The UPA is under enormous pressure from the Rothschilds,the USA,the World Bank and IMF.
The poor are NOT eating more,but the price rise is DELIBERATE to push US GMO Cos in India.NAC's so-called Food Security Bill also,seems for the same US aim.
from: sadasivan
Posted on: Jan 28, 2011 at 01:35 IST
Sainath has omitted the largest group of lemmings. We the people are lemmings for having voted back the UPA ignoring reports on the 2G scam that have been public knowledge for almost three years now. We the people are lemmings for voting back the UPA alliance to power in Maharashtra despite its pathetic record of (non)performance. In a twist on the saying it does appear that lemmings get the lemming like leaders they desrve.
from: Kanaadaa
Posted on: Jan 28, 2011 at 02:00 IST
Wether this editorial will move the Government to act is unknown, but I really appreciate the humour employed. Lemmings indeed !
from: Pradeep
Posted on: Jan 28, 2011 at 05:17 IST
The comparison of Congress to Lemmings is interesting and shows the ingenuity of the writer. I do not think that the so-called leaders and the unthink-tank at the Congress (and the UPA) are acting like headless chickens running around mindlessly in the wake of so many landmines coming up in startling frequency. On the contrary, they are really counting on the amnesia of the public and chinks in the armor of the opposition to get away from every one of their misdeeds, commissions and omissions.
If we continue to believe that the Congress and the other constituents in the UPA have any sense of probity and administrative skills, then the fault is ours. The current government led by a “honest” PM has brazenly & repeatedly trashed all democratic norms and abused all the institutions be it CBI, CVC, Income Tax, CAG, Election Commission to name just a few. Not only that, they have justified their actions under some flimsy garb.
I am happy that the decline is so sure and rapid because it is an indication that the reversal is just around the corner. We need to hold on and wait for it to happen
from: Badri
Posted on: Jan 28, 2011 at 06:18 IST
This confirms the old saying 'Aapaat kale vipreet budhhi'!
from: Kishore Saint
Posted on: Jan 28, 2011 at 06:39 IST
Excellent piece. Can't agree any more. Congress knows that it is beyond a point of redemption and the best way for them seems to be make the most of the remaining term (if they are lucky). Ok they won't be the rulers when the next elections are completed.
There is maladministration too in every aspect of public administration. Keep aside all the other well reported such cases. We, poor cricket lovers empty our pockets on IPL, India vs Srilanka etc etc and the BCCI can't even get the Eden Gardens ready for the world cup. Yet more feathers on the already crowded cap of Indian sports ministry. And obviously, the BCCI says it has got nothing to do with this. We shout .. shout .. shout .. and get on with it.
Unfortunately, the impression govt is giving through it's handling of all these scams, maladministration etc is to convince people that govt can't handle any thing and it's better to privatize. Our PDS is crap, so why invest on it? Let WallMart be the messiah of starving poor -- seems to be the ideology of congress, which remains so true to its neo liberal agenda.
from: K.P.Raja Sekhar
Posted on: Jan 28, 2011 at 07:09 IST
It is a sad state of affairs that even strictures by the highest court in the country can not make the 'noble' men correct the course. General public is confused with the flood of scams and the lackadaisical attitude of the government to at least appear sincere.
from: mangowala
Posted on: Jan 28, 2011 at 07:12 IST
Very nice article. The sarcasm in the article is enjoyable and it is good to have a laugh on the current government. Perhaps Tamil Nadu polls will sound the death knell on the UPA alliance?
from: Kapil
Posted on: Jan 28, 2011 at 07:22 IST
The lemming can't really be made to jump off the cliff until 2013!Until then 'Might is Right' for the lemmings.
from: sathish
Posted on: Jan 28, 2011 at 07:52 IST
On the 62nd anniversary of the Republic, India sadly has “no governance” at all. The statement of the law officer of the Government that the PM and Home Minister were unaware of the case against Mr Thomas is an example of how “insensitive” the Government has become. Why not say “sorry, we were wrong”. That is what we teach children. We subsidize the rich owning “Diesel” vehicles. We should levy a special per vehicle tax on all private (non public transport diesel vehicles) diesel vehicles immediately. Also we should stop licensing large SUV manufacture which run on diesel.
I hope some sense will “prevail” to bring black money abroad back as also to punish Rajas, Kalmadis. Or am I day dreaming?
from: S.Sundara Raman
Posted on: Jan 28, 2011 at 07:57 IST
excellent article. Sainath's articles are the best. Witty, informative and always to the point.
from: phani
Posted on: Jan 28, 2011 at 08:01 IST
The most worrying fact for me is that the Government has still 3 more years in tenure and given the Mindset of our Senior Cabinet there are tough days ahead for the people. There is no guarantee that things will improve in the Next government until the Wisdom of the Voters prove otherwise.
