Firoz.T.Totanawala The Bangalore Metro Reporter AGE DOES MATTER PREMATURE FORCEFUL RETIREMENT OF HEAD CONSTABLE

 

 

By Firoz.T.Totanawala

The Bangalore Metro Reporter 

AGE DOES MATTER! 

PREMATURE FORCEFUL RETIREMENT OF HEAD CONSTABLE 

The negligence on the part of a Head Master cost P. Racha, a Head Constable in Yelahanka Traffic, four years of service. The apathy of the police top brass in not honouring the judgement of a court forced the Head Constable to retire from service despite having four more years of service. Further, he was ordered to retire on 31.11.2010! This is the first time in the history of Gregorian calender that November month has been shown as having 31 days! The tragedy of errors has left P. Racha, a sad man. 

P. Racha, a Head Constable in Yelahanka Traffic was forced to retire four years before attaining superannuation. Despite the tell tale evidences of his age, his relentless efforts to restore his original date of birth, supported by a court’s decree to that effect has gone in vain. The red tapism too has contributed its might. 

P. Racha, was born in a dalit family in Kollegal in November 1954. The entries in Primary school too show this date. According to Racha, he studied in a government National higher primary school and it is here that his tale of woe started. The school authorities issued the TC to study in High School, and wrongly mentioned his date of birth as 22.11.1950 instead of 1954, he said. 

 “Due to my dalit background, I did not realise this blunder initially. It was only when I failed in SSLC; I discovered this blunder and few sympathisers advised me to get the date of birth changed to the original date”, he said. After making futile attempts to get my date of birth changed, I approach the Kollegal Munsiff Court in 1982. The court after conducting proceedings issued a decree in 1983 giving a direction to the authorities to change my date of birth from 22.11.1950 to 22.11.1954. The court declared that the date of birth of Racha as 22.11.1954”, he added. 

 He joined the Police department in 1984 and the police department continued with Racha’s 1950 inflated date of birth in the absence of the modified certificate from the education department. “The education department took its own sweet time of more than a decade to effect the necessary changes in my certificate and marks card. In fact, the JDPI and Divisional Secretary of the SSLC Board started acting on the issue only after the Deputy Director of prosecution (Civil) gave the opinion in 2008 and that too acting on the letter by the police Inspector of Yelahanka Traffic”, said Racha. 

“However, before all these developments, I had made several representations to the ACP, DCP, Police Commissioner and even DGP, pleading them to effect the change, in date of birth as decreed by the Kollegal Court . They directed me to submit the necessary records to take the needful action, and not once but many times and every time, I submitted the required records including the changed SSLC Marks Card etc., but no action was initiated. The only action in this regard was the letter by the Inspector of Yelahanka Traffic to the JDPI, Mysore Division. And here too, the JDPI and Divisional Secretary of the SSLC Board took more than a year to clarify the issue. The JDPI had stated that as per the decree of the Kollegal court, my date of birth has been changed and that my application for change of date of birth can be considered”, he further added. 

 Then in July, 2010, the DCP (Traffic) issued a Memo publishing the list of police personnel retiring from July to November 2010 and Racha’s name was also there in the list. Interestingly this Memo/Order did not have any date even though it has the Number as No.112/Sibbandi-1/Sam.Pa/2010. It is another matter that DCP has signed the Memo on 8th July. In the list of 1 to 9, the 9th name was P. Racha, Head Constable. And blunder of blunders is that the date of their retirements has been shown as 31.11.2010! 

November month has only 30 days and one wonders how the officials in the DCP office made it a 31 days month! Even after the blunder was detected, there was no rectification done. Now further, considering the order, Racha had to retire on 31st of November, 2010, but as November does not have the 31st day, Racha was forced to retire on 30.11.2010! This is another blunder as he has been retired a day earlier than the stipulated date! 

 “While I submitted the records many times from 2007, the police commissioner directed the DCP to provide information whether I had applied for change of date of birth within the stipulated time as provided in the rules. Actually, the rules were amended in 2006 and three years time was provided for applying change in date of birth”, clarified Racha. 

 “However, if this was to be the stand taken just a month before my forcible retirement, why did the top brass not reject my application in 2007 itself? Why did they demand court orders, rectified certificates etc. on many occasions? Finally, few days before I was given an endorsement that my application cannot be considered as it is time barred and was forced to retire. If my application was rejected at the initial stage itself under the same rules, I would have either resigned to fate of losing four precious years of service or had challenge the rejection in a court of law”, he argued. 

It is time, the top brass and also the Home Minister take a look at the entire episode and do justice to Racha, or is it too much to expect from them?

Firoz.T.Totanawala The Bangalore Metro Reporter PLANETS AND THE PEOPLE TV ASTROLOGERS TAKE GULLIBLES FOR A RIDE. MUST BE BANNED.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By Firoz.T.Totanawala 

The Bangalore Metro Reporter 

PLANETS AND THE PEOPLE 

TV ASTROLOGERS TAKE GULLIBLES FOR A RIDE. MUST BE BANNED. 

The other day, a TV astrologer created fear among people, particularly women folk by stating that those married on particular dates face serious problems and to ward off the evil, they should get their Mangalasutras removed and wear it again after purification in the name of God or Gods with animal face. Interestingly, he asked the people to come to him to get the purification process of their Mangalasutras! 

Astrologers making one or the other bundle predictions on TV are common today. They act as if they are the messengers of God and people should believe them and do what they tell them. And the tragedy is that some people blindly follow their orders given on TV shows. These astrologers are thus making money in heaps by instilling fear among the gullible followers. 

Then there are scientific astrologers and numerologists who also appear in TV chat shows. They also put their foot in the mouth by giving predictions none of which prove right. The TV channels try to bring in more new faces but many astrologers, numerologists and scientific astrologers have become dominant. In spite of their repeated blunders in predictions, they continue to play dominant roles in peoples’ lives and continue to appear on Television shows. 

Few astrologers had predicted a clean sweep victory for Indian cricket team in their England tour, months ago. But, unfortunately, it was a clean sweep in the negative way. Similarly, most of the astrologers had predicted Sachin to score his hundredth century at Lords but he ducked! 

Arguably, the TV channels have glorified the ‘Astro’ talks only for the sake of the TRP. If an ‘eclipse’ is to happen, the channels bring in astrologers to talk about the evil effects of the eclipse on people, born in ‘Rashi’ etc. and they also advice the ‘would be’ affected to undertake some preventive measures to ward off the evil effects. Interestingly, they reel out few facts as a result of their vast research to make people fear more. 

It should be remembered that no astrologer predicted Yeddyurappa’s fall from the CM post. They simply said that he will face difficult times and because of the various Satvik and Tantric sevas he was doing, the difficulties will vanish and he will complete the full term. But he was removed halfway. Even after his resignation, many astrologers predicted Jagadish Shettar becoming the CM, but, Sadananda Gowda took the pie. Similarly, none of the astrologers and numerologists predicted Yedurappa going to jail. But, he did go to Jail. 

Normally, the astrologers are soothsayers, which are in a way, counselors. There are a negligible number of astrologers who try to provide relief to the disturbed people through kindling hope for the future, and they do not depend on astrology for their livelihood. Whether their predictions come true or not, people get some mental satisfaction, at least for the time being. But, the society has to be vigilant of bundalbaaz astrologers who have made it a roaring business. 

