Criminality in politics

GRAVE ISSUE
Criminality in Politics
Undoubtedly, the political parties endorse the entry of criminals in politics considering the winnability factor. Despite the intervention of EC, Supreme Court’s admirable move to verify the credentials of the candidates and an ever keen watchdog media, the scourge of criminality is still prevalent, writes Ashwini Ahuja.

The festival of elections will end after some days but the debate on the issue of tickets to criminal background candidates will not die down. It is usual affair, whenever the election days come; the debate heats up. After the elections over, dust settles down. All political parties irresponsibly give tickets to such candidates without bothering the gravity of the crimes they have committed. Media, TV channels repeatedly focus on the issue. Sometimes, down to enormous pressure and clamour over the dispensation, parties replace their candidates but over the election, all things are settled down because the all political parties know the habit of voters forgetting things.If we recall back, during the past 62 years, no ruling party either in the centre or at states has endeavored to weed out criminality in politics. The presence of criminals in parliament and state assemblies are widespread. No government has ever thought over the need of any independent creditable agency which could investigate the criminal cases against politicians. Why it so happens? Analysts say, obviously it is the criminal-politician nexus that stop the parliamentarians passing the legislation that would get rid of the corrupt and criminal elements in politics. Political parties know the criminals have the guts to win elections by hook or by crook. Politicians opt for them considering their winnability factor. Politicians are aware they can convert their muscle power into votes. Criminal history reveals that they enter politics to gain influence so that the cases against them are dropped or not proceeded with. Thanks to their financial clout they are able to get a significant place for them in politics. Political parties too use the blow of criminals in elections judging the muscle and money blend in them. Also, they tap them for funds and in return provide them with political patronage and protection as well.No doubt, under the Supreme Court orders, the Election Commission has made it mandatory for candidates, before filling the nomination, to disclose the details of their property, details of criminal background (if any), their liabilities to public financial institutions plus their educational qualifications. It is a first good step which has been taken to remove the criminal elements from our houses. To tackle the problem in totality, apart from judiciary and election commission, the government also should pass legislation. But the pertinent question is: will the government do? If a law is enacted to check on their criminal record, it would not be possible for them to escape, so, if you are- as a common man of the country- dreaming a good time ahead when criminals might be shunted out of politics, you are having your head in the clouds. Pragmatically, eradicating the criminality in politics at present is one of the toughest tasks. It has captured an immeasurable space in politics. The National Commission to review the working of the constitution also points out that criminalization has become a disquieting characteristic of India's politics and its electoral system. Large sections of society have always condemned the presence of criminals in parliament and assemblies and also they have done their efforts to eliminate the scourge. But it is not enough. We sensibly need to find out the concrete ways how we can pressurize the government maximum enacting the law & purging the system et al.In reality, no government is ever serious thanks to its selfish motives. We are also remained unsuccessful to convince our voters who play significant role in choosing criminal candidates. We enjoy when they play foul games. We all are not united. Some of us glorify murderers and scoundrels. Don’t wonder if we, in the years to come, see their dominance stronger in politics. Because of such criminals, our democracy has become unjust where political parties are compelled to buy MPs or MLAs to the save or to fall off the governments. Don’t surprise, in the present election also despite the pressure and media campaign, Congress, BJP; BSP & Samajwadi Party- all have fielded the candidates of criminal background respectively 24%, 29%, 19% & 43%. In the last UP assembly elections also, out of the total 5,539 contested candidates 965 had criminal records. In 1996, as many as 39 members of the parliament faced criminal charges. In 1998 Lok Sabha elections, out of the 500 candidates 72 had criminal proceedings pending against them. In fact, politics is a safe place for criminals. Political power protects them from facing the law of land. Likewise, they enjoy the bliss of their authority. We have seen several hardcore criminals, murderers, rapists; scamsters after joining the politics have become big leaders. Despite that their inclination doesn’t change. They loot the country; encourage booth capturing, murder, rape having connivance with the other groups of dons and mafia but when the law does its course against them they instantly start crying that the action against them is politically motivated. Will Durant- one of world’s greatest philosophers had once written in his book, in the last stage of the democracy, gangmen will rule. Criminals will flourish joyfully. The law of the land will guarantee them full protection. If they are in politics, they will commit crimes. They will not be arrested. If arrested, they will not be convicted, if convicted, they will not imprisoned, if imprisoned, they will be pardoned, if not pardoned, they will be allowed to escape. Meanwhile if they are killed in encounter, the governments will bury them with dignity and in their remembrance, memorials will be built. No doubt, it is the picture of the last stage of the democracy we are now watching. Should we celebrate the decay of democracy? If not, it is the time to think seriously how we can thwart the dominance of criminality in politics. All the leading political-parties itself should introspect; the loopholes in the legal system should be plugged. The EC should act ruthlessly and more strictly against all those parties that support candidates with criminal record. Glorification of criminals is a bad practice; it must be checked for the welfare of the democratic setup.

