Firoz.T.Totanawala The Bangalore Metro Reporter IN THE NAME OF HOMELSS ASHRAYA SITE SCAM, BACK WITH A BANG…

By Firoz.T.Totanawala 

The Bangalore Metro Reporter 

IN THE NAME OF HOMELSS ASHRAYA SITE SCAM, BACK WITH A BANG… 

 Two decades back, the Ashraya Scam had hit the stands. Ashraya scheme, a pet project of the then CM S.Bangarappa to provide sites and houses to the poor, both in urban and rural areas, became a golden hen to many politicians in power. Now, Bangalore is witnessing another Ashraya Scam which is qualitatively and quantitatively worse than the previous Ashraya scam. Many big wigs, officials, real estate people etc. are involved in it. Today, one can get the Ashraya sites by paying 3 to 4 lakh to the racketeers. The Executive Officers of the Taluk Panchayats are also making a fortune in the scam...

 Taluk Panchayats in Bangalore Urban District are granting the Hakku Patras to the beneficiaries of the Ashraya scheme. The Executive Officers of the Taluk Panchayats are issuing the sale deeds to the allottees and are to be registered at the Sub Registrar Offices. Earlier, Tahsildars had to issue sale deeds to the Ashraya Site distributed to the allottees, but now, it is the Taluk Panchayath Executive Officers who are issuing the Hakku Patras to the allottees. 

 A big fraud in Ashraya sites is going on since three years after the MLAs started interfering in the matter. As the Ashraya layout formed have many sites not allotted to anybody, the racketeers first targeted these ‘unallotted’ sites. When these layouts were formed in 1991, there was not much demand as the areas are far from city. In fact, during those days, Ashraya sites allotments were sold between Rs. 25000 to one lakh depending on the location. Now that all these areas have come under Bangalore and command a very good price, there is vast scope for fraud. 

 Three years back, the sites commanded a premium of Rs. 2 to 3 lakhs. Once the payment was made, the revenue officials who were involved used to create records to show that the Ashraya site was allotted in 1991 itself and after the completion of the 25 years of lock-in the sale deeds were given in favour of the purchaser. 

 Now, the Ashraya Scam is back with a bang. Now it is going on at a high speed, thanks to the machinery of the racketeers who have derived ingenious means to make a fortune. Here again, the role of officials in the Taluk Panchayat is conspicuous. The racketeers zero in on a layout and start building records to sell them to innocent people. As they have the backing of few TP officials, they have perfected the art of preparing the Hakku-Patra (Sale Deed) to pass it off as original. Later, they generate a covering letter from the EO to the Sub Registrar for registration of the deeds. As the EO is exempted from personal appearance for registration, the allottee along with two witnesses can very well go to the SR office and register the same. 

 The racketeers also have one or two registration agents among them who will get the registration done without attracting any suspicion by the SR. As the Ashraya sites are given exemption in Stamp Duty and Registration Fee, the SRs do not take much interest in it. If the parties come all alone, the SR could enquire about the site etc. and a mere suspicion on the part of the SR would have spoiled the party of the racketeers. That is why they always engage ‘leading’ agents in SR offices to do the work with much care. 

 Once the sale deed is registered, the racketeers get the khatha done in the TP office with the help of willing officials. The purchasers, the racketeers and the officials will all be happy. When this being the case, no one can expect the fraud to come into open? 

 Even assuming that an original allottee questions the sale deed to other, he will be given the ‘set reply’ that as he had not built the house which is one of the conditions, his site allottment was cancelled. In case the party persists and threatens to approach the higher ups, he will be promised another site in due course and there are not even one in hundred of such cases. There is muscle power also to browbeat anybody who crosses their path. 

 No doubt, the EOs know this racket very well, but have turned the other way allegedly due to the monetary compensation from the racketeers. Even if their signature is forged by the racketeers they keep quite. That will provide a golden opportunity to them to escape the long arms of law on the plea that their signatures were forged! And the minimum prevailing price for getting an Ashraya site is Rs. 3 lakhs to 5 lakhs depending on the location of the site. 

Any comment!

Firoz.T.Totanawala The Bangalore Metro Reporter THE CONTROVERSIAL APPOINTMENT GOVERNOR'S DOUBLE STANDARDS IN APPOINTMENT

By Firoz.T.Totanawala 

The Bangalore Metro Reporter 

THE CONTROVERSIAL APPOINTMENT GOVERNOR'S DOUBLE STANDARDS IN APPOINTMENT 

 The Governor HR Bharadwaj had sprung a surprise by appointing Justice Chandrashekaraiah as the second Upa Lokayukta. He also administered the oath within hours of his appointment. It is to be recalled that Chandrashekaraiah had also procured a big site in Judicial Department Employees Housing Society, though ineligible. All these months, the Governor refused to clear the appointment of former Chief Justice of Kerala High Court Bannurmath as the Lokayukta, precisely on this ‘site’ issue, despite the government’s insistence on Bannurmath’s name. One wonders how the Governor cleared the name of Chandrashekaraiah who is also accused of the same charge as that of Bannurmath? 

 After the resignation of Shivraj Patil as the Lokayukta over the Site controversy, the government proposed the name of former Chief Justice of Kerala High Court Bannurmath to the post. But, Bannurmath too was embroiled in the same ‘Judicial’ site controversy. He was charged with procuring a big site from the Judicial Department Employees HCS. Further, the site that was allotted to him was reserved for civic Amenities and Bannurmath had built a mansion on this big plot. 

 As soon as the controversy broke out, the Governor refused to clear Bannurmath’s name on the pretext that his continuation may also be affected due to the site scam. There were however, other reasons too for the governor to refuse the name of Bannurmath. It is alleged that Bannurmath is the personal choice of former Chief Minister Yeddyurappa who wants an ‘accommodative’ Lokayukta who can relieve him from the Lokayukta cases he is facing. 

