The UPA Government has completed 3 years in office after it was re-elected in the 2009 Lok Sabha election. The common man, whose interest the Congress led UPA has sought to propagate and represent; has been the biggest victim of this Government. The suffering neglect and agony of the poor has surpassed all limits because of lack of governance, corruption and indifference. In fact all the claim of growth story of India has come under serious doubt and suspicion. Public perception about India world over is very low because of policy paralysis and mal-governance of the Congress led Central Government. Drift and drag has become the hall mark of UPA-2. The mood of hope is over and the dream of India becoming a big player is now being seriously questioned not only by neutral observers but even by those who are important advisers of this Government. All this is happening in spite of extraordinary potential of this great country and infinite promise of its people. Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee led NDA Government has left a great legacy of hope, enthusiasm, participation, tangible growth, good management of price rise and overall feeling of general goodwill which in turn has propelled India on the high road of an emerging big league player. In its place now there is gloom and despair.
The reason for all this is not far to seek. To run an effective Government and for proper implementation of any program three essential are required. The first is the kind of the leadership which must be capable of taking decisions and the courage to implement them. The second is the credibility of the Government and the third; equally important is the aura of authority of the Government. There is a fundamental flaw with the political structure which the UPA has followed. The Prime Minister must be the natural leader of the country and the Government and he must be the last word in matters of policy. Dr. Manmohan Singh singularly fails these twin tests. There is not only twin leadership but the distance between 7, Race course Road and 10, Janpath is becoming wider. They are also not on the same page on a whole range of policy initiatives. There is serious disconnect in the Government, between the ministers and also within the allies. It was the responsibility of the Prime Minister to set right the course. However, each day only reinforces the perception that the Prime Minister is in his office but not in authority. He gives the impression of working more like a CEO, taking direction from the board of a company whose chairman has all the authority but practically no accountability.
POLICY PARALYSIS AND INFALTION
In fact the consequence of policy paralysis and corruption is evident all over. Investment has slowedown; the industrial climate is very unfavourable and corruption adds to the cost. The economy has slowdown too. International rating is not favourable and the sliding of the rupee, the depreciation is as high as 22% in comparison to dollar only reinforces the speedy decline. Now students, travellers and the Government will have to pay more as dollar becomes costlier. Many policy initiative needed for growth and development remain in the realm of uncertainty because of the lack of clarity and consensus not only within the Government and the UPA but also among senior ministers belonging even to the Congress party. This needs the political authority of the Prime Minister which unfortunately is not available. The compulsion of coalition politics cannot be an alibi for inaction and corruption. Consensus building with the opposition cannot be a one way traffic where senior ministers make highly arrogant statements in dealing with states, in dealing with opposition and also making every effort to create difficulty for opposition ruled state Government.
Inflation particularly food inflation is rising once again making the life of not only the poor but also those of the middle class extremely difficult. It appears that the Government has almost given up. It has nothing concrete to offer to tackle the problem of high food inflation which has been plaguing the economy for a very significant period now. It is indeed an irony that in spite of record level of food production because of the hard work of the Indian farmers, the food grain is rotting outside because of in sufficient storage and the extremely poor and the marginalised have to miss meal. The Government has practically no road map to address this serious issue which has become almost a recurring feature. The mess in the management of economy particularly the food economy is happening when an “eminent economist” is the Prime Minister for the last 8 years. The rise of more than Rs.7 is the highest rise ever in one stroke as far as petrol is concern. This was the most cruel birthday gift of the UPA to the common man on its third anniversary.
CORRUPTION REMAINS THE DEFINING FEATURE OF UPA GOVERNMENT
The BJP for sometime has resolved in its previous National Executive Meetings that Dr. Manmohan Singh presides over the most corrupt union Government since independence. There does not appear to be any reason to change this perception. On the contrary every passing day only confirms this impression. Committing corruption and protecting the corrupt with impunity is the hall mark of its governance. Even here the standards are different for the involvement of allies and for those who belong to the Congress party. The present Home Minister P. Chidambaram who was the Finance Minister when 2G scam happened, which remains the worst case of political corruption since independence; has a lot to explain about his own role which needs to be investigated fairly. Yet he continues to enjoy the infinite trust of the Prime Minister. Now serious questions are being raised about a highly doubtful Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) clearance being granted over the alleged involvement of Mr. Chidambaram family member in the Aircel-Maxis deal through a web of holding companies. This deal itself is being investigated by the CBI including the role of the then telecom minister Mr. Maran.
