Tuesday, May 15, 2012
How to save the BJP from the BJP.
Well, it's not all that difficult. All it takes is one deft move to revive the sagging fortunes of the BJP. For more details, go here.
Thursday, April 5, 2012
Why Team Anna should start a political party.
"A social movement without a political front is like a fertile land sans the crops. For it to be productive the movement needs to be harnessed and the cause harvested. Else, frustration will bloom like a thousand cacti and the Jan Lok Pal Bill will remain a barren document."
For more of my thoughts, check out my piece in Indiatimes.
For more of my thoughts, check out my piece in Indiatimes.
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
How Rahul Can Still Turn It Around.
In a few days, Rahul G will face a seminal moment. He will have to face the media heat for the immodest defeat in Uttar Pradesh. The fawning press will want the princeling to say a few words. Instead of issuing yet another bland statement, it will be wonderful if the Real Rahul stands up without the crutches of preordained power and bares his soul to the nation with his very own voice. It’ll indeed raise eyebrows, turn heads, stop the traffic and win him new friends if he delivers the quintessence of the fantasy speech that follows…
“I know a lot of you are watching me, hearing me and judging me, only because I am Rahul Gandhi. I am not sure how many of you will ever grant me even a split second of your precious time, if I were just another Rahul. And not a Gandhi. Such is the power of the surname that I bear.
For four decades, my family members have generously benefited from the Gandhi legacy. We’ve had 8 Members of Parliament, 2 Prime Ministers and have been blessed with unconditional love, respect, adulation and the creamiest of posts from the Congress Party.
Our critics see us as a self-perpetuating dynasty that lords over this magnificent country by virtue of the borrowed glory that comes with the halo of a Gandhi.
While I beg to disagree with this harsh view, it is blindingly clear to all who can see that a goofy guy like me who made it to St. Stephen’s on sports quota, a political novice who was offered Amethi on a silver platter, and a Member of Parliament with zero administrative experience is literally being handed over the keys to drive India in a new direction.
The point I am making is: if you really look at it honestly, I am where I am not out of merit. But due to a genetic accident. The accident of being born as a Gandhi.
So I have three questions for myself: Do I really deserve your respect? Am I worthy of leading a democracy without ever proving my skills? Is it okay for a man to be the captain of India without ever playing a single test match?
I think the answer is a resounding NO. Because I don’t know enough about the intricacies of foreign policy, national security and fiscal management. I don’t know enough about the devastating pain of poverty. I don’t know enough about the simmering rage of the unemployed. I don’t know enough about the angst of the farmer who has nothing but mountains of debt to look forward to. I don’t know enough about the cultural alienation of our brothers and sisters in the North East. I don’t know enough about governing a state, city or for that matter, even a municipal ward.
Yes, my friends, the bitter truth is: I don’t know enough. The more I think about it, the only thing I seem to know is: I am a Gandhi. So I am entitled to rule.
I think, THIS SOCH IS WRONG. I don’t think its right for me to aspire for the highest seat of governance, just because I happen to be a Gandhi.
If at all I head a government, it should be on my own merit and track record. So for all of you who’ve been kind enough to listen to my words, I have a few announcements to make.
From today, I, on my own volition, renounce the GANDHI name. From today, I wish to be called just: ‘Rahul’.
Before this is labelled as ‘Rahul’s latest drama’, let me affirm that I am pretty serious. I repeat: NO MORE RAHUL GANDHI. JUST CALL ME RAHUL.
I am willingly letting go of the crown of thorns that my dear family has been saddled with, for years. I am willingly setting myself free from the burden of expectations placed on me by my dear supporters. I am willingly resigning as the Member of Parliament of Amethi. I am willingly stepping down as the General Secretary of the Indian National Congress.
I know my actions will cause tremendous political turmoil. But let me nip the crisis in the bud by stating unequivocally that I am not running away from politics. I am going to be very much a soldier of the Congress army. I am going to work my way up just like every good old party worker.
And how am I planning to do this? I am going to start all over again from scratch. Just like I spent a year or more in Uttar Pradesh, I am going to give it my all to revive Congress in states that need us badly. I am going to contest the next election as an MLA from one of the toughest states to govern - Chhattisgarh. My aim will be to win the Chhattisgarh elections and help my party form a government there. If they happen to elect me as Chief Minister, I would push the limits of my limitations to turn one of the most backward states of India into a state of happiness in 5 years.