 But the Governor refused to clear Bannurmath’s name and the Government too stood adamant on Bannurmath’s choice. The tussle between the Government and the Governor resulted in the Lokayukta institution being headless for the last five months. 

 And now, people are surprised with the sudden appointment of Former Judge of the High Court Chandrashekaraiah as the second Upa Lokayukta. It is said that the Government sent the name of Chandrashekaraiah to the Governor for appointment as the second Upa Lokayukta and the Governor cleared the name immediately. Interestingly, he was also administered the oath of office by the Governor within hours of his appointment. 

 Of course, Chandrashekaraiah’s appointment has surprised people as he too is involved in the Judicial Layout controversy. He has also obtained a big site from the society while he was functioning as judge of the High Court. One wonders how the governor signed the appointment without going into the ‘site’ controversy of Chandrashekaraiah. The same Governor has refused to clear the name of Bannurmath to the Lokayukta post on the same ‘site’ issue. When this is the hard reality, one expects the Governor to have thoroughly vetted the proposal of the government to appoint Chandrashekaraiah to the Upa Lokayukta post. 

 Chandrashekaraiah was the judge of the High Court from 1995 to 2004. He was made the President of the State Consumer Forum in 2004 by the then Dharam Singh led Congress – JD(S) government and worked in the post till 2009. 

 With regard to the appointment of Upa Lokayukta, it is the Governor who has to answer the double standards he has followed in the case of Bannurmath and Chandrashekaraiah. While he refused to clear Bannurmath’s name on the pretext of site issue, he has not cared to follow the same rule in case of Chandrashekaraiah. And now the Governor who held an impromptu press conference after swearing, Chandrashekaraiah, stated that there are other valid reasons for him, apart from the ‘site’ issue, to reject Bannurmath’s name. But he has refused to make public the “other reasons”! The public have every right to know the other reasons of the Governor for his actions. It is required that the Governor reveals the other reasons or else one can come to their own conclusions about the Governor’s double standards. 

And that is all.

Firoz.T.Totanawala The Bangalore Metro Reporter SC QUASHES DISQUALIFICATION SUPREME COURTS SEVERE INDICTMENT, SPEAKERS ACTION MALAFIDE

By Firoz.T.Totanawala 

The Bangalore Metro Reporter 

SC QUASHES DISQUALIFICATION!  

SUPREME COURTS SEVERE INDICTMENT, SPEAKERS ACTION MALAFIDE 

 The Supreme Court has delivered the final Judgement in the ‘MLAs Disqualification’ case. While quashing the orders of Speaker KG Bopaiah to disqualify five Independent and eleven BJP MLAs hours before the confidence vote, the SC had termed the action of the Speaker as Malafide! It is no secret that Bopaiah has acted more as a loyal servant of then Chief Minister Yeddyurappa than as a Speaker. The SC order has come as a major relief to the people who regard the parliamentary democracy as the only way. It is time Bopaiah who has been severely indicted by the SC, resign... 

People were shocked and surprised when the Speaker K G Bopaiah disqualified 16 MLAs - five independent and eleven rebel BJP MLAs in the early hours of October 10th, 2010. Being a Speaker, he should be impartial and in fact, has to resign his party membership once he gets elected as the Speaker! 

 But Bopaiah continued as a loyal party worker and rushed to the rescue of Yedurappa whose leadership was challenged by 20 MLAs of his own party including five independents who submitted a memorandum to the Governor withdrawing support to Yedurappa. The moment 20 MLAs withdrew the support, Yedurappa had lost the majority. In a house of 224, Yedurappa’s strength came down to 105. The Governor directed Yedurappa to prove his majority in the house on 10th October. There was no way Yedurappa could get majority and the only option was to reduce the strength of the house itself. The Speaker Bopaiah’s services were freely used and he was petitioned to disqualify 16 MLAs of which five were independent and the rest were ‘rebel’ BJP MLAs. Eventually, Bopaiah issued notices to the 16 MLAs and asked them to submit their reply within three days. Even though the Anti-defection law provides a clear seven days notice which can be extendable, Bopaiah gave only three days time to the MLAs. 

 Despite the short time, the MLAs submitted their interim reply and sought time to submit the detailed reply. The deadline expired on 9.10.2010 and Bopaiah simply signed the order disqualifying all the 16 MLAs. Curiously, the order was issued around 5 AM on 10th October, the day fixed by the Governor for Yedurappa to prove his majority. 

 The disqualification order was pasted on the gates of the Vidhana Soudha and the police were in full force to prevent the disqualified MLAs entering the Assembly Hall. Amidst the commotion inside the hall, the Speaker asked Yedurappa to move the confidence motion. Within minutes, the Speaker announced Yedurappa having won the confidence vote! With the disqualification of 16 MLAs the strength of the house had come down from 224 to 208 and Bopaiah announced Yedurappa having the support of 105 MLAs! 

 The ‘disqualified’ MLAs challenged their disqualification in the High Court. The Division Bench gave a split verdict and the Chief Justice upheld the order of the Speaker. Later, the matter was referred to another judge who also upheld the disqualification. This was further challenged in the Supreme Court by the disqualified MLAs. 

 The Supreme Court too witnessed heated arguments by the country’s top lawyers in the matter. After a long drawn arguments etc., the Supreme Court struck down the disqualification. The other day, the SC delivered a final judgement over the issue. It snubbed KG Bopaiah and described his ‘disqualification’ orders as a malafide one to allow Yedurappa to hold on to the CM post. In fact, the SC was harsh on Bopaiah’s disqualification of five independent MLAs who cannot be disqualified as they had neither joined nor deserted any political party. The SC quashed the High Court Order upholding the decision of the Speaker. 

 On the face of it, as the disqualification is now quashed, it simply means that the 16 disqualified MLA’s had their voting rights during the Confidence vote on 10th October, 2010. This further means that they were against Yedurappa and therefore it can rightfully be assumed that Yedurappa would have lost the majority and should have been ousted on 10th October, 2010 itself. However, he continued as CM and that is a mockery of democracy. 