This article was published in Greater Kashmir on 5th May 2009.

India really needs a prime minister like Rahul Baba, writes Ashwini Ahuja.

THE RIGHT CHOICE
India really needs a prime minister like Rahul Baba, writes Ashwini Ahuja.
If you watch BR Chopra directed Ramayana on television channel you must have heard the name of Bharata –an unmatchable, devoted and ‘only one of its kind’ character and step brother of Lord Rama who, in his absence, installs lord Rama’s chappal, after seeking from him, on the throne as a symbol of respect and love for the exiled king who actually deserved the crown, while waiting for his return from 14 years exile in the forest and himself works as a regent of the king. Now, in present government, the prime minister of congress-led UPA regime, Dr. Manmohan Singh epitomizes the moral fiber of Bharata, who is in readily wait for the surfacing of any lord (Rahul, Priyanka, whosoever) from Nehru-Gandhi dynasty to lead the nation. Like Bharata to Lord Rama, Dr. Manmohan Singh too is much indebted to queen Sonia Gandhi who, in the year of 2004, had humbly turned down fond entreaties from senior congress workers to occupy prime ministerial post after the clamour over her birthplace Italy. The veteran leader and great economist Manmohan Singh was then chosen as a regent of Sonia Gandhi thanks to his loyalty towards Gandhi Nehru dynasty. Madam Sonia was later chosen the chairperson of ruling UPA to guide the veteran leader, much senior to her. Don’t surprise, in 122 year old and Moti Lal Nehru founded Congress party, even a junior family member of Nehru-Gandhi dynasty have the ability and right to guide much older and senior of the party so, now, why the media is hyped if someone proposes the projection of new guy Rahul Gandhi at the post of prime minister in the upcoming 2009 election snubbing the veterans and seniors in the party? With the proposal of HRD Minister Arjun Singh, the name of Rahul Gandhi, general secretary of the congress party for the candidacy of prime ministership along with Tamil Nadu’s chief minister M. Karunanidhi’s endorsement to the proposal ( Karunanidhi was miffed with Mrs. Indira Gandhi due to his government dismissal during emergency but was in high spirits with the magnanimity of Sonia Gandhi who rewarded him for his support to Manmohan Singh led government by giving the DMK some 12 ministers at the centre),it is a clear sign that party inwardly has geared up to welcome the prince. Reason: to pull the attention of youth towards congress party because the party has realized that it has lost its youth base. The defeat of congress in UP and Gujarat elections are also one of reasons among others was the lackadaisical performance of congress youth wing. There were not enough party workers at the grassroots who could even man the polling booths so Rahul has a plan in his mind building a core group of young people who could share their world views and solution to the ill which afflict the country. His mission is to bringing the youth back to congress before accepting other responsibility; even he humbly rejected his inclusion in the ministry at a recent reshuffle as he said he is unable to execute two duties at the same time. However, if we look back, it was Dr. Manmohan Singh who first sang the praises of Rahul Gandhi when the name of prince baba was floated before Uttar Pradesh Assembly election. We still remember Dr. Manmohan Singh had then said a remarkable point that Rahul is the future of India. Political analysts made no delay in sensing that the crown of prime minister was then eager to sit on the head of the yuvraj of Gandhi family but down to some certain reasons it was not considered the appropriate time to discuss the matter openly. First, the party focusing its all attentions towards UP assembly election. Second, Rahul had the