Category Archives: Politics

Corrupt Indian Politics

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There’s a Bollywood song titled “Love Ke Liye Sala Kuch Bhi Karega,” which translates to “Will do anything for love.” It seems that Indian politicians have taken this sentiment to heart, but instead of doing anything for love, they’re doing anything for votes. This became glaringly evident during a recent press conference with P. Chidambaram, the Home Minister of India. During the conference, journalist Jarnail Singh questioned Chidambaram about the Congress party’s decision to exonerate Jagdish Tytler, who was implicated in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots.

Singh was dissatisfied with Chidambaram’s response and, in an act of protest, threw his shoe at the Home Minister. This incident was unprecedented in Indian politics and highlighted the tension surrounding Tytler’s candidacy. Chidambaram, though visibly shocked, managed to maintain composure and instructed his security to remove Singh from the hall, continuing the press conference as if nothing had happened. Singh was quickly taken to the police station but was released within hours without facing any formal charges. This leniency was likely due to the upcoming elections and the need to avoid alienating the Sikh community, which stood firmly with Singh.

The incident raises questions about the application of the law in India. Singh’s actions, though symbolic of his protest, were criminal, yet no legal action was taken against him. This leniency seems to be a calculated move by Congress to safeguard their electoral prospects, reflecting a troubling reality: political considerations often override legal and ethical standards. This situation underscores a larger issue in Indian politics, where the pursuit of votes can lead to the bending of rules and the overlooking of legal procedures. It’s a stark reminder that, in the quest for power, politicians may prioritize their electoral gains over the principles of justice and accountability.

In this context, the question arises: Is the Indian Constitution really stronger than the ruling political parties, or do the latter’s interests frequently overshadow the rule of law? The episode with Jarnail Singh reveals the extent to which politicians are willing to go, highlighting a troubling trend where votes may justify actions that would otherwise be considered criminal.

822-year-old-living person

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Elections are approaching, and the Election Commission of India is working diligently to issue voter ID cards to all eligible voters. This is a relatively new requirement in India, where having a voter ID card is now mandatory to vote. The government frequently announces that anyone without a voter ID card will be barred from voting. However, just days before the elections, the Election Commission often reports that individuals without voter IDs can still participate, due to their inability to reach everyone in time. Despite substantial expenditure on this project, the results have been far from successful.

Alarmingly, nearly 50% of the voter ID cards issued contain incorrect information or printing errors. For example, Amar Ujala, a prominent Hindi newspaper, reported today (08/04/09) that the Election Commission issued a voter ID card to someone named Ballu from Muradabad, with his age mistakenly recorded as 822 years old. Ballu, having received this erroneous card, faces a dilemma: with elections just around the corner, he is unlikely to have the time to rectify the mistake before voting. He will use the card as-is and vote as an 822-year-old. Similarly, voter ID cards were issued to individuals named Nanhi and Khurseed, inaccurately recorded as two years old.

They, too, will use their incorrect IDs to cast votes. Another significant error involved the issuance of 424 voter ID cards to one address, implying that there are 424 residents from the same family living at that address, which is clearly incorrect. When I received my first voter ID card, I found that my father’s name was printed incorrectly, and my address was wrong. I was advised to wait until a month before the next elections, which would be five years later, to address the issue. Despite being issued by the government, voter ID cards are often not accepted as valid proof of residence or identity by any institution, whether public or private, due to these persistent errors.

On March 24th, the Times of India reported a similar mistake where a voter ID card was issued to a twelve-year-old girl. It is concerning that while the Indian government struggles with basic tasks like issuing accurate voter ID cards, it plans to build nuclear power plants. If the government cannot manage something as fundamental as voter identification, it raises doubts about its capability to handle complex and critical projects like nuclear power. The frequent errors and inefficiencies in the voter ID system suggest that India may not yet be fully prepared to tackle such high-stakes projects, where there is little room for error and significant challenges in managing nuclear waste and safety.

Indian elections 2009

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The upcoming central government elections have created a stir in the political landscape. Benares, historically a significant city in India, has gained even more prominence this year due to the high-profile candidates from various parties contesting in the elections. The city has become a focal point of national political interest, with parties fiercely competing against one another, resorting to tactics such as bribery, religious targeting, and caste-based appeals, rather than focusing on the needs of the people and development.