 What one can say about Bopaiah who mortgaged the prestige, dignity and independence of the Speaker’s post to save Yedurappa? The SC had termed Bopaiah’s action as malafide. And it is time that Bopaiah whose actions are criticised in strong words by the SC, resign immediately at least to protect the dignity of the Speaker’s chair. 

That is all.

Firoz.T.Totanawala The Bangalore Metro Reporter THE FRUITFUL REWARD OFFICIALS CLOSE TO CM GET KPSC MEMBERSHIP AS REWARD

By Firoz.T.Totanawala 

The Bangalore Metro Reporter 

THE FRUITFUL REWARD!   

OFFICIALS CLOSE TO CM GET KPSC MEMBERSHIP AS REWARD DAYASHANKAR-ANOTHER PS TO CM TO KPSC MEMBERSHIP. 

It seems that officials close to the Chief Minister are well placed to become the KPSC Members. Many Private Secretaries to the CM have become KPSC members in the past. And now is the turn of Dayashankar, the PS to CM. As a Member Rudre Gowda is retiring shortly, Dayashankar has staked his claim to the post, with all the chances that he gets it.... 

The membership of the KPSC that is Karnataka Public Service Commission is reserved for specified castes, with one each reserved for Vokkaligas, Lingayaths, Kurubas, SC, ST, Minorities and Backward classes. The former CM Yeddyurappa had increased the number from seven to ten. It has become a hard rule that the vacancy created by a particular caste should be filled from the same caste. 

 An interesting thing is that most of the officials getting the Membership or Chairmanship of the commission are those who have worked with Chief Ministers in their Personal Establishment. Successive CMs have made it a rule to reward these loyal officials with KPSC Membership during their fag end of power. Veerappa Moily nominated his PS, HC Neeravari to KPSC. In a way HC Neeravari is the trend setter to this phenomenon. Presently, KPSC is packed with officials who worked in the personal establishment of the CM. The chairman Gonal Bheemappa has spent his services working as Private Secretary to successive Ministers and even the CM. Ramakrishna had also worked in CM section and the list goes on. 

 As per the constitution, the KPSC Membership should be filled with official and non-official nominees on 50:50 basis. As on now, there are seven officials, mostly IAS, bossing over KPSC. Even here, a majority of the official members have started their career from KAS and obtained IAS in their fag end of service and before they retired, they took enough care to get KPSC Membership. The KPSC Membership is not an ordinary deal as allegedly its membership presently commands a premium of not less than Rs. 5 crores. 

 Whatsoever, now another official in CM’s personal establishment, Dayashankar, is certain to become the Member in the vacancy to be created Rudra Gowda, who is to retire in a few days. Dayashankar, a State Accounts Department official, from the very beginning was in the company of political masters. He worked for JH Patel during his Deputy CM and CM period. Only for some time, he was in a different post away from politics and later worked in Yeddyurappa’s both regime as Deputy CM and CM. He has continued in the present CM Sadananda Gowda’s durbar also. 

 It is another matter that working with political masters has its own advantages to the officials. As Dayashankar has worked for such a long time to the successive CMs, he now plans for a permanent and more rewarding office of profit assuming that the present government may collapse any time. There is no guarantee that Dayashankar will be allowed to work in the CM Section in the next government. The KPSC therefore is the best choice which will provide him many more years of service and benefits. 

 Interestingly, the present CM Sadananda Gowda has not touched officials from his personal section who are working since the tenure of Yedurappa as Deputy CM and later CM. He has retained the entire stock, lock and barrel. And it is alleged that Yedurappa has asked Sadananda Gowda to nominate Dayashankar to the KPSC Membership. 

 Dayashankar is thus allowed to take the responsibility of building the file, getting favourable reports about his candidature etc. by himself. He is therefore seen frequenting the DPAR and other departments taking care of the file. As Rudre Gowda, a non official member of KPSC is retiring; it suits Dayashankar in following the unwritten constitution in KPSC to fill up the vacancy with the same caste. Rudre Gowda, a businessman from Shimoga was a follower of Yedurappa and was made the KPSC Member by Yedurappa. Because of the age limit, Rudre Gowda has to retire in a few days and Dayashankar has chipped in to fill the vacancy. 

 Of course, it is hard to believe that only loyalty and service to the political masters count in nomination to the KPSC Membership. There are bound to be more reasons to it. And by the way, Dayashankar is not alone in the race, there are other IAS officials also making attempts. But as of now, Dayashankar appears to be the front runner to the post. 

That is all.

Firoz.T.Totanawala The Bangalore Metro Reporter THE POLITICAL BOOM STATE MAY WITNESS LAUNCH OF MANY POLITICAL PARTIES

By Firoz.T.Totanawala 

The Bangalore Metro Reporter 

THE POLITICAL BOOM!

STATE MAY WITNESS LAUNCH OF MANY POLITICAL PARTIES 

 The state has two national parties and one regional party for the last few years. The regional parties except JD(S) are failed ventures and History tells us that regional parties have no space in the state politics. But despite the hard reality, former CM B.S.Yeddyurappa is planning to float a new regional party. B.Sriramulu, the Bellary MLA has already announced the launching of his BSR Congress after Sankranthi. In the meanwhile few Congress MLAs are making efforts to form the Karnataka Branch of National Congress Party owned by Sharad Pawar. At the same time, there are efforts to convert the Ahinda platform into a political party…. 

Nobody was in doubt about the formation of a regional party by Reddy Brothers. They would have launched the party three months back, but, the arrest and jail of Janardhana Reddy by CBI delayed the same. 

 It all began with Sriramulu’s resignation as MLA. He was to tour the state but the arrest foiled this plan too. Then by-election was held for Bellary seat and Sriramulu who contested as independent won the seat. Overwhelmed Sriramulu declared the intention of forming a political party. He also announced fielding candidates in all the 224 Assembly seats and was confident of getting majority to form the government in the state. He named the party as BSR Congress (Badavara, Shramikara Raithara). 

