The U.S. President Mr. Barrack Hussain Obama concluded a successful visit of India. During his visit, the media did not extend him the welcome as when former American Presidents Bill Clinton and George Bush came to India. When Mr. Bush, unpopular even in America due to his decision to attack Afghanistan and Iraq, visited India the media was all praise for him.
The media, especially the electronic media, criticized Obama over his stand regarding Pakistan. Mr. Obama stayed in the Hotel Taj, the prime target by the terrorists during the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack. He showed sympathy for the victims and ensured that the culprits will have to meet the consequences, but he abstained from giving any reference to David Coleman Headely, a Pakistani origin FBI agent who is alleged to be the prime accused in the attack. He did not mention the role of LeT, allegedly supported by Pakistan, in the attack.
Instead Obama maintained that Pakistani government was fighting terrorism and that a stable, prosperous and peaceful Pakistan was not only in the interest of India but also its need. It duly angered our political leaders and Prime Minister declared before him that India cannot negotiate with Pakistan until the latter stops terrorism.
India is a powerful country. Even Americans have done 10 billion worth commercial agreement with it. India is now at a stage where it should not expect too much from others.
Though media is supposed to criticize the government policies, it is playing merely a representative of the management. Recently, there was a campaign against Common Wealth Game administration and it seemed that they would be a failure. But CWG did take place but there was not mention in the media of Sheila Dikshit, the CM of Delhi, and her success.
According to the famous political commentator Zafar Aagha, Media is influenced by the Hindutva ideology. The BJP favours America’s Republican Party in the same way our media does not approve of Obama from the Democratic Party. The statement of Obama regarding Pakistan has been taken as only pretence to criticize him, believes Aagha.
“From most of the debates on the TV channels, it seemed as if Obama instead of being the president of United States is the president of Pakistan and he has come only to discuss Indo-Pak issues. Some anchors complain why he did not declare Pakistan a ‘terrorist state’. Some politicians are sad as Obama did not abuse Lashkar-e-Taiba,” he wrote.
Perhaps the opinion maker journalists expected Obama to include Pakistan in the list of terrorist states and hence snap all diplomatic relations.
We are an emerging economy of the world. If the attitude of the media does not change with this changing reality, then it does no good to the cause of making Indians proud of their country.
Monday, December 20, 2010
Letters To The Editor
Media Irresponsible In Reporting!
Respected Sir, It is unfortunate that sensationalization has become a necessary part of our media. The media does it only for increasing TRP. I agree that sensationalization helps the terrorists accomplish their goal of frightening people “Sensationalization Helps Terrorists” (Media Scan, November). The sometimes’ buzz in the media about any feared terror attack turns out to be based on shaky ground of media’s trick to provide the audience with any story of interest. Media must be careful in reporting of any untoward incident or it will keep people in unnecessary fear. Muhammad Taqi, A.P.
Haj Subsidy Must Be Scrapped
Sir, This is with reference to the article “Muslims Need No Haj Subsidy” (Media Scan, November). To me, Haj Subsidy is yet another means misused by the government for garnering Muslim vote bank. In practical, this subsidy does not reduce the financial burden form the pilgrims to Makkah. The Hajis going through Haj Committee Of India, the beneficiaries of Haj subsidy, and those going from private tour operators have to spend almost the same amount for their pilgrimage. Haj is obligatory only on Muslims who have the ability to make a travel to Makkah on their own hence they do not need any assistance from any agency. Merajul Qamar, Mumbai
Muslims Should Avail Of Haj Subsidy
Respected Editor, I am surprised why some Muslims are talking about scrapping the Haj subsidy. It is a fare concession the government provides to Muslim Hajis. As per the Shri’ah it is allowed. So, there is no reason that Muslims do not benefit from what the Indian government is giving them from subsidy and which is also permissible islamically. I strongly oppose the communal elements who demand from the government for stopping the subsidy. Haj subsidy is not the only one that the government offers in the name of religion rather there are many religious tours of Hindus being subsidized by the government of cosmopolitan India.