 If one looks at the business of TV astrologers, one has to pay Rs.500 for registration and appointment and wait for the turn. On the appointment day again, the customer has to pay Rs.500 for consultation. Thus the astrologer is paid Rs.1000 per head - 500 for registration and 500 for consultation. And the real business starts during the consultation. The customer is enlightened about the evil forces or bad phases hindering them or their family and remedial measures are recommended which costs not less than Rs. 15000. In a way, these astrologers make multi million business by scaring the ordinary people. 

 Some astrologers advertise of “Taking fees after relief”. They say they will charge fee only after people get relief! This may be sweet news to ears, but here too, one has to pay Rs.500 towards registration. And during consultation, this ‘challenging’ astrologer, as usual suggests some remedy. He then asks the customer to bring all the ingredients as per the list given to him on his own to imply that he will not get any commission on purchases. Innocent customer then “forcefully” convinces the astrologer to arrange the items and pays few thousands depending on the estimate of the astrologer because some items are not easily available. 

Nobody knows whether the astrologer conducts the remedial Shanthi or Prayoga but he gives a pendent or a ring or a talisman. If the customer gets relief, on some or the other reasons, he believes the astrologer and pays up huge fee! In case, if the customer does not get relief, the astrologer tells him that he had done something wrong and nobody quarrels with him. 

Whatsoever, the astrologers are playing with the sentimental attachment of people with the astrology. One wonders why the so called intellectuals and people with scientific temperaments are keeping their lips sealed. 

Any comments?

Firoz.T.Totanawala The Bangalore Metro Reporter YOU’VE GOT BAIL YEDURAPPA OUT ON BAIL. LOYALISTS CELEBRATE.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By Firoz.T.Totanawala 

The Bangalore Metro Reporter 

YOU’VE GOT BAIL! 

YEDURAPPA OUT ON BAIL. LOYALISTS CELEBRATE. 

Former Chief Minister B. S. Yeddyurappa, who was in jail for 24 days got released on bail. The news of the bail became the reason for celebrations among the BJP workers and leaders. Ministers, MLAs along with their supporters gathered before the Parappana Agrahara Jail to welcome Yedurappa. Finally Yedurappa walked out of the Jail and there was jubilation and celebration of the event by his supporters who burst crackers. 

Besides, central jail, BJP workers started celebrating the release on bail by bursting crackers and dancing before the BJP offices. The BJP government on its part laid out a red carpet welcome to Yedurappa from the moment he stepped out of the Jail by according him VIP status. Traffic was halted and he was followed by hundreds of cars. Firstly Yedurappa went to Someshwara Temple in Halasur to offer prayers to Lord Shiva for having got released on bail. There was a move to take him in a procession from Vidhana Soudha to Race Course Road but it was abandoned as his family was waiting for his arrival with Arathi et al. 

The entire episode of giving a hero’s welcome to Yedurappa was not for any achievement small or great but a celebration of his release from Jail on bail. Interestingly, only his loyalist ministers and legislators turned up to welcome him and along with willing electronic media gave live coverage to his release from jail. 

Yedurappa was sent to jail by the Lokayuktha court which is hearing criminal cases against him under Prevention of Corruption Act. He is charged with scams relating to misuse and abuse of his power and position to show extraordinary favour to his family members. There are five criminal cases against him and family under PC Act. All the cases concern sudden enrichment of his family members at the cost of the state exchequer through his direct involvement, who as Chief Minister bent and broke the laws of the land to favour his family members. 

Normally, in such cases, the leaders accused of the crime feels ashamed and their political career comes to an end. Whether they gets exonerated or convicted after the trial, they fall from public esteem. But, the story is different here. Few Ministers loyal to Yedurappa are crying from roof tops that only he can save the party and keep it united. Interestingly, most of these leaders who proclaim loyalty to Yedurappa are not from original BJP. They are defectors from other parties procured by Yedurappa under Operation Kamala. In fact, these leaders have no where to go except sticking with Yedurappa. They are considered traitors by their mother parties because they sold themselves for power and money and in the BJP too, they are viewed with suspicion. True, the original BJP cadre and leaders are sorry for Yedurappa going to jail, but they blame Yedurappa himself for the mess he is in. 

Coming back to bail, as the Supreme Court had recently ruled that high profile politicians should be dealt seriously in corruption cases, the Lokayukta judge had denied the bail to him. Finally, the High Court after many hearings granted bail to him, on technical grounds in one of the cases and an anticipatory bail in another case. There are still three more cases against him and his family members that are under process. 

Whatsoever, when the HC granted bail to Yedurappa and was released, many leaders proclaimed that it was a great achievement and Yedurappa will come out ‘clean’ of all the cases! The fact is that trial has not started at all in any of the cases filed against Yedurappa. It is a long process and as the court had found prima facie case, it had admitted the cases and issued summons and when he tried to avoid summons, the court issued warrant and sent him to jail. And he is released on bail. This does not mean that Yedurappa has won the cases. 

Whatsoever, one feels sick at the celebrations and display of arrogancy and indirect contempt towards courts at the release of Yedurappa from jail, on bail. Mind it, Yedurappa is only on bail. And mere getting a bail in a criminal case is not a big achievement that calls for celebrations. It may be recalled that Yedurappa had blocked all these cases for the last one year and engaged the best legal brains of the country to save himself. He had even forced ‘State Bundh’ after the Governor gave permission to prosecute him under PC Act. 

In fact, Yedurappa’s release from jail does not deserve celebration but needs a thorough introspection by Yedurappa and his die hard loyalist Ministers and leaders. 

And that is all.

Firoz.T.Totanawala The Bangalore Metro Reporter THE FIGHT WITHIN YEDURAPPA TAKES ON ADVANI. LOYALISTS BOYCOTT VISIT

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By Firoz.T.Totanawala 

The Bangalore Metro Reporter 

THE FIGHT WITHIN! 

YEDURAPPA TAKES ON ADVANI. LOYALISTS BOYCOTT VISIT 

 Former Chief Minister B.S.Yeddyurappa has gone to the extent of challenging Advani. He successfully made his loyal Ministers, MPs and MLAs to boycott the Jan Chetana Yatra of L. K. Advani and the BJP is still silent on this open insult. 

L. K. Advani’s public function in Bangalore was doubtful in first place as Home Minister and Bangalore In charge Minister R. Ashok faced the FIR by the Lokayukta police. Moreover, it was embarrassing for Advani to bring his fight against corruption Yatra to Karnataka where the BJP’s Former CM B. S. Yeddyurappa was in jail accompanied by three other former Ministers. Another former Minister Janardhana Reddy is languishing in Hyderabad Jail! Two more ministers R. Ashok and Murugesh Nirani are facing FIR registered by the Lokayukta police against them. Besides, some more ministers are in the queue to face the probes for all their omissions and commissions. 

 It was therefore difficult for Advani to talk against corruption in Karnataka. But, Advani stood firm on the public meeting in Bangalore and the State BJP saved the day by entrusting the responsibility of the public meeting arrangement to Prahlad Joshi, an MP. 

 It may be recalled that a couple of days before his Bangalore programme, Advani had publicly castigated Yedurappa and his corruption soaked government. He stated that Yedurappa was asked many times by the BJP High Command to mend his ways but he did not care. Yedurappa’s answer to Advani’s statement was boycott and the message was loud and clear to all including the BJP high command and his loyalist Chief Minister D.V.Sadananda Gowda. 

Yedurappa’s loyalist Ministers like Shobha Karandlaje, Basavaraj Bommai, Nirani, Renukacharya, Umesh Katti, C.M.Udasi, V.Somanna etc. stayed away from Advani’s yatra. The state BJP President K.S.Eswarappa sealed his lips and tried to make the boycott a non-issue. In fact, even Advani tried to wish it away saying that as the BJP High Command has become tough on corruption and Yedurappa was removed for the same reason, his supporters have acted that way. 

