. Greece has recovered from economic stagnation. but it has become heavily indebted to Germany and EU remained a mute spectator.

 DEAL WITH TURKEY. Angela Merkel murky deal with Turkey will be remembered with interest as it is Turkey under a dictator Recep Erdogan which was benefited economically and Erdogan suddenly became a known political figure of the world. With weakening of NATO, Turkey is no longer a blue boy of the Pentagon. When Turkey failed to get entry into EU due to hard stand taken by Vatican, Austria and France, Erdogan denounced EU as the Christian Club and tried his best to reverse the secular trend laid down by Kemal Pasha.Islamisation of Turkey was half hardheartedly criticized by Merkel. But it was the genocide in Armenia committed by the Ottoman empires nearly one hundred years ago, which was virtually ignored by Merkel, when entire EU denounced the genocide of Christians in Armenia. Merkel, deliberately abstained from passing the resolution in German parliament against Turkey for the genocide committed in Armenia by the Ottoman Sultans. There is too much murky politics involved in this episode.

With Donald Trump in power in US, Merkel anticipated trouble for Germany. She needed the support of a country which was strategically important. Christianity was losing its ground in Turkey but a large number of Turkish Muslims migrated to Germany after Second World War. These Muslims were not fanatics, but Merkel proximity with Erdogan embolden these Muslims of Turkish origins, but situation was not out of control until the rise of ISIS.

 MIGRANTS FROM MIDDLE EAST. With the rise of ISIS, there was crisis in IRAQ and Syria. Both of these countries have Shia sect of Islam in majority. Led by self-styled Caliphate Abu Baghdadi, ISIS wanted nothing but supremacy of Sunnis and in order to achieve this lofty aim, ISIS indulged in merciless killing of Shias By snatching oil fields from Shiite Iraq, ISIS emerged as the richest terrorist organization. Erdogan minted money by deal with ISIS, but in the name of fighting terrorists, Erdogan allowed the ISIS to kill the Kurds, who were and still demand separate sovereign country for the Kurds in Turkey.

REFUGEES CRISIS. Even after knowing that ISIS was bent upon creating communal tension, Angela Merkel opened the gates of Germany for the Syrian. African and refugees from Iraq. Her policy was severely criticized by her own party men, but she remained steadfast. After the Munich Olympics, German spy network remained weak and it remained weak under Merkel regime. She knew that religion that is Christianity is weakening all over Europe and it was difficult to halt the downfall and refugees seeking asylum crossed the figure of 7 million. She also tried to force other members of EU to follow her policy. Switzerland paid penalty, instead of accepting refugees on a large scale. There were series of murder mayhem and bomb blast in different countries, but there was little or no impact upon the German Chancellor. There were rape and murder committed by radicals in Germany, but no serious attempts were made by her to crush the criminals. When Dalai lama, the great Buddhist saint visited Germany, he wondered whether Germany had become an Arab country? 

 In a way she allowed Christians to suffer more and more. The situation has so much worsened that Germany has only one supporter and that is Turkey. The coupe in Turkey was crushed by Erdogan, otherwise speculation was that Erdogan might seek asylum in Germany. Refugees from Central Asia and Africa prefer Germany as Merkel was generous to them. The worst victims are Poland and Hungry. A large number of Polish people are migrating to US and they vote for the Republicans. Merkel forefathers were from Poland and Angela Merkel is the most hated person in former communist state. Polish migrants in US always speak against Germans and Angela Merkel.

TALIBAN IN DOHA. Outside Afghanistan, Taliban had no safe sanctuary, but credit goes to Angela Merkel, facilitating for establishing a permanent safe house for Talibans in Doha in modern Qatar. She never expected a deal between Taliban and US. Being a member of NATO, Germany sent troops to Afghanistan to combat the, the terrorists, but German soldiers did not suffer much causality, Talibans are ever grateful to Angela Merker.

 RELATIONS WITH INDIA. Angela Merkel was not a friend of India. India under Mody did not allow Merkel to dictate her political philosophy in India.

ENDGAME. After Second World War, Germany gained much from New Deal but US never trusted Germany. Angela Merkel was eulogized by her people as she utilized American money to  raise the standard of living of German people. With disappearance of communism, Merkel anticipated increased expenditure on defense for which Germany was not prepared. German MNCs like ITT Grundig and a few others have disappeared.  German MNCs are doing extraordinary well in China and to some extent in Russia, but the weakening of NATO has resulted in dwindling popularity of Angela Merker. Refugees and increased activities of radicals, further weakened political ambition of Merkel. 

