Firoz.T.Totanawala The Bangalore Metro Reporter SHASHI THAROOR EPISODE WHAT ABOUT REDDY BROTHERS?

FIROZ.T.TOTANAWALA

THE BANGALORE METRO REPORTER 

 SHASHI THAROOR EPISODE  WHAT ABOUT REDDY BROTHERS? 

 The AICC spokesman Abhishek Singvi was right to question the double standards and hypocracy of the BJP leadership and their so called ‘Moral High Standards in not taking action against the BJP ministers in Karnataka the Reddy Brothers who are accused of serious crimes. He wanted the BJP leadership particularly BJP’s National President Nitin Gadkari, senior leader L.K.Advani, Opposition Leader Sushma Swaraj etc. to drop the Reddy Brothers from the cabinet. Abhishek Singvi’s poser came in the wake of the Congress directing the Minister of State for External Affairs Shashi Tharoor to resign following a controversy over his involvement in building the Kochi Team for the IPL. 

It may be recalled that Shashi Tharoor had played a decisive role in getting the highest bid for Kochi Team in IPL. He has mobilised businessmen and other monied people to pool their resources to purchase Kochi team for an astronomical 1300 crores! Needless to say that his ministerial power has come in handi in this resource mobilisation. More than anything, it is the name of Sunanda Pushkar, a close friend of Tharoor and the “Sweat Equity” of 75 crores given to her by the Rendezvous company that purchased the Kochi team that became controversial. It was alleged that Tharoor was the beneficiary of the ‘Sweat Equity’ through his proxy Sunanda Pushkar. 

Sunanda Pushkar is not in big name either in India or in Dubai where she claims to run real estate business. More than anything she could not have induced industrialists, and money bags to pool 1300 crores to purchase the Kochi team. This is simple common sense. Even Tharoor himself had admitted that he had played a prominent role in the Kochi team purchase. It was an open secret. It is Tharoor who had sweated it out to mobilise the funds for the purchase of Kochi team. If at all, if there is provision for ‘Sweat Equity’, that should have gone to Tharoor. Nobody would have taken exception if Tharoor received the ‘sweat equity’ and may be the opposition have raised the issue of abuse of ministerial powers. As this phenomenon is the ‘in thing’ in power politics, nobody would have taken the issue seriously. Tharoor, a Keralite would have become an instant hero in Kerala for having raised the Kerala Team. He would have earned greatness had he donated a part of his ‘Sweat Equity’ to sports activities in Kerala. 

But he did not do so. Instead Sunanda Pushkar was brought into the picture to become the beneficiary of the ‘Sweat Equity’. It is an open secret that Tharoor is all set to marry her after he gets divorce from his foreign wife. Even Tharoor had admitted that Sunanda Pushkar was his ‘Close friend. And the Sweat equity given to her is nothing but a proxy partnership to Tharoor. It is this fact that became controversial. The BJP stalled parliament proceedings for two days demanding the resignation of Shashi Tharoor. 

 Infact, the Income Tax department swung into action and raided the IPL commissioner Lalit Modi’s offices and started digging about Kochi team owners. And the next day, Sunanda Pushkar returned her sweat equity to the owners of the Kochi team. Tharoor was not even allowed to defend himself in the parliament. The other day, he was summoned by the Prime Minister and asked to put in his papers. And Tharoor did as directed by resigning from the cabinet. 

The Congress High Command has patted its own back for having followed High moral stand by asking Tharoor who is ‘only indirectly accused’ to put in his papers. Definitely it can claim the credit for upholding moral values in public life. 

And Abhishek Singvi, the AICC general secretary who is also the spokesman for the Congress has now taken the issue to the BJP camp. Everybody knows that it is the BJP who took up spirited fight against Tharoor and accused him of abusing his ministerial powers and the sweat equity given to his friend Sunanda Pushkar. Abhishek Singvi has demanded the BJP leadership to take similar stand on the Reddy Brothers who are controlling the BJP government in the state as they are facing serious charges and running politics as business. 

But the BJP leadership including its top leaders simply do not have the guts to touch the Reddy Brothers let alone any action against them. They knew well that once they even hint at action against the Reddy Brothers their first ever government in South India is as good as dead! As on today, no BJP leader worth the salt would even dream of diciplining the Reddy Brothers. With the Leader of the Opposition in the Loksabha Sushma Swaraj being the godmother and the pillar of strength to the Reddy Brothers, it is unthinkable that the BJP is going to oblige Singvi in taking high moral stand. 

It is no secret that it is Reddy Brothers mountains of ‘mining’ money that brought the BJP to power in Karnataka. It is also true that it is the same Reddy Brothers money that almost toppled the Chief Minister B.S.Yeddyurappa from the gaddi. It is the leader of opposition Sushma Swaraj who half heartedly enforced a cease fire between BSY and Reddy Brothers. Sushma Swaraj’s word was law to the Reddy Brothers. It is she who provided the ‘Delhi Connections and Links” to Reddy Brothers to prosper both in politics and business. Everybody knows that Reddy Brothers money bags are regularly delivered to many national (?) leaders of BJP. 

Ofcourse, the Reddy Brothers have become a law unto themselves. They have created their own state and fiefdom in Bellary and surrounding districts. Their illegal mining business is well known throughout the length and breadth of the country. Their strong arm tactics, use of muscle power, abusive of their ministerial powers etc. have become a sort of folklore. They have their ‘personal loyal’ bureaucrats in their Bellary district. Not a single official is prepared to raise their finger against their illegal activities. They have raised an army of loyal bureaucrats in Bellary whose duty is only to ‘serve’ the Reddy Brothers and not the public or the state. That is why when BSY effected enmass transfers of Reddy Brothers ‘loyal’ officials’, the Reddy Brothers declared ‘war’ on BSY and succeeded in not only getting back their loyal hordes of officials back to their seats but also grabbed the remote control of the government. All these were inevitable for their survival in political business. 

At the same time, the Reddy Brothers were facing troubled times in AP. The AP government and the entire opposition were united against their mining business in AP. The AP government ordered CBI enquiry into the illegal mining activities of Reddy Brothers -The CBI had already raided the offices of their flagship mining company. Obalapuram Mining company bordering Karnataka. There are serious charges against Reddy Brothers of encroaching the Karnataka area by destroying the boundary stones. The AP government had banned mining by Reddy Brothers and even the Supreme Court had upheld the ban. In addition to this, the Supreme Court had ordered joint survey of the area. The Survey team had already detected encroachments by Reddy Brothers. The Survey team is conducting survey to fix the state borders also. 

Tapal Ganesh, another mine owner who is hounded by the Reddy Brothers as he did not sell his mines to them, has taken the matter to the SC also. Even when the survey team was preparing to go out to the spot to survey, Tapal Ganesh who was to handover ‘sensitive’ survey records to the team was attacked in broad day light and was to be hospitalised. Everybody knows that the attack on Tapal Ganesh was to prevent him from accompanying the Survey team and to hand over vital documents. The SP of Bellary, a handpicked man of Reddy Brothers did nothing in the matter. Even after two days, he had not made any efforts to nab the attackers. Finally, the government to avoid embarrassment, promoted the SP as DIG and sent him out of Bellary. 