 Former CM Yeddyurappa is also on the verge of forming a regional party. In the last three years, he has developed his community base as well the loyalty of some hard core BJP MLAs. Over the last few days, Yedurappa is posing direct challenge to the BJP High Command to accept his demands or else face the consequences. He is repeatedly dictating the terms to high command and all BJP state leaders and has already fired the first salvo by demanding that he be made CM again within the stipulated January 15th deadline. Interestingly, after his release from jail on bail, he toured most parts of the state holding discussions among his followers and loyalists about the future course of action. In all probability, if denied the CM or other suitable post, Yedurappa has no choice but to quit the party and launch his own party. 

 Further to confound the already confused political scene, some Congress MLAs are looking towards National Congress Party, a Maharashtra based party owned by Sharad Pawar. The Congress MLAs like B.C. Patil, Guttedar etc. have their intention to bring the NCP Branch in Karnataka. It is another matter that neither NCP nor its owner Sharad Pawar is known in the state and there is no reason or logic to start the branch office of NCP in the state. Interestingly, even Yedurappa had earlier eyed NCP and nobody knows the reason behind this sudden attraction of NCP among the state politicians. But the cash rich NCP, or rather its boss Sharad Pawar can easily finance the elections in the state. B.C. Patil, the promoter of the move is claiming the backing of around 40 MLAs belonging to all political parties in their efforts to open the branch office of NCP in the state. 

 In addition, there is a widespread demand from the Ahinda movement leaders to convert it into a political party. If the Ahinda leaders form their party, it will be a non starter as none of the so called leaders of Ahinda have mass base or the appeal, unless they capture a good and popular public leader as their leader. However, Sriramulu may back the Ahinda party to get some Advantage to his party. 

 Whatsoever, the state will be witnessing at least four regional parties in the next three months and it will be an overdose of political launches to the people. 

And that is all.

Firoz.T.Totanawala The Bangalore Metro Reporter THE FIGHT WITHIN YEDURAPPA ACCUSES ESHWARAPPA FOR HIS FALL. RSS INTERVENES. FUTURE OF BJP UNCERTAIN.

By Firoz.T.Totanawala

The Bangalore Metro Reporter

THE FIGHT WITHIN!

YEDURAPPA ACCUSES ESHWARAPPA FOR HIS FALL. RSS INTERVENES. FUTURE OF BJP UNCERTAIN. 

 The infighting in State BJP took a sudden turn for the worst when Yeddyurappa targeted State BJP President Eshwarappa and accused him of engineering him to ‘Jail’. Yedurappa again set the January 15th deadline to the BJP High Command for his rehabilitation and also discreetly hinted at forming a new regional party. The BJP’s leaders and cadres were shocked and surprised with the out bursts of Yedurappa against Eshwarappa. The infighting intensified as the deadline approached, but, the intervention of RSS leaders has doused the flames for now. However, considering that Yedurappa is a hardcore leader, the future is surely uncertain. 

 Yedurappa’s resignation as the Chief Minister was necessitated by the Lokayukta Report on mining scam. The BJP High Command directed Yedurappa to resign and he accused the Lokayukta Santosh Hegde of conspiring with opposition parties to unseat him. Earlier to this, he had accused the Governor HR Bharadwaj of conspiracy with Congress leaders to oust him from the CM post. At that time, the State BJP President Eswarappa called for a State wide bundh to protest against the Governor sanctioning the prosecution of Yedurappa under Prevention of Corruption Act. Eshwarappa called the Governor names and accused him of being a Congress agent. He had even asked the Governor to vacate the Raj Bhavan and work in the KPCC office to prove his loyalty the Congress especially the Gandhi family. This was all clearly in defense of Yedurappa. 

 And now, the same Yedurappa has turned his attention to Eshwarappa. The other day, he made sensational accusations against Eshwarappa for being the root cause for his ouster from CM post and his going to jail. Interestingly, the same Yedurappa had accused Santosh Hegde in conspiring with some ‘disgruntled elements in BJP to send him to the Jail. However, Yedurappa was sent to jail by the Lokayukta Judge in a corruption related case. When Santosh Hegde rebuked him strongly against such senseless statements, he then fell silent. 

 His outburst is understandable as Yedurappa is desperate and things are not going his way. Even with regard to the appointment of the Lokayukta, Sadananda Gowda proposed Justice Bannurmath as Lokayukta allegedly on the advice of Yedurappa, but the Governor refused to consent because of a controversy. Sadananda Gowda stood firm with the name and governor too stuck to his decision. Eshwarappa too strongly reacted and asked the Governor to shut up and clear the name. He has been using most derogatory words to condemn the attitude of the Governor. Nobody in the government or the BJP has dared to use such strong words against a constitutional authority. However, the Governor officially sent back the file to the government for suggesting another name to the post. To rub salt to the injury, Sadananda Gowda is no more rigid for confrontation with the governor and has stated that he will have to consider other options and suggest other names to the Lokayukta post. 

 It should be remembered that after resigning Yedurappa had commented that he will be back as CM in 6 months time. Recently, his loyalist Renukacharya had also commented that as promised Sadananda Gowda should step down from the post after Sankranti to make way for Yedurappa. Yedurappa too mentioned that he knows how to organise a party and run it, dropping enough hints at forming a party of his own in case he is not given back the CM post. Apparently, there are two strong factions in the state BJP that are fighting amongst themselves and the high command is helpless. Yedurappa had once again set a deadline of January 15th for his appropriate rehabilitation and as the deadline approached the feud within the BJP intensified. 

 However, the RSS leaders finally intervened and it seems they have at least for now doused the fire. The leaders have made it clear that Sadananda Gowda will continue as CM and Eshwarappa as Party chief. They have also advised Yedurappa to have patience and wait for an appropriate time for his rehabilitation. Yedurappa’s plan of state tour is approved but with a twist. It will be under the banner of BJP and he will be accompanied by both Sadananda & Eshwarappa. 