Somehow, she wanted to challenge the political and economic supremacy of US, but she did not succeed.Joe Biden is proving more smart than Donald Trump Germany remained a prosperous economy but with changing nature of international politics, it is expected that German MNCs may no be able to sustain their performance and within next twenty years Germany is going to become another nation of EU struggling for sustained economic growth. France is making rapid progress and Emmanuel Macron of France is fighting the radicals like hell. Germany is exporting luxurious vehicles manufactured by Volkswagen, Mercedes and other auto manufacturers but these four wheeler are confined to selected group of people and  have no permanent markets.

 Germany, a country of 80 million people failed to contain the brutal coronavirus despite of mRNA vaccines manufactured by Pfizer tech in Germany, Bio n tech is a German firm and there is a partnership of these two pharma giants.. Infected persons are still dying and there is no sign of slowing of the rate of infection.

 FINAL THOUGHT. Angela Merkel was neither a clever politician nor a brilliant statesman. She loved and care for Germany. She used American help to announce a series of populist measures. She dominated politics of EU, but failed to create the image of a prominent political figure in the world. It is not proper to describe the circumstances for the rise of Hitler in Germany. Her policy towards refugees has prepared the fertile ground for the growth of ultra-rightists. Her successors are unlikely to follow her policy. With her departure, smaller countries will have greater say in the administration of EU. Turkey will face isolation and above all NATO will fight the religion based terrorism overlooked by Angela Merkel.

                                                                   

DEATH OF A DREADED PREACHER.

 

By K P PASWAN.

 It may sound strange, Afghanistan was going to have its own supreme leader, with extra constitutional authority. The man who was set to become supreme leader in Afghanistan was known as Mullah Haibatullah Akhundzada, with authority like issuing directions to the president or PM, how to run the Government, besides medieval version of teaching holy scriptures.

But there is breaking news. Akhundzada was killed in Pakistan in a suicide attack long ago, most probably before the complete takeover of Afghanistan by the Taliban.

Akhundzada was not a learned preacher. He was a ruthless killers,  vehemently opposed to women, receiving western education and was in favor of strict dress code for women. Akhundzada never traveled abroad and was happy to know that he would be new supreme religious leader of an impoverished Afghanistan. We do not have much knowledge about Akhundzada. It appears he was the product of Afghan Madrassa which imparts Talib (Education) as taught in medieval Central Asia, but circumstances forced him to seek education in a madrasa in Pakistan, where along with extreme form of religion, modern science and literature are also taught. Later on, he joined the rank of Taliban and fought side by side with one eyed Cleric Mullah Umar killing many unfaithful including US soldiers.

Generally, it is presumed that when Mullah Umar Bradar was captured by Pakistan in 2010, Akhundzada became the guiding spirit of Taliban and when Mullah Bradar was released at the behest of Pentagon, then Akhundzada lost much of his voice and the American negotiated successfully with Talibans, led by Mullah Bradar. So Akhundzada had no alternative but to settle in Kandahar, which was also his birth place.

Let us examine the position of new Supreme Leader of Afghanistan. It is difficult to say whether Afghanistan is the poorest or one of the poorest countries of this planet. Most probably, Republic of HAITI in Latin America is the poorest country, but being a Christian country, Haiti is receiving liberal donations from every corner of the world. Haiti does not preach religious intolerance. The corruptions have been institutionalized in Haiti. But Afghan’s economy is in doldrums. Its main source of revenue is drug trafficking, then there is Trilogy, rich China, poor Pakistan and an opportunist Russia playing their games with Afghan politics with sinister design. China is pumping money into the empty coffer of Afghanistan, on the conditions that Taliban would not support Uighur, who are deadlier than Taliban.