 Of course, Sadananda Gowda accompanied Advani during his Yatra in the state and made his presence felt in the rallies and public meetings through his plain speeches and pledging to fight against corruption. In fact, Advani had all praise for Sadananda Gowda and assured the people that he will give honest and transparent rule in the state. 

Now BJP, a so called cadre based party with ‘inbuilt’ discipline is vertically divided into pro and anti Yedurappa groups. Some of his loyalists excused their absence on the pretext of participating in the funeral of a pontiff or some other private engagements. Some said that the BJP had not made it compulsory for them to attend the meeting and some took the plea that they were busy touring and studying the drought situation in their constituencies. But then, if they could not attend the Bangalore program, they could have attended the same in Mangalore and Udupi. 

 In fact, Sadananda Gowda also played down the boycott and declared that no action will be taken against the ‘absentee’ leaders. However, there are more probabilities for the BJP to take some action at the very right time against the absentees for insulting Advani. 

And now the turning point is that Yedurappa is out of jail on bail. Now, he may embark on statewide tour holding public meetings and blaming, the JDS, Congress and also his own party leaders who have conspired to finish him. And it is possible that Yedurappa may deliberately indulge in all such tantrums to force the High Command to take some action against him and his loyalists. Once the High Command takes some action, Yedurappa may pose himself as a ‘Martyr’ and seek public sympathy. He may even float a regional party of this own. 

Arguably, if Yedurappa’s plans are put to practice, the state will witness a political turmoil and may be elections in a few months. 

And that is all.

Firoz.T.Totanawala The Bangalore Metro Reporter THE BLASTED MRP 90% DISCOUNTS, CRACKERS HAVE A ROCKETING MRP

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By Firoz.T.Totanawala 

The Bangalore Metro Reporter 

THE BLASTED MRP! 

90% DISCOUNTS, CRACKERS HAVE A ROCKETING MRP 

 Another Deepavali has come and gone. Thousands made a beeline to Hosur in Tamil Nadu to buy the crackers where the prices are 50 to 60% less than in Bangalore. The cracker merchants of Hosur offer heavy discounts which are sometimes up to 90% and nobody bothers to understand this. Interestingly, they make crores of profit in the season. They offer 70 to 90% discount on MRP or 50% discount on the wholesale price, also known as dealer price. 

 The cracker business in Tamil Nadu is not restricted. One fire extinguisher and a No smoking board is suffice for anyone to get license there. Earlier Shivakasi was the sole Cracker business centre which houses hundreds of small, medium and big cracker factories. People used to go to Shivakasi and book their requirements well before the season. Over the years, the Shivakasi crackers manufacturers started housing their outlets in Hosur, 48 kms from Bangalore as Bangalore was and still is the biggest market. 

But the game is all about the MRP. It all started when the crackers business in old Mysore area was monopolised by ‘Pataki Chits’. The agents of these chits would collect a certain amount monthly for three months beginning after the Deepavali and invest it in other businesses for eight months. During the festival they would give gift articles, sometimes gold, silver or utensils depending upon the chit amount and as a bonus also give crackers worth the chit amount. 

These agents would visit and place orders with Shivakasi manufacturers and make them print whatever MRP, they desired, on their consignments. For example, if an agent wants to give crackers worth Rs.1000 to a chit customer (along with gift worth equal amount), he would make the manufacturer print Rs.3000 MRP on gift boxes and make the customers happy as he gets crackers worth 3000 for free despite the fact that it were not worth even Rs.200! 

The Shivakasi manufacturers then started this practice by themselves. They exaggerated the MRP and enticed the customers with huge discounts. In the last decade, the Pataki Chit business almost finished with the soaring prices of gold, silver and steel. Since then, it is individual purchase and people go to Hosur to buy crackers getting cheated and the state losing heavily in taxes. 

Arguably, the cracker business is restricted in our state. Aftermath the cracker tragedy in KR Market, 15 years ago, the shop keepers are banned from stocking and selling crackers. The police issue the license just few days before Deepavali and the merchants have to apply to the police commissioner for the same. Again, the licensees must put up a temporary shed at the fixed and allotted play ground and sell crackers there. All these mean spending money and they also have to invest in buying crackers from Shivakasi and now Hosur. 

As the license is valid for few days, the traders, to empty the stock attract the customers by giving 40 to 60% discount. As usual, the MRP printed on the crackers are highly exaggerated. But, as people are aware they prefer Hosur to save through additional discounts and choice of companies. Unfortunately, neither the state nor TN government has any control over the cracker production, its pricing etc. 

 Earlier there was no sales tax on crackers in TN and a nominal tax was levied later. And this year, the tax is on advalorium basis. If this hike is enforced in TN, the manufactures should have abandoned the exaggerated MRP printing. For example, if a pack of five Flower pots are priced at Rs.500, the tax at 10% would amount to Rs.50. But the selling price of the Flower pots will actually come to Rs.50 after the discounts. Does this mean that the cracker manufacturers are selling their products free of cost, albeit collecting Sales Tax (now VAT)? The MRP includes the costs of raw materials, production, labour, commission to the wholesalers and dealers and the VAT. Then offering 90% discount beats any known standards of reason or logic. Apparently it implies that the TN government too is involved in the fraud? 

The truth is that the entire business borders on fraud MRP. The companies print MRPs in multiples of the product’s cost. For example, if a pack of Flower pots costs Rs.20, the MRP is printed as Rs.300 to 400 and the VAT is not paid on the MRP but on the cost price. Assuming that the companies declare Rs.20 as the cost price and pays Rs. 2 as VAT, the total cost would be 22. And the MRP printed will be Rs.400. Even after 90% discount, the cost will come to Rs.40, and that means a profit of 100%! 

However, if Karnataka State desires and makes sincere efforts, it can easily curb this MRP fraud. The TN border with the state starts at Attibele and there is a commercial tax check post there. When people bring crackers from Hosur, it should be checked and taxed at the check post on the MRP according to our state’s tax slab. This will ensure the crackers manufacturers not indulge in the excess MRP fraud. 

If this exercise is undertaken, people will not go to Hosur or Shivakasi to buy crackers. One can even expect crackers manufacturing units coming up in the state also. In that event, the Shivakasi manufactures will see the reason and will be forced to opt for fair business practices. Till then, one has to live with the excess MRP Fraud of the cracker manufacturers. 

And that is all.

Firoz.T.Totanawala The Bangalore Metro Reporter CALLING THE CRUSADER LONG LIST OF JUDGES HAUNTED BY THE JUDICIAL SOCIETY WHO WILL BE NEXT?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By Firoz.T.Totanawala 

The Bangalore Metro Reporter 

CALLING THE CRUSADER! 

LONG LIST OF JUDGES HAUNTED BY THE JUDICIAL SOCIETY WHO WILL BE NEXT? 

The specter of Judicial Department Employees Housing Co-op Society is out to claim its victims. Lokayukta Shivaraj Patil, has already resigned following his involvement in procuring sites from the judicial society and Vyalikaval HBCS. Then, all of a sudden, the Upa Lokayukta R. Gururajan too has resigned his post. Interestingly, many probable names for the Lokayukta too have the same stigma. Considering the number of Judges (both serving and retired) of High Court and Supreme Court who are the beneficiaries of the sites from judicial society, one may not wonder if the Lokayukta post is not filled in the near future. 