Recently, several political leaders were caught illegally distributing money to voters to sway their support. This practice, while illegal under the Indian constitution, highlights the troubling state of our politics. The real issue is not just the legality of these actions but the nature of our politicians. Instead of working towards genuine governance, they seem to resort to bribery when elections approach. Prominent figures, who are already wealthy, continue to amass more wealth in a country with widespread poverty.

Today’s headline in Amar Ujala (5/03/09) reveals that many politicians’ assets have skyrocketed in the past five years. Despite the fact that over 77% of Indians live on less than Rs. 20 per day, the wealth of politicians has grown six to seven times, with some even seeing their assets increase tenfold. These figures raise concerns about the sources of their wealth and the transparency of their financial dealings. Politicians are required to declare their income when they file their candidacy, yet those with assets worth Rs. 5 crore in previous elections now report holdings of Rs. 50 crore. This raises questions about the extent of undisclosed wealth.

I had initially decided to vote for Mayawati due to her effective governance, which has generally seen lower crime rates and less exploitation compared to others. However, her decision to field Mukhtar Ansari as her candidate for the Varanasi seat has been disappointing. Ansari, a convicted criminal involved in inciting communal violence, was introduced to secure Muslim votes, undermining the integrity of her party. The competition in Varanasi this year features prominent names: Ajay Rai from the Samajwadi Party, Murli Manohar Joshi from the BJP, Rajesh Mishra from the Congress, and Mukhtar Ansari from the Bahujan Samaj Party.

Ajay Rai, a notorious criminal, and Rajesh Mishra, who was recently caught bribing voters, are among the candidates. Mishra, who previously claimed credit for declaring the Ganga as the national river, has done little for Benares since his election. The BJP’s introduction of Murli Manohar Joshi, a respected and non-criminal candidate, was seen as a strong move. However, Mayawati’s choice of Mukhtar Ansari aims to consolidate the Muslim vote, knowing that the Hindu vote will be split among Joshi, Mishra, and Rai. This strategy, which risks fostering further communal tensions, might lead to Ansari’s victory, posing a grave concern for Benares and the nation.

It is disheartening to see that our political system is plagued by corruption and self-interest. Instead of focusing on effective governance and development, politicians are more concerned with winning elections through any means necessary. This reflects poorly on the state of our democracy and governance.

Protecting Hindu temples in Varanasi

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Tomorrow is Muharram, a significant festival for Muslims. On the eve of this festival, Muslims in the city hold a nighttime parade that starts from various mosques. During the parade, many male participants walk the streets, beating their chests as a symbol of mourning. This act commemorates the death of one of their revered figures. I always observe this parade with respect and appreciation for their traditions, culture, and religion. Each parade features a beautifully decorated horse, adorned with flowers, which people believe brings blessings. I also take one flower every year.

This year, however, I noticed something unusual. Yesterday, I saw municipality workers setting up bamboo barriers around Hindu temples in my neighborhood. When I inquired, they explained that the barriers were meant to protect the temples during the parade. I was perplexed, as I didn’t understand why Hindu temples would need extra security for this event. The workers mentioned that there is a concern that Muslims might harm the temples. While I had heard rumors about such tensions, I never thought they were true. The parade itself, with its intense atmosphere, might give an impression of potential violence.

There is always a heavy police presence, including the Rapid Action Force, to ensure security during the parade. I’ve heard claims that violence has occurred during these events in the past, though I can’t confirm their accuracy. Seeing the barriers around the temples made me question whether the concerns about this festival are justified. Varanasi is known for its Ganga-Jamuni culture, symbolizing the harmony between Hindus (Ganga) and Muslims (Jamuna). This tradition suggests a strong friendship between the two communities, but recent events make me doubt if this harmony still exists. The tension following the destruction of the Babri Mosque in Ayodhya seems to persist, though it may be hidden rather than resolved.

It’s disheartening to see Hindu temples being barricaded. While the safety of temples is important, it is troubling that such measures are necessary. It feels as though the government and people are overreacting to protect the temples in a country where over 80% of the population is Hindu. This situation reflects poorly on the state of our societal relations. The government’s actions seem to suggest that Muslims are given undue influence, possibly for electoral reasons, and that this has led to an environment where Muslims feel they can act with impunity, even to the point of potentially damaging temples.