 Whatsoever, Yedurappa has rubbed the party and Eshwarappa the wrong way. Yedurappa may say that there are minor differences and Eshwarappa may keep quiet and shrug off the charges, but, the fact remains that the state politics will be heading for a showdown. 

That is all.

Firoz.T.Totanawala The Bangalore Metro Reporter THE DRESS CODE EVERYONE HAS IT. BUT IF A POLITICIAN/OFFICIAL COMMENT, IT BECOMES A CONTROVERSY.

By Firoz.T.Totanawala 

The Bangalore Metro Reporter 

THE DRESS CODE!

 

EVERYONE HAS IT. BUT IF A POLITICIAN/OFFICIAL COMMENT, IT BECOMES A CONTROVERSY. 

 The other day AP’s DGP stirred the Hornet’s Nest by advising the young women to avoid provocative dress. As if on cue, our own Women and Child Minister C.C. Patil also asked women to dress decently. Women activists raised a hue and cry about the unsolicited ‘advice’. Even the Home Minister P. Chidambaram said that it is not the duty of the DGP to give sermons to women about their dress manners. However, the sense of decent dress prevails everywhere in society. 

 Of course, the controversy had almost died but with TV channels taking it up in their chat shows, it raised its ugly head again. One can imagine women to raise their voice to prevent many more such sermons from officials and politicians. But arguably, the dress code exist all around and only when a politician or an official comments about it, the controversy surfaces, only to die down soon till the next remark. 

 Truly, the society has stipulated broadly, a sort of dress code for men and women since the Vedic period. But the times have changed and the traditional dress has given way to western touch. Skirts, Mini Skirts and Jeans pants have become the fashion of the day and Salwar Kameez also has become the most popular dress for women. Sarees have retained their dominance among the middle and old aged women and the young professional women prefer Jeans in their work places and even homes. 

 The influence of western culture on the youth along with exposure in films, TV channels, has worsened the situation. Such is the impact that they question even reasonable restriction imposed on them by the society and family. They have started to assert their freedom including the choice of dress which includes the provocative type. 

 Arguably, the dress code or decent dressing sense prevails everywhere in society. Auto drivers, Cab drivers, Bus drivers, Pilots, Air Hostesses, Hotel staff, Army, Navy, Air force, Schools, Hospitals, Police, name it any and they all have presentable dress codes. Nowhere can one find provocative uniform or dressing among any employers, employees or any other sector. Can one allow an auto, cab or bus driver to operate in a baniyan because he likes it? Can one allow a pilot to move around airport and operate the flight in a Bermuda and slippers because it is his choice? Can you allow a policeman to come on duty in his night dress if he is comfortable in it? We are a part of our society and it is deemed on us to first prefer society at large than our individual need. And by the way, if the question is about wearing the choice of clothes, it should be for all and everywhere and not for a selective class of people.

 The educational institutes have imposed dress code among the students and teachers too. Many colleges have banned tight fitting jeans and revealing tops and other provocative costumes. In fact, the dress code is not only for the girls but for the boys too. In the beginning, many opposed and started asserting their liberty to decide on their dress. But finally, most of the prestigious colleges have enforced the dress code among their students, be they girls or boys. 

 There is also a dress code among the Corporate and IT giants whether Indian or foreign and nobody is questioning it. The dress code is prescribed for both female and male employees. These companies stipulate that employees dress and present themselves decently. In fact, the companies stipulate the dress code in the appointment order itself. It is another matter that they allow their employees to wear casual dresses once a week, but here too, highly provocative dresses are frowned upon. 

 Lakhs of IT and Corporate employees follow the dress code without fail. Even the government employees and officials have a dress code. It is not that a Government employee can come in revealing dress to the office. One can see most of the IAS, IPS and other officials, always tucking their shirts in. On occasions, they use the suits. Not a single top official comes to office with slippers and they always as a rule wear shoes to protect the status of their post. No one will see them with their buttons open even if it be their choice. Even women officials have their dress code. 

 This implies that lower and higher middle class as a rule favour decent dress code that is presentable and acceptable to the society at large. It is mainly the adolescent and college going girls and boys who are obsessed with liberty on their dress code. They say it is their right to wear whatever that deems attracting to them. 

The rule of decent dressing exists everywhere and nobody has taken objection to the same. All around, people are asked to dress decently, but, the moment a politician or official comments about it, there is a big controversy and this is really amusing. Consequently, the issue of ‘Liberty’ gets centre stage and there are hot debates and sermons and it finally comes back to square one till the next remark. 

That is all.

Firoz.T.Totanawala The Bangalore Metro Reporter THE CRUSADE BLUNDERS ANNA’S MOVEMENT GET POOR RESPONSE. TIME TO INTROSPECT.

By Firoz.T.Totanawala 

The Bangalore Metro Reporter 

THE CRUSADE BLUNDERS ANNA’S MOVEMENT GET POOR RESPONSE. TIME TO INTROSPECT. 

 Anna Hazare who suddenly occupied the centre stage for his Jan Lokpal Bill at one time showed the guts to dictate terms to the government. Very recently, he had also announced that he will tour the five states where elections are on the way to canvass against the Congress party, which he believes has betrayed him by not passing the Lokpal Bill. And now, he has abandoned his anti-Congress campaign in five states. His political flop show was preceded by his ‘flop fast’ show in Mumbai. It is time, Anna team realise their limitations. 

Since the launch of his movement, Anna regularly dictated terms to the parliament and insisted that Government pass his version of Jan Lokpal Bill and that too on priority. At every opportunity, he and his team attacked the Congress party so much so that his ‘India Against Corruption’ movement was perceived as India Against Congress. When the central government was to table the Lokpal Bill in the parliament in winter session, Anna announced that he will sit on fast and later start a jail Bharao program. They said that over a lakh youth, mainly educated (?) have registered for the Jail Bharao agitation. Anna’s three day fast prior to jail Bharao was to be held in Ramlila Grounds in New Delhi which was to coincide with the start of the debate in the parliament. 