After the resignation of former Judge of the Supreme Court, Justice Shivaraj Patil as the Lokayukta, the Upa-Lokayukta R Gururajan also has tendered his resignation to every one’s shock and surprise. Now, the Lokayukta office is left only with another Upa Lokayukta Justice S. B. Majage who has to manage the affairs until new Lokayukta and Upa Lokayukta are appointed by the Government which is making out all efforts to select the persons to the post. 

As per the law, a retired Supreme Court Judge or a Chief Justice of a High Court has to be nominated as the Lokayukta and the Upa Lokayukta has to be filled by a retired High Court Judge. In the wake of sital scams and more focus on the honesty and integrity that the chair deserves, there are not many takers to these posts as some may find themselves in embarrassing situation later when exposed. As long as the Juducial Society is concerned, it is meant to provide benefits to its members who should be the employees of the Judiciary. And apparently, the Judges of the High Court and Supreme are not the employees of the Judiciary, but are constitutional authorities. 

However, despite the reluctance of many former judges to become the Lokayukta, there are some names doing rounds as serious contenders. Among them, the prominent names are of R. V. Raveendran, a sitting Supreme Court Judge who is to retire next month, V. S. Malimath, a former Chief Justice of the High Court and Bannurmath also a former Chief Justice of the High Court. The choice will be invariably made among these three, if one looks at the indications, unless the Government opts for an outsider. 

Even, if one of these three is nominated to the Lokayukta post, one will have no doubt about specter of judicial society haunting them for the simple reason that they too have procured big sites from the judicial society. V. S. Malimath, may feel embarrassed by the fact that the Judicial society has given him 80x120 site when he was a Judge of the High Court. 

The other name is of Bannurmath who is also a close relative of V. S. Malimath. In case, V. S. Malimath decides not to opt for the post, he may back Bannurmath and Bannurmath too has to explain his procurement of a 60x90 site from the Judicial Society. 

The third strong contender is R. V. Raveendran, a sitting judge of the Supreme Court and he will be retiring in November. If R. V. Raveendran has to be made the Lokayukta, the Government has to wait till his retirement. But again, he too has procured 80x120 site from the Judicial society, illegally. 

So, all the three prominent names for the Lokayukta Post are being haunted by the Judicial Society! It is another matter that more than 80 High Court and Supreme Court Judges have procured sites from the Judicial Society layout in Yelahanka. Similarly, some more judges have procured sites in the judicial Layout at Thalaghattapura and one wonders whether a suitable retired High Court Chief Judge or a Supreme Court Judge can be found to the job in the present situation! 

And by the way, the present Upa Lokayukta, S. B. Majage too has procured a 50x80 site from the judicial society! One may not wonder, if he too puts his papers in the near future! Interestingly, Patri Basavanagowda, who retired as Upa Lokayukta some months back too has procured a site from the Judicial Society! 

Well, there we are. The selection of the candidate as the most reputed and needed Lokayukta and Upa-lokayukta is going to be very tough indeed. The ghost of sites in Judicial Society is quietly watching and unfortunately many are sailing in the same boat. Don’t be surprised if the chairs remain vacant for long as the list of beneficiaries in Judicial society is very very long. 

And that is all.

Firoz.T.Totanawala The Bangalore Metro Reporter LIVING ON THE EDGE ANNA HAZARE AND CO

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By Firoz.T.Totanawala 

The Bangalore Metro Reporter 

 LIVING ON THE EDGE ANNA HAZARE & CO 

Anna Hazare’s so called movement ‘India Against Corruption’ which turned into ‘India Against Congress’ is showing all signs of fizzling out due to serious differences between the leaders of the core committee. Anna team’s foray into the politics where Anna has campaigned against Congress has not been. Added to this, is Anna’s encouragement to Kiran Bedi and Arvind Kejrival who have kept him as their puppet too has not gone down well and some members have already distanced themselves from Anna’s IAC. It is easy to whip up emotions during a movement but it is very difficult to sustain the movement. 

It was Kiran Bedi first who coined the slogan ‘Anna is India and India is Anna’ and now Arvind Kejrival, has coined another slogan “Anna is above Parliament’’! Even though people at large and even the so called intellectuals were shocked by these proclamations, Anna never raised his finger against such vulgar display of sycophancy and on the contrary enjoyed it. These two proclamations apparently sum up the reality about Anna’s IAC (India Against Corruption). Interestingly, no other members of the Anna team have also raised their concern about such slogans. 

Few days back Prashanth Bhushan who advocated plebiscite in Jammu & Kashmir was roughed up by Kashmiri youths. The separatists backed by Pakistan are demanding the plebiscite in J&K and his statement only supported their cause. One could condemn the physical assault on Prashanth Bhushan but not condone his blasphemy in indirectly supporting traitors. 

 It is to be recalled that his father Shanthi Bhushan was the Law Minister in the first ever non Congress Government in the country in 1977. It was the slogan ‘Indira is India and India is Indira’ that played a dominant role then which ultimately brought Janata Party under Loknayak Jay Prakash coming to power. And surprisingly, the same Shanthi Bhushan has now accepted the slogan ‘Anna is India and India is Anna’. The same Shanthi Bhushan who as the Law Minister abolished many draconian laws enacted by Smt. Indira Gandhi, on the plea that supremacy of the parliament can not be compromised is now living up with the slogan ‘Anna is above Parliament’! 

Arguably, Anna team’s adventures in Hissar Loksabha bye elections have betrayed its political colours. On the pretext of forcing the Government to bring his version of Jan Lokpal Bill, Anna called upon the Hissar voters to defeat Congress. Arvind Kejrival toured the constituency pouring venom on Congress and Anna too sent his recorded statement to the people to vote against Congress. However, the hard reality is that Congress never stood a chance of winning the Hissar seat and has not won it for the last three terms. The bye election was necessitated by the death of the sitting MP Bhajan Lal, the former CM of Haryana and while his son contested the election, Congress was nowhere near, even in challenging him. And smartly, Anna team claimed credit for the defeat of Congress in Hissar! 

Curiously, the Anna team never bothered to adopt the same fight against corruption in other five bye elections across the country including Koppal! They simply could not dare to follow the same policy in Andhra Pradesh etc. 

Of course, Anna’s political adventurism had its fall out. Santosh Hegde has already distanced himself from the Anna team over its political ambitions. In fact, he wanted wider consultations over the Bill to make it a strong one against Anna’s insistence that only his version of Jan Lokpal Bill be passed. Except leading IAC in Bangalore during Anna’s fast at Ramlila grounds, Santosh Hegde has kept aloof from the Anna team. 

Earlier Swamy Agnivesh, feeling bad about the overbearing and autocratic handling of the movement by Kiran Bedi and Kejrival distanced himself from the team. Baba Ramdev left the movement as Anna Team did not support him in his fight against the Black money stashed abroad! Further, two respected Muslim leaders distanced from the team during the Hissar episode. 

 Later two more prominent members, P. V. Rajgopal and Rajender Singh distanced themselves from the Anna movement. And as on now, the Anna team has people who do not matter much to the public. Moreover, Anna has invited the wrath of Shiv Sena boss Bal Thackery who had earlier supported him and also warned him not to talk loosely about the Shiv Sena. Anna has also snubbed RSS which was the movement’s backbone and he has even taken exception to RSS Boss Bhagawat’s support to the IAC. 

 Now, with Anna himself in the dock over his trust issue, the tables are turned against him. The Supreme Court is hearing a petition against Anna and his trust where a judicial commission has found out many irregularities and misappropriations. There are also serious allegations about the funds collected for IAC and its spending by the Anna team. 