If I deliver, I would not hesitate to get back to national politics. If I deliver, I can look you in the eye and say these very words, and you would believe me. If I deliver, I hope my critics will have the grace to concede that I am not that bad after all. If I deliver, many more young people will be encouraged and emboldened to give up the comfort of their family name and make a name for themselves.
That I think will be my sweetest victory. A victory far greater than winning a family lottery and bagging the prime ministership as the jackpot. That’s all I wish to say. Thanks for everything. See you in 5 years."
“I know a lot of you are watching me, hearing me and judging me, only because I am Rahul Gandhi. I am not sure how many of you will ever grant me even a split second of your precious time, if I were just another Rahul. And not a Gandhi. Such is the power of the surname that I bear.
For four decades, my family members have generously benefited from the Gandhi legacy. We’ve had 8 Members of Parliament, 2 Prime Ministers and have been blessed with unconditional love, respect, adulation and the creamiest of posts from the Congress Party.
Our critics see us as a self-perpetuating dynasty that lords over this magnificent country by virtue of the borrowed glory that comes with the halo of a Gandhi.
While I beg to disagree with this harsh view, it is blindingly clear to all who can see that a goofy guy like me who made it to St. Stephen’s on sports quota, a political novice who was offered Amethi on a silver platter, and a Member of Parliament with zero administrative experience is literally being handed over the keys to drive India in a new direction.
The point I am making is: if you really look at it honestly, I am where I am not out of merit. But due to a genetic accident. The accident of being born as a Gandhi.
So I have three questions for myself: Do I really deserve your respect? Am I worthy of leading a democracy without ever proving my skills? Is it okay for a man to be the captain of India without ever playing a single test match?
I think the answer is a resounding NO. Because I don’t know enough about the intricacies of foreign policy, national security and fiscal management. I don’t know enough about the devastating pain of poverty. I don’t know enough about the simmering rage of the unemployed. I don’t know enough about the angst of the farmer who has nothing but mountains of debt to look forward to. I don’t know enough about the cultural alienation of our brothers and sisters in the North East. I don’t know enough about governing a state, city or for that matter, even a municipal ward.
Yes, my friends, the bitter truth is: I don’t know enough. The more I think about it, the only thing I seem to know is: I am a Gandhi. So I am entitled to rule.
I think, THIS SOCH IS WRONG. I don’t think its right for me to aspire for the highest seat of governance, just because I happen to be a Gandhi.
If at all I head a government, it should be on my own merit and track record. So for all of you who’ve been kind enough to listen to my words, I have a few announcements to make.
From today, I, on my own volition, renounce the GANDHI name. From today, I wish to be called just: ‘Rahul’.
Before this is labelled as ‘Rahul’s latest drama’, let me affirm that I am pretty serious. I repeat: NO MORE RAHUL GANDHI. JUST CALL ME RAHUL.
I am willingly letting go of the crown of thorns that my dear family has been saddled with, for years. I am willingly setting myself free from the burden of expectations placed on me by my dear supporters. I am willingly resigning as the Member of Parliament of Amethi. I am willingly stepping down as the General Secretary of the Indian National Congress.
I know my actions will cause tremendous political turmoil. But let me nip the crisis in the bud by stating unequivocally that I am not running away from politics. I am going to be very much a soldier of the Congress army. I am going to work my way up just like every good old party worker.
And how am I planning to do this? I am going to start all over again from scratch. Just like I spent a year or more in Uttar Pradesh, I am going to give it my all to revive Congress in states that need us badly. I am going to contest the next election as an MLA from one of the toughest states to govern - Chhattisgarh. My aim will be to win the Chhattisgarh elections and help my party form a government there. If they happen to elect me as Chief Minister, I would push the limits of my limitations to turn one of the most backward states of India into a state of happiness in 5 years.
If I deliver, I would not hesitate to get back to national politics. If I deliver, I can look you in the eye and say these very words, and you would believe me. If I deliver, I hope my critics will have the grace to concede that I am not that bad after all. If I deliver, many more young people will be encouraged and emboldened to give up the comfort of their family name and make a name for themselves.
That I think will be my sweetest victory. A victory far greater than winning a family lottery and bagging the prime ministership as the jackpot. That’s all I wish to say. Thanks for everything. See you in 5 years."
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Introducing Name Theories Blog
A name is a cryptic cultural clue with the potential to solve many civilizational puzzles. A lot of work has been done by linguists and etymologists in this field. Considerable ground has been covered. I am of the view that most of the decoding that has been done is fairly literal. Which is perhaps why the same old 'where did we come from?' question has remained unanswered to this date. I intend to contribute my two cents to this discussion through my new blog NAME THEORIES. The findings of the blog may seem like quackery to the cynic. To the open minded, it's one small step in the journey to unravel the truth.