 However, they changed the venue from Ramlila Grounds to the MMDC Ground in Mumbai giving the excuse of extreme chill weather of Delhi. But, they also announced that some members of core team will lead the fast in Delhi also. While the Mumbai Ground has to be procured on rent, the MMDC demanded Rs. 15 lakhs as ground rent and security charges. The Anna team filed a writ in the Bombay High Court against the levy of rent, but, the High Court severely castigated the Anna team and dismissed their Writ. 

 The High Court made unsparing remarks against Anna Team by questioning the need to sit on fast for the Lokpal Bill for which the parliament was already about to debate. The red faced Anna Team paid the ground rent and decorated the fast venue into a hi-tech platform, but there was no public support. Not even 2000 people were present on the first day of the fast and even in Delhi, less than a couple of hundred people attended. 

 The second day of fast witnessed even lesser public and Team Anna abruptly ended the fasting by Anna on the second day itself on health ground. Arguably, when the fast show received a poor response, their Jail Bharao movement too was expected to flop and was called off. However, Anna threatened to campaign against Congress in the five states which are going to the polls scheduled in January, February and March. Anna also threatened to campaign against Congress in 2014 parliament elections. This was a sensitive decision because if Anna visits the states to campaign against Congress, it will be seen only as a political issue and not as an issue of corruption. Anna was heavily targeted for only going behind Congress party and totally ignoring all other parties that may be more neck deep involved in corruption. Interestingly, the BJP admitted the tainted UP BSP Minister Kushwaha at the same time and Anna Team was stuck with their silence on BJP’s actions. Eventually, the scams relating to his own Team members and continuous anti Congress attacks diverted the supportive but sensitive middle class to assume some political conspiracy and subsequently there was erosion of public support. 

 The hard fact is that Anna has become a willing pawn in the hands of few vested interests. As Anna is illiterate and does not understand the intricacies of law and other factors in the administration, he can be easily misled. Further, Anna has lost much support base among the middle class by giving a call to the people to thrash those who drink alcohol. People are repeatedly being confused over his other than corruption stand and this is affecting his movement. 

 Arguably, Anna’s black mailing ‘fast’ has also been resented by the people as frequent fasts will take away the importance of the ‘Fast’ itself. It is another matter that Anna Team is advised to float a political party and fight the elections, but that is easier said than done. And Kejrival himself has admitted that the Team has no money or capacity to do likewise. They have also admitted that they will not be canvassing against the Congress party in the coming elections and focus only on corruption issue. But, it will take some time for people to believe and support the anti corruption movement wholeheartedly again. 

That is all.

Firoz.T.Totanawala The Bangalore Metro Reporter THE FUTUTRE TENSE SADANANDA WINS MLC SEAT. WILL HE SURVIVE FULL TERM?

By Firoz.T.Totanawala 

 The Bangalore Metro Reporter 

 THE FUTUTRE TENSE!

 SADANANDA WINS MLC SEAT. WILL HE SURVIVE FULL TERM?

 Nobody was in doubt about the victory of Sadananda Gowda to the Legislative Council. The BJP enjoyed majority and a seat in the council was vacated to make room for Sadananda. It was only a formality as he had to become a member of either of the house, to continue as Chief Minister. The ‘neutral’ stand of JD(S) made his victory, a cake walk. But the confusion, secret Parleys anxiety, and uncertainty of the BJP MLAs loyalty et al was created by former CM Yeddyurappa who is on a comeback trail as CM.... 

D. V. Sadananda Gowda had to become either MLA or MLC within six months of becoming the CM. MLC elected from the Assembly Constituency was made to vacate his seat for Sadananda Gowda. As the BJP enjoyed majority in the Assembly, there was no doubt in victory. But in the last few days, an atmosphere was created casting doubts about his victory. 

 As far as numbers are concerned, the BJP enjoyed the support of MLAs including the Speaker nominated MLA and independent MLA Varthur Prakash. The opposition has 71 Congress, 26 JD(S) and six independents making a total of 103. If the three suspended MLAs voted with Sriramulu, the strength would have been 106 against 119 of BJP. If Sriramulu managed 10 of his loyal MLAs to vote against CM, then the result would have been different. Even if 8 MLAs did cross vote, Sadananda Gowda would have lost the election. 

 But the ground reality was different. The BJP President Eswarappa revoked the suspension of three suspended Sriramulu loyalist MLAs. They made a ‘deal’ with five independents and Sriramulu was also convinced to back Sadananda Gowda. So, there was no danger of Sadananda losing the election. As the MLAs were given whip, nobody could dare violate it, inviting disqualification and subsequent ‘ban’ of contesting the elections for six years. 

 Still, there was suspense and anxiety and it was not about the opposition fielding a common candidate. In fact both Congress and JD(S) together had 97 MLAs and even if the six independents voted for them, the number was far less than required. Then, why did the BJP leaders burn mid night oil to ensure Sadananda Gowda’s victory? In fact, there was no fear of opposition or the cross voting by Reddy Brothers loyalists, but, it was the Yedurappa factor that created panic and confusion in BJP and kept them on tenterhooks till the last minute. 

 Yedurappa had started his operation comeback even before Sadananda filed the nominations. Yedurappa, who while resigning had declared that he will be CM again within six months, suffered a serious blow when he was sent to Jail on corruption charges. And the moment he was released on bail, he started making attempts at regaining his lost crown. 

 The day after Sadananda filed the nominations, Yedurappa air dashed to New Delhi to meet the BJP’s national leaders to stake his CM claim. When it was rejected outright, he mobilised MPs from Karnataka who submitted a memorandum to the national leaders for making him the CM again. Yedurappa’s argument was that he should be made CM and he will fight the corruption related cases like the Tamil Nadu CM Jayalalitha. 

