Why should Justice Ganguli resign?

Three judge bench of SC found ‘ring of truth’ in the affidavit of law intern against Justice Asoke Kumar Ganguli.Ganguli too strongly denied the allegation against him with judges concerned.Now whom would you believe-law intern or Ganguli? Unless a through probe is done by an appropriate authority where Ganguly is given an opportunity to defend himself he can’t be called ‘guilty’. Till he’s proved guilty, why should he step down as the Chairperson of WBHRC as being demanded by political parties and many important personalities? Any body might bring allegation against any man of consequence but till the man is proved guilty he need not relinquish his position.In ganguli’s case SC should have made a through investigation itself to come to a logical conclusion.But instead of doing so it washed its hand of the matter after making a statement that is being interpreted in different ways.Who says there is no vested interest to dislodge Ganguli from his present position to settle old score?

Electoral Success of AAP!

Anna Hazare’s movement against corruption and strident demand for passage of Lokpal Bill in Parliament received unprecedented support from people across the country. People in large numbers went to Delhi from different parts of our nation to extend support to Anna who was on fast until death. The movement almost took the turn of a national upsurge against corruptions. The movement ultimately lost momentum because of various reasons but people’s rage against corruption remains unabated.Arabind Kejriwal, now Aam Aadmi Party supremo, took a leading role in the movement against corruption along with Anna Hazare. So when Kejriwal floated AAP to contest Delhi assembly poll people rallied behind his party as is manifested in overwhelming success of AAP in the election at its first appearance. This is, in fact, the secret of phenomenal electoral success of Kejriwal’s party at its debut. So people want the primary task of AAP is to fight against corruptions and form a corruption-free government if opportunity comes. May be, formation of such a govt is as good as a day-dream in the present milieu, nevertheless people are reluctant to lose hope.

Unearth the truth!

Asoke Ganguli, the most sincere, efficient and active Chair person of Human Rights Commission the state of West Bengal has ever had is now in most deplorable plight for alleged violation of human rights himself. The situation has been all the more complicated by Supreme Court’s statement that allegation of sexual harassment of the intern has ‘ring of truth’ which means the contention ‘seems to be true’. It’s ,in fact, ‘half truth’ that makes people more curious to know the ‘truth’ which, again, needs proper investigation. But SC has washed their hand off the matter and regretted their inability to proceed further in this case. Almost all political parties, some of them were aggrieved by Ganguli’s judgments at some time or other when he was in office as judge of SC or HCs,or in his present tenure as the Chairperson of State Human Rights Commission, are vociferous about his alleged ‘crime against woman’ and demand his resignation from the Chairmanship of State Human Right Commission. They’re not in a mood to listen to what Ganguli likes to say in his defence.However,Ganguli has denied the allegation. Nevertheless, at present Ganguli has aquired the stature of a ‘villain’ .So the earlier starts the probe, the better it is to unearth what really happened between Justice Ganguli and the intern girl on that fateful evening.

Treat as adult!

In Delhi rape-murder case that shook the nation the youngest of the rapists acted the most barbaric way. Nevertheless he was awarded minimum sentence of imprisonment for 3yrs only because he was a minor (17yrs) when he committed the crime. If a perpetrator of bloodcurdling crime who deserve the highest punishment law can ever provide is let off the hook after a brief stay behind the bar simply because he’s only a few months away from adulthood at the moment of perpetration of crime, the whole judicial process is reduced to a farce. So incase of such gruesome crimes, perpetrator should be treated as an adult and this amendment be given the retrospective effect to retry the youngest culprit in Delhi rape-murder case according to the amended law.

Treat as adult!

In Delhi rape-murder case that shook the nation the youngest of the rapists acted the most barbaric way. Nevertheless he was awarded minimum sentence of imprisonment for 3yrs only because he was a minor (17yrs) when he committed the crime. If a perpetrator of bloodcurdling crime who deserve the highest punishment law can ever provide is let off the hook after a brief stay behind the bar simply because he’s only a few months away from adulthood at the moment of perpetration of crime, the whole judicial process is reduced to a farce. So incase of such gruesome crimes, perpetrator should be treated as an adult and this amendment be given the retrospective effect to retry the youngest culprit in Delhi rape-murder case according to the amended law.

Stung by libido!

It’s normal the accused always tries to deny the wrong he’s committed and put forward reasons, weak or strong, to defend himself. In this respect Tarun Tejpal is no exception.But what’s very confusing is being the most successful sting operator himself that has shot him to fame he’s put in different reasons at different times to exonerate himself. Initially, he confessed to what he’d done and was in a mood to expiate but later he under plays every thing he has perpetrated.However, ultimately if he’s proved guilty, law would award him punishment that he deserves. Isn’t it irony of fate that a man who made daring sting operations and unfolded crimes of unbelievable magnitude that brought many high profile personalities to justice is himself put on the dock stung by libido?

How safe is our ATM kiosk!

The way the lady, bank employee herself, was attacked by the miscreant inside the ATM kiosk after rolling down the shutter at Bangalore sends shiver down any body's spine.Good luck that the lady was only injured and not murdered.The assailant could have outraged her modesty too.After this incident one might be scared to go to ATM counter alone to withdraw money. Unfortunately, Banks don't care for the safety of the customers.So they don't feel the necessity of engaging security guards at all ATM counters either.Most of the ATM booths are left unguarded much to the risk of the customers.Bank only take precautions that ATM machines are made such a pilfer proof manner that money can't be robbed of the machines even left unguarded.So they don't require to engage security personnel at ATM counters, though incidences of robbery at ATM machines are some times reported.That apart, Banks argue deployment of security guards round the clock at all ATM booths involves a lot of money which they can't afford particularly when they plan to increase the number of ATM counters even in rural areas in the interest of the customers. However,Banks can't wash their hands of the safety of the customers.In fact,transactions at ATM have reduced the running expenditures of the bank considerably.So there is no reason why Banks raise the question of viability of ATM services if each ATM counter is provided with security guards round the clock.Banks can also explore other ways and means to provide security to the customers .What is actually required is determination and good will on the part of the banks in this respect. --

Jack of all Sports,Master of Cricket!

Cricket lovers all over the world has bidden farewell to Sachin Tendulkar , the living legend of Cricket. We’re proud India has ever produced a cricketer of such a stature whom people would remember and adore till the game of cricket is played on earth. However, in glaring contrast it’s sad India miserably fails in other departments of sports and games in the international fray. What’s more, in the events Indian contestants have excelled, for example, in World Chess competition, shooting in Olympic Games etc, they’ve mostly done it in individual efforts rather than by the assistance from the sports administration of the country. Once India was unparalleled in Hockey but now it has relegated to the back seat. In the country of more than 100 crores of people India has ever failed to produce a foot baller or athlete of Sachin Tendulkar’s stature in Cricket. So we have to remain contented with Cricket and bask in the glorious achievements of legendary cricketer like Tendulkar in days to come to make up for the loss of face in other fields of sports and games.

A ray of hope!

Tata’s recent submission at SC that they like to make automobile factory at their Nano factory site at Singur which they left for political disturbances seems to be the most welcome news for the state and for the people of Singur in particular.Tata shifted their Nano project to Sananda at Gujarat when it was near-complete and it sent a wrong signal to the industrialists who’re still reluctant to invest in West Bengal. Nor is there any possibility of a big industry coming up in near future in the state.In this context Tata’s offer of opening up a new industry at Singur, may it be the second unit of Nano or anything else, is quite significant. If it comes true, the scenario on industrial front of Bengal would change and the state would be able to live down its anti-industry image. Investments would start pouring in. Certainly people of Singur feel happy at this sudden change of circumstances and find ray hope in Tata’s offer of come-back.It’d dispel the pall of gloom that has overcast the people of Singur after Tata called it quits. Hopefully, the so called unwilling farmers, whose number at present has dwindled to claimants for 42 acres of land only as against 400 acres mentioned earlier, would cease to stick to their demand for return of their land from Tata’s factory project area in the their own interest as well as in the interest of people of Singur at large. The present govt which promised to return 400 acres of land to ‘unwilling farmers’ in their election manifesto would also relent and reconsider their stance to make their sincerest efforts to bring industries to the state a success.

An unperdonable mistake!