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Sunday, March 6, 2011
The Mayan Tamil/Sanskrit Connection
I am pretty much surprised that no one seems to be seriously researching the connection between Ancient India and the Mayan/Inca Civilization. The evidence seems pretty clear to anyone who knows a bit of Tamil & Sanskrit. Here are the similarities that I have compiled...
GUATEMALA = Could have been derived from GAUTAM MALAI. Malai is hill in Tamil. And Gautam means the finest cows in Sanskrit.
PAMPAS = The PAMBA river in Kerala. Is this related to Pampas considering tamilians mix up 'pa' for 'ba'.
AZTECS = Derived from AZTECATL. Does it owe its origins to ASHTA KADAL (Tamil for 8 seas) or 8 sea tribes?
CHONTAL TRIBE = Is Chontal the same as the SANTHAL tribe in India?
CHOL MAYA = Are they related to the CHOLAS of Tamil Nadu?
MEXICO = Derived from Meshika (mesha lagnam in tamil is aries) or the ram country?
XOLOITZCUINTLI = Is it derived from the tamil term Solai Chundeli (Garden tiny rat)?
I'll be adding more etymologies, in the coming weeks...
GUATEMALA = Could have been derived from GAUTAM MALAI. Malai is hill in Tamil. And Gautam means the finest cows in Sanskrit.
PAMPAS = The PAMBA river in Kerala. Is this related to Pampas considering tamilians mix up 'pa' for 'ba'.
AZTECS = Derived from AZTECATL. Does it owe its origins to ASHTA KADAL (Tamil for 8 seas) or 8 sea tribes?
CHONTAL TRIBE = Is Chontal the same as the SANTHAL tribe in India?
CHOL MAYA = Are they related to the CHOLAS of Tamil Nadu?
MEXICO = Derived from Meshika (mesha lagnam in tamil is aries) or the ram country?
XOLOITZCUINTLI = Is it derived from the tamil term Solai Chundeli (Garden tiny rat)?
I'll be adding more etymologies, in the coming weeks...
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Monday, January 3, 2011
Monday, November 22, 2010
Hot Kama Sutra ads give media the cold feet
Can you believe it? The prudes in the Indian media have refused to carry these Kama Sutra ads - citing them as 'too hot to handle'. I don't understand the fuss. To me, the ads seem aesthetically shot and nothing bordering on vulgar. Check it out for yourself.
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Introducing Stayzilla
In a vast country like India, hotel booking is a specialist task. And it cannot be left in the hands of generalists like Make My Trip who do airline cum hotel cum bus cum whatever booking. That's where Stayzilla fits in. It's only about accomodation. And nothing else. And the best part is, they have a coverage of over 3800 hotels in nearly 450 cities. One of the reasons why I like Stayzilla is it's a Chennai-born start-up, steered by two no-nonsense guys - geek-guru Yogi & b.school grad Sachit. Watch out for these guys. Me thinks, Stayzilla has the potential to be the largest hotel booking portal in South Asia.
Friday, October 8, 2010
Introducing 136.1
I've done a lot of work for a lot of start ups. But 136.1 is one of the very few brands that leave you with that 'these-guys-are-gonna-be-big' feeling. I won't tell you why. Go find out for yourself. Visit 136point1.com for a sneak peek.
Friday, September 24, 2010
Monday, August 16, 2010
Introducing Ga, Ba, Dha & Da in Tamil
Haven't you noticed? Tamilians often refer to Padma as Bathma, Gadkari as Kathkari and Damodran as Thamotharan. That's because there is no G, B or D equivalent in the language. At least to the best of my knowledge. Ka, Pa, Tha are often used to represent Ga, Ba & Dha. There's no overt phonetic aid to clearly cue when Pa should be read as Ba, so on and so forth. I thought it's about time, we had one. The trick with introducing a new phonetic symbol is it should not upset the typography of the existing language. Keeping this in mind, I have introduced what I call, the Azhuthi Kodu or Naduazhuthi (accent line of the middle accent). Hopefully this is an elegant way of solving the problem. Or at least a starting point for tamil experts to take this to another level.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
PublicFinance.in - India's first Public Finance Portal
After 53 years of existence, India still has bad roads, electricity problems, water shortage and innumerable other civic ailments. The reason for this is sheer lack of vigilance from all of us. We just don't care enough to see how the money was spent at the municipal, state and central level. Our media just skims the surface by reporting what the government wants us to hear. This is where PublicFinance.in can be of great help. It's a noble attempt to make public, documents related to government spending. And even analyze what the normal eye wouldn't care to notice. The result of such analysis can be of immense use to the aam aadmi. One can know where every rupee is going, which municipality is functioning well, which state government is living beyond its means, which are the areas where money is being underspent...I can go on and on. The fact of the matter is, this is damn useful stuff. For journos, financial analysts and people who care. The question is: do you care enough about India? If you do, please visit the site. And learn.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Introducing ChainTherapy.org
Chain Therapy is a brand new portal that uses the power of the internet to deliver hope to those who are battling for their lives in hospitals. Learn more about this site now!