 When he could not get a firm assurance from the national leaders, he was back to his black mailing tricks. He threatened to ask his loyalist MLAs to vote against Sadananda and defeat him. Finally, the High Command successfully sent him back with some assurance of his proper rehabilitation. 

 So, it was the Yedurappa factor that created panic. As such, no BJP leader except his loyalists, were willing to let him manage the election of Sadananda. They were afraid that he may ask his loyalist MLAs to vote against Sadananda. If Sadananda was defeated, he would have had to resign from the CM post and then Yedurappa could step in for the post. 

 The BJP therefore was serious in the Sadananda election. Besides, revoking the suspension of their MLA’s and convincing the Independent MLA’s, it successfully cajoled the JD(S) Boss HD Kumaraswamy into remaining neutral and Congress was left with 71 MLA’s. 

 Now that Sadananda has won the elections and secured his CM post, the question is - how long will he remain the CM or how long will Yedurappa allow him to function? As on now, Yedurappa has set a deadline of January end, to ascend the CM throne. As usual, he has started his ‘Temple Tour’ and Homa-Havanas for reclaiming the CM gaddi. He has also undertaken other religious functions to get the required ‘divine’ strength to become the CM again. 

 Of course, Sadananda as CM is now firmly in the saddle after his win in the council elections and the State BJP President Eswarappa has already declared that he will be CM till the end of Assembly term. On the contrary, Yedurappa may form a regional party if he is not made the CM or join Sharad Pawar’s NCP. Whatsoever, if he walks out of BJP he will take along at least two dozen MLAs from BJP making way for midterm polls. 

 One thing is sure that Yedurappa will not sit idle and Sadananda will have to use all ammunition in his armour to neutralise him. But that is easier said than done. At the end of the day, Sadananda may not be able to complete his term as CM. 

And that is all.

Firoz.T.Totanawala The Bangalore Metro Reporter STILL VACANT FEUD CONTINUES BETWEEN GOVERNMENT AND GOVERNOR OVER LOKAYUKTA, BANNURMATH STILL SILENT.

By Firoz.T.Totanawala 

 The Bangalore Metro Reporter 

 STILL VACANT!  

FEUD CONTINUES BETWEEN GOVERNMENT AND GOVERNOR OVER LOKAYUKTA, BANNURMATH STILL SILENT. 

 Justice Bannurmath, the former Chief Justice of High Court has become the Centre of controversy in the state. The BJP government is hell bent on appointing Bannurmath as the Lokayukta and the Governor HR Bharadvaj is equally adamant in not signing the appointment order. The Chief Minister Sadananda Gowda has time and again insisted that Bannurmath is the government’s choice. Similarly, the Governor HR Bhardwaj has clarified that he will not clear the appointment of Bannurmath under any circumstances as long as he remained the Governor. He has advised the ruling government to suggest any other name and he will clear it immediately provided the person is honest and a man of integrity. 

 But, why is the Governor refusing to clear the name of Bannurmath to the Lokayukta post? Earlier, the same Governor had cleared the name of Former Supreme Court Judge Shivaraj Patil to the post to succeed Santosh Hegde. But, Shivaraj Patil could not survive in the post as the controversy regarding his acquisition of sites from Judicial Housing Society and big plots from another Vyalikaval HCS at a throwaway price hit him hard. He worked as Lokayukta only for 42 days. 

 Once Shivaraj Patil resigned, Sadananda Gowda was required to appoint another former Supreme Court Judge or former High Court Chief Justice as the Lokayukta. Allegedly suggested by Yedurappa, former Chief Justice of the High Court, Bannurmath was recommended to the post. Sadananda Gowda simply shot off a letter to the opposition leaders to suggest any names, if any, for the Lokayukta post. He ignored to consult the Chief Justice and as far as the Speaker and Chairman of the Legislature are concerned, they are from BJP and go by BJP’s choice. Sadananda Gowda sent the name of Bannurmath to the Governor for issuing the appointment order making Bannurmath as the Lokayukta. 

 But before the Governor cleared the name, the controversy of Bannurmath also acquiring a big site in the Judicial Housing Society and building a bungalow there surfaced. It is also said that the site Bannurmath purchased was reserved for Civic Amenities. 

 Naturally the Governor was taken aback. There were all the chances of Bannurmath too following Shivaraj Patil after he becomes the Lokayukta, unable to cope up with the exposures. There were also all the chances of people filing PIL against his ‘site’ scam. 

 So, the Governor refused to clear Bannurmath’s name and suggested to Sadananda Gowda to nominate other eminent retired judges to the post. But, he refused to consider any other name except Bannurmath and the Governor too stood his ground. 

 The feud between BJP and the Governor reached rotten level after state BJP President Eswarappa blasted the Governor calling him names and asked him to get out from the state. Assembly witnessed uproarious scenes in this regard. Yedurappa also circulated a ‘Note’ making serious allegations against the Governor. Finally when everything failed to force the Governor to clear Bannurmath to the Lokayukta post, the state BJP government took a delegation to the President demanding the Governor’s recall. 

 Amidst all these sound bites, the Governor still refused to clear Bannurmath. The government is adopting confrontationist attitude by making it clear that only Bannurmath is its choice and nobody else. As the attacks on the Governor became fierce and personal, the Governor took the Sadananda Gowda government head on. He clarified that he will not clear Bannurmath appointment and also ridiculed Yedurappa’s recommendations and pressure tactics to make Bannurmath, the Lokayukta. In a stinging remark, he stated that Yedurappa who himself is facing 13 criminal cases and gone to jail, cannot insist on a person of his choice to be appointed as the Lokayukta to cover up his misdeeds. This rigid stand by the governor implied that Yedurappa was possessive about the appointment of Bannurmath as the Lokayukta to cover up many cases/investigations against him. 