Google deserves a lot of thanks for reminding us of the 125th birthday of C.V.Raman. He is the first Asian and first Indian as well to have been awarded Nobel Prize in Science.He carried out his research work at Indian Association Of Cultivation of Science, Calcutta in most difficult circumstances. What’s most interesting, he was confident that he would be awarded Nobel Prize for his work and it came true.Incidentally, later on Indian born scientists received Nobel Prizes too but none of them got this prestigious award carrying out their research work in Indian universities. So C.V.Raman is so far the only Indian to have been awarded the Nobel Prize in science working on India soil.It’s a pity that we can afford to forget his 125th Birthday. Thank Google once again.

Defeating the objective!

SC’s judgment is aimed at unchaining the bureaucrats and allowing them to work freely.Transfering, punishing and rewarding of an IAS officer is suggested to be advised by Civil Service Board(CSB) whose recommendation, however, is not binding on the govt. CSB would be manned by working officers and headed by cabinet secretary and chief secretary in case of a state. It’s unlikely the members of CSB would go in for confrontation with the Chief Minister of a state and incur his/her displeasure. They might cite reasons that stands out as not that convincing or even not at all true, as done with IPS officer Ms. Durga Sakti Nagbal of UP who was slapped with the charge of demolishing Masjid wall, to transfer or punish a officer concerned with a view to obliging the Chief Minister. If the heads of the state trample with the recommendations of the democratic institutions like Human Rights Commission, they can ignore the suggestions of CSB too.If that be the case the objective of the apex court would be defeated.

Safeguard of Bureaucrats!

Sc's landmark judgement that bureaucrats should not act on the oral instructions of netas or ministers, except under special circumstances would act as a safe guard of the bureaucrats because if the action taken by them on the basis of oral orders is questioned in future the minister concerned might wash off his/her hand and lay all blame on the executive officers who has on the other hand no written document to defend himself.However, under extraordinary situation which demands immediate action to tackle a situation waiting for written order might prove self defeating and in that case the executive should ask for a written instruction later on from his boss for his own safety.However,sometimes officers misguide the ministers,In that case a written record of the concerned officer's opinion in certain matter must be kept. Officers are now transferred at the drop of a hat in our state.Recently, Durga sakti Nag Pal was suspended in UP and reinstated after country wide furor against this punitive measure. It's a common practice to transfer officers when they incur the displeasure of their political bosses for their dissension in some matter.SC's mandated that an officer has to be allowed to work for a minimum tenure and can't be transferred according to the sweet will of a neta or minister during this period.. . However, SC has not mentioned the quantum of minimum tenure. SC has suggested to form CIvil Service Board(CSB) for monitoring transfer and offer of reward or punishment to the officer as well.Now the opportunity is there for the govt to influence CSB in its favour.Again,if an officer happens to be dishonest and insincere or incompetent and if he can't be transferred or removed in the 'period of minimum stay' then administration will suffer.These issues need be resolved.

Hassles of using BSNL Land Line!

Suffered with noisy telephone (Land line:033-25440992) for couple of days. The BSNL technician yesterday (30.10.2013) corrected the fault and noise disappeared altogether. For some time the telephone functioned normally but much to my despair its dial tone suddenly went off and the telephone became stone dead. What’s most alarming, the handset of my cordless phone started displaying ‘Line in use’. I’m afraid my telephone line is being used by somebody else. I tried to lodge complaint at automatic complaint booking site but again I was dismayed by the recorded voice emanating from the above mentioned site that ‘my complaint is already there and work is in progress. I was confronted with similar situation last year and I couldn’t register fresh complaint as the complaint was already there. I don’t know what’s in store for me now and how long I would have to suffer. I like to solicit your assistance to bail out of such predicament, thanks to the quality of service offered by such a big telecom giant compared with the service rendered by private players in this field. Perhaps this is one of the many reasons which painfully compel longtime subscribers to part with BSNL.For myself I’ve bidden farewell to BSNL Broad Band service. Nevertheless perhaps those who are still reluctant to untie the knot with BSNL earnestly wish it best of luck!

A dream that 'd never come true!

Gorkha land is a day-dream for the sponsors of the movement. Hill leaders also know they are fighting vainly for a separate state which will never come into being. Whoever comes to power in Bengal would not allow further division of the state at least for its own existence. Nor would Center allow carve out Gorkhaland to open Pandora’s box again after Telengana either. Truly, the Gorkha leaders in hills are whipping up ethnic sentiment to keep the movement alive for their own interest for power, money etc. Already they’ve amassed immense fortune like Subhas Ghising.Unfortunately, no political parties have ever tried to nip the movement in the bud. On the contrary, they pampered it for electoral gain. Mamata has taken rather a tough stand which has yielded some results too.Hoewever,how long the hills would remain peaceful is difficult to predict. Probably Gorkha activists would not go in for politics of Bandh in near future. Now perhaps movement would continue at low key. Come opportunity, it might gain momentum and flare up again.However, it may be reassured whatever be the intensity of the movement formation of separate Gorkhaland would ever elude the Gorkha people and it’d prove only a wild goose chase.

What Prez said!

Our Prez.Pranab Mukherjee has rightly said our universities deserve no credit for Nobel laureates like Dr.Hargobind Khorana, Amartya Sen and others.They did their research work in foreign universities and became Nobel awardees.They were Indian by birth only.However, C.V. Raman was the only Indian scientist who won Nobel Prize in Science and he did his entire research project in India at Indian Institute of Cultivation of Science ,Calcutta, that too in much adverse ambiance. Another man who was Indian born British doctor became Nobel Laureate in Medicine by pursuing his research project in india.He was Ronald Ross.He worked on Maleria at Predsidency General Hospital , Calcutta, now called SSKM Hospital . Prez has rightly contended that it's regrettable none of the Indian universities has achieved the distinction of being placed even at the 200th position in the list of 400 world ranking universities published this month.However, it's our consolation that five Indian universities have figured in positions 200-400.Punjab university has sprang a surprise by occupying 225-250 position while IITs-Kgp,IIT-Kanpur, IIT-Delhi and IIT-Roorkee are placed in 350-400 positions.Incidentally, earlier IIT-Kgp was in225-250 position.It's intersting our top ranking national universities like D.U,JNU,BHU, C.U,J.U,IISc,BESU etc are no where in the scale. It may be noted in China and Japan 7 and 5 universities respectively have found place among 200 top global universities. Among other criteria standard of a university is judged by its quality of research activities.In most of our universities research work suffer for lack of infrastructural facilities.That apart, bureaucratic bungling, political interference and teachers' too much involvement in politics also hamper research activities in a big way.More over, research supervisors spend more time in departmental politics than in academic pursuit.

Irresponsible people in responsible trade!

Blanket closures of medicine out-lets: It’s regrettable almost all the medicine out-lets, big or small, were kept shut in the evening(however, I can’t say if they were closed in the morning too) at Belgharia on the occasion of Subha Vijaya Dashami(14 Oct) which turned out to be the most ‘Asubha’ (inauspicious) to those who had to move length and breadth of the town in search of essential drugs with tension and anxieties writ large on their faces. Owners of the medicine shops should feel their business is quite different from other trades. Nonavailability of medicines at the right moment because of blanket closure of all medical out-lets as on the present occasion might lead to loss of precious lives. So the dealers in medicine should have a sense of social commitment and humane deal is always expected of them. Those who can’t afford this little bit of humanity has no right to run a business in medicines. They should be looked upon as intruders or gatecrashers in the medicine trade. On the day of Subha Vijaya I’ve referred to above, the Medicine dealers’ association of Belgharia could have instructed some selected shop owners to keep their medicine outlets open at least in public interest. Perhaps they didn’t even think of such an idea, perhaps nor did they have that mindset to think this way, thanks to their insensitivity and lack of sensibility. It may be further mentioned it's a regular practice at Belgharia to keep all the medicine shops closed in the after noon much to the inconveniences and consternation of those who're badly in need of procuring a drug to administer to critical patients.It's another instance of insensitiveness and lack of responsibility of shop owners.This situation can be easily addressed by keeping some selected shops open by turn each day. Notwithstanding the criticism, I'm sure, the same thing(blanket closure of shops) would be repeated in the evening of ensuing Kojagari Lakshmi Puja too. In fact, unless social awareness develops and popular protest pours in things are not likely to improve in any way.

The Unkindest Cut!

The students, teachers and guardians of Christ Church School for girls at Dumum are happy that their Principal has resumed her duties after 11days since the school reopened. The Principal too looked visibly happy and made a brief speech to her students.She said she feel satisfied her students could properly differentiate between ‘right’ and ‘wrong’ and it meant school had imparted 'proper education' to them.But what’s most strikingly surprising is she didn’t utter the name of Oindrila, whose death bled every heart, even once in her speech. Nor did she reportedly pay a visit to the house of Oindrila’s bereaved parents who amidst their profound grief briefed for early reopening of school in the interest of the students. This incident would hurt any sensible soul.Only she best knows why she omitted Oindrila’s name.However,whatever be the cause this unkindest cut is unpardonable.What's more,this 'omission' would send a wrong message to the students who the Principal claims are receiving 'proper education' from school.