Last year, on December 6th, the anniversary of the Babri Mosque demolition, Muslims closed their shops in Varanasi to protest and demanded the mosque’s reconstruction. Despite the historical context of the mosque being built on the site of a previous temple, many still demand its restoration. This ongoing dispute has been in the Indian Supreme Court for fifteen years, with no resolution in sight. It seems the government avoids making a decision to avoid upsetting the Muslim community. Violence between communities is a recurring issue. I recall an incident from seven or eight years ago when Muslims killed a Hindu man during a protest.

The man, who was newly married, was murdered on the street, leaving his widow to face a lifetime of hardship. Such events are deeply painful and highlight the persistent, unresolved tensions. I believe that the tensions between Hindus and Muslims are exacerbated by government policies that discriminate along religious lines. For example, Muslims receive subsidies for pilgrimages to Mecca, but Hindus receive no such assistance for their pilgrimages. Additionally, Muslims are recognized as a minority group in certain states and receive special benefits, while Hindus are not afforded similar recognition in places like Jammu and Kashmir.

This kind of discrimination only fuels societal divisions. It is more productive to emphasize commonalities rather than differences, yet our government often does the opposite. A figure like Zakir Naik, who organizes lectures that highlight differences between Islam and other religions, contributes to this divide. His speeches, primarily attended by Muslims who cheer his assertions of Islam’s superiority, are reminiscent of how violence can be incited through rhetoric. His influence, though non-violent in method, is damaging in its own way.

It seems the Indian government is more willing to impose restrictions on places of worship rather than addressing the root causes of communal discord. The fact that we need to barricade temples reflects a broader issue of fear and division. It is unfortunate that such measures are seen as necessary, and it suggests that the government’s handling of communal issues has led to a situation where discrimination persists. I now find myself seeing the divine presence in confinement not just once a year, but twice, and while it’s not a major issue for me, it still doesn’t feel right.

Security and Sanitation or Satellite?

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On October 22, 2008, India launched Chandrayaan, a satellite designed to create a 3D atlas of the lunar surface and map the distribution of elements and minerals. Such space missions undoubtedly require substantial funding. However, just a month after the satellite’s launch, India faced one of its most devastating terrorist attacks. Nearly 200 people lost their lives, and over 350 were injured. In the aftermath of the attack, several critical deficiencies became apparent. The fire department lacked the necessary equipment, such as high-reaching ladders and specialized clothing.

Firefighters were equipped with only basic cotton uniforms, and many policemen were killed because they lacked bulletproof vests. I saw a video of a policeman confronting terrorists armed with advanced weaponry while he had only an outdated rifle. These shortcomings highlight a troubling pattern: the government has often neglected to allocate funds for essential safety and emergency services. Similarly, during the Bihar floods earlier this year, thousands of kilograms of grains and food packets rotted because of a severe shortage of helicopters.

With only two helicopters available to cover the entire state, people were dying from hunger and thirst despite the availability of food. This crisis again underscores the government’s failure to prioritize and invest in crucial infrastructure. Sanitation is another pressing issue in India. Public toilets are scarce, leading people to urinate on the streets. The lack of dustbins results in widespread littering, and one sweeper is expected to clean a neighborhood with thousands of residents. Untreated sewage is frequently discharged directly into rivers, and garbage often ends up in these water bodies due to inadequate education and waste management systems.

These problems persist because sanitation and public health infrastructure have not been given the necessary attention. While space exploration is impressive and can drive scientific progress, it should not overshadow fundamental needs such as sanitation, security, and education. Many people in India lack basic knowledge about space missions, with more than 30% unable to write the word “moon” and over 50% not knowing what a satellite is. The majority of the population may not understand the specifics of projects like Chandrayaan or their potential impact.

I believe the focus should be on improving essential services and infrastructure first. It might be more effective to collaborate with wealthy countries for funding space projects or even consider selling these projects to allocate resources where they are most urgently needed. Addressing critical issues such as poor roads, inadequate schools, and insufficient public transport should be a priority. By focusing on these foundational needs, we could significantly enhance the quality of life for many Indians.

Will No Smoking work in India?

