Sunday, May 1, 2022

PRESENT AMERICAN POLITICAL SITUATION EFFECT ON INDIA.

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By K P Paswan.

Present American political system is a mixture of extreme form of liberalism and and opposition of the same by the opponents, Despite of best vaccines available in US more than one million Americans have lost their lives and President is helpless as he cannot enforce even mask mandate by an executive order because of  judiciary 's interference.

India is following the principles of open democracy. US has a different system of democracy in which sovereignty lie with common Americans, There is Gun Cultures in US which are going to stay and executive order to limit damage is not going to work unless both Republicans and Democrats sit together and amend the constitution. Indian political system is based upon parliamentary of government. Here sovereigntyalso lie with people and the parliament cannot amend basic structures of the constitution. Like US. Parliament, Judiciary and the Executive are pillars of strong democratic principles but open democracy as seen in US is not applicable to the entire world. It is wrong to say that unity lies in diversity, bloody sectarian conflicts are common in a diverse society, every groups try to safeguard its interest.

FLUCTUATING RELATIONS. US and India share fluctuating relations ever since India was declared as republic. There were only two superpowers and both of them divided the world as per their sphere of influence but India maintained neutrality even at the height of cold war. India received food stuffs from US and also received financial assistance for its economic progress. But US remained closer to Pakistan for its strategic importance.  In !970 when India fought Pakistan, Richard Nixon sent war ships in the Indian ocean to keep pressure upon India which was neutralized by Russian warships. Pakistan an Islamic state remained as a potential rival of India. Pakistan continued to receive massive military support from US.

Pakistan lost its importance with collapse of USSR.  Russia before disappearance of communism created chaos in Afghanistan and suddenly Pakistan once again came closer to US. American fought in Afghanistan the longest battle and withdrew suddenly. Pakistan was at the receiving end because of its proximity with China. After collapse of Communism and opening of Indian economy there was increased partnership and changing dynamics between Indian and US in various fields. This is seen in the field of autos, exploration of oil and gas. purchasing Boeing air plane and above all in information technology. At government level India purchased defense related goods and strengthened its defense against any external aggression.

PRESENT POSITION.

Both India and US suffered the brutality of Coronavirus. it was a different kind of disaster. There was no medicines but there was death in the worst possible manner. The pandemic broke out in Jan2020 and the PM Modi had to impose lock down. Using mask cleaning hand and maintaining social were preventive measures but not the curative treatment. Both the countries were sincerely trying  to manufacture vaccines and within short period US manufactured three most effective vaccines while a little later India introduced two vaccines. But US suffered much because of opposition of vaccines.

 Than war erupted in Ukraine.. It is not proper to elaborate the nature and cause of war. Ukraine crisis is nothing but a show of strength between two superpowers. India suffered because there was economic sanctions against Russia and India could not buy defense materials and oil from that country. It is a double blow to Indian economy but India somehow managed to avert the economic catastrophe, if the war is prolonged than India is going to suffer. In that case weakening of  Indian economy is not in the interest of US.

 US has become the largest producer of oil and natural gas  Saudi Arabia and other oil rich kingdoms of Central Asia cannot dictate the oil policy of the world. Iran is also under sanctions but US has not opposed India for importing  oil from Iran but not beyond certain points. In the latest development India has emerged as a perfect neutral power. US is expected to honor the sovereignty of India. India is a member of QUAD, an Asian version of NATO but it is the cardinal responsibility of US to see that Ukraine like situations are not created in South Pacific.

 A friendly regime for US has emerged in Pakistan which is bent upon creating chaos in India in the name of religion and human right violations. But the rogue nations is a theocratic state and certainly will seek US assistance in carrying terror activities in India. Fortunately present situation in US is such that strategic importance of India is more apparent than Pakistan. But strategic convergence between India ans US is not possible. India has border dispute with China, in a recent border skirmishes India lost nearly 20 soldiers but according to a journal published from Texas in US , China lost more than 100 lives . US knows the actual position but its closeness with China precludes Pentagon from revealing actual causalities from Chinese side. From present administration, India expects US to play important role in arriving at border settlement with China. In the past US supported Pakistan and China against India and this needs rectification as the situation in international politics demands closer relations between India and US.