 Bannurmath’s appointment issue has become highly political and controversial. Even if the governor succumbs and appoints him as the Lokayukta, can any sane person expect Bannurmath to bring credibility to the Lokayukta post? He has already been branded as a Yedurappa man. Motives will be attributed to every move by Bannurmath, in case he becomes the Lokayukta. His decisions will be questioned by the ‘sensitive’ section of the society. However honest and a man of integrity Bannurmath may be, the fact remains that he will not be in a position to discharge his duties as the Lokayukta. 

 And the interesting thing about the entire episode is the ‘silence’ of Bannurmath. He is regarded as a fine Judge and has given some milestone judgments. Any other sensible person of his stature would have cried ‘enough is enough’ by this time. He would have enhanced his dignity by publicly refusing to be considered for the Lokayukta post. In that event, he would be spared of the controversies and mudslinging. But the question is - why is Justice Bannurmath silent? 

And that is all.

Firoz.T.Totanawala The Bangalore Metro Reporter THE ENFORCED HONOUR IS SACHIN THE ONLY SPORTMAN DESERVING BHARAT RATNA?

By Firoz.T.Totanawala 

The Bangalore Metro Reporter 

 THE ENFORCED HONOUR!

 IS SACHIN THE ONLY SPORTMAN DESERVING BHARAT RATNA? 

 Under pressure of vested interests, the central government has decided to award cricketer Sachin Tendulkar the coveted Bharata Ratna. As a first step, it has amended the rules to accommodate people who have contributed greatly in the field of sports. This amendment is obviously aimed at clearing the way for Sachin to get the highest civilian honour of Bharata Ratna. 

 Nobody disputes the fact that Sachin Tendulkar is a great cricketer. He has the highest number of cricketing records in the world and is on the threshold of scoring 100th test century. Of course, it will take years for any other cricketer in the world to break his records. 

 It is another matter that Sachin has made a fortune out of his cricket. He is the highest paid cricketer in advertisements. Last year, it is said he signed a sponsorship contract for a whopping Rs. 300 crores! Like any cricketer, Sachin too had his ups and down. He was a miserable flop as the captain. He was a failure with the bat at frequent seasons and at one point of time, it looked like his cricketing career had ended. But the lenient attitude of the BCCI helped him bounce back to form. 

 The central government has recognised his cricket contributions by conferring Padmasri and Padma Vibhushan awards to him. Sachin has earned in crores through cricket and advertisements and nobody can grudge about his earnings because he deserved it. 

 But, can his records or his cricketing fame, be the yardstick for awarding Bharat Ratna to him? Bharat Ratna is the highest civilian award conferred in recognition of the great contributions by a person in the field of social service, peace and harmony in the society. Since its inception in 1954, the awards were given to people who have contributed during freedom movement, Social Reformers, Scholars, Educationists, Musicians, Actors, Directors etc. And definitely sports were not considered and there is a valid reason for it. There are various scores of sports where sports persons have made India proud by their achievements. Selecting one among them is very tough. Moreover, sports do not contribute to social, economic or cultural reforms. Sports were therefore left out from the ambit of selection to Bharata Ratna. 

 In fact, last year itself, there was a strong demand for awarding Bharata Ratna to Sachin Tendulkar. But sports were not in the criterion and moreover as Sachin was still playing and is still playing, the government could not select him to the highest honour. Further, the government had already honoured him with Padma awards, twice! But, the demand by the cricketing world particularly BCCI, for Bharata Ratna to Sachin became louder. One can say that there is a powerful lobby working for Bharata Ratna award for Sachin. Sharad Pawar, a powerful Minister in the central government and chairman of the International Cricket Council is also backing the proposal. 

 With regard to the government’s decision to award Bharata Ratna to Sachin by relaxing the norms, one can say that it is not a wise decision. In fact, the move has opened the Pandora’s Box with claims of great sportsmen of yesteryears demanding the honour. There is the great Milka Singh who deserves it in first place. Milka Singh also known as the ‘Flying Sikh’ is even today remembered and revered by the people. Then there is P. T. Usha who had become a legend. There are sportsmen who brought Olympics medals for India. Prakash Padukone, won the laurels for India in Badminton by winning world championships. More than anybody, Viswanathan Anand, the World Chess Champion deserves the award most. He has won scores of world Championships. 

 Then who will forget Ramanathan Krishna, Vijay Amritraj, Leander Peas, Ramesh Krishnan etc. who have made it big in the world of Tennis. And what about Abhinav Bindra, who scored the very first Olympic gold for India in shooting? In fact, Bindra is the only Indian who secured a gold medal in the history of Olympics. Does he not deserve the Bharata Ratna more than anybody, by his splendid feat? 

 Further, in cricket itself, there are great names who have contributed tremendously to Indian cricket. Ajit Wadekar captained the Indian team which defeated almost all cricketing teams in the world. Sunil Gavaskar, fought for the players and made cricket, a highly commercial venture for both the cricketers and the Board. How one can forget Kapil Dev. Then there is this Saurav Ganguly who holds the record for winning the highest number of tests, as captain. Dhoni, the present captain too has won the maximum tests and one-day matches. So, Sachin is not the only great cricketer. He might have the highest ‘records’ in cricket, but mere ‘records’ cannot make him the most eligible person for Bharata Ratna award. 

 On the contrary, Sachin has also courted controversies too. In one case, he had cut the cake resembling Indian flag and later apologised. Again, very recently, when the Indian team won the world cup, Sachin was carried on shoulder for a victory lap by Virat Kohli who had also wrapped the tri colour on his shoulder. Sachin literary was sitting on the tri colour and his shoes trampled the Indian flag. While it was visible on television screen, Indians engulfed in the euphoria of world cup victory ignored it. 

 To say in conclusion, it is not that Sachin does not deserve the Bharata Ratna, but there are many more sports persons who deserve the Bharata Ratna, more. 

And that is all.