 If one goes on listing such instances, the list will be endless. What more, the Reddy Brothers have forced BSY to withdraw many serious criminal cases against them! As on now, the Reddy Brothers have been given immunity by BSY from the purview of the law of the land. They have abused and misused their offices in every conceivable means. At the height of their dissident activities, the Reddy Brothers uttered upprintable abuses against BSY which went against the collecting responsibility of the cabinet. In another case, when BSY took the decision to levy a special toll fee of Rs.1000 per load for the ore carrying lorries, the Reddy Brothers who are party to this cabinet decision, cried foul as they would have to pay around 200-300 crore for their mining lorries. Finally, BSY had to ‘defer’ the levy of the toll fee. As ministers in the BSY cabinet, the Reddy Brothers have acted against the interests of the state. 

In a way, Tharoor becomes a Saint before the Reddy Brothers. Tharoor’s was an action of impropriety while Reddy Brothers actions all these years are everything but legal. The BJP which stalled the parliament proceedings and waged a high pitched fight for the head of Shashi Tharoor taking the high moral ground should now has much to answer. It has to take up the challenge from the Congress. But the BJP leaders are not fools. They are not prepared to lose Karnataka, just for the sale of high moral ground!

Firoz.T.Totanawala The Bangalore Metro Reporter BANGALORE NEEDS "POWER"FUL MAYOR WITH FARSIGHT...

FIROZ.T.TOTANAWALA 

THE BANGALORE METRO REPORTER 

BANGALORE NEEDS "POWER"FUL MAYOR WITH FARSIGHT... 

 After a gap of 3 years, the BBMP now has elected body to manage the affairs of Bangalore. But the beginning of the rule of the elected Mayor, was definitely, not a good one. The Mayor had to adjourn the council meeting which turned ugly. The need of the hour is co-operation and not confrontation. The noisy scences skirmishes and blame game are a routine in any democratic institution. But it must not be at the cost of Bangalore and Bangaloreans. It is time our city Fathers and Mothers, to concentrate on Bangalore to make it gain its prominent name in the world again . . . 

 At long last, the Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike now has the advantage of the first ever elected body. This is the first election after the BBMP was formed in 2007 by merging the seven CMCs, one TMC and 110 villages with the BMP. The area of BBMP is a staggering 850 square kms. This is equal to the size of many small states. 

Unfortunately elections were not held to BBMP since then. Even earlier, the elections to BMP was not held on the pretext of formation of BBMP. Infact, the BBMP was formed to get maximum grants from the JnNURM. The central government had put a condition that unless the state forms BBMP, it will not receive much grants under JnNURM. The then Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy readily agreed to the condition and formed the BBMP. As a result, BBMP has been given a whopping grant of 22 thousand crores under JnNURM project to improve the infrastructure, spread over a period of five years. 

Ever since the formation of the BBMP it was under bureaucrats rule. The bureaucrats who do not understand the multidimensional problems of Bangalore have shown lackadaisical attitude towards solving the problems. All their activities were ‘adhoc’ and they simply lacked the will to prepare long term projects. If there were people’s representatives, they would be in a better position to understand the problems and the remedial measures to solve the problems. For the last three and half years, the BBMP has become cess pool of corruption. The bureaucracy ruled the roost and with thousands of crore grants from the central government under JnNURM, they literally looted BBMP. Unnecessary and unviable projects were started and because of the high level of corruption, sub standard and bogus works have become the mainsay in BBMP all these years. 

 The officials lacked farsight and all that they want is to implement few projects which can be ‘show pieces’ and as nobody questioned them about the cost, the cost of the projects were highly inflated. The case of underpass from Tagore circle to Nettakallappa Circle in Basavanagudi stands as the ¥sÀshining example for this phenomenon. There is absolutely no need for an underpass as the vehicular traffic is not much. Nobody asked for it also. But still, the BBMP took up the work and the work is going at a snail’s pace. The public have held demonstrations and agitations against the under pass but to no avail. The same is the case with National College Fly over which was built despite local resistance. It has not helped either to ease the traffic or problems of the people. Now that Metro line is passing through this flyover, the flyover had to be demolished! 

Forget about all these. Elections to the BBMP were postponed on one or the other contexts. First, the excuse was that the wards had to reorganised. The BMP had 100 wards and the government formed 145 wards to the BBMP. Then suddenly, the number of wards were increased to 198. Then came the reservation of wards etc. But the High Court and the Supreme Court had come to the rescue of democratic traditions by ordering the government to hold elections to the BBMP. Having no other go, the government was forced to hold the elections and BJP which bagged 111 seats out of 198, has come to power. 

As usual, S.K.Nataraj was elected as Mayor and Dayananda Deputy Mayor of the BBMP. It is they who have to guide the destiny of Bangalore for the next one year. One year term is very short for any Mayor to leave his footprints. But still, the Mayor could do a lot and earn public esteem. Definitely, it is a herculian task, given the numbers in BBMP. The BBMP has 198 elected corporators and the government could nominate 20 corporators. In addition to this, all the 28 MLAs, 3 MPs, MLCs in Bangalore will also join the BBMP as corporators. In toto, there will be 270 members in BBMP which is almost the total of MLAs and MLCs in the state. The Mayor despite presiding over the Meeting does not have sweeping powers like Speaker or Chairman of the legislature. In addition to this the Mayor is only the titular head with the commissioner monopolising the powers. The Mayor does not have any executive powers. As such, the entire BBMP council will have to perform at the mercy of the commissioner. 

Still, many Mayors in the past, have asserted their powers and forced the commissioners fall in line. This can happen only if the Mayor has good rapport with the Chief Minister. Otherwise, a Commissioner can simply refuse to implement any orders/directions by the Mayor. When this being the case how one could expect the Mayor Nataraj to perform well? The first meeting of the council chaired by him ended in fiasco as he could not control the opposition members who were creating a scene for providing water to the people. If the same trend continues, there will be no one to conduct the proceedings in an orderly manner. 

 True, Dharanas, jumping to the well, protests, noisy scenes by opposition has become a normal culture. But it needs patience, tolerance, presence of mind by the Mayor to cool the temperature so that proceedings can be held peacefully. 

The Mayor Nataraj, a three time corporator has experience on his side. He needs to take the opposition into confidence and run the show without politicising every issues. The Mayor should also get the support and co-operation from the MLAs, MPs and MLCs cutting across party lines. Only then the Mayor can take on the people’s problems and Bangalore’s chaotic conditions. 

In addition to this, the government has to provide executive powers to the Mayor unlike the present decorative powers. The Mayor is the first citizen of Bangalore and he should be given his due. The Mayors in Chennai, Mumbai, Kolkatta etc. are veted with executive powers. In Chennai, the Mayor is elected directly by the people and the term of the Mayor is five years. As such, these Mayors can really do things in a better way. It is time the government accords better powers to the BBMP Mayor so that he can effectively try to solve the problems. The need of the hour is the Mayor with powers and long term, for the betterment of Bangalore.