SECURITY THREAT. Whenever Indian sovereignty was in danger US never supported India, it is so because, pressure by Pakistan. This is against the democratic principles followed by US. Pakistan is a self proclaimed theocratic state committed to glorify religion and terrorism.  India is facing threats from the Radicals. Just to ensure peace India joined QUAD which has been declared as anti China by XiJinping.  US is not pressurizing China to settle border dispute with India by dialogue. American’s silence has emboldened China.

 Ukraine war is nearing its end, US may badly need the Indian help in giving a new dimension to  balance of economic power. Russia and China cannot be ignored but they must be convinced that world peace cannot be guaranteed by any particular country and every country has to take the responsibility for maintaining peace

FINAL THOUGHT. US is a superpower it needs to understand nature of Indian politics and culture of Indian society, then India may feel the positive impact of American political philosophy.  

Sunday, April 24, 2022

POLITICAL SCENARIO IN INDIA AND ITS IMPACT.

 


By K P Paswan.

It is difficult to assess the political situation in India.Recently concluded elections in six states does not indicate the possible scenario after general election in 2024. There is new alignment of regional parties, this time initiated by a popular politician from South India. But the real object of every and each political party is Remove Narendra Modi, but why? And the answer is that Modi has sold India but they don’t tell the name of purchaser and the nature of sell and purchase.

We have a particular Chief Minister of a union territory whose magic formula for winning the election is “You give your votes and we will give you free electricity and water”. On the basis this slogan he won the election in Punjab where farmers and businessmen are very rich and young generations are drug addict. There is no plan to remove drug addiction and corruption from Punjab which is also suffering from worst kind of drug addiction.

Generating electricity require massive investment in e coal-based plants and providing free electricity means these plants may become sick. Moreover, in Punjab everybody does not need free electricity up to 300 units per months. But not only Punjab but every consumer in every corner of India would welcome such freebies without considering ill effects on economy.

There is crave among disgruntled and corrupt politicians for political power. For elected representative it is easy to mint money. This is happening all over India and no state except Orissa under Nawin Patnaik can claim of absolute honesty. Some of the politicians are spending their time in prison and several others are waiting for harsh punishment. In Maharashtra which is known as the golden goose of India the former Home Minister is facing the grave charges of extortion and a former Police Commissioner is on the run as he is also facing serious charges of corruption. In Mumbai when the pandemic was at its peak these corrupt politicians and bureaucrats were engaged in  extortion and money laundering

There is no doubt that economic condition of the country is in doldrums but the ruling party cannot be blamed for this. India is facing economic problems from the day country became independent. Coronavirus has badly savaged the economy of every country of the world, worst country to suffer economically because of pandemic is US. More than one million Americans have died in the worst possible manner and despite of best vaccines Biden is a defeated man before the brutal virus. India on the other hand virtually contained the pandemic with indigenous vaccines. By not purchasing mRNA vaccines the present govt saved huge amount of foreign exchange Pandemic is still active in India but with mass vaccines India is in better position in comparison with the rest of the world.

 GDP always does not reflect the economic growth. India is a land of poor but there is no dearth of billionaires. With globalization Indian economic is being benefited. India has to look after the poor. Migration of labors from less developed states to developed create many problems. Every state is facing the problems of unemployment and this has to be tackled by politicians if they become a little more honest. Amount spend on MNREGA cannot be questioned as this directly improves the living standard of poor.

Than there is the problems of Banking frauds committed by greedy businessmen. These money launderers find Indian judicial system an escape rout for their misdeeds. It is easy for a crooked businessman to get loan in nine figures but an young entrepreneur failed to get loan in even in seven figures. No political leaders whether in ruling party or the opposition have an answer to the question “how to prevent banking frauds. RBI is being headed by an extraordinary man who happened to be a former bureaucrat, his actions have, to some extent has introduced discipline in the banking sectors.