 Than we have Russia, which is trying its best to gain the lost ground. Erstwhile Soviet Union is responsible for the sordid affairs, prevailing in Afghanistan. By invading Afghanistan in the decade of 1980s, serious attempts were made to convert Afghanistan into a satellite states with communist ideology, like Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and a host of another small Muslims majority state. Soviet Union’s actions forced US to join the bandwagon, opposed to communist philosophy. Al Qaida was strengthened  to fight the communists and the Soviet Union had made a hasty retreat. In fact, Russian invasion of Afghanistan was a turning point in the history of entire subcontinent. It prepared the ground for sectarian conflicts in the Middle East and made the complex diplomacy of central Asia more complicated. Mass exodus of Refugees coupled with hunger and extreme poverty, led to the birth of terror organizations, with only one aim, destroy the infidels in particular and US in general. After disappearance of Communism from the face of earth, US’s wisdom to prolong its stay in Afghanistan is not appreciated, especially when they were dealing with illiterate fanatics, being aided by literate lunatics of Central Asia

CONSPIRACY. Assassination of Akhundzada in Pakistan raises an important question, who was interested in eliminating him? Pakistan is controlling economic and political segments of Afghanistan. Pakistan is itself a theocratic state, but this country follows democratic principles There is an elected parliament and an independent judiciary in Pakistan. Western system of jurisprudence is in operation side by side with Sharia, there is no strict code of dress for girls, who are seen working in almost all the government department. Women journalists, teachers and doctors enjoy greater freedom and the Clerics’ call for strict enforcement of religious laws is hated by modern educated Pakistan. Being a theocratic state, minorities face danger from the fanatics, forced conversion is a common feature, but it is doubtful if the illegal activities of the Clerics are encouraged and supported by government.

 Akhundzada did not enjoy much support in Pakistan. Akhundzada religious philosophy was bound to create ripple among the liberal thinkers of Pakistan. With the help of China, Pakistan is trying to boost its fragile economy. It was the liberal thinking with greater participation of women, that attracted MNCs and big cities of Pakistan are witnessing skyscrapers being erected by various big companies. The concept of a Supreme leader is based upon the similar positions enjoyed by Ayatollahs Ali Khamenei in Iran. But here, we find differences, which must be debated and addressed. Iran is one of the richest countries of the world and has a democratically elected president, but ultimate political authority rests with the Supreme Religious leader, who himself is democratically elected by a group of Ayatollahs, numbering 80 to 100.They are lunatics and are loathed by educated Iranians. 

Recently there was violent physical attacks and brawl between two groups for sharing power, but Akhundzada interference was not seen. Haqqani brothers attacked Mullah Brodar physically and for a while it was mourned that he was killed. But Mullah Brodar appeared in Kandahar and declared that he was alive, but with reduced or no authority. Afghan Religious leader is supposed to reside in Kandahar, which is stronghold of Taliban. Talibans are divided into two groups. Pro Pakistani group having control over Kabul is headed by Haqqani Brothers, who carry rewards on their heads. Then we have Kandahar group, headed by mullahs Yaquab Omari, who are opposed to Pakistan. It was natural that being a Taliban of Kandahar origin, Akhundzada was not going to support Pakistan’s interference in Afghan politics and therefore invited the wrath of Pakistan. Real authority in Afghanistan  rests with Pakistan and it appears that neither Taliban nor US is in a position to influence Imran Khan, the P.M of Pakistan.

We face another dilemma. Haqqani brothers carry heavy rewards on their heads, as declared by US. Haqqani brothers are known for ruthless killings and in the past carried out several terrorists attack against US, but the same terrorists are ruling Afghanistan under the very nose of US.

 Who was going to foot the bills of new Supreme leader. Americans military actions in Afghanistan was not without reasons. For the last twenty years Americans poured dollars with one hand and took away the same wealth from another hand. Contracts were awarded only to US based constructions companies. Other countries of EU and Britain followed the policy of US. So, despite of admirable infrastructures created by Americans, economic prosperity eluded Afghanistan. Central bank of Afghanistan is completely at the mercy of foreigners, belonging to greedy autocrats of central Asia. Under such circumstances, supreme religious leader was not going to enjoy a luxurious life and spewing venom against the unbelievers. Ayatollahs Ali Khamenei is being protected by more than one thousand elite Republican Guard of Iran, but Akhundzada was not going to enjoy such type of expensive network of  protection.

 NEW POLITICAL AUTHORITY. Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar who was supposed to lead the govt is now a deputy prime minister.  Talibans will have to find ways and means to avert the collapse of an economy, grappling with drought and pandemic. Nearly 250000 Afghans lost their lives before tumultuous pull out of Americans. New government may find solutions of debarring women from getting jobs and education, but educated Talibans may need the help of economists to avert impending economic doom. In the name of humanitarian disaster, Taliban may receive international aid, both in the form of kind and cash, which are likely to benefit the corrupt Talibans and its rival Jihadists groups, including local offshoot of ISIS and Al-Qaida, Formation of a  Govt in a poor Afghanistan does not need  any Supreme Religious leader.