If the desertions from Anna team continue, only Anna, Kiran Bedi, Kejrival and Sisodia will remain in the end. There is another interesting fact talked about Anna being a freedom fighter. Anna is now 73 years old and when the freedom came, he was just nine years old. It is hard for one to accept a boy of nine years to have become freedom fighter. 

It is very easy to whip up emotional issues during the initial days of any movement. But it is very difficult to sustain the tempo of the movement. Mahatma Gandhi used to say ‘If means are good, end will always be good’, but, Anna team may not have known this famous saying of Gandhiji.

Firoz.T.Totanawala The Bangalore Metro Reporter THE BITTER TRUTH METRO LAUNCH- THE HYPE V/S REALITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By Firoz.T.Totanawala 

The Bangalore Metro Reporter 

THE BITTER TRUTH 

METRO LAUNCH- THE HYPE V/S REALITY 

The 6.5 Km stretch of Metro from MG Road to Byappanahalli is tom tomed as the ultimate solution to the unimaginable traffic woes in Bangalore. The Metro Corporation has spent crores on the inauguration function. The pomp - splendour - publicity hype for the Metro service should be seen to believe. The 6.5 km stretch is not even 15% of the Metro project. There was no need for such extravaganza. The Metro works in other reaches is going on a snail’s pace and one wonders whether the project will be completed in five years time. 

The Namma Metro service has begun between MG Road and Byappanahalli - a stretch of 6.5 kms. The BMRCL is boasting this achievement of completing 10% of the Metro work and giving an impression to the Bangaloreans that the Metro is a great Diwali gift! It has further spent crores towards the inaugural function of the dedication of the Metro to the public. 

 Keeping aside the emotions of having the prestigious Metro rail in our Garden City, can this really be called an achievement, by any standard? The Metro should have been completed by 2010 itself, whereas, by the end of October 2011, only 10% of the work is completed. It would be a miracle if the entire project is completed by 2015. 

Besides, the havoc caused by the Metro works is incredible and it compounded the already choking traffic woes. Further, the highly damaged roads due to the Pillar erection and overhead slab works are also not asphalted which would greatly benefit the people. As the Metro line passes through high density traffic roads, one can imagine the plight of the people. 

The hardships are there for the last three years and will continue for another few years. As on now, there is no guarantee of the Metro phase-1 completion in the near future as the inaugurated Metro stretch has taken more than four years. The BMRCL admits that one day delay causes Rs. 85 lakhs due to which the project cost has jumped from the original estimate of Rs. 5800 crores to more than 12000 crores! One should not wonder if it crosses 15000 crores by the time, the Phase-1 becomes operational. 

The underground Metro tunnel work has become the biggest joke. When the BMRCL awarded the contract to foreign companies for digging the underground tunnel from MG Road to Swastic Circle and Swastik Circle to Leprosy Hospital in Magadi Road, it publicised the high technology machines and its capacity. It said that these world famous machines can dig 100-150 meter tunnel a day and that tunneling work will complete in about a year and half. But the hard reality is that these machines are digging 8 to 10 meters per day! One can now have an idea about the time needed to tunnel almost 9 kms in two reaches. 

The 6.5 Kms inaugurated Metro services which has costed Rs. 1600 crores does no good to the Bangalore traffic even in that stretch and it also cannot cater to the commuters between Byappanahalli and MG Road. People from adjoining areas must use another mode of transport like autos or buses to reach the stations. They cannot bring their vehicles as there are no parking facilities in any of the six stations along this stretch. 

Besides, despite the boasting of the Metro services being hi-tech and stations tech savvy, ordinary people face difficulty in swapping the cards, using elevators etc. In addition, there are restrictions like the restriction of number of people in the station at any time. The BMRCL says that it will allow only 400 people at a time and only after they have left in the train, another batch of 400 will be allowed inside! Then there is the time restriction of staying for maximum of 20 minutes in the station! There is fine and penalty for everything. There is also a restriction in carrying the 10kg luggage for commuting in the Metro. The BMRCL has banned the entry of people with illnesses like serious cold, fever, severe cough etc. Then what about people with other fatal diseases, which cannot be detected on the face value? The list of restrictions is a long one and suffices to say that they are similar to the Air passengers. Thank God, the BMRCL has not made it compulsory for the passengers to get immunized before entering the station! 

Whatsoever, one does not understand the unimaginable hype created for inauguration of 6.5 kms stretch of Metro services. The newspapers and the electronic media are vying to give larger than life coverage to the event, which is only a small beginning. When Namma Metro’s First phase is completed and dedicated to the public, it will be useful as people can reach South from North or South from West etc. in record time, saving money and avoiding traffic problems. That would be a real boon. 

The current rush in Metro is because all citizens are queuing up to enjoy a new experience. Once the initial euphoria is over that is after two or three months, one can get the ground reality of the utility of the inaugurated Metro stretch. At the end of the day, the Metro services can at best become one of the things to see in Bangalore like Cubbon Park, Lalbagh, Vidhana Soudha etc. 

And that is all.

Firoz.T.Totanawala The Bangalore Metro Reporter BEHIND THE IRON BARS KPSC FRAUD- HN KRISHNA IN JAIL

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By Firoz.T.Totanawala 

The Bangalore Metro Reporter 

BEHIND THE IRON BARS 

KPSC FRAUD- HN KRISHNA IN JAIL 

Former KPSC Chairman and Information Commissioner HN Krishna has been sent to jail, after the judge rejected his bail application. Interestingly, not a single person had felt sympathy with his predicament. Similarly hundreds of Government officials who used to experience the vulgar abuse and threats from him in the Information Commission are happy and relieved. HN Krishna, who holds the record of having the long tenure of Membership (including Chairman Post) in KPSC, had also created a record for being the only member who is spending his time in Jail. 

At long last, the long arms of law have caught up with HN Krishna, the former Chairman of KPSC and Information Commissioner. HN Krishna is basically a politician and he chose the ‘safe’ routes to get at the power. He is more famous for his foul mouth and vulgar abuse as the Information Commissioner. 

When he completed his term in KPSC as chairman, he made all out efforts to become a MLC but could not garner support to rehabilitate him politically. But, HN Krishna was also not prepared to live without power. He was very much concerned about his ‘Rent free’ bungalow, official car, drivers etc. enjoyed by him as KPSC Chairman. Even after his term expired, he did not simply vacate the official car and quarters and wanted to retain the same by getting into some seat of power. But the law stipulates that a person who has been a member or Chairman of a PSC can not hold any offices, let alone offices of profit. At the maximum, the person may be nominated to UPSC or PSC of other states. 

 Unmindful of the reality and legality, HN Krishna made rounds of politicians in power and eyed the post of Information Commissioner for his rehabilitation and retention of his official quarters and car. Finally, he succeeded to become one of the Information Commissioners. As the constitution has barred such appointments, his appointment was challenged in the High Court but Krishna managed the situation and by misrepresenting the facts, got the petition dismissed. 

As an Information Commissioner, Krishna earned notoriety for his vulgar behaviour and abuses to Government officials. In fact, such was his ‘Vulgar’ rule that many officials pleaded for hearing in other benches. Many times, HN Krishna used to threaten even senior officials. In one case of harassment of a Government official, HN Krishna used his PA to file the RTI application and appeal was heard despite the fact that the information was supplied. HN Krishna was very harsh on the Sub Registrars and openly threatened some of them that he will get them dismissed and sent to jail. Ironically, it is HN Krishna who himself is in jail now. 