Pee and Park

Pee and Park

Firoz.T.Totanawala The Bangalore Metro Reporter ASHOK KHENNY OF THE NICE SCAM

FIROZ.T.TOTANAWALA     

THE BANGALORE METRO REPORTER

ASHOK KHENNY OF THE NICE SCAM

  

Ashok Khenny is nicely fooling the people. Having turned the NICE Project into a highly lucrative real estate project. AK is fooling the people through mischievious and misleading facts and figures. for the last 15 years, he had not built a single KM of road between Bangalore and Mysore for which he begged the contract. 

In the last 5 years, he had built only the 42 Kms of link road between Tumkur Road and Hosur Road! AK who has the B.S. Yedyurappa in his right and government in his left coat pocket is taking on the might of the former PM HD Deve Gowda and planning to finish off him politically.

A mere contractor who happens to enjoy the backing of B.S Y government is fighting to finish HDD! and a section of educated still believes in AK's NICE Fooling.

Firoz.T.Totanawala The Bangalore Metro Reporter B.S. YEDDYURAPPA FOOLING THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE

FIROZ.T.TOTANAWALA     

THE BANGALORE METRO REPORTER

B.S. YEDDYURAPPA FOOLING THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE

B.S YEDYURAPPA had perfected the art of Fooling the people, his party and the state. B.S Yedyurappa who shed seaful of tears when North Karnataka area was submerged in floods promised building of three lakh houses for the flood victims who have lost everything except their lives. B S Y conducted "Begging Shows" to collect funds for relief to the flood victims. And six months after the deluge, B.S Yedyurappa had not built even 3000 houses, let alone 3 lakh houses as promised, despite the central government's liberal assistance of 1400 crores! 

B.S Yedyurappa had made promises after promises to make the state a heaven on earth. He is still making statements after statements that he is providing 23x7 power to Bangalore and 20x7 power to other areas in the state! And he wants the people to believe him! B S Y is uttering development Mantra at the drop of his eyelids. Most of the BJP leaders, ministers and legislators have seen tremendous developments, personally. 

And B.S Yedyurappa chants development Mantra styling it as development of people. By all accounts, B.S Y is fooling the people of the state and is fooling himself by believing that people believe him.

Firoz.T.Totanawala The Bangalore Metro Reporter REDDY BROTHERS HAVE INVENTED A STATE WITHIN A STATE

FIROZ.T.TOTANAWALA     

THE BANGALORE METRO REPORTER 

REDDY BROTHERS HAVE INVENTED A STATE WITHIN A STATE

REDDY BROTHERS:BELLARY- STATE WITHIN A STATE 

 If any body thinks that Bellary belongs to Karnataka, they are living in a fools paradise. Bellary though technically in Karnataka, has literally become an independent and sovereign state thanks to the Bellary Reddy Brothers who have exterminated the state's laws from the boundaries of Bellary district. 

The Bellary Reddy Brothers who are ministers, in B.S Yedyurappa's Government, have seen to it that nothing moves in Bellary without their consent and order. Even the chief Minister's writ does not run in Bellary. The CM is not prepared to touch the Reddy Brother's durbar even with a mile long pole. Just like Krishnadevaraya, the king who built Vijayanagara empire, The Reddy Brothers have built the Bellary empire. And they shocked the people by celebrating Krishnadevaraya's 500th year of coronation by spending 40 crores which was a simple gesture to show that they have now built the Bellary empire. 

Bellary Reddy Brothers New Inventing a state within a state.

Firoz.T.Totanawala The Bangalore Metro Reporter WE THE DIVIDED PEOPLE

FIROZ.T.TOTANAWALA

THE BANGALORE METRO REPORTER 

 WE THE DIVIDED PEOPLE

 I know, there are so many people angry on all these senas and all.. but in this, not many us thought beyond Marathi Manoos issue.. My thoughts are mainly roaming around the political angle of all these recent happenings and trying to understand the Congress is playing very very smart political game here.. obviously there is nothing bad in it, afterall, everything is fair in love and war.. So how does this whole thing work? 

If you have noticed in this general elections, the Congress acted very differently from the earlier elections.. earlier, the party had to take the support of others to remain as the central government but this time if you see, they have made sure that at almost all the places they have the strong hold and they do not have to go begging for the seats.. so basically, they want to make a point that, in the whole India, Congress should not be depending upon anyone.. they are reaching out to poor people to get the votes.. You must have seen how Rahul Gandhi was visiting the small villages throughout the year.. 

Now, the game plan is, the opponent should be crushed and should not be able to stand on it’s own feet.. on the larger scale the opponent is BJP and the last election they made sure that, BJP is almost crushed.. and now they have stronghold in very few places… (Gujarat, Bihar [With JDU], Karnataka etc..), they managed to crush BJP/ Shiv Sena in Maharashtra too.. But still in Maharashtra, Bal Thackeray’s word holds more importance than any other political leader and that’s the fact.. so now how to break that? 

Let’s start the divisional politics and bring in the personal wars in.. and then break the ice.. So what did they do.. In the first chapter, we saw MNS vs Shiv Sena.. they both started fighting to show the strength of each other, Congress watched the game quietly and laughed over it.. yeah, on the name of “taking action” they arrested MNS chief Raj Thackeray but we all know what happened to it.. so let’s keep that aside and stick to the main topic.. 

So, in the elections, you saw the votes getting divided, and it certainly helped Congress to win the seats very very comfortably.. 

But this did not affect the ties of BJP – Shiv Sena.. so now how to break that? But I think without pushing much, Congress just got what they were waiting for.. Marathi Manoos issue is back..infact, back in full swing.. 

Senas targeting icons like Sachin Tendular, superstars like Shahrukh Khan, business tycoons like Ambanis.. Sena even threatens to stop screening of SRK starrer film, My Name is Khan.. BJP makes some statements which are not so in favor of Shiv Sena.. RSS makes statements which are again not in favor of Shiv Sena.. but what government is doing in this? Silent spectator.. Rahul Gandhi in Bihar, to get votes, makes some silly statements.. Shiv Sena strikes back on them in their own way.. Congress calls Shiv Sena leaders mental.. Shiv Sena sends notices to all theatre owners not to screen the movie.. Maharashtra government (kind of) tries to assures that no one can take law in their hands etc.. (Now that’s the different story that their statements do not carry much weight).. but in the middle of this, the war game does not stop.. sometimes it’s Shiv Sena or sometimes it’s MNS.. But if you notice.. 

Congress is not making any firm statements here.. they are letting these guys make the things worst, so people get angry and never bother voting these parties.. I am sure in all these things, a common man is least interested coz they are not bothered about what a superstar or a businessman is saying.. but after seeing these kind of acts by Senas I am sure, it’s hurting a common man somewhere and this is what helps the other parties.. the vote bank slowly moves towards the other party.. because Senas are not interested in development of Maharashtra, they are only interested in the communal fights between religions and languages.. (That’s what is being projected..) 

So moral of the story.. 