 Akhundzada may be compared with Baghdadi, the self-appointed Caliphate who was also a failed preacher and had dream of becoming the religious head of entire Islamic world. Baghdadi used to pay protection money to Al Qaida, which has reappeared in Afghanistan, but this time situation is different. Than we have a new brigade of terrorists in a sleepy town known as Khorasan. The leader of Al Qaida came to Kabul in a brand-new foreign car and received lukewarm welcome. Pakistan is already fed up with internal terrorism and will certainly not in a position to invite the left over Al Qaida to create ground of religious based terrorism. Pakistan wants to fight India and it also like to crush terrorism if it has to boost its economy.

Question before Taliban is whether they want more employment, manufacturing activities, better health infrastructures or preachers, whose teachings are detrimental to social and economic harmony. Gangs of religious zealots like Bokoharam in Africa is playing havoc not only in Nigeria but in  all the surrounding countries.  Kidnapping of a large number of innocent schools going children for ransom is a flourishing business. It is doubtful if any religion permits such type of activities. 

Purchasing power of common Afghans is unstable and the terrorists cannot resort to kidnapping and extortion as kidnapped person’s family has no money to pay and get the kidnapped men or women released. A flawed democracy is opposed to theocracy. Democracy is not the panacea of all social, economic and political evils. Both democracy and theocracy have their own limitation. Scholars say that an open democracy is necessary for robust economic growth, but in the case of China, the concept of open democracy has proved wrong. China’s outstanding economic has ended the monopoly of US and economically advanced countries of the entire world.

Talibans must have learned that by preaching extreme form of religion, they cannot remove poverty. Small Muslims kingdoms in the middle east are rich in oil and natural gases, but not a single country has democratic institutions, still these small countries are prosperous and people do not face starvation. This is simply because they have kept theocracy under control, and we do not find hate preachers. History tells us that extreme form of religion can hurt a society. That is what is happening in Afghanistan. From ancient times, irresponsible kings and autocrats have created emotional nationalism based on religion. But this type of nationalism has failed to unite the people. Afghans reflected extreme form of unity while fighting the British, but the same kind of unity was also seen among warring factions, while fighting the Pak army in Waziristan.

NEW SLOGAN.

Talibans celebrated their victory by raising slogan, God is false, there is only Allah. Prophet is the messenger of Allah. There is nothing wrong in raising such type of slogan. Educated persons, irrespective of their religion, will hardly notice it. But this slogan must not prevent the administration to take measures to protect the rights of minority, who may address their, creator by different names.

 As a supreme religious leader, Akhundzada, was supposed to unite the people to fight against hunger and poverty. But hunger and poverty cannot be removed without uprooting corruption. Pakistan being a self-proclaimed theocratic state and is also encouraging democratic institutions. Flabbergasted conservatives in Pakistan, tried every possible method to browbeat the liberals but they failed to gain sufficient political ground and so it is natural that Pakistan would support unrest in J&K and Afghanistan to keep the conservatives in good humour.

FINAL THOUGHT. Bin Laden, Baghdadi and Akhundzada were rich, but they wanted to become God, they had to pay the price as their God was an unproven entity.

GROWTH OF COALITION POLITICS IN INDIA.

 

By K P PASWAN.

Coalition politics, not only in India but through out the world is becoming foundation stone of an open democracy. In India, coalition politics began to emerge,when Indira Gandhi was the PM of the country. Diversity in religion may be one of the factors, but not the only factor for coalition politics.  There was no talk of coalition politics when the legendary Jawahar Lal Nehru, was chosen and elected to become the first PM of free India.

 During the period of Jawaharlal Nehru, Congress Party of India was able to win general elections in every state of India, except in Kerala, but in other states Congress party maintained absolute or working majority in state legislature and formed the government as per wishes of senior leaders of the party.

 With spread of education and introduction of democratic ideas in social life, illiterate and educated persons were sailing in the same boat. There was also marked improvement of economic life of the people. The concept of mixed economy as espoused by the first PM of India failed to boost manufacturing activities, but spread of scientific temperament gave rise to a different type of political ideology, which run contrary to political philosophy prevailing in the west, like Communism and capitalism. For example, Communist party in Kerala and West Bengal had to work with political parties, who were against Communist philosophy, but did not threaten the national unity of the country.