Even after the High Court ordered CID probe into KPSC fraud, Krishna took it lightly. He had an army of officials in KPSC who could do any damn thing for him. But, finally, the CID was forced to step up the probe and now Krishna finds himself in Jail. Whether he gets convicted or not, the fact remains that the law of the land has made Krishna, a habitual violator, taste the Jail.

Firoz.T.Totanawala The Bangalore Metro Reporter BAILING WITH THE SICKNESS JAILED NETAS END UP IN HOSPITALS AS REFUGE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By Firoz.T Totanawala 

The Bangalore Metro Reporter 

 BAILING WITH THE SICKNESS 

 JAILED NETAS END UP IN HOSPITALS AS REFUGE 

The other day former Chief Minister Yeddyurappa suffered an assortment of serious illness as he entered the Parappana Agrahara Jail. Later, he was rushed to Jayadeva Hospital and kept in an ICU. On the same day Malur MLA and former Minister Krishnaiah Setty collapsed in the Court hall after his bail plea was rejected. He was taken to the Jail in an ambulance and was taken to hospital, again for multiple diseases. 

 It may be recalled that a month back, popular film star Darshan too was admitted to Victoria Hospital for getting sudden illness, the moment he entered the Jail premises. Another Former Minister Katta Subramanya Naidu who is in Jail for the last two months is fighting to get bail on the plea of suffering from cancer. Similarly, MLA Sampangi, who was trapped by the Lokayukta, while accepting the bribe did not even enter the Jail as he complained of chest pain etc. and was taken to the Jayadeva Hospital. He remained in the hospital till he got the bail. 

Same is the case of Former Minister Haratala Halappa, who after being remanded to Jail, complained of serious illness and was shifted to Victoria Hospital. He remained there for almost two months and the doctors kept giving details of illnesses and he remained in VIP ward. After the court granted him bail, he was discharged from the Hospital. While he was on wheel chair all the time while in hospital, he was literally dancing during his welcome in his constituency, after his discharge! 

Same is the case in the 2G spectrum and CWG scams at national level politics. A. Raja who was hale and healthy till the CBI touched him developed serious illness later. Suresh Kalmadi was rushed to the hospital after he complained of chest pain etc. One can go on listing such cases of politicians and VIPs, developing sudden illnesses the moment they were remanded to judicial custody in connection with criminal offences. 

It is because of these manufactured illnesses, politicians have rarely gone to jail in criminal cases. Ordinary people ultimately became cynical but off late, this cynical opinion has started to change as many VVIP politicians and businessmen are denied bail by the courts in various scams. For example, Former Central Minister Raja is in jail for the last six months and DMK Boss and TN Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi’s daughter Kannimozhi who is also a MP is in the jail for the last three months. Similarly Suresh Kalmadi, a Congress MP and a powerful leader, too is in the Jail for his involvement in CWG scam. There are many other big names in the corporate world who are in jail for their involvement in one or the other scams. 

Even the Supreme Court has refused bail to them and any amount of sudden illness has not helped them get bail. 

Arguably, the top honour of Jail Yatra in State must go to former CM Yeddyurappa. Yedurappa was remanded to judicial custody by the Lokayukta court in two of the five cases against him under prevention of Corruption Act. Yedurappa who had successfully blocked the probe and proceedings against him while he was CM saw the tables turning against him after being removed as CM. He first tried his best to avoid appearing in the court itself but was forced to appear and he tried to get exemption on the plea that he has health problems, but in vain. The court apparently rejected the bail plea. While the Malur MLA Krishnaiah Setty collapsed in the court on hearing the rejection and was sent to jail in the ambulance, Yedurappa was issued arrest warrant as he finally surrendered in the evening and was sent to judicial custody. 

Immediately upon entering the jail premises, Yedurappa developed sudden illness and was treated in the Jail hospital. But that was not to his liking. After midnight, he was shifted to the Jayadeva Hospital and lodged in the VVIP ward and put in an ICU. The doctors of Jayadeva gave many technical names to the assortment of diseases and VIPs including the CM made a beeline to Jayadeva to see Yedurappa and hold discussions. Also many Swamijis visited him in the hospital. Mind it, all these was when he was in ICU, where the normal procedure is that the doctors do not allow anybody to visit and talk with the patients who are put up in ICU. 

It is time; one has to put an end to this ‘Jail illnesses’ of VIPs and VVIPs. 

And that is all.

Firoz.T.Totanawala The Bangalore Metro Reporter BEHIND THE VEIL ANNA’S ANTI-CONGRESS POLITICS RAISES SUSPICION

By Firoz.T.Totanawala 

The Bangalore Metro Reporter

 

 BEHIND THE VEIL ANNA’S ANTI-CONGRESS POLITICS RAISES SUSPICION 

 At long last, Anna Hazare has betrayed his political ambition by giving a call to the voters in Hissar Loksabha by-elections to vote against Congress. He had stated that he will campaign against Congress in the general elections too. The half a dozen ‘loyalists’ of Anna who managed his ‘Jan Lokpal’ movement have their photos printed along Anna’s posters. Anna team is preparing the ground for taking up anti-congress campaign in the states going to polls in few months. Whether Anna will float his own party or align with any existing party, only time will tell... 

 Anna Hazare, who is hell bent on forcing the Central Government for implementation of ‘only his’ Jan Lokpal Bill has betrayed his political ambition. One does not know, whether Anna has taken this decision on his own after his ‘fast’ gathered much publicity and support or he was goaded by half a dozen leading loyalists to do so. But the transformation of Anna from a social activist to a politician is conspicuous. 

 Recently, Anna has issued a call to the voters of Hissar Loksabha constituency where a by-election is scheduled to be held, to vote against Congress party on the plea that it is not serious about fighting the corruption. And the same Anna and his loyalists cum advisors have kept a deafening silence during the by-election from Koppal in Karnataka state. Anna has also issued a stern warning, not only to the Congress but the parliament as well, that he will go on fast it his Jan Lokpal Bill is not passed in the Winter Session! 

 Anna’s anti Congress stand is well known to everybody. Very recently, the Anna team had publicly declared that Anna will embark on a countrywide tour and interact with the youths to gather their support for fight against corruption. They have also made their intentions clear when they stated that Anna will campaign against Congress Party in the Assembly elections due in some states in few months. Anna’s anti Congress moves will be extended to the next general elections due in 2013 or even earlier. 

 One can have no objections if Anna forms a political party or join any party because that is his fundamental right. He has many followers and the middle class is backing him and he may use his following to float a political party and get into real politico. Moreover, Anna has some retired officials who have become his loyalists and advisors. He can also use their ‘talents’ to attract the masses to vote for his party or a party he choose to join. But, merely targeting one political party for all the reasons raises doubts of a higher camouflaged political conspiracy. If Anna insists that people should not vote for Congress party it simply applies that all the other political parties are white as snow. But, that is not the reality and therefore the rationality of a common man points towards suspicious political agenda. Besides, if he insists that Congress is not supporting his Jan Lokpal Bill, he is absolutely wrong, simply because the ruling Government is not Congress but UPA. It would make some sense if he calls on people to not vote for all political parties that are together in UPA Government. But, Anna and his team are continuously using the name ‘Congress’ alone which provokes pondering. 

 One wonders whether it is the half a dozen loyalists cum advisors of Anna who have their own political agenda and are using Anna to achieve their goal? And the hard fact remains that the elections in India is not fought over media publicity, facebook or twitter, but requires different yardsticks. Instead of becoming a medium of change, the Anna team is fast moving towards becoming a part and parcel of the political system. 