As a Citizen just reading news about the Country and doing nothing else, i can only request Government for a better behavior which might never be heard.
from: Dileep Varma Kalidindi
Posted on: Jan 28, 2011 at 09:09 IST
Simply awesome article.After a long time have read such bold an article.Our print media needs to be this much bold in their views to awake the government.This is the reason why The Hindu is still a newspaper and not a tabloid.
from: Shalini Kashyap
Posted on: Jan 28, 2011 at 09:42 IST
The poorest aspect of this government is its defense of all scams. On the TV channels, the likes of Manish Tewari, Jayanti Natarajan and Abhishek Singhvi, blame everything on allies, BJP and news channels. The whole country screams foul, but the government doesn't find it necessary to allay their concerns. The prime minister's integrity has never been eroded as much as Manmohan Singh's. A person in his team creates the biggest scam, about which the PM was aware, still the PM remains the idol of integrity as per the Congress. How?
from: Sanjay
Posted on: Jan 28, 2011 at 09:57 IST
I think like Lord Krishna waited for hundred mistakes of Shishupla,
People are waiting,to overthrow this government,by voting,in a democratic manner.
from: B PRAVEEN
Posted on: Jan 28, 2011 at 10:21 IST
This is the most corrupt and inefficient government i have ever seen. Strangely the likes of Mr. Singh who had a impeccable persona is sitting over all these wrong-doing with his eyes wide open style. If this is coalition politics as Mr. Gandhi would have us believe then we better vote in a stronger and cleaner parliament next time. It already looks a big bye-bye for this government, next elections.
from: Rahul
Posted on: Jan 28, 2011 at 10:33 IST
I was expecting this article before 26th January so that before people could wish each other 'HAPPY REPUBLIC DAY', they should know what the real scenario is. The tone of the article is quiet aggressive as it should be. But I would have also liked to read about the opposition's role in the whole nexus. They are equally miserable. They are adopting a policy of confrontation when they should focus on the issues related to common masses. They want to save yet another malefactor involved in de-notification of lands while a majority of our people are crying their heart out for someone to listen to their grievances.
The response (not reaction) has to come from youth like us. I will make sure that I bring this to notice of as many people as I can.
JAI HIND
from: Hitesh Pandey
Posted on: Jan 28, 2011 at 10:37 IST
The commentary on current affairs could not have been written better than Sainath. Kudos to him and to The Hindu to have such a columnist on board. The sad end to the Lemmings jumping off the cliff is that instead of the rodents that drown by accident, the Lemmings in Delhi would not hesitate to drown the citizens and ride over their carcass.
from: Arun
Posted on: Jan 28, 2011 at 10:53 IST
It is another excellent article from the stables of 'The Hindu' through the column of P Sainath! Well done and thank you for calling a spade a spade! The writer rightly brought out that the Government believes in arresting the people protesting for 'price rise' but gives amnesty for tax evaders who park their illegal gotten wealth! What a shame!!
Your newspaper along with others who believe in the power of press need to constantly remind the so called Government to retrieve their conscience for the good of the people - a large number who still value and respect the 'mantris' despite their poverty as against the manipulative tricks adopted by the looters. There is also a need to educate the authorities that these corrupted and lop sided economic policies/dispensation will lead to more branches of Naxalism!
from: PS Nath
Posted on: Jan 28, 2011 at 10:59 IST
One can find no other journalist who can make his point with such refreshing logical clarity. The manner in which Sainath enlightens readers in this way is matched only by his biting sarcasm and wit. Long may he continue to point us in the right direction when our public figures go wrong.
from: Nithyanand
Posted on: Jan 28, 2011 at 11:10 IST
Very Good Article every Congress Member should read it
from: sekar K
Posted on: Jan 28, 2011 at 11:19 IST
The hypocrisy is all too evident -- the Government will not reveal names of Swiss Bank account holders until they are proven guilty and we don't even know if this same dubious Government is ever going to start any proceedings against the account holders. So ultimately, we are never even going to know the names of these looters, forget about getting the money back. And in the background, some arrangements will be going on between Swiss Bank, Swiss Govt, Indian Govt and the looters on how to destroy evidence against the loot.
from: Yashwanth P
Posted on: Jan 28, 2011 at 11:31 IST
Seems like the congress is determined not to get re-elected. No where has the dearth of governance been more visible than in UPA II. If CM protects virulent money lenders, it says so much about him and his character.
Asking Sharat Pawar to be answerable for issues relating to food prices is as difficult as driving a nail in with your head.He is more outraged about jobs that could be shed at Lavassa than about suicides and children going hungry. This is how much interest he takes in the well being of hard working board of Directors at HCC.
from: Aswin
Posted on: Jan 28, 2011 at 11:38 IST
My grandson asked me why does the Govt. of India have “Satyameva Jayate” as its moto. He himself provded the answer: “so that all the ministers,union as well as states can speak untruth and only the untruth all life.
from: P.S.ARUNACHALAM
Posted on: Jan 28, 2011 at 11:40 IST
You sir, are a genius. Thank you.