mission ahead to explore India and meeting with people before donning the crown. He then visited Orissa and met poor, hungry and disease stricken people of the country with his own style like his grandmother and like father breaking away from the stereotyped programs. His mother Sonia Gandhi too had the previous experience of visiting the remotest areas of the country to understand different folks with husband when Rajeev Gandhi was prime minister. She too wanted Rahul visit the country’s remotest area before donning the crown. One of the most touching sights of one of those trips is still in our memory when Ms. Sonia Gandhi had stepped into the hut of a poor woman in Orissa and talked with her as a family and news papers preferably published their photographs. Similarly, Rahul Gandhi enjoys sitting among poor kids and chitchat with them and even sometimes does not hesitate to stay at night with villagers. Actually, we need young people with missionary zeal coming ahead today if we desire to make India a more progressive nation and Rahul has the ability to pull the youths toward congress. If we hear his speeches, we can say even he is someway better than Indira Gandhi and Jawahar Lal Nehru. The problem with Nehru was that he lost in rambling before coming to the point but Rahul knows where to pause and where to emphasize to rein the pulse of public. He might be a wonder leader, let aside the question of sycophancy for the time being, if the nation thinks a young prime minister for the country, he is the best choice and much better than Priyanka in present circumstances. In a parliamentary system like India, a party which wins enough seats is able to form the government by selecting its leader as prime minister. As long as congress is in power and a Gandhi is available and moreover, willing to lead the nation, none can stop him from deciding the destiny of nation. Congress has cultivated a custom of not giving the top post to an outsider. So, none in the congress might think of becoming the prime minister except for Rahul or his sister Priyanka but the congress before projecting them should reinvent its base. I personally favour Rahul Gandhi because he is someway better than others in the party. Actually, he comes in the category of Pt. JN Nehru and Lal Bahadur Shastri; both were unique leaders of calibre and acumen. Mrs. Indira Gandhi promoted the culture of sycophancy in the party. She has the coterie of ‘yes’ men. Sonia Gandhi too tagged on the tradition and she is now super PM with no accountability. And, Priyanka, only because of the offspring of Gandhi family too expect congressmen to stand up when she is around. Sycophancy flourished rapidly in congress circle but Rahul is different. He neither believes in sycophancy nor expects seniors to stand up at his arrival. Even he denied accepting his inclusion in the ministry. He also suggested her mother to take some rest. Some say that Priyanka is more charismatic and commanding than Rahul because of her style like her grandmother Indira Gandhi but Sonia Gandhi might prefer Rahul than Priyanka. There are also certain reasons behind it. First, Rahul is unmarried and will owe his sole allegiance to mother while Priyanka due to married with Vadra might be unable to follow the mother’s guidelines. Moreover, both Ambika Soni and Arjun Singh groups (both groups are strong) can’t see eye to eye on different issues. Sonia Gandhi knows that the both groups might not able to work together if Priyanka enters the fray first. For Rahul, they might be able work together. Moreover, the charming quality of Rahul baba like his father Rajeev Gandhi whose political career is a clean slate, must give India a new vision and advancement in technology.
(Ashwini Ahuja is an independent columnist and a fiction writer contributing to about a dozen publications)