DIVERSITY. India is a large country with population exceeding 130 billion, geographically it is larger than EU. In other words India is an over populated country. Hinduism is the religion of the majority, but this religion is being practiced by different castes  different customs,language and surprisingly this dangerous polarization has failed to erase, Hinduism from the face of the earth. This division in society has contributed to the growth of coalition politics in the country. As every caste wants its share in welfare schemes, and politicians cannot ignore it, as reservation in jobs cannot provide employment to  persons belonging to lesser known castes.

LANGUAGE. States were reorganized on the basis of language, spoken by the majority of the people and not on the basis of caste and religion, except in North West, where we find religion was considered, while constituting new states, but these small states cannot influence religion of people belonging to bigger states. Language and cast play important role in bigger states.

DYNAMIC LEADERSHIP India was fortunate to have dynamic leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi, who were against politics of caste and creeds. But absolute power makes a politician rigid in their attitude. People of India loved Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi, their love was emotional. There was nothing wrong with emergency of 1975. The country was saved from social, political and economic anarchy. Disgruntled and power-hungry politician joined together to remove Indira Gandhi, and they were successful, it was not a coalition politics, but cooperation among ambitious and corrupt politicians, who were swayed by caste and regional aspirations. So, after Indira Gandhi, coalition politics emerged, both at national and at state level.

Rajeev Gandhi was also a dynamic and charismatic leader. but he was surrounded by politicians with personal agenda in mind. He was misguided by politicians, so much so that he lost the image of a charismatic leader and Mr Clean. His assassination paved the way for coalition politics at national level.

REASONS. There are multiple factors for emergence of coalition politics in India.  In Tamilnadu, coalition politics, based on undefined ideology, has become essential feature of  caste based politics in this state. There are two main political parties, dominated by film actors, these are AIDMK and DMK. One political party is opposed to the dominance of Brahmins, while other political party had a Brahmin CM for a long time. Despite of this opposite views, we find stable government  working in Tamilnadu.

 Most of the political parties in India is dominated by particular family belonging to particular sect or castes.

Selection of candidates to fight the election for the state legislature and parliament is based on castes and certainly not on merit. Merit based candidates cannot win an election unless he is supported by other castes, for which coalition politics is necessary. In Bihar and UP, two major political parties are controlled by families belonging to particular castes, famous for committing atrocities against the Dalits. Their leaders swear to introduce caste less society, but openly favor caste men in transfer and posting of officers. While in WestBengal, caste system has very limited role in politics

REGIONALISM. As stated earlier that Hinduism did not disappear from India, but different languages are spoken by people of different states. For a long time two main political parties in South India survived because of anti-Hindi feeling. There were violent agitations against imposition of Hindi. Surprisingly best Hindi movies were produced in Tamilnadu, but with passage of time and gradual industrialization of India, anti-Hindi feeling has subsided. Technocrats and doctors from south are bound to work in Hindi belt and vice versa. Every state cannot progress itself unless it is supported by other states.

 Jharkhand and Odessa are rich in natural resources, these natural resources like coal, is needed in other states to generate power. Oil and natural gas are found in Gujarat and Assam. These are equally distributed throughout the country. In return the mineral rich states receive generous royalty from the central government. Punjab and UP have been witnessing green revolution, by which India attained self-sufficiency in food grains. There are other reasons for assertive regionalism. In West-Bengal and North East, we find illegal entry of foreign nationals, who are source of all troubles including communal riots, but they are also source of vote bank for certain political parties. Linguistic minority is being threatened by these immigrants, who are generally supported by politicians of those particular states. Coalition politics is likely to put brake on these activities.

PUNJAB AND J&K. Politics in these two states is interesting. In Punjab there is virtually two political party system. In Punjab it is Congress versus BJP, with support of Akalidal. Once there was a demand for separate state for Sikhs, which appears to be fizzled out. There is great similarity between Sikhism and Hinduism. People are economically well off and upper castes in Punjab believing in oppressing the Dalits. For the first time a Dalit Sikh has been made the Chief Minister of Punjab for mustering support of Dalits. Punjab is famous for small scale industries and notorious for drug addicts. Every political party swears to eradicate the problems associated with drug addiction, but problems still persist. Rise and growth of coalition politics in Punjab is a healthy sign for keeping the unity of the country intact as large number of Sikhs are in the army and a few of them has reached the rank of general.