At the cost of a common man’s sentiments, these political parties are playing games and dividing people.. I am sorry to say but we are divided.. we are moving backwards.. And yes, many people will say that, Congress is in power because it’s a good party and people have elected them.. my take is… people have elected them because they did not have any options..

Firoz.T.Totanawala Not everyone who shits on you is your enemy

FIROZ.T.TOTANAWALA 

Not everyone who shits on you is your enemy

A little bird was flying south for the winter. It was so cold the bird froze and fell to the ground into a large field. While he was lying there, a cow came by and dropped some dung on him. As the frozen bird lay there in the pile of cow dung, he began to realize how warm he was. The dung was actually thawing him out! He lay there all warm and happy, and soon began to sing for joy. 

A passing cat heard the bird singing and came to investigate. Following the sound, the cat discovered the bird under the pile of cow dung, and promptly dug him out and ate him. 

 Morals of the story: 

 (1) Not everyone who shits on you is your enemy. 

 (2) Not everyone who gets you out of shit is your friend. 

 (3) And when you're in deep shit, it's best to keep your mouth shut!

Firoz.T.Totanawala The Bangalore Metro Reporter THE EXPIRED CM

FIROZ.T.TOTANAWALA   

THE BANGALORE METRO REPORTER 

THE EXPIRED CM 

 The Ex Chief Minister of Karnataka Mr. H.D.Kumaraswamy was so hard working that he even sanctioned certain projects after the BJP MLA’ withdrew their support to JD-BJP Coalition Government. 

 THE SMART ALLEGATION-

 H.D Kumara Swamy, made a serious allegation on current Chief Minister B.S. Yedyurappa of receiving Rs. 50 Crores from Udaya Garudachar for awarding the Ejipura housing cum commercial projects to his Maverick Holdings. B.S Yedyurappa unable to digest the allegation entrusted the same to the Lokayukta for a probe. Many Ministers close to B.S Yedyurappa also threatened to file defamation case against H.D Kumaraswamy for having made this serious allegation. Further, to silence H.D Kumaraswamy, BSY exposed some last minute major decisions taken by H.D.K after the BJP withdrew support and entrusted those scams to CBI for a probe. 

THE EXPIRED DECISION- 

 However, neither BJP nor BSY tried to unravel the biggest scam committed by HDK of gifting away more than 90 acres of prime land in Banashankari 3rd Stage, worth more than 1000 Crores, to a fraudulent Housing Society owned by B. Krishna Bhatt. It may be recalled that the BJP Ministers boycotted the cabinet meeting on 3rd Oct 2007 and withdrew the support and HDK passed the bulk allotment orders on 04-10-2007. It is also on the same day that HDK had taken many major decisions like Township projects etc. It is not a secret that HDK is involved and it is also a fact that few BJP Leaders including the area MLA is also neck deep involved. As both HDK and BJP leaders are involved, nobody had tried to raise this scam. 

In fact, A.T Ramaswamy Committee had exposed the frauds committed in the society by a real estate agency run by the society’s owner B.Krishna Bhatt. But, a few months later, HDK counting hours as the CM made bulk allotment of these lands to B.K Bhat and what more, the BDA officials under Governor’s regime honored the orders of HDK. It should also be noted that when the Governor took over the State administration under President’s rule, he reversed many decisions taken by HDK during his last days. But here too, the Governor tacitly approved the bulk allotment. The then BDA commissioner Shankaralinge Gowda, a favourite of H.D Deve Gowda family bend the rules backwards to make bulk allotment of lands to B.K Bhat. The biggest scam is the culmination of B.K Bhat’s decades old saga of fraud. The land in Banashankri 3rd stage (Girinagar) measuring about 90 acres was under litigation between the landlords and the tenants. BK Bhat entered into an agreement with the tenants for sale of the lands for which they had no rights. In the mean while, the BDA acquired the lands and the landlords went up to the Supreme Court against the tenants, that is, their agreement holder BK Bhat. 

 MY SHIP MY COMMAND- 

 As BK Bhat had money, Muscle and political VIP Support, he carelessly went ahead to form the layout and sell the sites to the purchasers, not necessarily members. He started to register the sites on the basis of mere sale agreement and also put a condition in Sale Deed that, he can cancel the registration of the sale deed unilaterally and without intimating the purchasers, for any violation of the other conditions. When L.R Shivarame Gowda, was the BDA Chairman and V. Somanna, the BDA Minister, BK Bhat struck a deal for the bulk allotment of these lands. He collected more than 20 Crores from the purchasers towards payment of bribe to the politicians and BDA officials. He paid a part of this collection towards the “deal”. 

WHAT A PRICE! 

 As a result, L.R Shivarame Gowda forced a resolution on BDA for bulk allotment of about 90 acres of land in favor of BK Bhat owned society, for an astonishing amount of only Rs. 5 lakhs per acre. It should be noted that the BDA’S allotment at that time under bulk allotment was 65 lakhs per acre. Besides, the BDA levied a nominal rate to BK Bhat for gifting 90 acres of land encroached by him. 

GET OUT! 

 The then BDA Commissioner Laxmi Venkatachala refused to accept the resolution and a couple of days later he was removed from the Chairman post of BDA and V. Somanna was also forced to resign as the Minister. Later, when H.D K became the CM, BK Bhat renewed his efforts to get the land allotted. He held a grand function in Girinagar and felicitated a share in land. He had earlier gifted few big sites to family members of HDK and interestingly, even the BJP leaders remained soft on BK Bhat. However, the A.T Ramaswamy Report on BK Bhat’s frauds put a brake on the proposed bulk allotment order. It is now time for the Government to include this fraudulent allotment of 90 acres of prime land to BK Bhat, to the Lokayukta for a probe.

Firoz.T.Totanawala The Bangalore Metro Reporter HOW ABOUT PRIVATISING GOVERNMENT?

FIROZ.T.TOTANAWALA  

THE BANGALORE METRO REPORTER

HOW ABOUT PRIVATISING GOVERNMENT? 

 Already the water supplies in many places have been privatized, the power supply is also undergoing privatization, and health services are privatized partly. The airport is privatized. The BWSSB was almost privatized but for the public protest. Infact the company which eyed the BWSSB, had engaged the services of a NGO Janagraha mould the public opinion for privatization of the BWSSB. The same is the case with KSRTC. It was also divided to form new companies. The registration dept was privatized by entrusting the registration works to private contractors. The Karnataka state tourist development’s many hotels and projects have already been privatized. The important works of revenue department too had been privatized. The KEB was divided into many corporations so that the corporation can be privatized in at a later stage. With the roads that is, rural roads too are going to privatized. What govt is running is liquor business and it is the monopoly because there is heavy money in it. 

The govt had kept the police, commercial tax, finance in it possession. Shobha karandlaje has announced that the Govt will privatize all the roads in rural areas and state highways. 

This is nothing but converting the roads in the state as toll roads. Why should one pay toll fee to use the roads? The govt collects road tax from the vehicle owners. It also collects a certain amount in percentage of surcharge towards infrastructure projects. After collecting all these taxes its govt duty to provide good roads without collecting any further charges. 

