First, let us talk about ‘saffron terrorism’ as formulated by Mr P Chidambaram. Saffron stands for Hindu in this context. But up until now, the official line on terrorism is that it knows no religion – that terrorists are just plain terrorists and that it is incorrect (at least politically) to associate it with one or other religion. That was only until it was restricted to one particular religion, right? Now that some Hindus by birth (they cannot be Hindus the moment they resort to terrorism) are indulging in terrorist acts, it is alright to color it saffron? That is the beauty of India: you can say anything about the majority community, sitting in the highest office at ‘home’ and play fast and loose with the sentiments of millions.
When the neighbouring country wages war against us, in broad daylight in Mumbai and holds important buildings in its claws – we as a nation cannot force the world community to declare that ‘impure’ neighbour a terrorist nation. We rejoice at some Narendra Modi being refused VISA to the U.S. We don’t take it as a national insult: we forget the ‘vayam panchadhika satam’ moral. During the vanavas of pandavas, all the kauravas were rounded up by the gandharvas, because one of the kauravas misbehaved. Yudhishtir asks Arjuna to go and release the kauravas from the gandharvas. Arjuna says, “Why should we bother? What we wanted to do, the gandharvas are doing (defeating the kauravas)” And then Yudhishtir explains: “When we fight the kauravas, we are 5 and they are 100. But when an outsider comes to attack kauravas, we must join them and we are 105 of us.” That is the story behind ‘Pancha (5) adhika (more than) satam (100).’
The powers that be in New Delhi, and sundry secularists of the country, should have known the subtlety involved in one of our leaders – whatever differences you may have with him – is humiliated by the U.S. Embassy and lodged a protest. No, these secular elements were watching the fun from the ring side! In everything else, they oppose the U.S., but when Narendra Modi is refused VISA, they have all praise for it.
Sexy drugs
In recent days in Hyderabad, there has been a lot of talk about cocaine smuggling, prostitution rackets, and sundry high profile crimes. We hear of well-connected people being involved not only in drug abuse but also drug trafficking (not to mention flesh trade). Our stars seem to be competing with Hollywood on that ‘score’ if not in the quality of movies produced and standards of histrionics. My question is – why do the police hesitate to reveal the names of suspects or apprehend them. If it is a case of ‘ganza’ (or grass, if you like a posh name for it), the names and addresses of the guys carrying it are given in the newspapers. (That of course only makes them popular and junkies know where to go for their fix.)
Why then aren’t the cops naming the have-been stars and wannabe heart-throbs who are involved in this business. That is because in the free country of ours it is the rich who are free to have a gala time. Ganja is a poor man’s escape route: it costs Rs 15/- per 10 grams; I think 10 grams of ‘coke’ costs in thousands. Coke is sexy – it is the rich man’s preserve: and the rich are above the law. The lesser mortals get lectured on the ill effects of tobacco and ghutka, while the rich have their fancy pubs where they openly indulge in drugs. Some rich kids indulge in romance in the classrooms, while the teacher is watching helplessly. I wonder if that kind of calf-love is allowed in classrooms in the west.
Chiru says no to merger with the Congress
Setting to rest speculation of a merger with the Congress party, the Praja Rajyam supremo, Mr K Chiranjeevi categorically stated that the PRP will not merge with the Congress. He said that if the government does good, his party would support it; and if the government is doing the wrong thing, they will condemn it. Fair enough. He also pointed out that the PRP got 70 lakh votes, although it could win only18 seats – that is a point to be noted. In this context, he said, he may have an alliance with the Congress, but not a merger. That is sweet news for the Congress party: because, if he merges with the Congress, he will be a contender for the Chief Minister’s position. As long as he is outside, and works with them, the CM gaddi will be restricted to a Congress leader – and all the Congress leaders would welcome Chiru’s stance.
Bottomline: Chiru has a red carpet welcome, as an ally; Jagan has a red carpet – leading out of 10 Janpath.
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