Round The States

New Delhi, 12 June 2014

Air Mobility, Development

NEW COUNTER TO NAXALS

By Insaf

Barely three weeks into its tenure, the NDA Government, is busy cracking the whip on terrorism. The first on the block is ‘Red country’ Chhattisgarh which is to become the first laboratory for a novel experiment on a revised national policy and holistic approach to tackle Maoists. Importantly, it would serve as a test case with security taking precedence over development and empowerment schemes. Towards that end, Chief Minister Raman Singh has asked the Centre to provide air mobility, a minimum of 21 helicopters for carrying out anti-Naxal operations in the State. Its modus operandi would be to first locate the terror brigade camps in the jungles with the help of satellite images and unmanned UAV’s, especially in Bastar. Two, employment of thermal imaging devices, improving IED detection capabilities as well as intelligence -- both technical and human. Last but not the least, air-dropping security forces to the nearest Red-infested areas.

Alongside, the State plans to ensure railway and air connectivity by converting the Jagdalpur airstrip into a domestic airport. Also, on the anvil is the four-laning of two National Highways--NH 30 and 63. Indeed, this marks a departure from the erstwhile UPA Government’s strategy, which both lacked in confidence and failed to nail the Left-Wing extremism, underscoring that the country had failed to initiate a National policy or integrated plan to combat Maoism. Pertinently, the Government intends involving the youth in counter-terrorism operations. Not only will they be paid a monthly stipend but will also be given transmitters, solar power television sets and mobile phones to spot any untoward person or activity in their region. On the education front, open ashram shalas (residential schools) would be constructed. However, it remains to be seen whether this new paradigm shift in strategy will help to make a dent in the Maoist strength over the next two years.

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No Respite For Delhi

There seems to more bad news in store for Delhites, already reeling under severe power outages in the blistering cruel heat. The State will continue to be under President rule, sans a popular Government, as the Congress has rejected outrightly the Aam Aadmi Party’s overtures to forgive and forget and come forward to support its Government. In a 70-member Assembly, AAP with 27 MLAs needs five more to get a simple majority. The Congress with eight legislators ideally suits it, as in the past. Interestingly, the Congress MLAs too were happy to oblige as they were in a no mood for another election within six months. However, No. 10 Janpath  and Rahul have dashed all hopes. Clearly, this has come as a double whammy for Arvind Kejriwal post his electoral dubbing in the recent Lok Sabha elections. Also, with AAP funds drastically depleting, infighting and disillusioned cadres it is clearly a steep upper hill task to rebuild the Party and gain the aam aadmi’s confidence. There is no gainsaying, the people and Kejriwal sail in the same boat — both waiting for manna from the heavens!    

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Maharashtra BJP Rudderless

Senior BJP leader Gopinath Munde’s tragic demise could not have come at a more inopportune time for the faction-ridden Maharashtra leadership. Rudderless and headless, various State leaders have knives out with Assembly elections staring them in the face. Topped by former BJP President and Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari making plain he was unwilling to return to State politics. Worse, the problem has ballooned with the Thackery siblings Shiv Sena’s Uddhav and MNS Raj throwing their hat into the Chief Ministerial ring. A worried Prime Minister Modi who faces his first State election post occupying India’s raj gaddi is planning to begin electioneering by holding a rally later this month. The State leaders intend holding a chintan baithak to brainstorm, rethink and work towards anointing a new leader, who enjoys mass and popular support.  Three names have emerged — State President Devender Phadanvis, Leader of Opposition in the State Council Vinod Tawde and legislator Party chief Khadase. Undeniably, with the Congress-NCP Government heading for a defeat, it’s a peculiar situation for the BJP-Shiv Sena combine: Ally fighting an ally for wresting the Maharashtra crown!

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UP Baffles All

Believe it or not. Uttar Pradesh has the lowest crime rate against women, notwithstanding the recent dastardly Badaun rape-hanging of two Dalit girls. In fact, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh — ruled by the BJP have a higher incidence of crime against women, especially rape, followed by Haryana and Delhi. One wonders what Prime Minister Modi has to say to his State saffron counterparts even as he made plain in the Lok Sabha he would show no leniency in hate crimes and vulgar talk against women in ulta pulta State.Nor would he entertain any mindsets and excuses doled out by the State leadership. More so against the backdrop that the State is notorious for not registering cases particularly against Dalit women, as people are petrified that the goons would hound them if they went to the thana (police station).  Meanwhile, Maharashtra Home Minister and Deputy Chief Minister irrepressible RR Patil too has put the onus on women for these ghastly growing crimes as he says it’s because of their becoming and beguiling dresses in advertisements. Baffling, to say the least! 

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Kerala’s Bright Promise 

‘God’s own country’, Kerala is all set to achieve another milestone. After enjoying the reputation of having the highest literacy rate, it promises that by September-end it will achieve cent per cent electrification. The announcement in the Assembly by Electricity Minister will obviously bring cheer to one and all, particularly the Below Poverty Line (BPL) families. The Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) would provide them free electricity connections! And, if the rain god is generous then even the 45-minute load shedding would be passé. However, there is a hidden catch. The Government is contemplating a hike in tariff. How else would it fulfill its pledge? The hike will help it to recover Rs 1,4000.63 crore of the Rs 2,931.21 crore revenue deficit for 2014-15. Come September, it will be known whether it is a bright idea after all.  

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Turning W Bengal Blue

In this season of saffron dotting India’s landscape, West Bengal’s stormy petrel Mamata Banerjee has announced her own colour code, blue with white. That she means business is evident as the first building to be blue-washed is Writers Building, the seat of Government in Kolkata, followed by other Government buildings, bridges, flyover et al across the city. She doesn’t stop here. The Trinamool chief has dangled the carrot of giving property tax waivers for 2014-15 if private house owners adopt her favorite colour bar. However, architects are appalled by this colour coding. Kolkata is a historic city with heritage buildings, which have weathered gracefully since the British Raj. White and blue codifies modernity, unsuited for Bengalis lahe lahe culture. Will these colours drive away the State’s economic blues and lift its spirits?

(Copyright, India News and Feature Alliance)