 Whatsoever, Anna Hazare a self styled crusader against corruption has apparently transformed himself into a political activist. Mere anti-Congress politics will not do any good either for him or for the country, and Anna should realise this. The sooner, the better. 

That is all.

Firoz.T.Totanawala The Bangalore Metro Reporter THE SILENCE OF THE SPEAKER ONE MONTH OVER, SPEAKER STILL QUIET ON SRIRAMULU’S RESIGNATION

By Firoz.T.Totanawala 

 The Bangalore Metro Reporter 

 THE SILENCE OF THE SPEAKER 

 ONE MONTH OVER, SPEAKER STILL QUIET ON SRIRAMULU’S RESIGNATION 

 It’s been over a month now that MLA Sriramulu submitted his resignation to the speaker personally and in the prescribed format, but the same is not yet accepted. The rule does not stipulate any time limit for the Speaker to accept the resignation of an MLA, but that also does not mean that the Speaker may sit tight on it for long particularly after Sriramulu observed all the stipulated rules. 

 Everybody knew that Sriramulu’s resignation was a prelude to the toppling of D. V. Sadananda Gowda led BJP Government, engineered by the Reddy Brothers. The Reddy Brothers were refused cabinet entry into the new Sadananda Gowda Government by the BJP High Command for they were named accused in the Lokayukta report on mining scam. 

 Dejected, the Reddy’s mobilised their supporter MLAs and planned to resign enmasse to reduce Sadananda Gowda Government to minority. Sriramulu’s resignation was the first salvo fired by the Reddy camp. Sriramulu went to Mercara to personally hand over his resignation to the speaker who dodged him for several hours. But, the determined Sriramulu waited till the night at Bopaiah’s residence and finally handed over the resignation letter to him personally. There was not even an iota of emotional reasons as a cool and calm Sriramulu submitted the resignation letter to Bopaiah and the event was telecasted live on the TV channels. 

 Once an MLA personally submits his resignation to the Speaker and that too in the stipulated format, there is not much the Speaker can do except accepting the same. If the resignation letter is not in order or the MLA has written it under duress or emotional reasons, the Speaker may refuse to accept it. He may ask the MLA to resubmit the resignation letter in the proper format or withdraw the same. But it was not so in the case of Sriramulu. In fact, Sriramulu himself waited for hours and handed over the letter personally to him. As such, there is no alternative for Bopaiah, but to simply accept it. Yet, he is simply sitting tight over Sriramulu’s resignation. 

 Sriramulu’s resignation initially created ripples among the BJP leaders and they were on their toes to persuade him to withdraw the same. But soon, the game changed as to everyone’s shock, the CBI suddenly and swiftly arrested Janardhana Reddy, within hours of Sriramulu’s resignation. The arrest of Janardhana Reddy took away the dramatic effect of Sriramulu’s resignation episode and now Sriramulu’s future too became uncertain. Very soon, CBI could also arrest him as he is one of the active Director’s of the Obalapuram Mining Company. The CBI action dealt a severe blow to Reddy’s toppling move and in a way saved Sadananda Gowda’s Government. 

 Later, Sriramulu himself started having second thoughts over his resignation and stated that the Speaker needs time to ascertain the facts before accepting the resignation. But soon, Sriramulu stung by the adverse media reactions, finally and solemnly affirmed that he will not take back the papers. He also abandoned his ‘Swabhimana Yatra’ scheduled to start from Mysore, minutes after Janardhana Reddy was arrested. 

 Whatsoever, the Speaker Bopaiah continued with his indecision and was strongly criticised by the JD(S) and Congress who took serious exceptions to his not accepting the resignation. It may be recalled that the same Speaker had accepted the resignation of Congress and JD(S) members instantly, when they offered to resign under the influence of BJP’s Operation Kamala. And the same Speaker is sitting over Sriramulu’s resignation for over a month. 

 It is another matter that Speaker Bopaiah’s action in the past was also severely criticised by the Supreme Court. Despite the severe strictures by the Supreme Court, Bopaiah continues with his petty politics. He has forgotten that he is the Speaker of the Assembly and has constitutional responsibilities and duties. He has disgraced the institution of the Speaker through his earlier decisions and the present Sriramulu issue. 

 Interestingly, Sriramulu has resigned a month ago but his resignation is not yet accepted. In such a situation, does he deserve to enjoy all the facilities and perks reserved for an MLA? Will he be paid his MLA salary from the public money in spite of having resigned? 

Any comments?

Firoz.T.Totanawala The Bangalore Metro Reporter THE VICTORIOUS DEFEAT KOPPAL BY-ELECTION RESULTS SOUNDS TROUBLES FOR ALL

By Firoz.T.Totanawala 

 The Bangalore Metro Reporter 

THE VICTORIOUS DEFEAT KOPPAL BY-ELECTION RESULTS SOUNDS TROUBLES FOR ALL 

 The BJP victory in Koppal by-election is the beginning of the fresh troubles for D. V. Sadananda Gowda Government. The former Chief Minister Yeddyurappa who has considered the by-election as a prestige issue, naturally has claimed credit for the victory, while other leaders have attributed the victory to the collective leadership. With the compulsion of cabinet expansion soon, the stage is set for a final countdown. 

 The victory of Karadi Sanganna, the BJP candidate from the Koppal has already intensified the infighting in BJP and threatens the very survival of Sadananda Government. The loyalists of Yedurappa have proclaimed that the result is the victory of Yedurappa who worked single handedly in the campaign. However, the state BJP had campaigned through collective leadership. 

 Interestingly, the entire cabinet except a couple of ministers camped in Koppal to ensure the victory of its candidate. The opposition Congress too pressed its top leadership for the campaign and for JD(S); the campaign was led by H. D. Kumaraswamy. Many factors worked in favour of BJP and Karadi Sanganna who joined the BJP a few months ago, won the seat. 

 Arguably, the Yedurappa factor had played a role in the victory and Karadi Sanganna too acknowledged this fact. Consequently, Yedurappa is back to the centre stage of the state politics. Let us recall that Yedurappa used to proclaim that he will be back as Chief Minister within six months. It is already been three months since his resignation and he has to bounce back in the next three months to prove his boastings, but, that is only a wishful thinking. With half a dozen criminal cases against him and fighting with his back on the wall to avoid jail, it is difficult for Yedurappa to be cleared of all cases in such short period. It will take few more years to come to a conclusion. 

It is not that he does not know this hard reality, but, he now intends to cut his opponents in BJP to size. As the cabinet expansion is due very soon, Yedurappa is demanding his pound of flesh. With too many aspirants fighting hard over the cabinet berths and Sadananda Gowda not showing any political strategy, the field is all set for a fierce struggle for ministerial berths. The Reddy Brothers, who would have tilted the balance, are almost out of political games with their Don Janardhana Reddy, cooling his heels in the jail. 

 The anti-Yedurappa group led by Jagadish Shettar on the other hand is too weak to assert their rights and choice. They can only make noises unlike Yedurappa who is indeed a hard bargain. 

 Therefore, the cabinet expansion will be the biggest problem and Sadananda Gowda has left the entire issue to the BJP leaders. Once the expansion takes place, all hell may break loose and there are chances of rebellion by the senior leaders who are denied ministerial berths. Besides, the Reddy Brothers and their loyalist MLAs are also planning to resign enmasse in retaliation to their isolation and the Sadananda Government is thus in danger. 

 As such, the Koppal victory does no good to the stability of the Sadananda Government. The Koppal victory on the contrary has also taught a lesson once again to the Congress and JD(S). For Siddaramaiah, who wanted to contest the next Loksabha election from Koppal, the result is indeed shocking. He camped in Koppal and campaigned hard but in vain. And the JD(S) too suffered a setback there. 