Pay-dole politics!

Writers’ Building badly needed renovation and repair. In that context shifting of most of the departments from Writers’ to new building at Howrah christened Nabanna was necessary. But the cost involved in transshipment and what’s more, in according a spick and span corporate look to the new building is too high for a state that is badly suffering from financial constraints. That apart, it’s a temporary measure as after renovation of Writers’ the departments would be shifted back to this age old heritage building again. May be, it’s on card that some departments would remain at Nabanna permanently but the money expended does not worth this purpose too. Mamata Banerjee has been clamouring since she assumed office as Chief minister that the state is now carrying the legacy of colossal debt of the earlier govt. which had no fiscal discipline at all. Debt has reached astronomical figure for wanton expenditure and misappropriation of money as well over the years in Left regime. The present govt has to repay the sky-high debt and as a result developmental works suffer badly. If the above allegations are correct, the same blame may be laid at the door of the new govt too.The present govt is giving away money generously to private institutions and individuals as well.To start with it has paid handsome amount of money to clubs. Imams are getting monthly allowances and unemployed youths are paid doles every month in Yubashree and Kanyashree projects from govt coffer. Even the depositors who lost money in Saradha scam are compensated from public exchequer.Paying monetary assistance to Durga Puja committees are being contemplated. Who knows how many more such projects are in the pipeline. This apart, a lot of money is spent in window dressing. How does a govt that is encumbered with enormous burden of debt spend money so lavishly to meet so called ‘social commitments’? Isn’t it at the cost of developmental work that our state badly needs?Really unfortunate, in deed!

Saradha Scam

It’s interesting cops started calling Rajyasabha MP Kunal Ghosh to Bidhannagar commissionarate for grilling immediately after he declared revolt against Trinomool leadership at a blood donation camp which was attended by Soumen Mitra , his wife Sikha Mitra and film stars turned MPs Tapas Pal and Satabdi Roy. Before this incident however, Kunal was not called for questioning by police so frequently. Both Tapas and Satapdi also raised their voices against TMC leadership though very mildly and later even tendered apology for their remark.Kunal seems fully cooperating with police administration but interestingly after each grilling he keeps all guessing about what he has up his sleeve. It’s true Kunal should have been served show cause notice to explain his position with his party. Now he rightly complains he was denied an opportunity to defend himself prior to his suspension and party seems to have no answer to his contention.Perhaps,party tried to avoid any unwanted situation that could have arisen if Kunal were allowed to make any statement in his favour in response to the show cause letter. Perhaps it could stir up a hornet’s nest. So party simply sent a message to potentially dissenting voices that they would have the same fate as that of Kunal if they openly speak their mind.However,pressure would be kept mounting on Kunal so that he does not open his mouth any more though he would keep tantalizing public that he’d divulge many secrets of Saradha scam.

Crumbling Kamduni!

The girl in Kamduni was no less brutally raped and murdered than the medical student Nirvaya at Delhi.In the latter case trial took place at breakneck speed and the accused were awarded death sentences. But in Kamduni case trial is limping forward with snail’s space and no body knows when the judgment would be pronounced. Cops made inordinate delay in tendering charge sheet. By this time a key witness has also died much to the advantage of the accused. Those who took initiative for fast trial of this tragic and barbaric incident in Kamduni were termed Maoist by CM herself. She, however, promised to see the trial complete in a month. She also ensured she’d see if the accused were sentenced to death. Incidentally, immediately after this gruesome incident govt offered employment and financial assistance to kin of the victim, but they flatly refused the offer. Villagers formed a Pratibadi Mancha which waited upon Prez at Delhi for precipitate action in Kamduni incident and the intellectuals took out protest rallies in Kolkata streets. In fact, there happened no significant change in the present scenario. On the contrary, Kamduni rape-murder case was transferred to Court in Kolkata much to the disadvantage of Kamduni people. Govt took this Pradibadi Mancha as an affront to them and treated it as an handiwork of the opposition. In a bid to crash the Mancha Govt floated another parallel Mancha.Govt also offered employment to three members of victim’s family along with 1 lac rupees. This time, of course, the poor and needy family gladly accepted the offer. Not only that they wrote a letter to CM vilifying Pratibadi Manchi in all possible ways and making all sorts of allegations against it.They also heaped praise on Mamata Banerjee generously.Now let us wait and watch the fate of the most brutal rape-murder case of the innocent girl of Kamduni.

Ordinance Muddle!

Rahul Gandh’s sudden out burst condemning the ordinance overriding SC’s verdict about convicted MPs and MLAs has done more good than harm to UPA govt.Apparently, it’s embarrassed the cabinet ministers who passed the ordinance but he took to damage control measures in proper time. In the first place Prez was in no mood to sign the ordinance and he might have returned it to the cabinet for reconsideration. That would not send a good message to the nation. In fact, people didn’t take the ordinance favourably .On the contrary, majority of people out right condemned it and considered it an attempt to pamper corruption. Secondly, the arch rival BJP is also against the ordinace.It’d help NDA make dent into the already eroded poll prospect of UPA.That apart, by attacking the controversial ordinance Rahul has refurbished his image as Primeministrerial candidate in the coming Parliamentary elections.Admittedly,Prime minister Monmohan Singh who’s now out of the country would be in a awkward position to make volt face so far as the ordinance is concerned. But people won’t mind it as it’s well known in Congress it’s the Nehru or Gandhi family that dictate terms.

Weeding out tainted MPs and MLAs

The President’s apparent reluctance to sign the ordinance contravening SC’s verdict that convicted MPs and MLAs stand disqualified for contesting elections prove very embarrassing for UPA govt.BJP’s objection to the ordinance has made the matter worse again. In coming Lok Sabha poll campaign it’d offer a golden opportunity to BJP to convince people that they like to see spotless candidates contesting in coming elections. In fact, majority of electorates seem critical of this opportunistic and immoral ordinance as they like to see honest and sincere people as MPs and MLAs.They participate in poll process but hardly find a candidate with honesty and integrity of their choice to vote for. Before passing this ordinance Union Cabinet should have thought twice at least considering Lok Sabha elections breathing down their neck and they’d have to face and convince the electorate regarding their present stance about tainted people’s representatives gracing democratic institutions. While over ruling SC’s judgment UPA argued a MP or MLA convicted at lower court might be acquitted at higher court. So when convicted at lower court he shouldn’t be denied the opportunity to contest polls. Take it other way round. If he’s found guilty in upper courts too and by this time participate in polls and get elected. Then we’d find people whose guilt has been proved in court of law gracing as MPs and MLAs in Parliament and Assembly.In fact, number of tainted people in democratic institutions are thus burgeoning. So govt should not stand in the way of Supreme Court’s honest endeavour to do away with participation of corrupt people in law making institutions.

Civic Polls

Thumping Victory of Trinomool Congress: After sweeping through Panchayet polls TMC has made a thumping victory in civic polls too by bagging as many as 8 civic bodies out of 12.Poll results indicate TMC is almost equally popular in rural and urban areas as well. Its arch rival CPM is in total disarray and is suffering from leadership crisis. That apart, the party has not sufficient cadres too to take on TMC.True, TMC has resorted to muscle flexing and coercion tactics in many areas in civic polls but LF is too weak to combat them. Its no denying the fact that as a ruling party TMC enjoyed the support of the administration. In Left regime also similar things happened but not in such a large scale and so intensive a way. Now the question is why people voted so overwhelmingly in favour of TMC in civic polls. Is it for good governance or developmental work in urban areas? Definitely not. Urban people are far from happy. They are suffering from insecurity.The muscle men are ruling the roost.Theft,snatching are almost daily occurrences. Even dacoities are not rare. What is a matter of utter concern is the safety of women has reached the bottom line. Rape, murder, molestation and other forms of crimes against women are now daily affairs. Women are not even safe at their homes either.Crminals barge into houses and molest and rape women. If any body ventures to protest against these criminal activities, he’ll be mercilessly roughed up or even murdered. Youths on the bike are roaming in the crowded streets in broad day light to make ‘fun’ with women by teasing, touching and hurling most filthy words at them. Women are, as it were, ‘beast of prey’ to them. However, none is spared by these muscle men. Teachers are very soft target of attack. They’re assaulted in academic institutions even without provocation. Students and outsiders more often than not go on the rampage at schools, colleges and universities and relentlessly destroy the properties of the institutions.Hopitals are not in good shape. Doctors are beaten up now and then at the slightest pretext. What’s more, cops slap lighter charges on the accused of the ruling party for the same offence committed by those in opposition. In urban locality conditions of roads are most pathetic. In most parts road surfaces are bare denuded of asphalt. Potholes are found here and there. So road accidents are very common that lead to loss of lives so often. Admittedly, the situation was not much better during Left rule either. After 34 years of Left rule people like to provide some more time to TMC govt to reorganize their house and make amends for lapses being made. As fresher in governing a state, committing mistakes are natural. What’s also important, the disorganized opposition can’t take advantage of the acts of omissions and commissions of the new govt.It’s pathetic a section of media act more effective a role as opposition than political parties in opposition themselves.