TIME TO STAND FOR DEFENDING TIBETAN RIGHTS

Dalai Lama is an apostle of peace; the all world accepts he is no less important than Mahatma Gandhi but China says he is a wolf in monk’s robes. His philosophy resolutely focuses on humanitarianism and anti-violent activities but in China’s eyes he is the mastermind of biggest ever protects, chaos among Tibetan monks in China, Lhasa and elsewhere. The world knows his vision of politics has been significantly shaped by an admiration for Gandhi but China dislikes his vision. If we look back, in the year of 1989 when Dalai Lama was awarded the Nobel for Peace, the chairman of the committee had said that the prize was ‘in part a tribute to the memory of Mahatma Gandhi’
But it is a stark irony despite being a world leader, Mahatma Gandhi doesn’t matter to China, so, the Dalai Lama despite being his recognition as Nobel laureate for Peace mission. None in the world like the haughty, brutal, capitalist authoritarian China who is readying to showcase its economic might by hosting the Olympics 2008, should accuse the leader of such esteem and glory, who had been awarded the world’s biggest accolade for his peace mission, for masterminding the agitation to sabotage the Olympic Games at Beijing.
For Chinese government and its people, Dalai Lama might be a ‘wolf in monk’s robes’ but his strategy is neither anti China government nor its people. Nor he asks for Independent Tibet and it’s worsening that he is compelled to attract the ire of Tibetan people due to shifting his base from Independence to autonomy. Tibetans are not agreeing to accept a bit less than Tibet independence
Asking for autonomy within the framework of China should not be treated as an invalid demand of one of the greatest spiritual leaders if the Tibetan Buddhists are wishing to protect its culture, heritage and artifacts. But the crisis is, now, with the lighting of the Olympic flame, despite Dalai Lama’s assurance to China government that the Tibetans are not against the Beijing Olympics- the world's biggest sporting spectacle ever, Pro-Tibet protesters disrupted the Olympic flame-lighting ceremony at Athens and their intentions are no hidden agenda to the world. And China recently has asked India also regarding the protection of mashaal when it passes through India after sighting Tibetan opposition both in Paris and London.
China is quite aware that Tibetan clique would show off their plight to the world to embarrass China and protect China’s human rights record. The French President Nicolas Sarkozy too has showed his concern regarding the boycott of pro-Tibet protesters in the coming opening ceremony of Olympics games on August 8, 2008.
Days back, on the anniversary of Tibetans’ national uprising against Chinese which culminated in the running away of Dalai Lama to India through Tawang, Dalai Lama, feeling the bubbling outburst of Tibetans, had said that he is unable to control Tibetan explosion of anger, he then understood well the commonsensical rhythm of Tibetan exiles who had been frustrated with their failure achieving ‘middle way’ solution of their problem.
Dalai Lama knows understandably if he forces his disciples, he might slack his genuine authority over them because they are going berserk day after day over the unsolved question of their long-aspired independence of Tibet, not accepting the autonomy. Dalai Lama says that he is ready to quit if both the monks and Chinese authority fail to stop the violence.
Pragmatically, like Mahatma Gandhi, Dalai Lama not only talks of moral conscience but he is much anxious about violence unleashed by his own Tibetan people. Reports say that the present protects by Buddhist monks in Tibet and elsewhere in China are the largest in nearly two decades.
Traditionally, India is liberal in providing political asylum to those who wishes to come to the country. Fifty years back, when Dalai Lama, the spiritual and temporal head of Tibetans had fled to India with scores of Buddhist monks, it was the China which sharply reacted over providing refuge to the fugitive. Then our first Prime Minister Pt. Jawahar Lal Nehru had asked over Dalai Lama to act restraint. The government of India has then no objection providing shelter to them if they promise their government in exile would not indulge in political activities in India. The Dalai Lama and other Tibetans living in India honoured the commitment except for some passionate Tibetans.
Despite criticism from China many times, India did not renege on its stand of offering refuge and shortly thereafter, following a collapse of negotiations between two countries over the disputed border, China attacked China on October 1962 and defeated India.
The memory of that mountain war-fare for which India was not all prepared that time, still haunts our leaders and military officers. Now, India is silent over the situation as though it is worsening day by day. Some political analysts are of the opinion that maintaining silence is in our interest keep on friendly relations with our mighty neighbour.
After the China- India war in 1962, India did neither advocate nor support any movement for an Independent Tibet but it’s not against Tibetans’ concept of peaceful solution of Tibet dispute. India sees similarities in Mahatma Gandhi and Dalai Lama. In the year of 1922, on the eruption of violence at Chauri Chaura, Mahatma Gandhi insisted on the end of non-cooperation movement. Recently, Dalai Lama’s anxieties about violence and insistence not to hate Chinese people but to their atrocities bring back us to the memories of Gandhian dogmas.

But in the present scenario, India’s response to the harsh Chinese crackdown on legitimate Tibetan protests in Lhasa and elsewhere has been disappointing only because of the panic of spoiling relationship between two countries. In Parliament the veteran politician and foreign minister Pranab Mukherjee could only express anguish at the plight of the ill fated Tibetans, not promise to give moral support. Moreover, Indian security forces swooped down on peaceful Tibetan protestors at Dharamsala just to convince China which had sternly rebuked India to see Tibetans’ political activities. India is by all means stuck to its stand not to allowing Tibetans to run political activities in India.