 Whatsoever, the Koppal result does not auger well for any party, as on now. 

And that is all.

Firoz.T.Totanawala The Bangalore Metro Reporter THE SAGA OF KPSC H N KRISHNA TRAPPED, OTHERS ARE STILL FREE

By Firoz.T.Totanawala 

 The Bangalore Metro Reporter 

 THE SAGA OF KPSC 

 H N KRISHNA TRAPPED, OTHERS ARE STILL FREE 

 Former KPSC Chairman, H N Krishna is arrested for the Frauds he had committed in KPSC, first as a Member and later as its Chairman. However, it is to be remembered that the frauds in the KPSC were committed by the Members and officials also. 

 H N Krishna is facing the music of the law of the land for all the frauds he had committed in KPSC. And he is not alone in the commission of the frauds but, there are a lot of officials and non-officials who are involved. 

 The KAS selections by KPSC in 1998, 1999 and 2004 were to say the least, scandalous. The way in which members of a same family obtained ‘high’ marks and selections were only the tip of the iceberg. The entire Commission consisting of Chairman and six members are to be blamed. In addition to this, the officials concerned, who have connived with the Members, are also involved. But it is H N Krishna who was targeted by the CID police as he happens to be overbearing and got what he wanted in his own way. 

 The CID probe into the frauds ordered by the High Court has now come to the decisive stage. If the CID probes deep into H N Krishna’s acquisition of properties during his long stint in KPSC, they will hit the jackpot. 

 It is to be recalled that the selection process is done by the entire commission where every member gets his quota in selection. It is no secret that these ‘quotas’ are sold, literally. H N Krishna is not the only one who had indulged in frauds, but the other Honourable Members too have contributed equally to the frauds. The CID should probe the role of other Members too. 

 It is an open secret that frauds can not be committed unless the officials support it. The officials in the Secretary section who tamper with the scripts and marks have not yet been touched by the CID. There are cases where even answer papers are replaced. 

 One such example is M. N. Gururaja Rao, the Assistant Secretary in KPSC who is the fountain head of many frauds. His daughter too has been selected to the KAS. He runs a Housing Co-operative Society meant for KPSC employees, but actually he does real estate business in the name of the society and many members of the KPSC are also benefited from him. 

 If the CID takes a close look at the role of the officials in the fraud, one can dare say that the scam will be the biggest in the state. But the question is - Will the CID ‘touch’ the officials and other Members? 

 The CID probing H N Krishna scam should conduct a comprehensive probe into the role of other members and officials in the case. If an in depth study is made on the composition and functioning of the KPSC since the last two decades, one can get the real KPSC - the Karnataka Public Service and Corruption Commission. 

That is all.

Firoz.T.Totanawala The Bangalore Metro Reporter THE ILLEGAL COMMUNICATION ROAD CUTTING A MAJOR COST CUTTING FOR TELECOM COMPANIES, BBMP FINALLY WAKES UP.

By Firoz.T.Totanawala

 The Bangalore Metro Reporter 

 THE ILLEGAL COMMUNICATION 

ROAD CUTTING A MAJOR COST CUTTING FOR TELECOM COMPANIES, BBMP FINALLY WAKES UP. 

 The BBMP has taken a decision to cut off illegal cables laid by telecom companies throughout Bangalore. BBMP is stating that the companies have laid 25,000 kms long of OFC cables against their permission for 5000 kms. But the reality is quite different and the BBMP has got the statistics wrong. The hard fact is that the telecom companies have laid more than 50,000 kms of cable and the permission is not even for 5000 kms! 

 The OFC laying in city beats any known logic. Airtel, Tata, Reliance and other companies have dug up the entire city. And the hard fact is that almost 90% of the road digging is illegal in the sense that they have not taken road cutting permission from the BBMP. The OFC business prospered because of the institutionalisation of corruption in the then BMP, now BBMP. 

 To understand the scam, let us look at the basics. 

 The telecom companies had to lay cables all along the roads of the city to provide connections to consumers. Before digging the roads to lay OFC (Optic Fiber Cables), the companies had to take permission from the BMP by paying the road cutting charges of Rs. 1300/- per meter, which sums up to Rs. 1.30 lakhs per Kilometer. Besides, it is the company’s liability to restore the roads by asphalting the dug up areas. As per the road protocol, the companies had to use HDD machines to dig the roads. HDD is a horizontal boring machine which can dig up to 250 meters in one stretch. 

 It is here that the scam rests. The companies obviously look out for cost cutting and the best cost cutting method they found was in road cutting. 

 The modus- operandi was simple. The companies paid the required fees and got permission for road cutting for a km or half showing the starting point and end point. But, the company actually continued to dig 10 to 15 kms with impunity. Even though, it is the duty of the BMP Engineers to be personally present at the start and completion of the road cutting to prevent excess cutting, nobody was actually present at the spot. 

 The company flourishingly undertook this illegal road cutting needless to say by paying sufficient bribes to the concerned authorities. Smartly, the companies enlisted the support of local rowdies by entrusting them the digging works so that there was no hindrance in their illegal road cutting. Further for record sake, the company allowed Engineers to ‘detect’ small stretches of illegal road cutting and levy fines on them to create public impression that the BMP was doing its duty and that all other road cuttings are strictly legal. 

 Before 2007, when the BBMP was formed, the companies had a field day in CMC and Panchayat areas which were around 500 sq kms. They dug up all roads they could spot for future plans. The CMC Commissioners and Engineers thus made a fortune from the telecom companies. In fact, the companies have kept records of payments to the concerned authorities. Even now, if the companies are raided, one can find the details of bribe payments to politicians and bureaucrats. 

 Besides, the digging of main roads, by lanes, cross roads etc. had some times damaged other underground utilities like drainage, water supply, power etc. and the companies cared two hoots to such damages. In many instances, the companies run their OFC in Sanitary lines too. 

 In some cases where the companies used HDD machines, the drilling even damaged the foundation of buildings making it weak. Some buildings even developed cracks, but nobody knows the real fact and even now, this is happening in many congested areas. All these happened because none of the BBMP engineers were present at the work spot before and after digging. 

 With regard to the OFC fraud, it is because of the tireless efforts of Corporator Ramesh, that the BBMP has woken up to the reality. BBMP has now put the illegal road cutting at 25000 kms which is only a moderate estimate. And further, it has decided to cut off the illegal cables laid by the companies. This is easier said done. The companies also have top level links and will not spare any effort to prevent BBMP moves. As a first step, they approached the High Court to safeguard their illegal cables but, the High Court dismissed their petition. The companies will now knock the doors of politicians and finally, whether under pressure or extraneous consideration, a political decision will be taken by the BBMP, to regularise the illegal cables by levying nominal fine on the companies. The matter will then be closed. 

 The major scam in OFC laying attained dangerous proportions from the year 2006. As the entire roads in Bangalore are networked by the OFC, the total length of the illegal OFC will be more than 50,000 kms in Bangalore alone. The BBMP Engineers in 200 wards can provide the exact details by simply going round the roads of their limits covering main roads and cross roads. Even if BBMP collects the usual road cutting charges of Rs. 1.30 lakhs per km, the BBMP will become richer by at least Rs. 750 crores. Further there is provision to levy penalty at ten times and even if BBMP levies only one time penalty, there will be another Rs. 750 crores making it Rs. 1500 crores. But, only the time will tell, whether BBMP will take actions against the illegal OFC laying or will simply succumb to the political dictation.