Scooping up the Scandal!

Saradha Chit Fund Scam: In a blood donation camp Rajyasabha member Kunal Ghosh made explosive remarks subtly aimed at TMC supremo for using him as a scape goat in Sarodha Chit funds scam.He threatened to bring to light many secrets that might land the party in awkward positions.He also feared he might be even murdered for divulging truth.He demanded CBI inquiry to prove himself not guilty and that would be a fitting reply to a section of his party colleagues who are indulging in raising accusing figures towards him in Sarodha episode.On this occasion Satapdi Roy.,Tapas Pal and Soumen Mitra's wife Sikha Mitra, now expelled from TMC though the letter of expulsion is claimed to have not yet reached her, and Soumen Mitra himself followed suit.However, they were not as vociferously and aggressive as Kunal in their attack.Of course, Sikha Mitra was in her usual self. The trio Kunal Ghosh, Satabdi Roy and Tapas Pal would be served show cause notice, party so claims.. What's very interesting, Kunal was called upon at Salt Lake commissionarate office for grilling next day.He was questioned by cops for a few hours and even the day after he was called for grilling again. Immediately after Saradha scam was brought to light, involvement of Kunal was reported in the media.He was CEO of Saradha Group and paid as much as 16 lacs per month.He allegedly extorted money from Sudipta Sen , the Kingpin of Saradha group to purchase a publishing house of a Bengali daily and a Bengali TV channel as well.Kunal, however, denied having been paid this amount of money per month as salary and other part of the story also. Now it baffles one why Kunal tends the Saradha scandal when it's dying down.Is he trying to expose real culprits in his party who've escaped attention or given a clean chit and he was made a 'sacrificial lamb'?If it's frue it'd prove difficult for TMC to proceed further to discipline Kunal Ghosh as a party member.Nor can he be expelled from party as it might afford Kunal a free hand to let out what's in his bag.So striking a compromise is the only solution.

Unfortunate!

Christ Church School Incident: Death of Oindrila is no doubt the most tragic event. But what followed after her death in Christ Church School was also very unfortunate. The way the parents and guardians, particularly women, went on the rampage and ruthlessly destroyed school properties deserve condemnation from all quarters. The Principal and other teachers plead they didn’t know Oindrila was confined in a room by senior students to fleece her and later rescued by a sweeper. Nor did they know Oindrila fell ill at home and under went medical treatment. The incident came to their knowledge after Oindrila’s death. May be, what school claims is true but such a long ignorance is unpardonable . If school knew the incidence of Oindrila’s confinement in toilet, it could try to find out the girls who did the mischief and such a move definitely helped boost up the sagging morale of the little girl. The role of cops in the school premises was almost that of on-lookers. Little did they try to stop the wanton destruction of school properties . They rather obliged the guardians by compelling the Principal to beg apology of the mob.Principal was also constrained to tender resignation as well. Police ultimately arrested her and produced her in court bizarrely slapped with, among other offences, the charge of abatement to suicide although Oindrila didn’t commit suicide at all. A question arises why parents and guardians got so furious seemingly so spontaneously. Perhaps, it should be attributed to the Principal’s inability to deal with so sensitive an issue like a student’s death with due compassion and kindheartedness. That apart, it might be an out-burst of cumulatively pent-up grudge of the guardians against the Principal for some reason or other.

More sinned against than sinning!

Neither the Principal nor the teachers of Christ Church School were directly involved in Aindrla’s death. She was confined in a toilet for some time after school hours by three senior students to fleece her money.Accidently the sweeper heard her cry and rescued her. She was so traumatized by the incident that she died in a few days even after receiving medical attention.The guardians and teachers became furious to know Aindrila’s death and went on the rampage. They mercilessly destroyed school properties and zeroed in their all rage on the Principal who pleaded innocent. But the guardians and students kept spewing venom on her till she resigned and police arrested her at the end of the day. Was not the Principal more sinned against than sinning? It may be.But it’s her own fault for which she had to wallow in hell fire whole day. She reportedly didn’t show sympathy to the little girl who died because of ragging. Nor did she decide to punish those students who ragged the girl. It seemed she didn’t give due weigtage to such a tragic incident that bled every heart.Perhaps,she’d to pay for her insensivity and indifference. That apart, it might be the outburst of her persistently bad beviour to the guardians and students as is evident in her pupils’ open criticism of her bad temperament. With the deepest sorrow welled up in his heart in the wake of parting with her only daughter for ever father said,’My daughter gave away her life to save thousands of students from rigging’.He also added,’Agitation could have been done in a democratic way’.

Nipping in the bud!

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Parliament quashing decision of Supreme Court Decision taken in Lok Sabha to quash the judgment of Supreme Court to debar those in jail from filing in nomination for elections is extremely unfortunate. In fact, prior to taking this decision no discussion was made on this issue in the Parliament. Nor did MPs show patience to allow the apex court to reconsider its decision, for which they tendered petition. In reality, many contestants with criminal records and dubious distinctions file nominations and in many instances are elected by money and muscle power. Certainly these people ‘gracing’ Parliament must tarnish its image. What’s most worrying; these people in many instances rule the roost. Supreme Court made an honest and sincere attempt to weed out undesirable elements and give Parliament a clean and adorable image to public. What’s most unfortunate,SC’ s endeavor to stem the rot is nipped in the bud.

Deregitering students!

Beating up invigilators while copying in examination halls: True, the way students behaved in the examination halls they deserve stringent punishment.It's also true all the students who copied didn't participate in beating up the teachers and controller of examination.Some of them simply resorted to malpractices and they should be debarred from taking rest of the examination as is normally done in any exam center.However, those roughed up teachers and university official while caught coping must be given exemplary punishment like rustication and deregistration etc.All examinees should not be tarred with the same brush and slapped with same punishment.That apart,before declaring punishment University must think twice in the present political ambience if they could stick to their decision or they'd have to succumb to political pressure.In the event they're to surrender situation would go from bad to worse. So far as police administration is concerned, the examinees, better say miscreants,who assaulted teachers, Principal and university officials should be immediately slapped with non-bailable offence and put behind the bar.

Teacher Bashing!

Spanning over the later part of the sixties and earlier part of the seventies in the last century mass copying in examination centers at schools and colleges was rampant.It was Naxal period.Students considered copying as matter of right.Teachers or invigilators tried to oppose copying but the students didn't manhandle teachers in protest.They left exam halls and made others to follow suit.In worst cases they went on the rampage and vented their rage by destroying properties of exam centers.It was sustained and concerted efforts of the teachers that could stop mass copying and brought order in the examination hall in the later part of the seventies. Now after a long time in TMC regime the concept of 'copying as birth right' seems raising its ugly head again.In recent times in many instances teachers have been roughed up by examinees for refraining them from copying.In Itahar wife of a TMC leader Goutam Pal was caught copying in examination hall.As a result outsiders barged into college premises and manhandled the teachers and the lady Principal as well.The principal happens to be the wife of Srikumar Mukherjee, former minister in LF regime.So the incident received a political overtone.The miscreants have beaten some the teachers in such a way that they are now in hospital beds.Naturally teachers are so traumatized they're afraid of attending college and conducting rest of the examinations.What's more, Goutam Pal has filed FIR at local police station against teachers and Principal of the college for harassing his wife in exam hall. Now a days manhandling of teachers is a very common incident and in most cases the assailants are guided by the political leaders of the ruling party.Last year the principal of Raigunj Colllege was openly manhandled by the outsiders in presence of a senior political leader of the locality.What's more, no administrative action was taken against the political leader who monitored the show.Chief minister called it a 'small incident' and assailants 'small boys'.Administration is expected to react in the same way in Itahar incident too. Teacher bashing might spread in other colleges also and in that case dark days of Naxal period would revisit the arena of education in much more virulent form.It's high time the administration could take appropriate action right now to avoid the situation going out of hand.