The current crisis with India now is, one way; it wishes to be considered a great power, the other way it kowtows to Beijing. Its policy of appeasement to make China happy has failed.

In the year of 1962, India had been a week country with not much better economic growth. Now the scenario is absolutely changed. Now India has grown strong economically along with substantial military establishment, it should not now behave in a submissive fashion. India’s position, sure enough would be sturdier if it stands up defending undeniable rights of the Tibetan minority. India should never cow down if it claims to great power status in Asia.

It is too disappointing that some important policy decisions are ignored only because of the fear of China. For example, on the issue of China’s quest for military based in Burma, India remained silent. Second, it has also exercised caution in pursuing commercial ties with Taiwan only to save from China’s wrath. If India takes action against law-abiding Tibetans and harasses them, it is fundamentally contrary to the principles of a liberal democracy as in India.

It is no doubt that China’s hands are heavy and it is able to crush the demonstrations that have swept across the Tibet despite knowing the world powers will issue some predictable communiqués demanding to end the repression and pressurized China for negotiations. Maybe the world powers menace China for the boycott of Chinese goods or impose of sanctions due to its repression on Tibetans.
It is a crucial time that India should live up to the world’s aspirations of showing off self-confidence condemning China’s oppression on Tibetan minority. If Tibetans wishes to march peacefully, the government of India at a minimum should grants them their democratic right. Either India genuflect China by not allowing Tibetans to show off protects or obey to the global leaders’ aspirations, Dalai Lama’s moral leadership will always be immaculate.
This article was published in Greater Kashmir on 15 April, 2008