If privatization is logic, than why not privatize govt itself, and highly qualified, efficient & intelligent person can be made chief minister and other ministers. There is a limit to privatization. 

Of course, there are certain sets of rules and procedures, state govt cannot encroach on the rules, Sobha Karndlaje may be the powerful minister she cannot gift the rural roads to private contractors. Thousands of crores of tax money is paid and Govt must look after rural roads. 

Firoz.T.Totanawala The Bangalore Metro Reporter The wonder fuel and other fluids

BY FIROZ.T.TOTANAWALA 

THE BANGALORE METRO REPORTER

The wonder fuel and other fluids 

It is beyond any doubt that the crude oil is by far the largest traded commodity and its bi-products petrol and diesel are the mostly consumed ones worldwide. Wars were fought over these commodities and a few countries have lost their geographical identities too. Debates held over these tantamount to tilt the economy of a country from better to worst and vice versa. Bitter scenes were witnessed in the past whenever the price of these commodities increased and the political parties never fail to take advantage of the price change to their benefit.

However, one fails to compare the prevailing price of these commodities with that of other consumable fluids, which are sold at the sky-rocketing rates, but still consumed by the public without exerting any hue and cry.

Cost comparison

A can of 330 ml Coca-Cola costs Rs. 20/- (a litre to cost around Rs. 60/-), a bottle of 100 ml Dettol Antiseptic Lotion costs Rs. 21 (Rs. 210/-), 500 ml of Radiator Coolant costs Rs. 170/- (Rs. 340/-), 400 ml Pantene Conditioner costs Rs. 165/- (Rs. 413/-), 100 ml Listerine Mouthwash costs Rs. 45/- (Rs. 450/-), 100 ml of Corex Cough Syrup costs Rs. 57/- (Rs. 570/-) and 150 ml cup of coffee at any decent outlet would cost Rs. 30/- (Rs. 200/-).

Some other liquids would even cost in terms of thousands of Rupees. For example, Kores brand whitener costs Rs. 15/- for 15 ml making a litre to cost Rs. 1000/-, 100 ml of Old Spice after shave lotion costs Rs. 175/- (Rs. 1750/-), 25 ml of branded almond oil costs Rs. 68/- (Rs. 2720/-) and a mere 21 ml of branded Colour Ink Cartridge costs astonishingly Rs. 1900/- making the most expensive one among the other liquids to cost Rs. 90476/- a litre. Surprisingly all these above are consumed by every section of the society without any protests whatsoever.

The pricing of the commodity

The price of gasoline never has crossed Rs. 55/- a litre any time during the past. One may be surprised to know that the wonder fuel could be made available to the end-users at less than half of its current selling rate, in case the additional taxes, which are added to are taken away from its basic cost.

As per the available statistics the basic rate works out to be at Rs. 21.93 per litre of gasoline when a barrel of crude is sold at USD 130 in the international markets. Adding taxes such as, [1] Rs. 14.35 (Excise Duty), [2] Re. 0.43 (Education-Cess), [3] Rs. 1.05 (Dealer Commission), [4] Rs. 5.50 (VAT), [6] Rs. 1.10 (Customs Duty on Crude), [7] Rs. 1.54 (Duty on Petrol) and [8] Rs. 6.00 (Transportation Charges) increases the cost of gasoline by Rs. 29.97 for every litre of petrol. The taxes and duties imposed on the gasoline are much more than its basic cost; otherwise it could be sold at less than Rs. 25/- per litre.

Petrol Politics

It is evident from the above, that the wonder fuel generates more revenue to both the central and state governments, and to the Oil Companies, as well.  But the Oil Companies shed crocodile tears, whenever there is an increase in the price of petrol and diesel is done. And the governments carry on their business undeterred as usual.    

Quotes of the commoners

“The price of petrol should be increased several folds making it ill-affordable by the commoner thereby discouraging buying of own vehicles.  The effect will obviously reduce the pollution and the presence of CO2 level in the atmosphere” – commented by a college student Juzer.

“Petrol is one such a commodity, which drives a nation and determines its economy.    It is not that we are addicted to it, but we cannot live without petrol, come what may it has to be bought at whatever may be its price” – quoted by Taher a businessman.

“Increasing the price of petrol need not necessarily trigger the inflation of the economy. It is true that to some extent that it will kindle the inflationary effect, but will remain dormant after a point of time” – quoted by a research scholar – Zainab S Kalangi.

The least expensive commodity

However, on our next visit to the petrol bunk for refilling, we shall bear in mind that the fuel, which is to be filled with, is the least expensive one amongst the other liquids consumed by anyone. We shall settle with that thought and consider fortunate enough to using this wonder fuel to run our vehicles and not any other liquids.

Firoz.T.Totanawala The Bangalore Metro Reporter TELANGANA IMPACT

FIROZ.T.TOTANAWALA   

THE BANGALORE METRO REPORTER

TELANGANA IMPACT 

 Phillip to Separatists in the State? The proposed formation of a separate Telangana State by bifurcating or trifurcating Andhra Pradesh is slowly and steadily providing encouragement to separatist movements in the other States. 

The way in which the Central Government succumbed to the pressure tactics of K. Chandrashekara Rao for formation of Telangana had emboldened similar groups/parties in other States to move further to achieve their goal. More than anything, the effect is already felt among the leaders of North Karnataka region bordering AP. 

The North Karnataka region people who are under the impression that they are being slighted, may press for their own State. The muted demand for separate State may now come into open.

Firoz.T.Totanawala The Bangalore Metro Reporter WILL REDDY BROTHERS BE ARRESTED?

FIROZ.T.TOTANAWALA   

THE BANGALORE METRO REPORTER

CBI CONCENTRATE IN BELLARY WILL REDDY BROTHERS BE ARRESTED? 

 The CBI has started cracking in the illegal mining case concentrating on the Reddy Brothers. They have raided Reddy Brothers offices and seized many incriminating documents. They have already registered cases of cheating, conspiracy, Fera violations etc. against Reddy Brothers. with the AP which ordered the CBI probe is burning due to Telangana issue, the CBI have now concentrated in Karnataka, particularly Bellary. 

If one takes a close look at the speed in which CBI is conducting its probe, one can easily surmise that the CBI will arrest the Reddy Brothers very soon. And that becomes political..

Firoz.T.Totanawala The Bangalore Metro Reporter FUTURE IN WAITING

FIROZ.T.TOTANAWALA   

THE BANGALORE METRO REPORTER

Future in Waiting 

Insight in knowing one's future is undoubtedly an interesting subject for many, and that is money making for many. 

An unidentified astrologer found probing the destinies of many citizen who come to him to hear good fortune. Sitting under the tree, on the pavement of N.R.Road, this astrologer has a flock of people waiting for his advice everyday. 

 The question is, can a local astrologer like him, sitting under a tree accurately foresee the future of people and advice them for their prosperity? If yes, then why can't he first uplift himself towards prosperity…..?

Firoz.T.Totanawala The Bangalore Metro Reporter EVEN GOD CAN NOT SAVE BBMP

FIROZ.T.TOTANAWALA   

THE BANGALORE METRO REPORTER

WITH 250 CITY FATHERS & MOTHERS: EVEN GOD CAN NOT SAVE BBMP 

The Government's decision to create 198 wards in Bruhut Bangalore Mahanagara Palike, Bangalore will definitely go to dogs. 