from: Akshay
Posted on: Jan 28, 2011 at 11:41 IST
An excellent write ! One can only wish to analyze the UPA in a nut shell. Ture, the UPA-2 is going to suicidal act. It has become a greed and this attitude is growing day by day. Perhaps they dont learn from the BJP led NDA government during 1999-2004. The recent UPA non sense is the govt stand on CVC. It says they were unaware of Thomas's Chargesheet. Nothing can be more ridiculous and absurd. Whole nation know it including his role in 2-G spectrum massive corruption. Sensing the BJP reaction, G E Bahanavati made a U turn as usual. The government is caught in its own tentacles. But that is not the only worry. The main question the who is the people believe to ? Always they are cheated by all politically parties. What they will do ? How to get rid of this MONEY HUNGRY POLITICIAN, EXECUTIVE. only god can answer.
from: BHABANEE SHANKAR PATEL
Posted on: Jan 28, 2011 at 11:57 IST
A brilliant analogy Sainath. The problem though is the other bunch (read BJP) is no good either. I still hope that the likes of Chidambaram, Sibal (despite his CAG faux pas) etc give us some hope of good governance.
from: Sri
Posted on: Jan 28, 2011 at 12:06 IST
P. Sainath has done a perfect sarcastic appraisal of the UPA's recent exploits. Hopefully the prime minister has a habit of reading Sainath's column.It is really lamentable and also scaring that a bunch of lemmings are leading our country to its doom.It is high time for the Prime Minister to take an iron hand in his dealings with these volatile issues, otherwise the day is not too far when he will be the held responsible for leading the country to the edge of the cliff.
from: Tanjil Tamuli
Posted on: Jan 28, 2011 at 12:06 IST
All TV debates qualify Manmohan Singh and Pranab Mukherjee as men of impeccable personal integrity.Where is our innocent child who would shout that “Emperor ain't any clothes”! Only Supreme Court can order these men to at least make names of account holders with ill gotten monies public.
Kudos to Hindu and P Sainath for “Ekla chalo re” spirit in the days of Radiagate type of journalists.
from: Azad
Posted on: Jan 28, 2011 at 12:09 IST
I completely second the writer's opinion and sooner or later(as soon a better political option is available) the Congress government has to pay heavily in terms of lost faith among public and consequently votes. I mean its really heart wrenching to see a academically capable and intelligent PM who lacks the adroitness to handle politics. This proves that just decorating your drawing room with academic degrees and honors does not ensures capability to handle your own party men. Also its really a shame for a government,headed by a so called Economist(lacking creative economic insights), to not able to control inflation and instead making life difficult for a common man in the country. Though I am far from being a economist, as a common man I can see where all our hard earned money is being used, unfortunately I can do nothing more than not vote for congress, but then do we have a choice?
from: SHALEEN
Posted on: Jan 28, 2011 at 12:41 IST
love your work mate, I hope more people get informed and more importently realize that no Gods are coming to help them, we have to help ourselves by getting more informed about these people with no regard for fellow human beings. I hope more people read The Hindu and stay away from the corporate media which is a misstress for these godless people. Great job P. Sainath, good luck, we need more journalist like you.
vidul
from: vidul tyagi
Posted on: Jan 28, 2011 at 12:42 IST
Well the Article was nicely written with a great intention , but I would really suggest that sir please come forward with a suggestion. See our basic trouble is our own will to make a change. How many of us would really like to get into the system, devote our lives for the cleaning of this mess. I guess all the above people are Great people at least more than me but I will still suggest leave aside govt. it is about we the people who have to bring in a change.” As I remember it is something like this “Govt. is of the people , BY THE PEOPLE and for the people”. So it is actually due to us they have come into existence. If u want to clean it start exercising your rights with a will to make a difference.
from: Gaurav K
Posted on: Jan 28, 2011 at 12:51 IST
One of the excellent articles published.
But who will listen?
from: Swaminathan
Posted on: Jan 28, 2011 at 13:04 IST
Fantastic article. I read the article without looking at the author and I suspected it had to be P. Sainath. Turns out that every single government in India (meaning the wonderful politicians) can easily look at an apple and call it an orange. Remember the famous 3 monkeys - that speak no evil, hear no evil and see no evil? Well, these politicians starting from the PMO are just that - except they have multiplied from 3 to countless numbers. It doesn't matter whether they wear the robes of the charka or the lotus or the sickle & star or what have you, they have the same genetic roots and continue to in-breed.
from: Sriram Krishnan
Posted on: Jan 28, 2011 at 13:52 IST
All my appreciation to Mr. Sainath who has brought out all the ills of the present Union government under the so called “Mr Clean” Manmohan Singh. The lucid and witty narration, I am sure, is one of the best “Opinion” articles ever read by me in 'The Hindu'. Discerning readers still appreciate 'The Hindu', as it is bestowed with such excellent writers.
from: B.Vaidyanathan
Posted on: Jan 28, 2011 at 14:46 IST
It is no surprise that the political class also follow the time-honoured dictum that time heals all the sorows and tragedies. The blatantly do what they feels right to amass the monies for them and their generations with the confidence that with passing days every one will be treated as clean and worthy to rule the next generation of we indians.
from: udaya
Posted on: Jan 28, 2011 at 14:46 IST
The one in power is behind the veil, the answerable one is powerless. The basic necessities are ignored. Come election and these people will introduce various schemes.