Boycott of Beijing Olympics is not a diplomatic step

It is an all-around clamour regarding the boycotting the Beijing Olympics which is scheduled to be commenced in the month of August 8, 2008. And the host China is growing nervous day by day with the threat of boycotting from different quarters both within China and the west. Thank God! India has remained successful in protecting Olympic torch by deputing tightest ever security for the Games which kept the potential Tibetans at bay.
In the view of opponents, China is aggressive towards human rights and democracy and fosters its minimalist interests, therefore; it has no right to earn the glory in the presence of entire world. When it perpetuates aggression on human right activists and Tibetan monks, should it deserve respect and reputation? Opponents question. And instead, they are giving the mega event Beijing Olympics different names such as ‘Genocide Olympics’, ‘Firing Squad Olympics’, and ‘Organ Sale Olympics’ etc. Dalai Lama says that Beijing authority is a terror to the Tibetans minority. And in China’s eyes, Dalai Lama is a splittist and devil in monk’s robes.
If we peep into history, the Chinese forces, at the start, invaded Tibet in the year of 1950. And, later, at the time of national uprising in the year of 1959, as many as 4, 0000 Tibetans were killed and Dalai Lama was forced to leave the country.
As per reports, during the next 20 years, 1.2 million Tibetans- then one-fifth of the country's population, died as a result of China's cold-blooded policies towards Tibetans. Chinese troops reportedly pillaged and destroyed nearly 6,000 monasteries and temples. Sexual assault of nuns and torture of religious activists is a commonplace culture in Tibet by Chinese forces to humiliate Tibetans. The assault is unleashing even today when Games are round the corner.
Due to all these reasons and notorious human rights backgrounds, in the year of 2000, China remained failed to get the opportunity of hosting Olympic Games. Its request was outrightly turned down. Then China waged another campaign, competed to the world’s biggest cities, made enormous economic might and then succeeded to catch the opportunity of hosting Olympics 2008. It had promised to the international Olympics committee to improve its human rights records.
Now, the crisis is that China is passing through the time of sensitivity because it has remained failed to restore its previous notoriety regarding human rights violations. The entire world is pressurizing the country to negotiate with Dalai Lama to sort out the autonomy dispute but China knows it is not the proper time when Tibetans’ sympathizers are intending to bargain with the authoritarian power. Previously, China was desperate to get the Games and now the country is desperate to get the Beijing Olympics a success. With the Tibetans outcry, its reputation and glory is highly at risk.
Undoubtedly, the games will not be called off and no country will stay away from participating to the spectacular mega event. Also, there is no chance of athletes being disheartened or beleaguered. International Olympics Committee president Jacques Rogge had also said the boycott of Beijing Games would hurt athletes and it might not solve anything. So, boycotting the Games is not a pragmatic solution et al.
Still more significant, the agitators know, nothing will happen with the game except an embarrassment to China before the entire world. The China too knows what is going to be in the days ahead: the audiences might be far short of what the Chinese authorities look forward to. The China’s fear is that, its reputation will go down to a larger extent. If it fails to consider some quick and massive reforms in relationship with Tibetans, its victory to get opportunity of organizing Olympics 2008 might instead fall it into catastrophe.
So, international analysts are of the opinion that it’s the time to reap the yield for Tibetans. Constant pressure is better option than the boycott. Nobody might say that the boycott of Beijing Olympics is a pragmatic step. The world leaders- USA president George Bush and Britain Gordon Brown are hopefully would register their presence during in the Games. Moreover, it should never be forgotten that the more the Chinese authorities perturb, the more it stubbornly might grows aggressive towards the agitators.
If we talk Tibetans sympathizers they count certain reasons of boycotting the Games. First, massacre of peacefully democracy activists in Burma years back. China funds the Burmese regime but don’t take much interest in reforms in that country. Moreover the start day of Beijing Olympics, August 8 also marks the 20th anniversary of the massacre of peacefully democracy activists in Burma. So, its memory compels the Tibetans for boycotting the Games.
Second, China’s partnership with Sudan and in the year of 2007 China doubled its trade with that country. China needs to fuel its rapid growth and gets almost seven percent of total oil from Sudan every year. Sudan is the same country which is notorious for perpetrating atrocities in Darfur. People in Darfur have faced violence, malnutrition, and disease but China has no time to pay heed towards their basic problem. Rather, it enabled the atrocities to go on. Tibetans have disliking for China’s frozen attitude towards basic human problems.
Third, in the year of 2001, China government had promulgated a policy against herding Mongols community and removed almost eight lakhs herders off their grazing land and resultantly they had lost their property, home, livestock and cultural identity also. Those who showed their interest in promoting Mongolian culture were forcefully sent to jail.
Fourth, atrocities on Christian Community; according to a report, almost two thousand Christians are arrested every year. Religious persecutions are increasing rapidly year after year. In the year of 2005, Zhuohua, a pastor was arrested for printing and distributing Bibles. Why China is so much dogged in extinguishing ancient civilization and destroying culture heritage even a common Chinese too is unable to understand. Such callous country should never be allowed to command Olympic-hosting reputation, the Tibetan leaders say.
Moreover, the Chinese forces had arrested hundreds of thousands practitioners of Falun Gong (a system of mind & body cultivation related to Buddhism) and in the year of 1989, it’s still in our memory that a crowd of more than a million students camping at Beijing’s vast Tiananmen Square, peacefully calling for an end to repression and corruption was also crushed by Chinese military and, on July 13, 2001, at the time of assignment of Beijing Olympics 2008, when the Chinese police were intensifying crackdowns on journalists, internet users and also cyber dissidents, the members of the committee had advised China to restrain but even after six and half years later, nothing has changed despite the member of IOC (International Olympic Committee) turned a deaf ear to the repeated appeals from international organizations.
Despite all what China mercilessly unleashed on human rights, pragmatically, it is not a right decision boycotting the Games right now. If we have the reasons of China’s help to Sudan which is torture to people in Darfur, the instance of USA-Saudi Arabia’s strong tie is before us. Saudi Arabia is well known for its association with terror groups and has funded Islamic terror; the world has ever boycotted America for its ties with Saudi Arabia. We should understand everything sagaciously. Hollywood star Richard Gere, a close follower of Dalai Lama is also of the opinion that the Tibet issue should be handled correctly. Actually, he is not in favour of boycotting the Games, he says also.
This article has been published in GREATER KASHMIR on 24 April, 2008