Communal Politics. India was divided on the basis of religion. Hangover of partition is going to stay till dooms day. So there is need for zero tolerance of communalists irrespective of religions and party affiliations. Political leaders of all the parties are encouraging communal politics. Situation has so worsened that secularists are joining communal party and vice versa. There are no secularists in real sense. With spread of modern education and scientific discovery, majority of people of this planet are becoming atheists or lunatics. Entire Europe is in the grip of radicals and every country is fighting the lunatics. Unless politicians realize this reality and truth there is no hope of improving communal harmony in India.

LANGUAGE. Then there is the question of a common language, English is necessary for higher education but it cannot be a common language only one or two states are opposing Hindi for political gain. Mother language has to be protected at all cost , Imposition of Hindi is a myth The reality is that government  is promoting the spread of Hindi but not at the cost of local language. In the same manner Hindi speaking people should try to learn at least one language spoken in different part of the country. It is pleasant surprise to note the oratory skill of PV Narsingh Rao a South Indian PM whose knowledge of Hindi was excellent. The present PM who is from non-Hindi speaking state is a very good speaker in Hindi. Nevertheless during election these disgruntled politicians may play with emotions of a few intellectuals and incite anti national elements to serve their sinister design.

INSURGENCE. It is not only in J&K but in entire North East that insurgence is still alive. These insurgents receive support from self-styled intellectuals under the umbrella of freedom of speech. Prominent politicians have picked up habits for abusing army in filthy language and they will not mind encouraging insurgence if their actions serve their purpose. With democratic principles along with projects for development, insurgence in North East may be contained but in Kashmir valley insurgence is being encouraged by neighboring state in the name of religion and protection of human rights of minority. This neighbor Pakistan is infamous for side-lining religious minority but this nation is being supported by some Indians and even by some politicians.

 IMPACT, far reaching consequences are expected when our politicians fight the election without any ideology. In certain states violence during election has become a norm. Turncoats are given greater prominence if they are capable to win the election

 Fortunately in the recently held election every turncoat has been rejected, Second impact is related to economic growth, India is maintaining controllable inflation and even price rise is moderate. Pandemic is weakening but there is need for constant vigilance. War in Ukraine may impact economic system badly if the war is prolonged. War is unlikely to come to an end unless a few nations which are plundering war torn countries stop their Illegal activities there is no hope of ending war in near future. It appears that whole world has been sanctioned and impact in India is likely  to be felt by every political party.

FINAL THOUGHT. Present political scenario does not augur well for the country. Most of the politicians are criminals or thriving with the help of criminals. These politicians cannot expect to serve the country.

 

Monday, April 18, 2022

Advantages of women in Indian politics.


By K P PASWAN.


Women in Indian politics always played active and impressive roles. Indian political system started with the formation of Congress Party in the last decade of 19th century. At that time India was under colonial rule. There was lack of education among women. Except large cities like Kolkata and Mumbai there was no facility of education for women. Foreign missionaries played important role in spreading education among women.

When movement for an independent India started by Mahatma Gandhi and a few prominent leaders like Tilak and Gokhale we do not find mention of any leading women as political leader and freedom fighter.

ADVANTAGE. Having women politicians in power is good for society. It means empowerment of women, encouraging women to have education. Atrocities against women is supposed to come down, but this is not happening. Despite of these shortcomings women in many countries are the first choice for heading the government. Most of women politicians are free from serious corrupt practices. In course of time cruelity against may come down.

Post independent India witnessed emergence of women politicians like Vijayalakshmi Pundit Padmaja Naidu, her daughter Sarojini Naidu Sucheta Kripalani , There were few elected members of parliament and except Rajkumari Amrit Kaur no other women politicians gained prominence in public life.  VijayluxmiPundit and Rajkumari Amrit Kaur heralded new era for women in politics. Amrit Kaur founded modern All India Institute of medical science in New Delhi. As health minister she was much respected woman was her social works impressed the first prime minister of India.

Vijayalakshmi Pundit was the younger sister of Jawaharlal Nehru and was highly educated. She played important role in independent India movement, after independence she represented India in the United Nations Generally and elected president of the UN general assembly. As politician she devoted her time in empowering women by spreading education. Her tenure as governor of a state is remembered as glorious period. She is known as an excellent orator of English. After death of her brother Pt Jawaharlal Nehru, she dissociated herself from active politics, retired to Dehradun and died it here.