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The Indian government’s decision to ban smoking in public places, announced on October 2nd—Gandhi’s birthday—seemed almost laughable. I was skeptical about whether people would adhere to this new rule. During the first week after its implementation, media outlets captured images of people smoking in public areas and presented them to the District Magistrate (DM), questioning whether the rule applied to Benares. The DM responded that they had not yet received a written copy of the regulations, so they were unsure how to enforce the ban.

Recently, I visited Delhi and went to the Delhi High Court for some work. To my surprise, I saw many advocates and police officers smoking within the court premises. At first, I thought I must have mistakenly entered the wrong place because it seemed inconceivable that law enforcement and legal professionals would flout the very laws they are meant to uphold. There was a canteen inside the court where smoking seemed permissible, but many people, including advocates, were smoking outside the canteen.

After finishing my work, I went to a tea shop about 50 meters from the High Court and asked for a cigarette. The shopkeeper informed me that he did not sell cigarettes. When I inquired about the nearest place to buy cigarettes, he directed me to a shop inside the High Court. He explained that selling tobacco products near the High Court was prohibited, yet tobacco products were sold within the court premises. The inconsistency left both of us puzzled. It’s common to see people smoking in public spaces, including trains and buses, despite a long-standing ban.

Many restaurants catering to foreigners still permit smoking. Although there was some discussion about the new law in its early days, I doubt anyone follows it, and I believe it will continue to be ignored. The law seems to be ridiculed, and there’s a prevailing belief that it won’t work in India. Ironically, while the government sought to curb cigarette smoke with this law, it recently repealed the Prevention of Terrorism Act (POTA), which was enacted by the previous BJP government to combat terrorism.

Although terrorism persisted under POTA, the law kept it in check to some extent. Since its repeal, the number of terrorist activities has surged dramatically. While countries around the world are enacting new laws to combat terrorism, India appears to be moving in the opposite direction by withdrawing existing ones. The repeal of POTA was driven by political motivations rather than effectiveness. In the last six months alone, India has experienced sixty-four bomb blasts—a record high. This escalation highlights the urgent need for effective counter-terrorism measures, rather than dismantling the tools that helped control it.

Brain drain in India

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The title of this post is “Upside Down” because it reflects how quality is often disregarded while mediocrity is upheld by both our people and our government. First, I want to talk about my brother, who is an Italian interpreter working for a major travel agency in India. Based in Delhi, he has been interpreting and escorting Italian tourists and researchers for the past two years. Though he doesn’t have an official tour guide license, he possesses extensive knowledge and experience. Many Italian travel agencies recommend him for their groups.

He started with a small group of just two people and has since progressed to leading groups of up to sixty. Despite his success, he must hire a government-authorized tour guide in each city he visits with his clients, as non-licensed individuals are not allowed to work independently. These guides are supposed to be passive, merely providing protection. However, many government-authorized guides resent him because he handles large groups, while they are stuck with smaller ones. Last week, at Jama Masjid in Delhi, licensed guides stopped him at the entrance.

They demanded to see his license, which he didn’t have, even though he was accompanied by a licensed guide. When asked if this guide spoke Italian, the answer was no, as he was an English-speaking guide. Despite the fact that all licensed guides hold the same credentials and are not required to speak specific languages, the government guides insisted on an Italian-speaking guide for my brother’s group, seemingly to obstruct him. At the same time, another group from my brother’s agency arrived with an Italian-speaking guide, but he was unable to work due to the same restrictions.

This pattern repeated in Rajasthan, where he faced similar issues and had to find an Italian-speaking government-authorized guide. Frustrated, my brother has decided to stop working in this field for now. He plans to continue with a few prearranged groups but is considering leaving the profession entirely. He is now transitioning to operations, a field he has no prior experience in. He feels compelled to learn something new, as government guides may continue to obstruct his work in the future. Although I’m confident in his ability to find another job due to his intelligence, I am concerned about the state of the tourism industry.

It’s disheartening to see a knowledgeable and experienced professional sidelined while outdated and less competent individuals are given support. This situation is truly “Upside Down.” Another story involves a relative of mine who is twenty-four years old and has always aspired to a life of crime rather than education. Despite being arrested multiple times, his father, who works at Sampurnanand Sanskrit university in Varanasi, managed to secure 10th and 12th grade certificates for him through bribery. He also obtained a graduation degree for his son from his own university, all without the son ever attending school.