Twin violations

Violation of rights & Right Body's recommendations: State Human Rights Commission is relentlessly fighting against violation of human rights.In many instances it is taking suo moto cognizance of human rights violation and making recommendation to govt for compensation.Very recently it has asked govt to pay Rs 10 lakhs to the family of SFI activist Sudipta Gupta for his death in police custody.Earlier too Commission has recommended to pay monetary compensation to the victim or to his or her family.But what's most regrettable is in none of the cases govt has complied with the recommendations of the Commission.What govt will do in Sudipta Gupta's case is any body's guess.If the recommendations of the Commission is trampled in most instances, what's the use of keeping it as a show piece?Incidentally, Mamata Banerjee , when in opposition, criticized LF govt for not accepting the advice of HRC and now in power she herself is doing the same with more egoistic attitude. What an irony!

Judges and Talk shows!

Assembly speaker Biman Banerjee has claimed judges are influenced by talk shows in TV channels.Perhaps he's made this remark in view of the fact that most of the judgements in legal battles are going against govt.May be he's irked as govt pleaders are more often than not getting dressing down from the judges in most ignominious way.Senior cops are lambasted in strongest possible language by court for acting in biased and discriminatory manners in many cases. The reactions of the judges are spontaneous in these cases and in no way influenced by talk shows in electronic media.Based on the law of the land judges give judgements after listening to the arguments of both sides.Loss of face suffered by the govt one after another in court of law may be attributed to the ineptitude of the legal experts handling the case on govt side.In reality, if a judge is so credulous as to be influenced by talk shows by TV channels should forfeit the right of continuing as a judge.

HRC Chairperson lambasted govt.

Thanks to Asoke Gangopadhyaya, Chairperson , State Human Rights Commission(HRC), for scathingly criticising the state govt for brazenly maintaining double standard in dealing with criminal offences perpetrated by those belonging to ruling and opposition parties.Police administration is starkly lenient or look the other way when offence is done by any member or supporter of ruling party while this very administration is hyperactive and take immediate action against much lesser mischief done by even a sympathizer of the opposition.Police does not even care to pay respect to court's advice to nab the miscreant of the ruling party.Anubrata Mandal, a leader of TMC at Suri,Birbhum is a glaring instance of police inaction notwithstanding court's instruction to slap him with non-bailable charges for his hate campaign against his opponent in Panchayet polls where he instigated his cadres to set on fire the houses of the opponent and throw bombs at the police vehicles if they interfere in such action.What's more, Chief minster gave a clean chit to Anubrata in this matter in Assembly. However,State Election Commission has not yet called it quits.It's trying hard, perhaps vainly, to get Anubrata arrested. HRC Chairperson Asoke Gangopadhyaya has not only stopped short of crticising govt for this nakedly discriminatory action taken by police administration based on political complexions but called upon people to go on registering protest against such action and burgeoning crimes against women in particular without being cowed by threats held out by govt.He's even referred to courageous movement of the people of Kamduni against such crimes and asked public to follow them.He definitely deserves praise for publicly lashing out at the govt for violation of human rights.What's more,for his candid observation he's to face adverse and insulting remarks from some ministers of Mamata govt' but still he holds on.

Integrity is liability!

Hardly had the ink of Sonia Gandh's letter to the Prime minister Monmohan Singh requesting him to see to the unjustified suspension of IAS officer Durga Sakti Nagpal by UP govt for taking on sand mafia dried when came the news of an IPS officer Pankaj Chowdhary transferred by Congress govt at Rajasthan for reopening the criminal records of a sitting MLA's father.People have vehemently protested against the transfer of an upright and dedicated IPS officer who was trying hard to contain criminal activities.Now Sonia Gandhi seems to have been put on the spot.Would she again ask the Prime minister to look into the episode of transfer of an honest and dedicated SP by her own govt for taking on criminals.?Or would she explain away her non-interference( if she actually does not interfere) in Rajasthan incident arguing that transfer is a routine affair while suspension is distinctly a punishment? Some time ago Mamata Banerjee's govt in West Bengal transferred an IPS officer Ms. Damayanti Sen to a position of lesser consequence after Ms.Sen made a break through in Park Street rape case while Mamata Banerjee had claimed the incident was concocted by media to malign her govt. In fact, faces of all political parties are alike when in power.They behave almost in the same way.An upright and honest officer of independent spirit is more a liability than an asset to the ruling party.What's most unfortunate, the moral values of most of the politicians are relegated to back seat. So Ms. Nagpal of UP , Pankaj Chowdhary of Rajasthan or Ms.Damyanti Sen of Bengal are no exceptions.

Insulted and humiliated!

Notwithstanding scathing criticism from all corners Akilesh Jadav, Chief minister of UP govt ,stays put to his stance that he's done nothing wrong in suspending young IAS officer Durga Shakti Nagpal.He plays communal card in his defence blaming the officer for demolition of Masjid wall.What seemed to have prodded Akhilesh to suspend Ms.Nagpal was she stood in the way of sand mafia illegally collecting sand.These out laws are so powerful and desperate even after such clamour against their illegal activities they reportedly came again with dumpers to load soil and were chased away by the villagers.What's more, they shot at the villagers and fortunately none of them was injured. Incidentally, an influential neta of Samajwadi Party bragged in a rally he was instrumental in suspending the IAS officer with in 41 mins.However, later he disowned the statement and claimed it was concocted by media. The way honest, sincere and fearless officers are insulted and humiliated instead of being praised and rewarded for their rightly and creditably performed jobs, pampers the miscreants to indulge in illegal activities dauntlessly and nonchalantly.The unholy nexus between the politicians and the mafia is to blame in a big way for the illegal activities being perpetrated around us.

The slip of the tongue!

If somebody addresses one as 'son of a bitch ' and says 'never mind it was simply the slip of the tongue' ,would the matter end there and the man so addressed would go away satisfied?Such a scene is difficult to conjure up.If it really happens you could abuse others at your heart's content taking the advantage of the escape phrase 'the slip of the tongue'.Anubrata Mandal of TMC has exactly done it before Panchayet Polls at Birbhum.He advised his cadres to demolish the houses of independent candidates in his locality and set them on fire.He also added if cops interfered in their action they'd throw bombs at the police vans.Faced with scathing criticism demanding stringent action for this outrageous statement from all corners he simply said,'It was his slip of the tongue'.Such a noble confession even satisfied the Chief minister Mamata Banerjee who's incidentally Home minister too.CM even defended Anubrata in the Assembly house referring to his great confession although High Court has already instructed police administration to nab him under non-bailable offence for his open instigation to the cadres to take law in their own hands.

Disliking Modi as PM

In a secular nation people like to see a Prime minister with secular image.BJP is projecting Gujarat Chief minister Narendra Modi as PM in the coming Lok Sabha Election.Narendra Modi is tainted with communal bias since Godhra episode.Dr.Amatrya Sen has said he does not like to see Narendra Modi as PM of India in view of Modi's communal association. Dr.Sen has every right to speak his mind but Chandan Mitra of BJP has reacted sharply to Dr.Sen's remark and demanded Dr.Sen be stripped of Bharat Ratna.Mr.Mitra's outburst was most unfortunate and outrageous as well. Mr.Mitra has, in fact, given a go-by to all decency and decorum for which he's drawn flak from all corners.That apart, his remark sounds very immature and silly as well. Unfortunately, Shiv Sena has joined the fray and advised Dr.Amartya Sen 'not to poke his nose in politics'.This remark is also very unfair and discourteous too.However, mercifully Shiv Sena does not share Chandan Mitra's view that Dr. Amartya sen's Bharat Ratna be taken away..It's heartening to note Chandan Mitra too has regretted his remark about Dr.Amatrya Sen.Incidentally, BJP has distanced itself from what Chandan Mitra has said.

Operation Cleansing Politics!