The opposition is useless. Given these many issues to Congress, they would have toppled the government multiple times in every state. Or are they party to this corruption?
from: Balaji S
Posted on: Jan 28, 2011 at 14:52 IST
The waterloo of congress is Mr.manmohan Singh.He and his boss have seen that congress will never ever come to power in India.It is also good for us.Congress has more negatives than pluses in their long stint at the helm.
from: k.sugavanam
Posted on: Jan 28, 2011 at 14:52 IST
Excellent piece. Can't agree more. Congress knows that it is beyond a point of redemption and the best way for them seems to be make the most of the remaining term (if they are lucky). Ok they won't be the rulers when the next elections are completed, but surely they will be more than happy with all the loot they have. We celebrate dislodging them, the triumph of democracy etc etc and there they will be richer by just a few million (billion? for the more lucky ones.
There is fraudulent maladministration too in every aspect of public administration. Keep aside all the other well reported such cases. We, poor cricket lovers empty our pockets on IPL, India vs Srilanka etc etc and the BCCI can't even get the Eden Gardens ready for the world cup. Yet more feathers on the already crowded cap of Indian sports ministry. And obviously, the BCCI says it has got nothing to do with this. We shout .. shout .. shout .. and get on with it.
Unfortunately, the impression govt is giving through it's handling of all these scams, maladministration etc is to convince people that govt can't handle any thing and it's better to privatize. Our PDS is crap, so why invest on it? Let WallMart be the messiah of starving poor -- seems to be the ideology of congress, which remains so true to its neo liberal agenda.
from: K.P.Raja Sekhar
Posted on: Jan 28, 2011 at 15:01 IST
I think to say Manmohan Singh is completely honest and impeccable is completely ridiculous. If he is really honest and impeccable, he should have either taken proper actions (if he is “Prime” minister) or resigned (if he is “Puppet Prime” minister).
from: Sriram Pyngas
Posted on: Jan 28, 2011 at 15:01 IST
But I am very sad that we poor masses are not able to act anything on this. It will be the same case even if the Opposition comes to power. I hope some revolution happens and a clean government focussing on country'd development comes to power
from: Kavitha
Posted on: Jan 28, 2011 at 15:14 IST
It makes me wonder. In spite of knowing all this how we stil manage to sleep quietly at the end. Gone are the days when one used to feel so proud of being an Indian, being born in India.
from: AKhilesh
Posted on: Jan 28, 2011 at 15:16 IST
It is a troubling story and I particularly like to appreciate the style of the author. But, unless our people are gullible to let themselves be divided using petty communal sentiments and sort they'll only be rules by this sort of people. Today, I read an article in South Asia Analysis in which noted analyst Mr.B.Raman was answering to questions if what happened in Tunisia will happen in Pakistan. But I think is that this should happen in India and the people should force these corrupt politicians to bring their stashed money back to India in whatever means available to them, however they should be careful to stay away from divisive forces like Maoists, communal parties, etc., or they will only escape from a one predator only to fall prey to another.
In my perspective, people should chose to 'VOTE NOBODY' until the politicians give them the recall rights, with no strings attached, and only after the stashed money are brought back. It is illegal to ask the people to boycott elections. However, asking them choose no one, I believe, is only akin to canvassing the people to choose a candidate who is not in the fray. Unless, until the media and the NGOs act to educate the people there is no dawn for India...
As the famous quote goes, “We obtained our freedom in the midnight and still waiting for the dawn”...
from: Sivasathivel Kandasamy
Posted on: Jan 28, 2011 at 15:17 IST
A beautifully written article, it makes me really sad to see country being run like this and worried as we have 3 more years to go.
from: Gaurav
Posted on: Jan 28, 2011 at 15:21 IST
Actually India and everthing. One party with dynasty rule and excessive money in overseas banks, is not caring for middle-class mainstream Hindus. If this problem is removed, all problems will stand chances of solved.
from: Sri Guru
Posted on: Jan 28, 2011 at 15:41 IST
Shame on the Indian Govt to protect the big time money laundering criminals who have damaged the Indian economy and the growth by stashing the money in Swiss accounts.
We all need (and have to fight for) one more independence from this corrupt politicians and businesses.
from: Suresh
Posted on: Jan 28, 2011 at 20:51 IST
I don't think this is enough to enlighten our 'honest' Prime Minister to take action against the corrupt ministers and bureaucrats. It seems the Lemmings have decided to jump off the cliff for good.
from: Nikhil
Posted on: Jan 28, 2011 at 20:54 IST
And, Sirs, Lemmings are addicted to committing mass suicide!
from: soundararajan Srinivasa
Posted on: Jan 28, 2011 at 21:37 IST
Unearthing the black money and bringing it to India looks like a chicken and egg situation. Finance Minister says that no one can be named until they are prosecuted. I fail to understand how we can prosecute any one without naming the person/s. Isn't it a fool-proof manipulation to hoodwink the public! India, I'm afraid, is in a horrible mess right now. As time goes, all old scams will be buried; at least, that must be the expectation of the rulers.
from: D. Chandramouli
Posted on: Jan 28, 2011 at 21:45 IST
Really good article. I thought Manmohan will clean up his house during the cabinet re-shuffle and I am wrong. He is all part of all these non-sense going on.
