There is a lot of mudslinging that is going on between the ruling BJP in Gujarat and the ruling Congress of the UPA of the centre. And frankly, it hurts. For it is neither good for the state of Gujarat, which can easily be described as one of the most prosperous Indian states, and the country, that is most recognized for its communal tolerance, at least in the immediacy of the recent past.
Speaking is the easiest way of courting trouble. And who else can exemplify it as well as the BJP. If we recall, during the national elections before the present govt came to power in 2004, according to me just one quote from the BJP Stalwart Sushma Swaraj buried whatever little hope they had of getting back to power. She said, ‘If Sonia becomes the Prime minster of India, I will shave my head.” I think that statement was one of the most significant reasons of the ruling party losing out. Sonia just had to refuse. And that is exactly what she did, and rest as they say is history.
According to me what the Chief Minister of Gujarat is saying about Sohrabbuddin is not the actual problem (though it is serious enough), but what he said while wrongly referring to Mahatma Gandhi is where his problem lies. As someone who subscribes to Gandhian ideology completely, I feel that was a serious error. Serious enough for the people to vote against it. And if the present Govt in Gujarat falls down, I feel it would be solely due to this very reason. I wish Mr Modi had known that Gandhi’s first name is Mohandas not Mohanlal.
Kumble’s men
I liked the way Anil Kumble led the team as a captain. I think the honour bestowed on him, though late, couldn’t have been better timed. Playing at home against a formidable team like Pakistan, both his courage and temperament were put to test. And just as anyone had imagined, the intelligent and thinking player, as he is known to us, delivered the right substance, displaying an amazing proportion of maturity.
India smashing the Pakistanis at home soil after 27 years could not have been possible without a sizable support and leadership from Kumble. I think now the BCCI should keep him for a while so that he consolidates himself and not make him another of those mistakes by putting unnecessary restrictions and disputing his views till such time he breaks down. We don’t want him to become another Tendulkar, Dravid or Ganguly. I hope they heed attention to this small request. But it will be interesting to note what actually happens when the new Indian coach Gary Kristen joins the team. Will he too, like his predecessor, ruin the team by shoving large doses of horror in them by dropping them suddenly, or will he consider a real future for the team. Let us see whose payroll he remains on, the outsiders or the BCCI.
Winter in Delhi
Hey folks, we are in thick of the winters in Delhi with the night temperature dipping up to six degrees and the days staying at just over 20. I have decided to play this winter, instead of snuggling under the blanket. So, to start with I am off to Dehradun on the morning of 24th by Shatabdi for Christmas at Missouri. Once back, we are planning to take a long drive through the hinterland of Rajasthan in my Car meeting old friends and making new ones.
Just love the weather… I really love the large doses of Sarsoon ka Saag and Gazar ka halwa. And the whiskey (my brand is teachers, or Royal Challenge/ Stag on the rainy days), off course tastes great. A BIG WINTER HUG TO ALL YOU MY BLOG FRIENDS.