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Meet Albert Dali...
You'll hear a lot about him from January 26th...Meanwhile go figure the logo. Lucifer Labs thanks Gopi Prasannaa of 1pointsize for designing this beautiful logo.
Monday, December 7, 2009
Lucifer Awards is born...
The ad industry waits an entire year for its award shows. We at Lucifer Labs thought, isn't it time we changed the rules? So Lucifer Awards, the world's first online advertising awards show where worthy pieces are celebrated right here, right now.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Monday, November 30, 2009
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Lucifer Labs Rising Soon...
That time has arrived, people. Lucifer Labs is finally ready to roll. Art Director Raijith Ravi has given us a headstart with a neat logo. Check it out...
Friday, October 2, 2009
Are you a Wantrapreneur?
Got ideas that can change lives? Don't have the money to make them a reality? Then you must participate in the Wantrapreneur Business Plan Competition for Social Entrepreneurs. Hosted by Villgro - the incubator who's spotted a thousand ideas, Wantrapreneur is open to anyone with a plan and a prototype in the fields of Energy, Water, Dairy and Agriculture. For more details, visit this site.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Friday, July 31, 2009
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Sucesss is a magical solvent...
Success is a magical solvent. It makes sleazeballs look like saints.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Mr. Two Clever By The Half
You hike the price, offer a discount and flash that smug smile.
But can you sleep well at night?
But can you sleep well at night?
Friday, July 3, 2009
My New Blog - Tag Voyeur
Just started a new blog for those who dig taglines. Tag Voyeur shall try and bring you the men behind the one-liners that earned huge fortunes for brands.
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Play my new game Codi5
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Elections 2009: The final tally & how I fared
The election results really took me by surprise. Especially Tamil Nadu and North India. Never expected Congress to do well in the UP belt. Anyways, here's the final tally - partywise & statewise. In the brackets, is the number I had forecast.
Congress
NORTH - 53/126 (18/126)
Uttar Pradesh - 21/80 (4/80)
Uttar Khand - 5/5 (0/5)
Punjab - 8/13 (5/13)
Chandigarh - 1/1 (0/1)
Himachal - 1/4 (1/4)
Haryana - 9/10 (3/10)
Delhi - 7/7 (3/7)
J&K - 1/6 (2/6)
WEST - 63/143 (48/143)
Maharashtra - 17/48 (8/48)
Goa - 1/2 (1/2)
Daman - 0/1 (0/1)
Dadra Nagar - 0/1 (0/1)
Madhya Pradesh - 12/29 (12/29)
Chattisgarh - 1/11 (4/11)
Rajasthan - 20/25 (15/25)
Gujarat - 11/26 (8/26)
SOUTH - 62/131 (46/131)
Kerala - 13/20 (10/20)
Karnataka - 6/28 (9/28)
Tamil Nadu - 8/39 (3/39)
Pondichery - 1/1 (1/1)
Andhra - 33/42 (22/42)
Lakshadweep - 1/1 (1/1)
EAST - 27/143 (31/143)
Bihar - 2/40 (0/40)
Jharkand - 1/14 (4/14)
West Bengal - 7/42 (7/42)
Orissa - 6/21 (12/21)
Assam - 7/14 (4/14)
Arunachal - 1/2 (2/2)
Tripura - 0/2 (1/2)
Mizoram - 0/1 (1/1)
Manipur - 2/2 (1/2)
Meghalaya - 1/2 (1/2)
Nagaland - 0/1 (0/1)
Andamans - 0/1 (0/1)
Sikkim - 0/1 (0/1)
TOTAL - - 205/543 (143/543)
Conclusion: Forecast way off mark.