 Recently Aam Admi Party, which has an elected government in New Delhi has increased its influence and in future, we may see emerging of a different kind of coalition politics in Punjab.

 In J&K either the govt will be a coalition Govt or the election will be rigged. With exodus of Kashmir Hindus, J&K has become only Muslim majority state in India. The power hungry and corrupt politicians of J&K were treating the state as their personal fiefdom. For coalition politics, the leaders belonging to Muslims have to participate in election. With abrogation of article 370 of the constitution of India, the prospect of coalition politics has increased. Cross boarder terrorism may see putting obstacles in the path of  political stability in the state, but the nature of coalition politics is likely to prevail in the valley and in the course of time, we may see a less violent J&K, heading towards coalition politics

COW BELT. Coalition politics in Cow belt (Hindi Speaking States) means coalition of different castes with a view to capture power. They swear in the name of secularism, socialism and social justices, but they are doing politics in opposite direction. They are mostly casteist leader believing in the welfare of their caste men. In modern India coalition politics in cow belt is gaining strength as the grand old party National Congress  is losing momentum. In Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh, due to internal squabbles, people are likely to shift their attention to new alternatives.

NORTH –WEST CONUNDRUM. The situation in former North East Frontier Area like Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram Tripura and Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh is fluid, so nature of coalition politics is likely to differ from the rest of the country. These small states are strategically important, but there are no manufacturing activities on large scale. These states are dependent upon center for economic assistance. Christianity happened to be the religion of majority of the people, and they are enjoying complete religious freedom. In these small states, local issues will dominate the politics, and elected politician will contribute to the growth of coalition politics. Coalition government at the center will have to give special attention to these strategically important states

SECULARISM. The word was inserted in the preamble of the constitution by Indira Gandhi, for reasons known only to her. Spirit of Indian constitution is religious tolerance. India was divided on the basis of religion. After partition, large number of Muslims remained in India. Exodus of Muslims from India to other countries were not seen, while Hindus were forced to leave newly created nation. Hangover of participation will continue to haunt the people of India till dooms day.

Along with Secularism, the word Socialism were also inserted in the preamble. Socialism is a political and economic ideology and is not mentioned in the constitution of other countries.  Who are secularists in India? This is the question which is going to shape the coalition politics in India. The ruling party is accused of being pro Hindus, but the fact is that pro Hindus becomes anti Hindus and vice versa by ways of defection. In West Bengal a good number of politicians who were in the ruling party at the center,  defected to Anti Hindu Political party which is in power in the state. It is also not proper to accuse any political party either pro Hindu or anti Hindus.Every politician is conscious of his caste, which is an essential character of Hinduism. 

 Caste oriented politics is likely to weaken the spirit of tolerance. We do not know whether Secularism in India means freedom of religion (US) or freedom from religion (France). Presidents of both these countries swear in the name of God with a copy of Bible in his hands. Secularism in India may be influenced by success or failure of religious radicalisation in Europe and the US.

In 1979 when Janata Govt was formed than Jan Sangh, also participated in the coalition government. Jan sangha changed its name to Bharat Janata Party and at present is ruling the country with absolute majority. But we find difference between coalition politics and a coalition government. The current ruling party at the canter has redefined the coalition politics in such way, that it has attracted, politicians belonging to every opposition party and has encouraged defection in the name of national unity.Surprisingly, these defections are contributing to the philosophy of coalition politics in India

 Coalition politics in India is the need of hour. Coalition politics may see the end of opportunist politicians who are dreaming of becoming PM of India without any clean image. Chief Minister of every state, is trying to project himself as the future PM of India. All these leaders may disappear as coalition politics cannot encourage such casteist politicians. Spread of education, opening of economy, strengthening of democratic institutions, demand coalition politics based upon common minimum programmed for general welfare of the people.

 FINAL THOUGHT India is a different kind of polarized society. In western countries, polarization is based upon political thinking, but here caste system is playing important role in polarization of politics. Barring exceptions. like Britain, coalition politics in other democratic countries is succeeding beyond expectation. In coalition politics in India, every caste may become vote bank for some parties and that is not a wake-up call, as these insignificant castes cannot endanger the sovereignty of India. The smaller castes, by participating in coalition politics, will strengthen political institutions.