Sanjeeda Khatoon, Ghazipur, UP
Babri Masjid Verdict
Sir, I am thankful to Media Scan for publishing a special report pertaining to the Allahabad High Court verdict in the Babri Masjid title suit case. The report brings forth different aspects of the decision. I think the verdict is historic one. It must be acceptable to each of the three parties in the case. What is the wrong if there exist both a Masjid and a Temple side by side? Instead of wasting our time in religious disputes we should strive for going ahead in education and technology. We are living in the 21st century. It does not suit us to dwell upon the practices of the medieval ages. Mahesh Kumar, via email
Minorities Had Trust In Judiciary
Respected Sir, It was not expected from the judiciary of India. The minorities in India had already lost faith in the government. They saw the judiciary as the last hope for justice. Alas! The court, too, failed to provide them with justice “Babri Masjid Verdict: Demolition Of People’s Faith In Judiciary” (Media Scan, November Issue). It was not an astha rather it was reality that the Babri Masjid site was of Muslims; the largest minority of India. But, the Allahabad High Court ignored this fact and decreed that Masjid should be allotted to Hindus. The reason the court gave is ridiculous: so is the faith of Hindus. Muslims also believe that the whole earth is Masjid. Will the court give all the Hindu temples to Muslims? Muhammad Azhar Qasmi, Malegaon
Injustice Breeds Terrorism
Sir, This is with reference to the Editorial of Media Scan November issue. The feeling of being deprived of justice created among Muslims in the wake of the Babri Masjid title suit verdict is dangerous. The reports reveal that the demolition of Babri Masjid led to the formation of many terrorist organizations that aim at avenging of the desecration the Hindu fundamentalists did by demolishing the centuries old Masjid in Ayodhya. “Injustice” features among the main reasons behind emanation of terrorism. The government must ensure justice for Muslims in the Babri Masjid case, or the possibility of them being lured in terror activities by destructive elements cannot be negated. Waseeq Ahmad, Bihar
Government Always Ignores Poor
Sir, The prospective decision of the government to allow FDI in the multi-brand retail should not come as surprise “FDI In Retail Sector: A Bane For The Poor” (MS, November). In the guise of development the government has been formulating pro-rich schemes on the cost of the poor. The organized retail itself has put the sustenance of the small town and village based shop keepers on stake. At a time when the government plans to make access to quality products an easy process it should not forget that the same is making the life of millions of villagers difficult to live. Abdullah, Gujarat
Respected Sir, It is unfortunate that sensationalization has become a necessary part of our media. The media does it only for increasing TRP. I agree that sensationalization helps the terrorists accomplish their goal of frightening people “Sensationalization Helps Terrorists” (Media Scan, November). The sometimes’ buzz in the media about any feared terror attack turns out to be based on shaky ground of media’s trick to provide the audience with any story of interest. Media must be careful in reporting of any untoward incident or it will keep people in unnecessary fear. Muhammad Taqi, A.P.
Haj Subsidy Must Be Scrapped
Sir, This is with reference to the article “Muslims Need No Haj Subsidy” (Media Scan, November). To me, Haj Subsidy is yet another means misused by the government for garnering Muslim vote bank. In practical, this subsidy does not reduce the financial burden form the pilgrims to Makkah. The Hajis going through Haj Committee Of India, the beneficiaries of Haj subsidy, and those going from private tour operators have to spend almost the same amount for their pilgrimage. Haj is obligatory only on Muslims who have the ability to make a travel to Makkah on their own hence they do not need any assistance from any agency. Merajul Qamar, Mumbai
Muslims Should Avail Of Haj Subsidy
Respected Editor, I am surprised why some Muslims are talking about scrapping the Haj subsidy. It is a fare concession the government provides to Muslim Hajis. As per the Shri’ah it is allowed. So, there is no reason that Muslims do not benefit from what the Indian government is giving them from subsidy and which is also permissible islamically. I strongly oppose the communal elements who demand from the government for stopping the subsidy. Haj subsidy is not the only one that the government offers in the name of religion rather there are many religious tours of Hindus being subsidized by the government of cosmopolitan India.