1. Money laudering is being approached from tax angle for what, to hide their names.
2. Anyone who have been following up news knows about P.J.Thomas and nation's PM and HM says they are not aware. pathetic
3. Kapil Sibal rather than trying to clean up the mess, is blaming the CAG.
4. Vilasrao given multiple suicides for what - reducing Indian population burden through suicides
I look like a fool in front of these guys and I am ashamed of tolerating this. The only power we have is our vote and should be using to the teach these national jokers a lesson.
from: Srinivas
Posted on: Jan 28, 2011 at 22:31 IST
The current Govt reeks of hypocrisy , dishonesty and thievery.
Even if you are not a thief, supporting a thief and shielding his crimes makes the PM liable to being accesory to crime. On the top of it all , he and his aides have lied regards Thomas' appointment before a court of law - perjury.
We as citizens should be ashamed of calling him a PM even though we elected him mand his band of theives to run our country
from: Prakash S
Posted on: Jan 28, 2011 at 22:44 IST
Sainath's satire does make us laugh on reading the piece. But with the kind of thick skin that the people mentioned in the article, have, I wonder whether finally the joke is on us, since ignorance of these things was such bliss. And to wonder whether the Sainaths of the world are out to spoil our party just when the ICC World Cup and the IPL matches are about to begin? Lets watch the cheer-leaders Sainath, and to hell with the price of petrol and onions....
from: Praveen Kumar T
Posted on: Jan 28, 2011 at 22:48 IST
We have heard about rats leaving the sinking ship. In modern day politics, even if the ship is sinking, rats will not leave and they will cling to each other, for the fear of being washed away .
Otherwise, there is no logical explanation to the ruling party, viz. congress for not having the courage to distance itself from the tainted allies and far from it, going to the extent of making the alliance stronger.
What is the purpose of convening a press conference and claiming that the names cannot be revealed, on the black money? the PM has really become a pastmaster in fooling the people around .
Possibly, they are trying to convey the message that black money slashed abroad, will remain safe in the secret bank accounts and it is not going to be used at all. We are eager to know , how this sleaze money is tossed around, once it escapes the shores .
from: p.g.ravikumar
Posted on: Jan 28, 2011 at 22:54 IST
Only sigh of relief in this murky collusion of politicians,brokers,corporate houses and the media is that there is still space in the Indian media to expose the corruption and not succumb to corporate lobby pressures and threats.
If this trend of corruption continues we will soon be a witness to judicial and law enforcement agencies being swallowed by the monster.
Tunisia and Egypt needs to be kept in mind by those who indulge in these !.
from: Sriram
Posted on: Jan 28, 2011 at 23:31 IST
I like the satire used by the author. Despite the satire the atrocious attitude of the government is unbearable. It pains me to see such corrupt individuals in power. I really hope they self destruct.
from: Seshadri Rajagopal
Posted on: Jan 28, 2011 at 23:41 IST
Yes, the sad part is opposition is no good. We need a social order of new magnitude.
from: Karthik Karaikudy
Posted on: Jan 29, 2011 at 00:45 IST
Hats off to Sainath
from: Ankush Bhargav
Posted on: Jan 29, 2011 at 02:21 IST
Interesting article, would like to see similar stand taken for the supremely hypocritical and bluntly corrupt communist parties of India.
from: Raj
Posted on: Jan 29, 2011 at 04:01 IST
Some innocent might be led to believe another dispensation would have or will do it differently, as though, magically, mystically, nirvana may be had by putting in the other gang of incompetents and looters. No, its one set of crooks or another, that is the only game in town.
from: kapil kitchlu
Posted on: Jan 29, 2011 at 04:05 IST
I open the newspaper websites everyday, just to read about the prevalent scams and the humorous ways the government handles them. Who in their right mind would believe that the commissioner of the most powerful watchdog in the country was appointed without checking his background.
And Mr. Mukherjee doesn't want to reveal the names of the money launderers. This will be a disaster for the UPA if those names come out. I have huge respect for Mr. Manmohan Singh as a statesman, but he has to man up and sack all the frauds that are in his cabinet.
from: Sandeep
Posted on: Jan 29, 2011 at 05:37 IST
Such a good article to dictate the level of conscience the Government has nurtured in its graves. The total amount of tax evaders (so called to nurture them) will discount ten years of Petrol and its products and keeps the price tag at Rs 40 so that it will bring a variety of Food inflation and indicators back to the seat.
from: Achchut A Joshi
Posted on: Jan 29, 2011 at 07:07 IST
The kind of brazenness and feigned ignorance to what's happening is really surprising! Never thought a government at center will behave thus! I am more surprised..since its lead by a man of impeccable record!
from: Geetha
Posted on: Jan 29, 2011 at 07:44 IST
The Deshmukh, Pawar and Bush nonsense brings to my mind Queen Marie Antoinette's quote “let them eat cake”
Brian.
from: Rajkumar Brian Rajamanie
Posted on: Jan 29, 2011 at 08:04 IST
May the subjects of the article read it.