George Bernard Shaw said, 'Politics is the last resort of the scoundrels'. In Indian context, however, he stands corrected as here Politics is the first resort of the scoundrels.Were GBS still alive and could come to India, he would have been delighted to see more than 24% of the MPs in Loke Sabha are convicted by court of law.Again, many of them might not have been convicted as yet but are facing trial.Still others are tainted in some way or other.Members who are without any blemish, whatsoever, are few and far between. In the above context Supreme Court's latest judgement that a convicted man is disqualified for continuing in office as MP or MLA or contesting for such an office in elections is an historical one.This verdict is no doubt a great leap forward for weeding out corrupt and tainted politicians from the people's representatives but in the present political scenario it is the people with questionable character who rule the roost.In fact, those who're honest and sincere fight shy of politics.Sad to say, now a days 'politics' has become a dirty word and politicians are normally scheming, shrewd,power loving, greedy, opportunistic and self-seeking personalities.However,there are exceptions too for whom goods are being delivered.Unless good, sensible and honest people are attracted to politics,the situation is unlikely to change.However,Supreme Court judgement would help a lot to achieve this end.True, to start with it would prove difficult to find people to be MLAs and MPs fulfilling the criteria set by SC but hopefully, situation would improve and politics decriminalized in course of time. It may be mentioned most of the political parties have not accepted the judgement of the Apex Court with good grace.They find loop holes in the judgement.For instance, they argue if one is convicted in lower court, he might contest in l higher court and be found not guilty.In that case he will lose his membership in Parliament or assembly despite ultimately being proved not guilty.SC might reconsider such point but it's no doubt the best foot put forward by judiciary to operation cleansing politics.What's pitiable, it'd prove a Herculean task for political parties to field candidates in election.

Defying Judiciary!

Panchayet minister's statement that bike rallies would continue despite court verdict banning them during Panchayet Election that has already kicked off smacks of his utter indifference to judiciary.Although the Panchayet minister is accustomed to make off-the-cup remarks, the present one is a direct affront to judicial system.It, in fact, has enthused Trinomool activists and they took out bike rallies at some areas in full form.Court has sharply reacted to this blatant flouting of its verdict and asked the administration to submit affidavit as to why bike rallies could not be stopped.What's very interesting even after court's stricture rallies were seen at some places.It's to be seen what action judiciary takes against this nonchalant attitude of the govt. Earlier, Chief minister herself made no bone about expressing her displeasure against judiciary on several occasions.Nor has she even dither to comment that now a days court judgement can be purchased by money.She has not spare other democratic institutions either.Recently' she has attacked State election Commission(SEC) in the strongest possible language.She even remarked she would have removed Mira Pande, the chief of SEC, had she majority in Assembly, although she has no constitutional power to remove Ms.Pande.Some of her minsters have also joined the fray.They have criticized her in filthy language.Ms. Pande's fault is her sustained efforts to conduct Panchayet polls in free, fair and peaceful manner.Incidentally, despite her strong determination she had to succumb to administrative non-cooperation at many places in the first phase of Panchayet polls. What is most worrying is a section of Press that is acting like a watch dog pointing out lapses of the administration every now and then is also made a target of scathing attack.In reality, any voice that crticises govt incur the displeasure of the ruling party and it's tagged Maoist. However, dissenting voices can't be muted this way. People of Kamduni village is a glaring instance.After rape-murder of an innocent student there people were initially awestricken but now they've overcome fear and have become the most vociferous lot demanding justice against the criminal assault perpetrated by the miscreants.What's more, here women are playing a significant role who dared give a fitting reply to the rebuff of Chief minister who as her wont marked them Maoist.It could not cow down them, nor could it dampen their spirit.On the contrary it has made them more determined to see the criminals duly punished.Let down by the investigating agency of the state govt(CID), they're now going to Delhi to meet Prez for justice.Inspired by Kamduni episode people in other villages are also following suit.Hopefully,it blows the trumpet of democracy.

Divine Power

Our state has ever seen such an out-spoken and candid chief minister like Mamata Banerjee.She always speaks out what comes to her mind.There's no iota of hypocrisy in her.It's rare resoluteness of her character and strong will power that can even make day a night and night a day.More often than not, she's guided by 'clairvoyance'.She displayed her 'extraordinary divine power' in host of instances.To begin with in Park Street Rape case she didn't hesitate to call the incident of rape was concocted by media.When her investigating officers reported rape did happen, she was so confident of her 'divine power' she punished the head of the investigating team Damayanti Sen by transferring her to inconsequential position.When her 'sixth sense' told her CPM had added poison to Tala water tank, she confidently made it known to all even before primary investigation was made.During a Bangla bandh when people were viewing on a private TV channel that a TV crew was being mercilessly roughed up by TMC activists, she challenged the Press that their claim was totally baseless. Her 'inner self', in fact, dictated such incident could never happen in her regime.It's simply an instance of optical illusion that media reported.She's the super natural power of identifying a Maoist even from a long distance and sensing the presence of Maoists around her. only a few days are left before Panchayet polls begin.At present her 'inner self' again strongly feels polls are being held at Ramjan month at the instance of SEC whose chief she could have removed had she two-thirds majority in Assembly.She all along believes in conducting Panchayet Polls, SEC should be guided by her govt and not the other way round as opined by SC.It's a conspiracy hatched by SEC in collusion with other political parties and even the apex court of the country to antagonise the power of her govt.Her battle against these evil forces to establish her supremacy have delayed polls and they're held at Ramjan month. Certainly it's the fault of these evil forces those challenge her divine authority.In fact,her perception of truth widely differ from others and it triggers controversies so often.

Rebuff from Judiciary!

Never before any state govt have ever got so many strictures from courts of law in India like Mamta Banerjee's govt.Not a single day passes without her govt getting dressing down from judges at court..It all started from Singur Act which High court declared unconstitutional.It hurt Mamata's pride so much so that she didn't even hesitate to say judgement can be purchased by money.However, with passage of time Mamata got accustomed to anti-govt verdicts from court.But why do court verdicts go against govt again and again?Is it the fault of her legal cell or more precisely the incompetence of the legal experts whom she's engaged to fight the legal battle against her govt?Perhaps not.Most probably she does not care to listen to the advice of her legal experts or her lawyers do not dare convince her that her administrative decisions would not stand legal scrutiny.It's her ego that blocks her power of reasoning.In fact,driven by sheer egoistic attitude she has unnecessarily driven the holding of Panchayet polls to supreme court where she badly suffered the loss of face, although her law minister claims it was the victory of the govt as it was SEC who appealed to supreme court for postponement of polls.Even a man in the street knows the boot is on the other leg and so law minister's claim is simply a comic relief or a foolish and most dishonest attempt to confuse people deliberately. Mamata initially desired Panchayet polls be one day match so that in absence of adequate security forces TMC would sweep the polls by sheer muscle power.Thanks to SEC, it did not succumb to pressure.Again, in Kamduni rape-murder case CID drew flak from all quarters and was severely reprimanded at lower and higher courts for submitting partial and faulty charge sheet without even forensic report.Perhaps, CID did it to satisfy Mamata who promised at Kamduni charge sheet would be submitted with in 15 days but justice hurried is justice buried.Such instance helps people lose faith in CID and make it a laughing stock to public also.More than two years have gone by and no body knows how many legal set-backs are in store for Mamata in the remaining years of her rule.

Lesson of Kamduni

Perhaps never before in Mamata Banerjee's regime any ordinary mortal could dare reply to her rebuff with equal vehemence like two women of Kamduni village near Barasat.Mamata Banerjee paid a surprise visit at Kamuduni after ten days a young girl student of the village was brutally raped and killed.People, particularly women there, were furious over Mamata's apparantly casual attitude to such a barbaric incident as was manifested in her inordinate delay in visiting their village and that too after repeated requests.So fuming villagers almost mobbed her to pour out their grievances.Mamata lost her cool and blasted at them at the the top of her voice.Though others were seemingly cowed down by Mamata's rebuff but two women continued to argue with her.Mamata as usual termed them Maoist as she earlier called Shiladitya,a poor farmer and Taniya Bharadradwaj, a student of Presjdency University. for asking her uncomfortable questions.Being marked as Maoist two women got initially frightened but later regained their brave self when they found they were not alone and all villagers were with them . People of Kamduni were further enthused when they saw massive rally at Kolkata in their support,They also participated in the rally too.So when the school headmaster of Kamduni was served a shawcause notice alleging he arranged protest rally by the students in the village, the Kamduni people took a procession condemning this move of the administration.The situation has turned the meek villagers mutinous.This metamorphism is common wherever people are oppressed and administration is insensitive and indifferent.Kamduni episode has inspired people even in remote villages to launch protest against crime against women and other wrong doings.Here villagers are host in themselves. They need no politicians to stand by them.Govt should seriously listen to their voice.

Poribortan!