There will be 198 city Fathers and Mothers plus three dozen MLAs, MLCs and MPs who too will be ex-officio corporators, in addition to 20 nominated corporators all adding up to more than 250. 

One shudders to think of the future of Bangalore and the fate of Bangaloreans. The strength of BBMP will be more than the strength of the Assembly and Bangalore can ill afford the pressure of this 250 city fathers and mothers. 

There will be anarchy and development because the major casualty. Instead of making BBMP into an unmanageable body, the government can damn well create a separate state for Bangalore.

Firoz.T.Totanawala The Bangalore Metro Reporter EVMs CREDIBILITY QUESTIONED: QUESTION MARK OVER ELECTION RESULTS.

FROZ.T.TOTANAWALA     

THE BANGALORE METRO REPORTER 

EVMs CREDIBILITY QUESTIONED: 

QUESTION MARK OVER ELECTION RESULTS

For the first time, the reliability and credibility of the Electronic Voting Machines have been questioned. A former bureaucrat has raised this issue and demonstrated how the EVMs can be manipulated through software hawking. 

Even earlier to the elections, few engineering students from AP have demonstrated how the EVMs can be manipulated so that votes cast through the EVM button can be made to register in favour of a particular candidate. if one goes deep into the matter and the election results, one will not fail to disagree with the questions raised over EVMs. 

It is time the Election Commission should clear the doubts by constituting a Commission of Enquiry consisting of highly qualified technical experts in the field.

Firoz.T.Totanawala The Bangalore Metro Reporter JINNAH DIVIDES BJP TOO...

FROZ.T.TOTANAWALA     

THE BANGALORE METRO REPORTER 

JINNAH DIVIDES BJP TOO... 

 It seems Mohammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan is still haunting India even after 62 years.

It is a fact that Jinnah is the much hated name in India because he was the reason for partition of India. Now, Jinnah has become the focal point of an unprecedented feud among the BJP and its boss RSS. 

Interestingly the RSS and its political arm BJP which is rabid anti Jinnah had faced a peculiar situation as two of its top leaders choosing to praise Jinnah. While L.K Advani got away by a whisker, Jaswanth Singh another senior most leader had paid the price for having praised Jinnah by getting expelled from BJP.

Firoz.T.Totanawala The Bangalore Metro Reporter KARNATAKA MINORITIES COMMISSION THE CURIOUS CASE OF DEVAKI JAIN.

FROZ.T.TOTANAWALA     

THE BANGALORE METRO REPORTER 

KARNATAKA MINORITIES COMMISSION 

THE CURIOUS CASE OF DEVAKI JAIN.... 

One feel shocked at the nomination of Devaki Jain, a Brahmin by birth, to the Karnataka Minorities Commission. She has been brought to the commission as a representative of Jains which is also a minority community. She can not be considered a Jain just because she had married a jain and following the jain religion. 

Despite her ineligibility to become a member of the Minority commission, Prof.Mumtaz Ali Khan, the Wakf Minister is backing her to the hil despite protests by few jain institutions and persons. if this trend continues, a day will not be far off when a Vokkaliga or a lingayat or people of any community other than minorities can boss over Minority Commission. it is time Prof. Mumtaz Ali Khan see the reason and act in the interest of the Minorities.

Firoz.T.Totanawala The Bangalore Metro Reporter KARNATAKA MINORITIES COMMISSION THE CURIOUS CASE OF DEVAKI JAIN

FROZ.T.TOTANAWALA     

THE BANGALORE METRO REPORTER 

KARNATAKA MINORITIES COMMISSION 

THE CURIOUS CASE OF DEVAKI JAIN.... 

One feel shocked at the nomination of Devaki Jain, a Brahmin by birth, to the Karnataka Minorities Commission. She has been brought to the commission as a representative of Jains which is also a minority community. She can not be considered a Jain just because she had married a jain and following the jain religion. 

Despite her ineligibility to become a member of the Minority commission, Prof.Mumtaz Ali Khan, the Wakf Minister is backing her to the hil despite protests by few jain institutions and persons. if this trend continues, a day will not be far off when a Vokkaliga or a lingayat or people of any community other than minorities can boss over Minority Commission. it is time Prof. Mumtaz Ali Khan see the reason and act in the interest of the Minorities.

Firoz.T.Totanawala The Bangalore Metro Reporter BBMP ELECTIONS: WILL IT EVER BE HELD?

FIROZ.T.TOTANAWALA        

THE BANGALORE METRO REPORTER 

BBMP ELECTIONS: WILL IT EVER BE HELD? 

 The High Court had once again, directed the government to hold the BBMP elections before the year end. It had directed the Government to notify the reservation of wards. Now the ward reservation list is published, The election notification has to be issued. 

But the government is dragging its feet to hold the elections to the BBMP. 

The MLAs of the ruling BJP are dead set against the elections lest they lose the control over their constituencies and also, the power. When the reservation list was published three months back, the legislators lobby worked overnight and got the CM to stay the list. 

Even now, with the BJP's popularity getting seriously eroded due to the recent fued, the government may invent one or the other excuses to postpone the elections.

Firoz.T.Totanawala The Bangalore Metro Reporter 'EXPIRY DATE' LIBERHAN COMMISSION'S REPORT

FIROZ.T.TOTANAWALA     

THE BANGALORE METRO REPORTER 

'EXPIRY DATE' 

LIBERHAN COMMISSION'S REPORT FLOGGING THE DEAD HORSE 

 After seven years, the Liberhan Commission had submitted its report on the Babri Masjid Demolition. 

The other day some of the contents were leaked to the press to create serious embarrassment to BJP as the report had indicted the entire BJP leadership including A.B Vajpayee. 

The timing of the 'Leak' is also significant as 'December 6th' is fast approaching the day the Babri Masjid fell. There is also Assembly elections in Jharkhand. the next day, the government tabled the report with Action Taken Report which is nothing but inaction Report.

Firoz.T.Totanawala The Bangalore Metro Reporter REDDY BROTHERS UNDER SEIGE

FIROZ.T.TOTANAWALA   

THE BANGALORE METRO REPORTER

BETWEEN DEVIL AND THE DEEP SEA 

REDDY BROTHERS UNDER SEIGE 

 With the Andhra Pradesh Government 'Staying' the mine business of Reddy Brothers, the Reddy Brothers are literally under seige. 

The committee constituted by the Supreme Court giving an adverse report about the Mines in Ananthpur and the Joint Survey under the Central Government becoming a distinct possibility and with the CBI breathing down their necks, it seems that the Reddy Brothers are heading for their waterloo. 

The establishment of their dominance over B.S Yeddyurappa government after a hard fight, may not come to their rescue. as on now, the Reddy Brothers are in soup. Whether they weather the storm or meet the dead end of the road, only time can say.