The father then enrolled him in a B.Ed. course at a university in Gujarat, again through bribery, bypassing the admission tests. The son continues his criminal activities while his academic record remains intact. The father believes he can secure a government teaching job for his son through further bribery. Last year, I saw a newspaper advertisement for a peon position at the Benares municipality. The job required only an 8th-grade certificate and knowledge of bicycle riding. However, many candidates with Master’s and Ph.D. degrees applied for the position, illustrating the scarcity of jobs for highly educated individuals. Ultimately, the municipality hired these highly educated candidates as peons.

These overqualified individuals will now ride bicycles and monitor illegal construction sites, despite their extensive education. Their qualifications have not translated into the jobs they expected, and I suspect they will resort to bribery to supplement their meager salaries. Thus, a man who never attended school will become a teacher, while those with advanced degrees end up in lowly positions. It’s ironic to think about what the unqualified relative might teach—perhaps lessons in corruption or violence—while highly educated individuals are relegated to menial tasks. This situation epitomizes the concept of being “Upside Down.”

Meeting advocate for tour guide lawsuit

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I went to Delhi on the 9th to be involved in the case against the Ministry of Tourism for failing to start the tour guide training program in 2008. The training was supposed to commence on October 6th but was delayed due to a lawsuit filed by the Guide Association of Jaipur, which challenged the government’s plan for organizing the training differently from their own. My arrival in Delhi was delayed by three hours due to the train being late, and I was only able to meet with the advocate because he was busy with another client.

I had planned to get my laptop and camera serviced and to take photos of the plastic waste around Delhi, but the train delay thwarted these plans. Upon reaching Delhi around noon, instead of the planned 9 a.m., I went to the High Court to meet the advocate. He was occupied with a significant matter and I had to wait in his office for over two hours. During this time, I overheard that he was dealing with a case involving the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) concerning extra income beyond his official salary.

It seemed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) was also involved, indicating the DCP’s significant corruption. DCPs typically earn around twenty thousand rupees in salary, but they often possess expensive cars, bungalows, and other luxuries. If those at the top are corrupt, it’s likely that those beneath them are as well, since bribes generally flow through the lower ranks before reaching the higher-ups. When I finally met the advocate, I was surprised to find that a young High Court advocate, probably in his 30s or 40s, was struggling with basic computer tasks.

He took ten to fifteen minutes just to type my name and address and printed the wrong documents multiple times. Despite my offer to type the information myself, I chose to watch him navigate the computer issues. Eventually, after an hour of watching him struggle, my paperwork was completed. He asked me to call him on the 22nd to discuss the court’s judgment. His fee was Rs. 3,000, which was Rs. 1,000 more than the Rs. 2,000 he charged last time for a similar case. Despite the extra cost, it seemed reasonable if it meant securing the permit. He promised to appeal to the court to issue a license valid until the training program begins.

Previously, the permit was only valid for one month, requiring frequent trips to Delhi for renewals. I hope this time will be different. After leaving the High Court, I walked to Connaught Place and spent some time observing the modern people of India. It struck me that there is a growing issue with obesity, likely influenced by western fast food and soft drinks, despite the higher literacy rates in big cities compared to smaller ones. I saw many well-dressed people in luxury cars throwing trash out of their windows, which highlights the need for significant changes in our education system.

I had planned to photograph the plastic waste near the railway tracks but couldn’t due to the foggy weather. I had already taken a few photos earlier in the morning. Although the trip wasn’t entirely successful, I don’t regret going to Delhi, especially since I will likely obtain the license.

Politics over Language

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Yesterday, I visited Delhi Public School, Varanasi branch, with a friend whose nephew attends the school. There was a music festival taking place. I enjoyed the event but was puzzled by why all the students and teachers were speaking English to one another. Although all the parents were expected to meet with the warden, my friend was reluctant to do so because his English is not strong. He mentioned that even though he speaks Hindi to the school staff, they always respond in English. My friend asked me to speak with them. I tried speaking English, but they continued to respond in Hindi.