Sanjeeda Khatoon, Ghazipur, UP
Babri Masjid Verdict
Sir, I am thankful to Media Scan for publishing a special report pertaining to the Allahabad High Court verdict in the Babri Masjid title suit case. The report brings forth different aspects of the decision. I think the verdict is historic one. It must be acceptable to each of the three parties in the case. What is the wrong if there exist both a Masjid and a Temple side by side? Instead of wasting our time in religious disputes we should strive for going ahead in education and technology. We are living in the 21st century. It does not suit us to dwell upon the practices of the medieval ages. Mahesh Kumar, via email
Minorities Had Trust In Judiciary
Respected Sir, It was not expected from the judiciary of India. The minorities in India had already lost faith in the government. They saw the judiciary as the last hope for justice. Alas! The court, too, failed to provide them with justice “Babri Masjid Verdict: Demolition Of People’s Faith In Judiciary” (Media Scan, November Issue). It was not an astha rather it was reality that the Babri Masjid site was of Muslims; the largest minority of India. But, the Allahabad High Court ignored this fact and decreed that Masjid should be allotted to Hindus. The reason the court gave is ridiculous: so is the faith of Hindus. Muslims also believe that the whole earth is Masjid. Will the court give all the Hindu temples to Muslims? Muhammad Azhar Qasmi, Malegaon
Injustice Breeds Terrorism
Sir, This is with reference to the Editorial of Media Scan November issue. The feeling of being deprived of justice created among Muslims in the wake of the Babri Masjid title suit verdict is dangerous. The reports reveal that the demolition of Babri Masjid led to the formation of many terrorist organizations that aim at avenging of the desecration the Hindu fundamentalists did by demolishing the centuries old Masjid in Ayodhya. “Injustice” features among the main reasons behind emanation of terrorism. The government must ensure justice for Muslims in the Babri Masjid case, or the possibility of them being lured in terror activities by destructive elements cannot be negated. Waseeq Ahmad, Bihar
Government Always Ignores Poor
Sir, The prospective decision of the government to allow FDI in the multi-brand retail should not come as surprise “FDI In Retail Sector: A Bane For The Poor” (MS, November). In the guise of development the government has been formulating pro-rich schemes on the cost of the poor. The organized retail itself has put the sustenance of the small town and village based shop keepers on stake. At a time when the government plans to make access to quality products an easy process it should not forget that the same is making the life of millions of villagers difficult to live. Abdullah, Gujarat
RSS Seeking An Alternative To BJP?
It seems as if RSS is fed up with its political branch BJP and therefore has started to carry out the activities that originally should be done by the political party.
The efforts of the RSS, which claims to be the monopolist in representing all the Hindus, met a strong shock. Now, the Mungerilal’s dream of the Sangh, to lead all us Hindus, has smashed and RSS is seen as an important sponsor of terrorism. Sangh elders of Nagpur are in edgy disposition. Usually, it is BJP and VHP which the RSS has in the frontline when it is a political case. Changing this trend, the RSS has made up mind to itself venture in the field. The RSS chairman Mr. Mohan Bhagwat has appealed to the Lucknow people to stage a demonstration against the central government of Dr. Manmohan Singh. Recently, the investigations revealed the undeniable association of RSS with terrorism. The allegations of Bhagva terrorism have terrorised RSS. It is for the first time the RSS has decided to come to the roads against the Congress government in the Centre. RSS sees the tag of terrorism over it as an effort to defame the outfit and puncture its dream of attaining monopoly over the Hindu society. Going by history it becomes explicit that the establishment of RSS itself was for nothing but to break the unity of Indians resulted by Gandhiji’s movement in 1920. The then dream of the RSS to become the only leader of all the Hindus has proven a dream too good to come true.