from: Ramana
Posted on: Jan 29, 2011 at 09:52 IST
Some are in the habit of reading only articles that support them!This article on “lemmings of Arctic” should be sent to Dr Manmohan Singh and Mrs Sonia by registered post so that they learn the moral of this article before it is too late and Hats off to Hindu!
from: rkpadam
Posted on: Jan 29, 2011 at 11:02 IST
The citizens of India should come together and make their protest heard by declaring a particular day as 'Bharat Bandh' of their own volition to force the inactive govt to take corrective action. If unheard, a bandh a month should force the govt's hand. After all the citizens can refuse to accept a day's earnings so that they do not generate the money that the politicians loot.
from: Ajitha Rajesh
Posted on: Jan 29, 2011 at 11:25 IST
It is amazing that we ignore solutions staring in our face. It will be politically and economically correct as we a humanitarian act to get the hoarded food stuff out in the open market, get proper warehousing and storage in place to bring the food prices down by several notches. Even the politicians should understand that in this age of fast and efficient communications scams will surely come out to hit them hard where it hurts.
from: Chandrahas Dayal
Posted on: Jan 29, 2011 at 12:41 IST
The issues discussed are probably not individual oriented or problem with one party or other. It is a basic problem of the new attitude of the world, where they don`t see beyond the top ten percent people. “The New Order” had really given this attitude a reputable status. The cost effective way of life has always fails identify down trodden and poor.As morality do not have value in current political scheme, we cannot expect any corrective action.
from: Raju Gopal
Posted on: Jan 29, 2011 at 12:48 IST
Uh..oh! I think the artic lemmings would get offended after reading your article.
from: Ramya Senthilrajan
Posted on: Jan 29, 2011 at 13:04 IST
Brilliant exposition with facts laid out and the wanton mask worn by the powers that are to overlook such heinous crimes and give them encouragement offering positions of power. Give them a long rope is the usual proverb and combined with the innate desire for the lemmings I do not see the day far off, for the collapse. It would have come much faster, since the opposition is as riddled as the rulers! The press has the onerous job of conveying prominently in its columns the downside of governance for the public to see and decide.
from: Krishnamurthhy KV
Posted on: Jan 29, 2011 at 13:36 IST
I am really proud of The Hindu to bring such a wonderful article about the present state of matters. I wonder who asks our PM to sit on that chair. If it is someone who asks him to sit for another few years I think if he has some shame balance in him he needs to quit and ask the one who is above him to give that to someone. It is high time he leaves the chair and go for vanavasam. Let someone rule as the puppet till the young gets ready to take care of the chair.
Hope PM could read this article......
I have lost all faith in our PM. Please sir save yourself and leave the chair.
from: Mahesh Narayanan
Posted on: Jan 29, 2011 at 13:47 IST
Even a child's report card would have got better grades than this Congress UPA govt.Time will come when every person has to pay for his misdeeds(Raja, Kalmadi, VilasRao, and many more), mind you that time will come soon. We the people of India will definitely trash this govt and will create an honest and clean government with A grade.
from: Rewa Kumari
Posted on: Jan 29, 2011 at 14:39 IST
“And in the background, some arrangements will be going on between Swiss Bank, Swiss Govt, Indian Govt and the looters on how to destroy evidence against the loot.” that is exactly what is happening.
from: Sandosh
Posted on: Jan 29, 2011 at 17:10 IST
This is a text book stuff from the pen of Sainath, the one which has a potential of becoming a training material like his book 'every one loves a good drought'.
What becomes of that training is a different matter though. You may call it in Sainath terms; Lemmingism of Bureaucracy.
from: Ajay Khandal
Posted on: Jan 29, 2011 at 20:14 IST
Very well framed article. Although almost all the frauds of UPA are already known in public, but the tone of sarcasm used is blatant and the comparison with “Lemmings” is very well justified. It is very high time now on we citizens to decide what to do in next general elections. Obviously we need to have a leader on seat who has strong determination to do something for India and Indians. Let the revolution to occur in India to get a leader for India.
from: Ashish Singal
Posted on: Jan 29, 2011 at 21:44 IST
Only difference between arctic Lemmings and Indian Lemmings is that they dive off the cliff with all amassed money through corruption in their bag packs, just to starve poor Lemmings which are remaining behind ......
Lemmings dives off the cliff to save other Lemmings which is act of abnegation .. ..but our clever , self serving Lemmings are diving of to luxuriate them self and starve others ..which is act of utter selfishness ....
-- Nilesh Salpe
from: Nilesh Salpe
Posted on: Jan 29, 2011 at 22:09 IST
I couldn’t agree more with Mr. P Sainath regarding lemming’s behavior myth. Like Mr. Sainath has stated that some of the lemmings die accidentally while crossing water also happens to endorse our system of governance quite well.
Extending the stated analogy to our system of governance, one would find that the ‘Lemming-like behavior’ is projected to disguise us. To understand how I came to such a radical conclusion consider; the lemmings as our politicians, bureaucrats and corporate, the water as our governance system, the act of jumping from the cliff as being exposed and the cliff as height of moral hazard or corruption.