Mamata Banerjee claims she played a pivotal role in bringing about Paribartan in Bengal.In fact,her sustained efforts for 34yrs has made this Paribartan possble.Intellectuals have only made superficial efforts and so their role is only marginal in bringing in Paribartan,she demands.Her statement has, however, offended many intellectuals.They contest that they also played a significant role. The above debate is a meaningless exercise as there has not been Paribartan worth the name after Mamata Banerjee has come to power.On the contrary the situation has worsened.Our state is receding almost in every respect compared to other states except in crimes against women where it has shamefully occupied the highest position.State can't tolerate the slightest criticism against it.An atmosphere of fear prevails all over.Did people fight for this Paribortan?Definitely not. However, if change of guard is a 'Paribotan', we've definitely achieved it.In fact, change of govt was absolutely necessary in our state.Long stay in power is apt to make any govt corrupt and arrogant. So LF govt was no exception.That apart,Left leaders began to believe they'd rule the state perpetually after 34yrs of uninterrupted rule..From this stand point 'Paribartan' was welcome.But what's very worrying is it's difficult to put up with the evils associated with this 'Paribartan."They've even outweighed the Left misrule.So instead of contesting Mamata Banerjee that they were also instrumental in ushering in Paribartan intellectuals should lament they did not struggle hard for this sort of Paribotan.

Mamata's Kamduni Visit

If not taken that seriously Mamata Banerjee's utterances both amuse and amaze people.Her recent statement that CPM, Maoists, congress and a press named Ananda Bazar Patrika(ABP) have joined hands to kill her seems anything but her wild imagination.She went to Kamduni at Barast without any notice whatsoever to visit the family of the girl student who was brutally raped and murdered ten days ago.Women folk of the village in particular were fuming over CM's not visiting their village even after gruesome incident of rape and murder of an innocent girl who was struggling hard to continue her studies amidst abject poverty.So when they got CM among them they almost mobbed her to pour out their grievances.But CM lost temper and was locked in altercation with two women in particular who dared reply her rebuff.In less than an hour she left the village.Incidentally, she paid a brief visit to the family of the rape and murder victim riding on the pillion of a motor-bike as the condition of the road was not good. CM later complained at Kamduni she was without any security and her life was in danger.However, TV footage suggests other wise.Her security personnel were there and her life was in no way in peril.However, if she thinks she is right she should show cause her security men and if necessary might suspend or even sack them for criminal negligence of duty.She also called the women who questioned her Maoist.However, it's her habit to label any body who lofts unpleasant questions before her as either CPI(M) or Maoist. Massive rally on June21 immediately after CM's Kamduni tour,which was virtually a sea of humanity, suggests in no uncertain terms that people in general have identified themselves with the cause of the villagers .Rally has also conveyed to the administration that people are in no mood to tolerate crimes against women any longer.Enough is enough.So it's high time govt could awaken to reality and take stringent measures against the criminals.

Fate of Panchayet polls!

Ever since Panchayet system came into being never has it claimed such a media attention for so long .Panchayet election has now, in fact, turned into a war between State Election Commission(SEC) and Panchayet ministry, to be precise the Panchayet minister.Mamata Banerjee floated the probability of holding Panachayet polls much before its due time.Perhaps she had in her back of mind her waning popularity among the masses with the passage of time.So hit the iron while it's hot.But SEC refused to buy her concept of earlier Panchayet polls.They claimed Panchayet polls couldn't be advanced and they'd be held in due time.Perhaps it drew Panchayet ministry's ire and the relation between them turned sour. SEC could perhaps envisage Panchatet polls would be most turbulent this time and the ruling party would exercise its muscle power as much as possible to win the elections(CPM also did the same thing earlier, though not as nakedly as this time).So tight security would be required to foil the design of the ruling party and make the election free and fair.So it put much stress on availability of security personnel from the very beginning.It particularly gave importance on deployment of Central forces along with local cops as the former are more efficient in tackling any unruly situation effectively as has been seen in cases of assembly or Lok Sabha polls.SEC also suggested holding of polls in three phases as it'd help conduct elections with adequate security forces and man power. However,to start with the Panchayet ministry suggested to hold Panchayet elections in single phase only and without deployment of Central forces.After much bungling State has agreed to hold Panchayet polls in three phases but it claims it reserves the right to decide which areas would be included in which phase and the dates of election of different phases. SEC agreed to differ and the matter was referred to High court for judicial intervention.After much flip flop Court, however, gave verdict in favour of SEC. Now the matter has struck at the availability of security forces as requisitioned by SEC.Court has suggested state should provide the requisite number of security personnel as SEC has asked for.But State has not sufficient forces and Center and other states have expressed their inability to provide forces to the state.So fate of the Panachayet election is totally uncertain. SEC has long been clamouring for adequate forces for free and fair Panchayet polls.State did not pay any heed to it.Nor did High court seem to have considered the matter very seriously.If the matter was given due weitage from the very beginning, the Panchayet election could be done in six or more phases to meet the problem of availability of adequate security forces. Imagine, to begin with state proposed to hold Panchayet election in single phase.How dare they make such a proposal?Did they have some sinister motive to hold the polls in such a way that they could easily bag majority of seats by simply exercising muscle power in absence of sufficient number of security personnel?Inability of opposition parties to submit nomination papers in the face of threat of the leaders and the cadres of the ruling party bear testimony to such a conjecture.

An Ill-fated State

Thanks to Mamata Banerjee for her rare ability to disillusion and defriend people in the shortest possible time.Just the other day electorate out poured their all-out support to bring her to power to see better days to come in their way.They were disgusted with Left rule of long 34yrs and earnestly vouched for a change.But little did they think what form of change was in store for them. They've soon found them dropped from frying pan to wallow in fire. Mamata now strictly follows what she vehemently opposed when in opposition during the Left regime.Ensconced in seat of power she's changed a lot. In many cases she's even excelled the LF govt in display and perpetration of vices.What's more, she do them overtly what the Left did covertly.So in this respect at least she's honest and transparent.In her regime, persons belonging to ruling party and those of opposition invariably receive different treatment from the administration for committing the same offence..Obviously, harsher punishment awaits the opposition without any rhyme and reason, of course.Some leaders of her party openly cursed the opposition to instigate the party cadres to take on them(opposition). What's very annoying is she's scanty regard for criticism of her work.Rather she can't put up with any adverse criticism, whatsoever, against her. Mamata was once very sensitive and her heart bled for any suffering individual.But now even heinous crimes like rape and murder can't apparently move her the way they did earlier.Recently, she's not as yet visited the house of the raped and murdered victim at Barasat even after repeated request.In Park Street rape case she called it concocted.In crime against women West Bengal is now a topper state in the country according to National Crime Records Bureau.However, attempt is being made to establish that the situation is not that bad as claimed by NCRB.Incidentally, whenever any untoward incident takes place ,it's the tendency of the present govt. to deny it or to play it down as if the govt itself is responsible for the occurrence.There may be spurt in the crimes against women but instead of downplaying them it is wise to accept it as such and take appropriate measures to minimise the crimes.Such a pragmatic attitude should be taken in each issue. The 'yes' men or sycophants surrounding Mamata do more harm than good.Each of them has personal axe to grind.So they never dare point out her weakness or mistakes as it might offend her and they'd fall from her grace.Here lies the tragedy.However, at the end of the day who suffers most is our state-West Bengal.This is the hard reality.

Crime and Punishment

SC verdict and Sanjay Dutta: Perhaps a move is afoot to bail Sanjay Dutta out of his present predicament.He has been recently sentenced to 5- year imprisonment by Supreme Court for possession of arms under TADA Act.In the same case he's already served 18 months jail term twenty years ago when he was released on bail.Last 20years Sanjay has faced many trials and tribulations to rebuild his film career after putting in hard labour.His fan and followers have perhaps forgot Sanjay was on bail and legal proceeding in TADA case against him was yet to be complete.So they are extremely upset like Sanjay himself at the pronouncement of the verdict by the apex court.That apart, he is now a changed man.In fact,Sanjay should have been mentally prepared for such a consequence.That he's a celebrity and a married man with children or a host of films would suffer a financial loss running into cores of rupees in his absence are no excuses in favour of reducing his jail term, let alone total exoneration.Sanjay is now required to serve 3-and-a-half year jail term, that too can be reduced by 10 months for good behaviour in jail.Sanjay should serve sentence awarded to him with open mind and come clean after approximately two-and-a- half year.Then he'll be tenson -free and engage full attention to his film career Hopefully, film fraternity would stand by him whole heatedly to rebuild his film career once again when he'll be released from jail.

Yawning gap between MRP & actual selling price!