Firoz.T.Totanawala The Bangalore Metro Reporter SERVICE TAX DEPT SEEKS BACK INFORMATION FROM THE RTI APPLICANT

BY FIROZ.T.TOTANAWALA 

Service Tax Department seeks back information from the RTI applicant 

If we think that all the departments that function under the Government at least have the data and information of the various agencies associated with them, it will be a shock to know that this is not true. 

 I filed an RTI with Service Tax Department seeking certain information about the two companies namely ECIL & CMS who executed Kaveri Project (Computerisation Project). 

I requested them to provide me the details as to when did the said companies register itself with the Service Tax Department, the Date and amount of service Tax paid by them. 

 Shockingly, the (CPIO) Service Tax Department, sent me a letter asking me to provide them the address and Service Tax Code number of M/s CMS, which as per my RTI request, has executed the Kaveri Project. The said company is required to be registered with them and they should be holding all the necessary details of the company. In stead, they asked me to provide them the details. 

 This is the way a department functions. 

Firoz.T.Totanawala The Bangalore Metro Reporter WILL REDDY BROTHERS RESIGN? CBI PROBE AGAINST REDDY MINES:

FIROZ.T.TOTANAWALA     

THE BANGALORE METRO REPORTER   

CBI PROBES AGAINST REDDY MINES: 

 WILL REDDY BROTHERS RESIGN? 

 The AP Government has ordered a CBI probe into the Obalapuram Mining Company bowing to the opposition demand. As usual Janardhana Reddy the Boss of Reddy Brothers who own the OMC, has welcomed the enquiry. As the OMC concerns both Karnataka and AP, the move has serious political repercussions. 

The Reddy Brothers who own the OMC will be facing the heat turned on them by the CBI. 

The Reddy Brothers who are controlling the Karnataka government and arm twisting the AP government, will have much to explain to the CBI. Morality and propriety demands Reddy Brothers to resign their ministerships during the enquiry. and one can not expect the Reddy Brothers to follow such good customs and traditions. 

The CM B.S. Yeddyurappa too is not in a position to ask them to resign.

Firoz.T.Totanawala WHEN A LIZARD CAN, WHY CAN'T WE?

FIROZ.T.TOTANAWALA

WHEN A LIZARD CAN, WHY CAN'T WE? 

 This is a true story that happened in Japan. In order to renovate the house, someone in Japan breaks open the wall. Japanese houses normally have a hollow space between the wooden walls. When tearing down the walls, he found that there was a lizard stuck there Because a nail from outside hammered into one of its feet. He sees this, feels pity, and at the same time curious, as when he checked the nail it was nailed 10 years ago when the house was first built. 

What happened? The lizard has survived in such position for 10 years!!!!!!!!! 

In a dark wall partition for 10 years without moving, it is impossible and mind-boggling. Then he wondered how this lizard survived for 10 years!!!  Without moving a single step--since its foot was nailed! 

So he stopped his work and observed the lizard, what it has been doing, and what and how it has been eating. Later, not knowing from where it came appears another lizard, with food in its mouth. Ah! He was stunned and touched deeply. For the lizard that was stuck by nail, Another lizard has been feeding it for the past 10 years… 

Imagine? It has been doing that untiringly for 10 long years, without giving up hope on its partner. Think, will you do that to your partner? 

Imagine what a small creature can do that a creature blessed with a brilliant mind can't. As information and communication technology advances, our access to information becomes faster and faster. But the Distance between human beings . . . is it getting closer as well? 

Please never abandon your loved ones Never Say U R Busy When They Really Need you ... You May Have the Entire World at Your Feet..... But You Might Be The Only World To Them.... 

A Moment of negligence might break the very heart which loves you through all odds.. Before you say something just remember…It takes a moment to Break but an entire life to make... To Live Use Heart and to Survive use Brains. Then Life would be a paradise Unfurling only Love Joy and Happiness..... 

Live life and not merely survive.....

Firoz.T.Totanawala The Bangalore Metro Reporter INSULT TO THE KANNADA LANGUAGE By Pitney Bowes’ Franking SILENCING THE MOTHER TONGUE KANNADA IGNORED BY KANNADIGA OFFICIALS

BY FIROZ.T.TOTANAWALA

THE BANGALORE METRO REPORTER

 

 Insult to the Kannada Language By Pitney Bowes’ Franking 

SILENCING THE MOTHER TONGUE

KANNADA IGNORED BY KANNADIGA OFFICIALS 

 This is the month of celebrations; especially, the celebrations devoted to the cultural activities of the people of Karnataka, their spoken language, that is, Kannada and its promotion, which is the pride of Kannadigas. 

But some departments have determined to undermine the celebrations when the Kannada development activists and protectionists are striving to get the classical language’s status and recognition for Kannada. 

As a case of ‘insult to injury’, the Inspector General of Registration and C Stamps and the Revenue Secretary to the Government have brought out the unique process of franking the amount collected on the document sheets effective 2nd November, 2009 with much fanfare. 

But without even paying due attention to the non-inclusion of the words in Kannada for 

[1] the department’s name, 

[2] the amount paid, 

[3] ‘Karnataka’ and 

[4] ‘Bharat’, which are either in English or Hindi. 

Only the English and Hindi are distinctively seen, but nothing in Kannada. 

This is what the proud Kannadigas, namely, Sri Niranjan Das, the IGR & CS, Sri Parshwanath, the Revenue Secretary and other senior officials have given as a gift to the Kannadiga brethren during the ‘Rajvotsava’ celebrations. 

It is understandable that the company, whom the contract for franking was given to, is a foreign based one and what goes beyond ones understanding is that the blunder of omission was committed by none other than our own Kannadigas. 

Only the words in English and Hindi languages are visible neglecting the use of Kannada in its franking, the act of which has hurt the feelings of the Kannadigas and brought an insult to their language, which they love most. 

It is high time that the Kannada development activists and protectionists taught appropriate lessons to the responsible babus for their dereliction.

Firoz.T.Totanawala I CLOSE MY EYES AND REALISE MY FRIENDS ARE MY ENERGY. THANKS FOR BEING MY FRIEND....

FIROZ.T.TOTANAWALA

I CLOSE MY EYES AND REALISE MY FRIENDS ARE MY ENERGY. 

THANKS FOR BEING MY FRIEND....

A man came home from work late, tired and irritated, to find his 5-year old son waiting for him at the door. 

SON: 'Daddy, May I ask you a question?' 

DAD: 'Yeah sure, what it is?' replied the man. 

SON: 'Daddy, how much do you make an hour?' 

DAD: 'That's none of your business. Why do you ask such a thing?' The man said angrily. 

SON: 'I just want to know. Please tell me, how much do you make an hour?' 

DAD: 'If you must know, I make Rs.100 an hour.' 

SON: 'Oh,' the little boy replied, with his head down. 

SON: 'Daddy, may I please borrow Rs.50?' The father was furious, 'If the only reason you asked that is so you can borrow some money to buy a silly toy or some other nonsense, then you march yourself straight to your room and go to bed. Think about why you are being so selfish. I work hard everyday for such this childish behavior.' The little boy quietly went to his room and shut the door. The man sat down and started to get even angrier about the little boy's questions. How dare he ask such questions only to get some money? 