Our lemmings are philargyrist, feeding mostly money, gold , property and at times fodder. Unlike Arctic lemmings our lemmings hibernate when they lose election. The behavior of our lemmings is much the same as that of Arctic, they devour when in power. Ironically our lemmings do not face the threat of extinction.
Our lemmings too die accidentally but often the length of the process of prosecution is larger than average human life. Thanks to lengthy justice process. The water and tides are maneuvered by our lemmings for their safe passage. Our lemmings are accommodative and this is evident from the recent cabinet reshuffling. Our media is like 1958 Disney thus does good job while exposing but does not keep pace with Mr. Lemming.
from: Amit
Posted on: Jan 29, 2011 at 22:52 IST
I am left speechless...the article is wonderful..commenting would lead to redundancy
from: sai sharadha
Posted on: Jan 29, 2011 at 23:37 IST
Thanks to Hindu for consistently bringing these issues to light with its Editorials and Columns.
Mr. “Integrity” Singh might not (I am not sure) have been rewarded in-cash, but certainly rewarded in-kind (PM post). To say he is honest is ridiculous.
It is time and again proven that Congress is the most corrupt, most in-efficient political party in India. See what happens in Centre, AP and Maharashtra.
from: Arun
Posted on: Jan 30, 2011 at 00:54 IST
The sad part is, the Cong would spin it as if it was the doing of the UPA and not itself, and to rub salt, project Rahul as the able-bodied successor to lead India out of corruption and poverty.
Maybe its time we Indians paid heed to Tunisians and Egyptians.
from: ramesh
Posted on: Jan 30, 2011 at 01:15 IST
This is one of the most damning article I have read about the performance of UPA II Government and its very 'honest' Prime Minister. The quantum of the scams have reached monumental proportions under this PM and the most powerful Party President. What is shocking is the complete absence of morality in the Government, be it the defence of Raja, CVC and the manner he was appointed overlooking several facts that were raised during the meeting, the attack on the CVC, the continuing scams, manipulation of the CBI and the last one was the way yatris were prevented by turning a special train mid-way. This is totally perverse. How can the PM be called honest when he runs an administration that is dishonest. Subversion of every form of the Constitutional machinery is taking place - Governors who act at the behest of Congress, A former Chief Justice who did not tell the whole truth involving a former Minister are all symptoms of a greater malaise. The common man is suffering and I think it is time for a newer Government. The inflation is skyrocketing and it is shocking to see Petrol prices being hiked again.
It is time some news channels and some newspapers (The Hindu used to support the Congress Party and the Government needlessly, but seems to be getting balanced now) stop being the propaganda machine of the Government and prop up a party that is reasonably clean and has men at the top that are cleaner.
from: Sridhar Sethuraman
Posted on: Jan 30, 2011 at 04:31 IST
Mr.SAINATH has done his duty and the follow up comments endorsing his narration is also mind boggling.But what is the use? More and more scams to follow suit.S.C to pass sarcastic comments in more Scams ,Mr.RAHUL inviting the youth to fight corruption ( of his own UPA )and THEN ? At my age of 65 I have lost hope of finding a NITHISH KUMAR to rule INDIA.
from: D.SOUNDARARAJAN
Posted on: Jan 30, 2011 at 06:09 IST
Thanks for a painfully honest and knowledgeably sarcastic piece. I look forward to reading your book “everybody loves a good drought..” And I am buying it right now.. Keep up the good work;
from: Madhav
Posted on: Jan 30, 2011 at 07:37 IST
Very Shame on the Government.Congress is saying FDI increases due to trust of MNC over this government, but situation of Indian BPL is worse.If Leader dont have control over his sub-ordinates than whats use of running the government. Within end of this decade great revolution might broke out in India.
from: SaravnaKumar
Posted on: Jan 30, 2011 at 08:37 IST
Having said all the good things about Lemmmings the irony that people of India still choose them over NDA is simply confusing.
from: sage
Posted on: Jan 30, 2011 at 09:45 IST
Now time has came to unite & make aware the people of our country,and teach the lesson to govt using the weapon of RTI discovering the bad deeds of leaders of our country.Congress govt motive has changed after post independence they spent most of their tenure in power making decisions ,policies to make money & vote banks.Majority of leaders are engage in making money available to their family members since long time.Now a days we are getting results of their bad deeds in past.
from: HarishKumar
Posted on: Jan 30, 2011 at 15:19 IST
The Prince Charming(Rahul Gandhi) had commented on the state of affairs in UP that “ you had elected such people to govern the state”
About the Central Govt also, the NOBLE Congressmen may coem out with similar justification. After all today's Indian National congrss had long ago devaited its path from Mahathma wanted to follow- Not only the GOAL, the path to goal also shall be equally sacred !!!
from: mohanan
Posted on: Jan 30, 2011 at 19:26 IST
Well written! We need people to question the Government.
Unlike real Lemmings,lets hope all of them drown forever
from: Shyam K
Posted on: Jan 30, 2011 at 19:29 IST
Considering the evasive tactics of the UPA Govt. in trying to hide behind imaginary technicalities like the “absence of a legal frame-
work” preventing them from revealing names of numbered-account holders in Swiss Banks, and other tax havens, the only practical approach to the problem in the prevailing situation would be to adopt the following strategy:
1. Announce an “AMNESTY SCHEME” to allow an escape route for all the account-holders who have evaded tax, by voluntarily declaring details of their foreign numbered-accounts.