While purchasing an Essential Energy Saver CFL lamp (18W,CM/L9581293,Mfd.July,2012) of your make(Philip, India} from a local shop I was astonished to find the yawning gap between the MRP printed on the carton and the price I was asked to pay for a piece of lamp.I paid only Rs.155.0(without bargaining, of course) while the MRP mentoned was as high as Rs.215.(inclusive of all taxes).I fail to make out why the MRP stated so differ from the actual selling price of the lamp.It makes way for different dealers selling the same lamp at different prices.I think if I could survey the market, I could perhaps purchase the lamp even at lower price.On the other hand, an unsuspecting customer could even buy this lamp at MRP stated on the carton from an unscrupulous dealer and be duped.Any easily gullible customer could consider himself lucky even if the lamp is sold to him at Rs.200.0.I'm sorry to say you people have paved the way for wide spread corruption by fixing the MRP of lamps (may be for other products also) so high compared to the actual selling prices. Thank You.

Panchayet Polls

Mamata Baneriee is unnecessarily making Panchayet election a prestige issue.She's locked horn over the number of phases Panchayet polls would be held with the State Election Commission(SEC).SCE suggests polls would be held in three phases while Mamata initially insited on single phase election and now has conceded to go in for two-phase polls.There's another bone of contention between two sides.SCE wants central forces be deployed along with state forces to maintain law and order during polls while Mamata suggests state forces alone are enough to tackle law and order situation.She feels law and order situation in the state at present is quite good and it does not warrant deployment of Central forces at the time Panchayet election.Both sides have stayed put to their respective stance and it's difficult to say how the issue would be ultimately resolved.Many feel the issue might be dragged to court for judicial intervention. Though the state reserves the right to suggest how and when Panchayet polls would be held ,but it is SCE that conducts the polls.They better know how the election could be run smoothly and peacefully in the prevailing circumstances of the state and also measures and precautions need be taken on this count.In case of large scale disturbances during polls blames would laid at the door of SCE.So they should be given free hand to conduct the polls the way they deem fit.State govt would only extend all-out cooperation to SCE to make polls a grand success.So state should stay away from any sort of confrontation with SCE.

Misbehaving with security guard!

The way Mamata Banerjee behaved with her security guard at Boi Mela is very unfortunate and deplorable.Though her ugly out burst in public place has no parallel in our state, she seems by nature very high strung, ill tempered and intolerant.There are many instances of display of her frayed temper.Recently,her virulent reactions to the innocent questions asked by a poor villager Shiladitya at a public meeting and by a girl student at an interactive session of a private TV channel can be cited as glaring instances of her mercurial temperament. That she loses her cool too often may be attributed to the burden of work she's voluntarily taken on her shoulder.In fact.TMC is a one-man(better say woman) party.She's to take every decision and see to every matter of his party and govt herself.She's by nature workaholic and takes little rest.It tells upon her body and mind that leads to uncontrolled out burst of anger.Such display of rage particularly in public places send wrong signals to public and administration as well.Rude behaviour hurts a person's self esteem and adversely affects his level of confidence too.

Sexual Assaults on Women

It's a matter of shame for Mamata Banerjee's govt that it's not as yet framed charges in Park Street rape case although.one year has already gone by since this gruesome incident took place.It's crossed the limit of all tolerance and people have rightly taken to street to register their protest against govt's dillydally attitude in so serious a matter.In fact, no govt should behave so irresponsibly! To start with Chief Minister herself called the happening a concocted one and efforts were made to convince people that a conspiracy was hatched to malign the govt by manufacturing such a sensational story of rape..But later she was proved wrong and it came out rape did take place.In stead of rewarding the chief investigating officer for this break through, CM transferred her to the position of lesser importance.Later ministers of her cabinet made adverse and most derogatory comments about the victim.These remarks from high places are apt to influence the criminal proceedings in the rape case. It's not clear why Mamata govt has taken such a lackadaisical attitude to Park Street rape case.In fact,administrative indifference to such heinous crime encouraged the anti socials to perpetrate similar crimes as is evident in spurt sexual assaults on women in our state.However,the contrast is more glaring when Park street case is compared with the recent rape case that shook Delhi.Unlike Mamata govt. Delhi administration behaved sensibly and no attempt was made to hush up the crime.What's more, the trial has already started in fast track court and it's expected judgement would be announced soon.Shila Dixit has made no bones about admitting Delhi is not a safe place for women.But our Chief minister continues to play down the ugly incidents of criminal assault on women and claim these incidents are blown out of proportion deliberately by the opposition to tarnish her image . It.s high time Mamata Banerjee could call a spade a spade and take stringent measures to contain assault on women.She'll have to pay dearly for further delay.

Politics of Vote bank!

It's long since in 1988 Salman Rushdi wrote his book Satanic Verses that drew ire from Muslim fundamentalists.Ayatolla Khomani, the all-powerful leader of Iran clamped death penalty on Rushdi.By then much water has flown down the Ganges. Khomini is no more,passion for penal measures against Rushdi has subsided among the Muslims.Rushdi is now a free man .He can move freely and probably fearlessly.In fact, he did it in India this time.He has recently visited Chennai, Mumbai(his birth place), Bangalore with out amy furore or raised eye brows.It's most unfortunate he was denied entry in Kolkata,deemed one of the most progressive cultural cities of the country, to attend a literary meet for security reasons reportedly at the instance of our Chief minister as claimed by Rushdie himself.Initially it was claimed Rushdi was not at all invited to visit Kolkata and he was even called a liar most discourteously by the president of Book Sellers' Guild.But it later came out he was really asked to meet Literary Meet as tweeted by Rushdi.What was the harm if he did come to our City even uninvited?Definitely a litterateur of his stature could have accorded added grace to the literary meet or Kolkata BOOk Fare.But we missed this golden opportunity perhaps for political reasons.Mamata Banerjee thought Rushdi's visit would affect her minority vote bank and administration swung into action to foil Rushdi's visit to the City.How long would we sacrifice everything to the politics of vote bank?

Bleak future!

On every occasion Mamata Banerjee is harping on the same tune that it's extremely difficult for her to repay Central govt's loan that she's inherited from the Left Front govt.She's even claimed loan should be repaid by selling out party offices of CPM.She has been repeatedly asking Center for moratorium on repayment of loan for at least three years which she well knows Center would not comply with.What's very interesting,wherever she goes she's declaring host of projects for developmental works that involves enormous amount of money.She's laying foundation stones of many projects too.What's more, she's lavishly paying money to different clubs,individuals and organisations.She also claims she's has already done 90% of work she promised in her election manifesto despite this financial crunch.Again,.after coming to power she herself has taken huge amount of loan.Now the financial condition of the state is quite grim.So it's high time state govt could embark upon stringent austerity measures and make all out efforts to enhance revenue earning..But unfortunately Mamata Banerjee seems determined not to change her style of functioning in financial matters and in other matters too. .So we're afraid how bleak is the future of the state!

Park Street Rape Case

Suo motto cognizance of TMC MP Kakali Gosh Dastidar's most uncouth and inhuman remark about the Park Street rape victim by the State Human Rights Commission is a welcome step.From the very beginning an attempt is being made to down play this dastardly incident.It started with Mamata Banerjee's off-the-cup remark that it was a concocted story.However,she was proved wrong when Damayanti Sen,Joint commissioner of police,Crime cracked the rape case.However,Ms.Sen had to pay a price for contradicting CM.She was transferred to a position of much lesser consequence.Recently, a theater personality Arpita Ghosh who is one of the most favorites of Mamata Banerjee made a remark that there is much difference between Delhi and Park Street Gang rape cases.She tried to convince the former was much serious than the latter.Her efforts were to play down the impact of Park Street rape case.Last nail in the coffin was put by Kakali Ghosh Dastidar by claiming Park Street incident was no rape case at all.It was simply a case of misunderstanding between the client and the woman who is falsely claimed to have been raped.How dare Mrs.Ghosh Dastidar make such an irresponsible and ugly statement?Is it an endeavor to satisfy CM who initially claimed Park Street rape case was a manufactured story?She should have refrained from making such a comment at least considering that the matter was subjudice.It's smacked of her depraved mentality.The rape victim has rightly reacted to such statement asking if Ms.Ghosh Dostidar was present during rape. What's most surprising, a couple of months have gone by but charge sheet has not yet been framed in Park Street rape case .Nor has the main culprit in the incident been arrested.However, it may be reassured if any action against Mrs.Ghosh Dostidar is reccommended by Human Rights Commission, it would be more obeyed in defiance than in observance by the state govt.