After about an hour or so, the man had calmed down, and started to think: Maybe there was something he really needed to buy with that Rs.50 and he really didn't ask for money very often.

The man went to the door of the little boy's room and opened the door. 'Are you asleep, son?' He asked. 'No daddy, I'm awake,' replied the boy. 'I've been thinking, maybe I was too hard on you earlier' said the man. 'It's been a long day and I took out my aggravation on you. Here's the Rs.50 you asked for.' The little boy sat straight up, smiling. 'Oh, thank you daddy!' He yelled. Then, reaching under his pillow he pulled out some crumpled up bills. The man saw that the boy already had money, started to get angry again. The little boy slowly counted out his money, and then looked up at his father. 'Why do you want more money if you already have some?' the father grumbled. 'Because I didn't have enough, but now I do,' the little boy replied. 

'Daddy, I have Rs.100 now. Can I buy an hour of your time? 

Please come home early tomorrow. I would like to have dinner with you.' The father was crushed. He put his arms around his little son, and he begged for his forgiveness. It's just a short reminder to all of you working so hard in life. We should not let time slip through our fingers without having spent some time with those who really matter to us, those close to our hearts. 

Do remember to share that Rs.100 worth of your time with someone you love. 

If we die tomorrow, the company that we are working for could easily replace us in a matter of days. But the family & friends we leave behind will feel the loss for the rest of their lives. And come to think of it, we pour ourselves more into work than to our family. When I find myself fading, I close my eyes and realize my friends are my energy. 

Thanks for being my friend........... 

Firoz.T.Totanawala TV REPORTING KEE BANGI....

FIROZ.T.TOTANAWALA

TV REPORTING KEE BANGI....

Here's how the Indian TV news channels would report the Jack and Jill nursery rhyme.  All names (except those of Jack and Jill), are fictitious. 

 Prashant - TV Anchor Two persons have been injured in a freak climbing accident. Jack and his companion Jill had gone up a hill to fetch a pail of water when Jack fell down and broke his crown. Jill came tumbling after. 

 Live from the hill, our reporter, Amrita Shah, takes up the story. Amrita Shah Thank you Prashant. Well, as you say, two persons - Jack and Jill - had gone up a hill to fetch a pail of water. Suddenly, Jack fell down and broke his crown and Jill came tumbling after. 

Prashant. Prashant Thank you Amrita. What do we know about the hill? Amrita Not too much. Jack was going up the hill to fetch a pail of water when he fell down and broke his crown. Jill came tumbling after.

[Headline appears at the foot of the TV screen: hill breaks crown of pail-boy Jack] Prashant What news of Jack and Jill? Amrita Prashant, it seems that Jack had gone up the hill to fetch a pail of water. We know nothing about the pail, or how heavy it was but it seems that Jack fell down and broke his crown and Jill came tumbling after. 

I have here with me, an eyewitness to the accident, Mr Shahid Trivedi. Mr Shahid, tell us what you saw. Shahid Trivedi Jack and Jill went up the hill to fetch a pail of water. Jack fell down and broke his crown and Jill came tumbling after. 

 [Headline appears at the foot of the TV screen: Boy and girl tumble down hill. Water spilled] Amrita Jack and Jill. What do we know about them? Are they brother and sister? Are they married? Just what were they doing on the hill together? Shahid Trivedi Jack and Jill went up the hill to fetch a pail a water. Amrita And what happened next? Shahid Trivedi Jack fell down and broke his crown Amrita Go on. Shahid Trivedi And Jill came tumbling after. 

Amrita Prashant, there you have it. Two people innocently going about their business to fetch a pail of water when one of them falls down, breaks his crown, and the other comes tumbling after.

Back to you in the studio Prashant. 

 [Headline appears at the foot of the TV screen: Water errand ends in tragedy] Prashant I have with me in the studio now, Professor Chandrashekar Belagare from the Indian Institute of Applied Hill Sciences. 

Professor: a hill; Jack; Jill; a pail of water. A tragedy waiting to happen? Professor Well that depends on the hill, the two persons, the object they were carrying and the conditions underfoot.

Let us look at the evidence so far. Jack and Jill Went up the hill To fetch a pail of water. Jack fell down And broke his crown And Jill came tumbling after. 

Clearly, one would suspect that if Jacks fall was severe enough to break his crown then the surface of the hill must have been slippery or unstable. But I think were overlooking something quite fundamental here. Who was carrying the pail? Jack fell down and broke his crown and this is the key Jill came tumbling after. 

If Jack and Jill had been carrying the pail together, would they not have fallen at the same time?

The fact that Jill came tumbling after suggests that Jack lost his footing first and perhaps knocked Jill over as he slipped. Prashant Professor thank you very much. So there we have it, two persons Jack and Jill went up the hill to fetch a pail of water. Jack fell down and broke his crown and Jill came tumbling after. 

Later in the programme, Osama bin Laden captured in Afghanistan, President Bush says rent-boy menage-a-trois was "just a brief lapse of judgement", and Pakistan launches nuclear warheads against key Indian cities. But next up, join us after the break for a studio discussion about hills, boys and girls and whether water-fetching trips should be supervised. 

Well be right back...

Firoz.T.Totanawala The Bangalore Metro Reporter FLOOD RELIEF POLITICS YEDDY Government Vs REDDY Government

FIROZ.T.TOTANAWALA

THE BANGALORE METRO REPORTER

FLOOD RELIEF POLITICS 

YEDDY GOVERNMENT Vs REDDY GOVERNMENT 

 While the Chief Minister B.S Yeddyurappa is leaving no stone unturned to mobilise as much crores as possible as donations to flood victims relief fund from the companies through requests,threats and coercion, the Reddy Brothers who have revolted against B.S Yeddyurappa, have already started building houses to the flood victims caring two hoots for the CM. 

They are functioning as a parallel Government. They have taken up building 50 thousand houses in Bellary, Raichur, Koppal and Gadag districts from thier own money and through contributions from other mine owners worth 600 crores. at the same time, they are mobilising legislators and Ministers to remove B.SYeddyurappa from the CM posts. as on now, the state is being fury between YEDDY Government and REDDY Government...

Firoz.T.Totanawala The Bangalore Metro Reporter B.SYeddyurappa-K.Rosaiah axis

FIROZ.T.TOTANAWALA

THE BANGALORE METRO REPORTER

B.S Yeddyurappa- K.Rosaiah axis: 

Hunters becomes hunted... 

Karnataka Chief Minister B.SYeddyurappa wanted to put an end to the dominance of Reddy Brothers to save his Gaddi. 

At the same time, the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister K.Rosaiah wanted to remain in the Gaddi by warding off Jaganmohan Reddy, the son of Y.S Rajashekara Reddy who is posing a threat to his position. and both the Reddy Brothers and Jaganmohan are business partners. both the CMs have evolved a game plan to finish off the threats by taking action against Reddy Brothers in tandem. but the question is how far they succeed in thier game plan given the political and monetary clout enjoyed by Reddy Brothers and Jagan mohan.....