2. This Voluntary Disclosure will do away with the need for compliance of permission from the Govts. of tax havens. Failure to come clean immediately, should invite forfeiture of the entire deposit through stringent sanctions and prosecution.
3. Charge a tax at 35% of the entire deposit and aloow them to retain the balance 65% in their foreign accounts.
4. Allow a further 10 year tax-holiday for the remaining 65% if and when any part of it is brought back into the country and invested in specified Infrastructure Development Bonds to be announced the the GOI from time to time.
5. This AMNESTY SCHEME should not be extended to proven criminals, terrorists, murderers, extortionists, drug traffickers and the like.
6. Detailed rules in this regard could be framed by the Ministries of Finance, Home and External Affairs working in concert.
Unless a practical and pragmatic approach on these lines is adopted without delay, neither the UPA Govt., which is in power, nor the Opposition in Parliament, will agree to put the stamp of approval, to call for information from tax haven countries and reveal identities of such people, since a vast majority of those in power and those in the opposition have a direct or indirect stake in the ill-gotten wealth stashed away abroad.
Accoring to information gathered from Press Reports from time to time, about Rupees Eighty Lakhs Crores of Indian Black Money is stashed away in these numbered accounts. If a third of this wealth is recovered in taxes, the entire National Debt can be wiped off at one stroke, leaving a fat surplus for National Development.
But does the Govt. of India, have the political will to take such a bold step and prove its credentials to the people who have elected them to this position ? THAT IS THE TRILLION DOLLAR QUESTION !!!!
from: Bansilal L Asrani
Posted on: Jan 30, 2011 at 19:53 IST
Many thought Sonia's inner voice was a master stroke and a big sacrifice. Now we are seeing the real dangers of power without responsibility. You can't have people at the helm who are incorruptible, their bosses also should be. Sonia and Rahul keep giving sermons on probity and integrity as though they are above all this. The real tragedy is this, with people like MMS, PC, Pranab... we could have had an impeccable government, what we have is one that's most corrupt & clueless of all governments.
from: ram prasad
Posted on: Jan 30, 2011 at 21:26 IST
Thank you P. Sainath. Hope Andhrites are reading because they (along with Tamilnadu) gave us UPA-2.
from: A Prakash
Posted on: Jan 30, 2011 at 21:52 IST
Unfortunately most of us who have provided comments on this article will not go out and vote on election day. That I believe is the reason why corrupt politicians remain in power.
People get the government they deserve.
from: toby
Posted on: Jan 31, 2011 at 00:01 IST
Who can beat the sarcasm of P.Sainath? He just puts the right things to perspective at the right time. Great article!
from: Bhaskar Mothali
Posted on: Jan 31, 2011 at 02:01 IST
Excellent post. The only thing that is left with the people is SATYAGRAHA. We should stop paying taxes to government (State or Central) and once the Government is out of funds they will be forced to take action. This Government is driving all the people towards 'Maoism' and the FM even had the audacity to suggest the opposition to take up that route.
from: Ram
Posted on: Jan 31, 2011 at 21:30 IST
Wish someone from the PMO reads this and shows it to the PM...it is high time we have seen something decisive coming from that office during this scam-fest. Excellent article, Sir.
from: Harshal A. Waghmare
Posted on: Feb 1, 2011 at 00:52 IST
Excellent Article again by Sainath. Pre Independence British rulers will feel proud about their India rule and will not feel guilty about their imperialism, loot after reading the global integrity report on post independent India and looting of public money by corrupt Indians.
from: Prasbad
Posted on: Feb 1, 2011 at 12:01 IST
The Question is not of going out and voting on the election day, the question is whom to vote for??? Our country needs selfless, strong willed leaders...We need to encourage the youth today to serve their country.
from: Himanshu
Posted on: Feb 1, 2011 at 14:36 IST
A very well-written article by Mr. Sainath, that hits the nail on the head. The UPA Lemmings would do well to take a leaf out of Shakespeare's writing : “Caesar's wife should not just be above suspicion. She should be SEEN to be above suspicion.” This idiom, in fact, seems to be a particular favourite with our Prime Minister. He used it recently to make his pitch that he had nothing to hide in the 2G scam. He had also used the same phrase soon after the defeat of the P V Narasimha Rao-led Congress in the 1996 election, at a meeting of the parliamentary party. This was then seen as a bid to distance himself from Rao and the JMM scandal enveloping the late leader.
from: Aparna Banerjee
Posted on: Feb 1, 2011 at 15:07 IST
The outrage is visible in the comments here but a few questions. How many of you will find the time to vote in the next elections? Out of that how many will look up the candidates' affidavits to ensure that you will vote for the honest and won't vote for the criminals? How many will refuse to give a bribe when it is demanded and expose the bribe-seeker?
from: Srinivas S
Posted on: Feb 1, 2011 at 18:50 IST