In the Adarsh scam the names of various congress Chief Ministers of Maharashtra is emerging with alarming regularity yet many of them continue in office in the Union Government. In the notorious CWG scam the Delhi Chief Minister Smt. Sheela Dixit continues to get all the protection in spite of serious scrutiny and adverse comments about her role in the Shunglu Committee Report commissioned by the Prime Minister himself. The recent CAG report has termed the Antrix-Devas deal as a “classic instance of failure of governance structure” and has observed that the former ISRO Chief and other official ignored the interest of the Government and favoured the private company Devas. The Ministry of Space works directly under the Prime Minister, yet this happened. The CAG has found stinking corruption in the purchase of Aircraft for the Air India. The issue of fertiliser subsidy is also surrounded in serious corruption. Each passing day a new scam or scandal comes out of the cupboard. There is massive corruption in the allocation of coal blocks which has also been adversely commented by the CAG. The CAG has further pointed out severe irregularities and corruption in the privatisation of Delhi airport.
The Government lacks the political will to execute an effective and well meaning time bound program to unearth black money and share with the people of the country the details of accounts holder abroad who continue to enjoy the profit of their crime. The Government knows that revealing the names of account holder will only cause embarrassment to it. The white paper on black money tabled in the Parliament is more of a white wash with no clear roadmap. The report confirms surprisingly that estimate of Indian accounts held with Swiss bank is down 60% between 2006 and 2010. From Rs. 23,273 Cr. it came down to Rs. 9295 Cr. in 2010. Though even this figure is grossly underestimated yet it confirms the flight of illegal money stashed in Swiss Banks started when the issue was raised in a big way by the BJP form 2008 onwards. The BJP notes with serious concern the series of corruption in various deals for purchases meant for the armed forced. The supply of Tatra Trucks for the army has raised a whole set of disturbing question about corruption and unfair practice.
It needs to be highlighted that Congress in not serious in the fight against corruption. All the declarations made by the Prime Minister and UPA Chairperson Smt. Sonia Gandhi sound hollow and ironical. But for a very assertive campaign notably by the BJP, a vigilant media and court monitoring no action would have been taken in any of the scams. The Congress has a very shameless record of abusing its authority to cover up the misdeeds of those who commit the worst sins of corruption.
RECENT ELECTION RESULTS
Since the last meeting of the National Executive election have been held in many states. In Punjab the Akali Dal, BJP combine achieved an extra ordinary feat of being the first ever incumbent Government to be re-elected in the last 40 years. Obviously people reposed their trust in the good work done by the Akali-BJP Government. The tie between these two parties is itself more than 40 years old. The outstanding victory of the BJP in Goa is unique. Majority of average voters including large number of Christian’s voters too, saw the BJP as the only hope of change and redemption in the wake of corruption and misrule of the Congress led Government there. Large numbers of candidates of the minority community have also won on the BJP ticket demolishing the canard that BJP is anti minority. They fully appreciated that BJP stands for justice to all and appeasement of none. In the state of Uttrakhand we missed the mark by just one seat. We do appreciate the hard work done by the leaders and the workers but there are lessons to be learnt. In Uttar Pradesh the election results were not to our satisfaction. In spite of very effective campaign and hard work of the cadre, we could not measure up to the expectation of the people there. We need to seriously introspect, take course correction and mobilize and energise the cadre and supporters of the party. BJP has enjoyed enormous goodwill and support of the people of the state of Uttar Pradesh in the past and we need to re-claim that. In the state of Manipur the hard work of the party has not been suitably rewarded yet we will make consistent efforts to increase our support base there.
The Congress has suffered serious reverses not only in the Vidhan Sabha election but severely punished by the voters in the municipal corporation election held in Mumbai, Delhi and Bangluru. This demonstrates the anger of the people against the gross misrule and corruption of the UPA Government.
CONSISTENT VIOLATION OF THE FEDERAL STRUCTURE
In spite of repeated concerns expressed, the UPA continues to encroach upon the federal principles in order to curb the power of state Governments. This continues unabated in spite of opposition including by the allies of UPA. The recent example of the unilateral, non-consultative approach of the Union Government in designing and executing the security superstructure including the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), recent amendments to the Railway Protection Force (RPF) Act and BSF Act are all designed to create a wide rift of mistrust and suspicion between the centre and states. Internal security of the nation cannot be viewed in isolation. There is no disconnect between the management of national security and respect for federal principles. States Governments have an equal stake and responsibility in this regard.