 Indira Gandhi was the only daughter of Pt Jawaharlal Nehru. She was an astute politician and a practical statesman of contemporary India. Without her, description of politics in post Independent India cannot be carried out. She was chosen to head the government in 1966 after demise of LalBahadur Shastri There was a group of disgruntled politicians known as Syndicate which was bent upon creating political and social problems Morarji Desai was her strong rival but against all odds she headed the politics of India during difficult period. Pakistan was threatening India while separatists in Punjab was indulged in violence to achieve their end.

India has only one woman political figure who needs impartial assessment, For a long period Indira Gandhi guided India on right directions. Disgruntled and power-hungry politicians of that time had one political aim” Remove Indira Gandhi from power”

EVALUATION of Indira Gandhi as a women politician is a difficult task. She is being criticized for imposing emergency in 1975 for personal gain, but hard truth is that she loved for India and sacrificed her life for India while her predecessor and successors knowingly or unknowingly indulged in political activities which proved detrimental to national security of India

 Indira Gandhi was the only child of Jawaharlal Nehru, the first PM of India he groomed Indira Gandhi for future role in Indian politics but he never anticipated, Indira as the future PM of India. Pt Nehru died in 1964 and for a brief period LalBahadur Shstri headed the parliamentary democracy, India clashed with Pakistan in which Pakistan was humiliated but the popular PM Shastri died in Tashkent, Once again power struggle followed, Morarji Desai tried his luck but Indira Gandhi was elected as PM of India,

The country followed a mixed system of economy which was not succeeding and India needed new vibrant economic policy. The country was still following five years plans for development but it was also not succeeding. Unless economy is opened there was little hope of an emerging economy. Constant political agitation against her rule was gaining momentum but the opposition had no  idea how to improve economy. Against all these odds, Indira Gandhi gave the slogan “Remove Poverty and introduced 20 point formula. She laid stress on agriculture, however these measures were difficult to implement as there was no coperations from oppositions and the PM herself never approached for dialogue

 

 Some of the Public Sectors established during the period of Jawaharlal Nehru were becoming sick and in absence of foreign collaborations it was impossible to found new industries, Rules of import were difficult and in the name of exports only minerals, tea and garments were noticed  The world was gradually moving to  computerized technology, colors TVs were luxurious item in India. There was no foreign brands of motor vehicles and importation of vehicle attracted higher amount of import duty. Credit goes to Indira Gandhi for maintaining a fragile political stability. There was improvement in agriculture products. Even on limited scale new system of harvest had good result. Punjab led the way in agriculture. 

The nation faced bloody war with Pakistan which was helped by US, Uk. China and almost all the western countries. India was helped only by Russia. 1970 Indo Pakistan war witnessed the emergence of Bangladesh as a new sovereign nation . In the next general election the High court declared her election as null and void. It was a very precarious position, she has few friends left to support, most of them defected and joined the opposition, there was demand for a separate nation for Sikhs and there was violent agitations and several leading personalities were brutally murdered. Indira Gandhi ordered the army to flush out the supporters of Khalistan from a leading temple of Punjab. Her actions were opposed by opposition for a while she was out of power but bounced back with thumping majority in parliament.

 By than her life line started breaking and she was assassinated at her residence. Indira Gandhi’s imposition of emergency needs impartial evolution. Emergency was necessary for averting social and political anarchy. Violations of fundamental had no meaning when common people were craving for foods and medicines and they were getting in time. After her departure India was different. She was assassinated in 1984 and by 1990 Indian economy was opened to the world. Indira will remembered for keeping the unity of the country intact.

After Indira Gandhi no woman politicians are able to impress general public. There were  women Chief Ministers like Mayawati, Ms Jailalita and presently a learned woman as CM of West Bengal, but their contributions cannot be appreciated. There was a woman presiden of India which is a ceremonial post.There are several women politicians who are elected to Parliament and they are known for their excellent speeche.

 

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