I hate to talk about politicians and their ideas about the nation, much less write about it. But sometimes issues hit such a nadir that I become disgruntled and something inside starts fuming. So, I have to write just to vent my anger and clean my system. It is up to you as always whether to read it or not. If you have had a sunny day and are in a jolly mood, I urge you not to read this because it will spoil your mood and depress your high spirits.
Lets start from the person who comes from the state I belong to. Mr. Mulayam Singh Yadav of Samajwadi Party (S.P.) from Uttar Pradesh. He has come out with a very interesting election manifesto for the national polls. For those who are intelligent and therefore do not indulge in politics, a Manifesto is the document which lays down the policies that a party will implement if it comes to power. In fact, the manifesto of S.P. is so interesting that it almost entertains you and you feel it should be displayed in the national museum. Let me put forward just some of the points-
1. Abolition of English language and schools where English is the medium of instruction. (S.P.’s primary issue. They do not understand why English is required. And nobody can explain it to them.)
2. Abolition of computers. (The reasoning is, since we have a large population we should do everything manually. Does not matter if we are unable to sell our products in the markets due to high cost of production and low quality.)
Hope you got a whiff of the stinking stench of the Uttar Pradesh politics. I think Mulayam Singh Ji should write an economics book of his own and aptly name it FREAKONOMICS. Even Levitt will agree after reading the book that Mr. Mulayam has a better claim to the title.
Next to come is our very own Prime Minister Mr. Manmohan Singh who has been making some really amusing statements off late. He recently asked people not to vote for independent candidates, as they are ‘spoilers’ in this battle for India. All this is coming from a person who has never once stood in an election before. Prime Minister Saahab seems to be upset because well educated globe trotting independents like Ms. Meera Sanyal, Capt. Gopinath etc. are informing the public about the incompetence and shilly-shallying attitude of his government on any matter under the sun. He is worried about the fate of inept, work-shy politicians that his party is used to. He has also forgotten that Constitution has given a right to each individual to stand for election and raise his/her voice. In fact, revolutions have started when a few brave men have stood up against the mighty opposition to turn the tide. Bereft of any real issues, he has no other speech to make other than calling names to independents and opposition. So much for our Prime Minister.
Another amazing comment has come from the former Union HRD Minister and BJP leader Mr.Murli Manohar Joshi. Recently I heard him telling a television channel that the major issue of elections’09 is Terrorism vs. Nationalism. I am still totally confused about what that statement means. If he means what I feel he means, then we all are in grave danger. Does he want to break the nation to fight terrorism? I believe all those who support terrorism in the country should be brutally punished. But dividing the nation on the basis of cast and creed and religion to fight terrorism is probably the stupidest idea I have heard till now. Only one line should be drawn to fight terrorism. The line that demarcates people who do not support terrorism from beasts that do. All other ideas are baseless and divisive in nature and will lead us into more trouble.
You know, throwing shoes on the politicians will not help. We need to stick the shoe in their mouth and ask them to shut up!