Many other examples like discrimination in the allocation of central funds and resources, distribution of coal blocks to serve the power needs of the states and with holding of many Bills passed by states legislatures still continue raising serious concerns. It is legitimate to draw an inference that respect for federal principles is not a part of the DNA of the Congress.
THREAT OF TERRORISM AND NAXAL VIOLENCE
This meeting of the BJP National Executive is being held in Mumbai and we need to highlight with regret that the main conspirators and planners of the Mumbai terrorist attack of 2008 have still not been brought to justice. They enjoy safe sanctuary in Pakistan because of the patronage they enjoy from the elements of the ruling establishment and the armed forces in Pakistan. In spite of dozens of dossiers being furnished by the Government of India to Pakistan there is inaction. The BJP firmly believes that normalcy in relationship with Pakistan is not possible unless it takes firm and decisive action against terrorist elements operating from there against India. India needs to maintain strong vigil and firm action in the fight against terror. There must be zero tolerance and compromise against this challenge because not only the security and integrity but even the sovereignty of the country is involved.
Off late Maoist violence has become very serious and challenging. The entire country needs to be very vigilant against this menace and there must be complete co-ordination between the central and state Government against this challenge. While the problem of poverty must be addressed but we need to recognize that maoist basically want to overthrow Parliamentary Democracy through violent means and capture political power. Therefore they kill and kidnap innocent people with brute force. This indeed is the biggest challenge. We note with deep appreciation the firms stand of Chhattisgarh Chief Minister that even if the Chief Minister is kidnapped there is no need to bend before their unreasonable demands.
CONDITIONS OF MINORITY IN PAKISTAN AND THE PLIGHT OF REFUGEES
The condition of minorities in Pakistan particularly the Hindus has become very precarious in Pakistan. We hear about frequent incidents of young Hindu girls being subjected to forcible conversion after being kidnapped and married against their will. Not only the police but even the judiciary is not able to give them justice in many cases. Many Hindu professional and businessman in different parts of Pakistan have been killed. Not only the Hindus but even Christians in many instances live in perpetual fear. Even their places of worship are under constant attack. The Human Right bodies have in their various reports highlighted their plight in graphic detail. We urge and demand from the Government of India to take all firm diplomatic measures with Pakistan and exercise other related steps to ensure security to these minorities in Pakistan.
The plight of Hindu refugees both from Pakistan and the Pak occupied Kashmir remains an area of deep concern. They were forcibly driven out of their homes after being subjected to vicious discrimination, religious persecution & gross violation of their human rights as well as cultural rights. Many of them have taken refuge in Jammu,Delhi & some other parts of the country. The Government of India must take all measures to address their grievances so that they can live with dignity and self respect in India. They are entitled to all protections under the various international treaty and obligations relating to refugees and cultural and human rights.
DECLINE OF INSTITUTION
The UPA Government has lurched from controversy to controversy and in the process has also created conditions for the decline of institutions. It not only clashed with Civil Society which was seeking its accountability for corruption but there has been frequent face of with the CAG and the Election Commission which apprehended interference in its autonomous functioning. We are proud of the professionalism and heroic deeds of our armed forces who secure us and they in accordance with our constitutional and political ethos work under civilian control. Off late there has been many instances of tense Government-Army relationship which could have been avoided with sound state craft and statesmanship. The BJP stands committed for an effective Lokpal with adequate powers in the fight against corruption and there should be no delay in this regard.
CONCLUSION
The UPA has made a mess of governance in the country. The people feel miserable because of corruption, indecision, inflation and profound sense of despair. They look up to the BJP. It is our duty to rise to the occasion measure up to the expectation and assure the people of the country that the BJP indeed in the instrument which will redeem India.
Smt. Sonia Gandhi on the occasion of three years of UPA rule severely criticized the opposition mainly the BJP for their comments about the Government terming it as aggressive and irresponsible. It is not only unfortunate, regrettable but also condemnable. If common man feels cheated and victimized, If farmers are committing suicide, If industrial production is down, if unemployment is rising and there is rampant corruption which keeps on manifesting with alarming regularity, If there is overpowering gloom and despair because of rank misrule and mal-governance of the Congress led UPA, then BJP has a duty towards the suffering people of the country to articulate their concern and it will continue to do so with determination.
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