The power the Indians started to have in the wake of the Gandhiji’s movement in 1920 terrified the British imperialists. They exerted efforts for cultural intervention. Former revolutionist V. D. Savarkar, who was among the fresh enrolees in the army faithful to the British, wrote his book “Hindutva: Who Is A Hindu” in 1923-1924. The book was planned to be used as a weapon to fulfil the common man’s political wishes. This was the time when RSS was founded. The RSS, the purposes of which are told to include the most important aim of fighting against the slavery of the previous one thousand years. In the leadership of Gandhiji the whole India was uniting against the British. This effort was meant to divert the attention of Indians and prepare them against Muslims. This would have benefitted the English; the swords of Indians pulled against the English would search for Muslim rulers who predated the British. Thus the English ruled without any resistance. The principle of cultural nationalism is found in this book of Savarkar. Mahatma Gandhi was not unaware of the efforts of the British to divide the Indians through Hindu Mahasabha of Savarkar and RSS. Perhaps, it was therefore that he added the agenda of social reforms to his movement. But the British government succeeded to polarize the Hindu-Muslim unity by politics of riots.
In 1927, the RSS created riots in Nagpur. Later this model was repeated in the rest of the country. Consequently, the English dispersed the unity of common Indians, with the help of its friends. Now, the identification of the RSS is as the supporter of terrorism.
A big leader of RSS Indresh Kumar will be prosecuted on accusation of being involved in Ajmer bomb blasts conspiracy. Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur and the gang accused in the Malegaon blasts will face trial under MCOCA. This gang was unveiled by the former Maharashtra ATS chief Hemant Karkare. The arrests of the terrorists from the Hindutva organizations by Karkare perturbed the RSS and the elements associated to it. The Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi was anxious and became an active campaigner of Karkare’s suspension. The Sanghis in the rest of the country were not in any different condition. But the destiny has written otherwise and Hemant Karkare was killed by his foes in the infamous Mumbai terror attack. With the death of Karkare, the Hindutva terrorists breathed a sigh of relief. Or from the pace of Karkare’s work it seemed he would very soon expose the terrorism of Hindutva organizations.
The RSS has complained that the BJP remained a mere spectator while it was being labelled as a terror outfit. Rather, the RSS says, the party let the theory get strength and did not try to check it at political level. So, the RSS has decided to involve publically in the politics of dharna and agitation. Now it appears RSS has made up mind to marginalize BJP. It complains that the UPA government has almost succeeded to propagate the Sanghi Terrorism Brand and the BJP is not taking any political action in this regard. Now, the angry Sanghi leadership will be in the field.
Since 1980, it was BJP that held the responsibility to fight political battle on behalf of RSS. But, in 1984 when the party reached almost zero the Vishwa Hindu Parishad was taken forward for this purpose. Unfortunately for RSS, there too, it had to face failure because the VHP leaders turned out to be more irresponsible than the BJP leaders.
The leaders of RSS terrorism cell are arrested one by one. The BJP is not taking any action. RSS called a dharna on November 10 but it was a total flop. The organization that has its subordinate outfits solve political problems, if it ventures in the field by itself it indicates to any great topsy-turvy in Sanghi politics.
In 2004, BJP was removed from the centre and since then there have been talks of political differences in the party. BJP is an established political organization but its president is elected in Nagpur where a fashion of accepting any one as a leader does not exist.
But, when Nitin Gadkari was made president, the leaders in Delhi did not let him get the status that suits a national president of any party. When Gadkari appointed Arjun Munda as Jharkhand CM, the Delhi party leaders had this step ridiculed by their media men.
The Advani group leaders, with the help of their Congress colleagues in the Central government tried to prove Sudhanshu Mittal—very close to Gadkari—is more corrupt than Suresh Kalmadi as regards Common Wealth Games corruption. They succeeded to an extent. Successful efforts were made to also trap the Nagpur businessman Sancheti associated with RSS in Mumbai’s Adarsh Housing scam. If Congress propagated that the flat of Sancheta’s driver was that of Gadkari, it is believed that strong BJP leaders in Delhi were behind this plot.
Today, the situation is that close associates of RSS have been trapped in cases of Sanghi Terrorism or economic corruption. All this operation was done by the Delhi leaders of Advani group with co-operation from their friends in the Congress. Technically, they cannot be held responsible for that. Such situation leads to confusion. RSS is unnerved due to the BJP leaders of Delhi and by marginalizing them it wants to fight its battle by its own. Consequently, Nagpur has lost trust in the RSS political branch the BJP. Now, RSS is in mood to establish any new political power to cherish its dream of Hindu Rashtra!
By: Shesh Narayan Singh
sheshji@gmail.com
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