Eventually, I had to switch to Hindi. This was the second time I had experienced this situation; I had previously spoken with the same staff member about four to five months ago, and he had spoken to me in Hindi then. My friend was curious as to why they seemed to speak English only with him. It seems that the warden only speaks English to those who do not speak it fluently. English has become quite fashionable in India. Many people use English as their primary language, especially in major cities like Delhi and Mumbai.

About 80% of the upper class and 50% of the upper-middle class in these cities have adopted English as their first language and rarely speak Hindi. On some television shows where viewers call in with questions, big-city residents often speak English, even though the shows are in Hindi. When the host requests questions in Hindi, some callers claim they don’t know the language. I’ve noticed that even in smaller cities like Varanasi, people are increasingly using English and are reluctant to speak Hindi. While learning English is essential for job prospects in India, I find it troubling that English is being adopted as the first language.

Foreigners come to India to learn Hindi, yet Indians are increasingly embracing English and Western culture. This shift seems unnecessary to me. I once worked with Krista, a research scholar from the University of California, in Mehndiganj. We went to interview a worker at a Coke factory, but an American researcher was already conducting an interview. We had to wait for her to finish. She had a translator from Delhi working for an NGO called ASHA. The translator was gathering information for a book that the NGO was publishing. During the interview, the translator often spoke English to a local villager who didn’t understand the language. Despite knowing the interviewee could not speak English, she kept asking questions in English.

The interviewee could only respond by shaking his head, which seemed ineffective. I found it puzzling why the translator was insisting on speaking English. Most government and private sector offices have printed their letterheads stating a preference for communication in Hindi. However, they predominantly use English for correspondence. A letter written in English tends to receive quicker attention. It seems that Hindi is only used on Hindi Day, with 364 days dedicated to English. Raj Thackeray, the chief of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), protests against Hindi-speaking people from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar living in Maharashtra.

Raj Thakrey, Chief of MNS Party

His supporters have been known to assault people who speak Hindi and damage shops with Hindi signage. They want everyone to speak Marathi. This has led to riots and numerous fatalities, yet the government has taken little action. While promoting Marathi is within their rights, it’s unacceptable to prevent people from speaking Hindi in India. Hindi is our national language, and it’s shameful that a group would attempt to suppress it within our own country. It would be more constructive to protest against the dominance of English rather than Hindi.

MNS workers beating a person from UP/Bihar

The MNS was supported by Congress to split the Marathi vote, which benefits Congress politically. Raj Thackeray has been arrested a few times but never stayed in jail long, which seems to be a political maneuver by Congress to maintain support among the Hindi-speaking populace. I learned English to secure a job, but I don’t use it with Hindi speakers. Many people believe that speaking English makes them appear more intelligent. However, language is crucial for preserving culture. If we lose Hindi, we lose a significant part of our cultural identity.

The growing trend of adopting English as the primary language is concerning. If this continues, it could mean the erosion of our cultural heritage and national identity. I believe that some people, especially young women, seek to appear modern and impressive by using English in conversations. It often seems like they are trying too hard to show off. I find it more authentic to communicate in one’s native language, as it fosters clearer understanding and connection. Losing Hindi would be a profound loss for India. If English becomes the dominant language, it might signify a loss of our unique cultural identity and heritage.

Another case against tour guide training

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It now appears that completing the guide training program will be delayed by another year. The Guide Association of Jaipur has filed another lawsuit against the government, demanding that the training be organized exactly as it was previously done for them. Their training consisted of three and a half months of classes followed by a fifteen-day orientation tour. This time, the proposed training includes forty-five days of classes, a fifteen-day orientation tour, and two months of research. I believe this updated training program is an improvement over the previous one.

The Jaipur association has alleged that some candidates in this year’s program have submitted fraudulent documents. They are demanding that the government verify each document with the relevant authorities. It seems their primary goal is to delay the training as much as possible. They are likely trying to prevent new guides from working during the 2010 Commonwealth Games, which is expected to attract around ten million tourists to India.

Due to the postponement of our training, this year’s candidates are planning to sue the government again for not starting the program. I received a call from the advocate handling the lawsuit, who informed me that the government will issue temporary licenses to all candidates who were scheduled to receive training this year. I will need to travel to Delhi to obtain this temporary license. While I am uncertain how long it will take to receive the permanent license, the constant trips to Delhi and the advocate’s fees are becoming quite overwhelming.