BJP
NORTH - 14/126 (26/126)
Uttar Pradesh - 10/80 (6/80)
Uttar Khand - 0/5 (4/5)
Punjab - 1/13 (3/13)
Chandigarh - 0/1 (1/1)
Himachal - 3/4 (3/4)
Haryana - 0/10 (3/10)
Delhi - 0/7 (4/7)
J&K - 0/6 (2/6)
WEST - 57/143 (48/143)
Maharashtra - 9/48 (18/48)
Goa - 1/2 (1/2)
Daman - 1/1 (1/1)
Dadra Nagar - 1/1 (1/1)
Madhya Pradesh - 16/29 (17/29)
Chattisgarh - 10/11 (7/11)
Rajasthan - 4/25 (9/25)
Gujarat - 15/26 (18/26)
SOUTH - 19/131 (14/131)
Kerala - 0/20 (0/20)
Karnataka - 19/28 (14/28)
Tamil Nadu - 0/39 (0/39)
Pondichery - 0/1 (0/1)
Andhra - 0/42 (0/42)
Lakshadweep - 0/1 (0/1)
EAST - 26/143 (26/143)
Bihar - 12/40 (10/40)
Jharkand - 8/14 (8/14)
West Bengal - 1/42 (0/42)
Orissa - 0/21 (6/21)
Assam - 4/14 (3/14)
Arunachal - 0/2 (1/2)
Tripura - 0/2 (0/2)
Mizoram - 0/1 (0/1)
Manipur - 0/2 (0/2)
Meghalaya - 1/2 (1/2)
Nagaland - 0/1 (0/1)
Andamans - 1/1 (1/1)
Sikkim - 0/1 (0/1)
TOTAL - - 116/543 (130/543)
Conclusion: A little off the mark.
Third Front
NORTH - 19/126 (44/126)
Uttar Pradesh - 19/80 (44/80)
Uttar Khand - 0/5 (0/5)
Punjab - 0/13 (0/13)
Chandigarh - 0/1 (0/1)
Himachal - 0/4 (0/4)
Haryana - 0/10 (0/10)
Delhi - 0/7 (0/7)
J&K - 0/6 (0/6)
WEST - 1/143 (0/143)
Maharashtra - 0/48 (18/48)
Goa - 0/2 (0/2)
Daman - 0/1 (0/1)
Dadra Nagar - 0/1 (0/1)
Madhya Pradesh - 1/29 (0/29)
Chattisgarh - 0/11 (0/11)
Rajasthan - 0/25 (0/25)
Gujarat - 0/26 (0/26)
SOUTH - 42/131 (51/131)
Kerala - 6/20 (4/20)
Karnataka - 3/28 (5/28)
Tamil Nadu - 25/39 (9/39)
Pondichery - 0/1 (0/1)
Andhra - 8/42 (14/42)
Lakshadweep - 0/1 (0/1)
EAST - 32/143 (35/143)
Bihar - 0/40 (0/40)
Jharkand - 0/14 (0/14)
West Bengal - 16/42 (28/42)
Orissa - 14/21 (6/21)
Assam - 0/14 (0/14)
Arunachal - 0/2 (0/2)
Tripura - 2/2 (1/2)
Mizoram - 0/1 (0/1)
Manipur - 0/2 (0/2)
Meghalaya - 0/2 (0/2)
Nagaland - 0/1 (0/1)
Andamans - 0/1 (0/1)
Sikkim - 0/1 (0/1)
TOTAL - - 94/543 (130/543)
Conclusion: Off mark by a distance.
Congress
NORTH - 53/126 (18/126)
Uttar Pradesh - 21/80 (4/80)
Uttar Khand - 5/5 (0/5)
Punjab - 8/13 (5/13)
Chandigarh - 1/1 (0/1)
Himachal - 1/4 (1/4)
Haryana - 9/10 (3/10)
Delhi - 7/7 (3/7)
J&K - 1/6 (2/6)
WEST - 63/143 (48/143)
Maharashtra - 17/48 (8/48)
Goa - 1/2 (1/2)
Daman - 0/1 (0/1)
Dadra Nagar - 0/1 (0/1)
Madhya Pradesh - 12/29 (12/29)
Chattisgarh - 1/11 (4/11)
Rajasthan - 20/25 (15/25)
Gujarat - 11/26 (8/26)
SOUTH - 62/131 (46/131)
Kerala - 13/20 (10/20)
Karnataka - 6/28 (9/28)
Tamil Nadu - 8/39 (3/39)
Pondichery - 1/1 (1/1)
Andhra - 33/42 (22/42)
Lakshadweep - 1/1 (1/1)
EAST - 27/143 (31/143)
Bihar - 2/40 (0/40)
Jharkand - 1/14 (4/14)
West Bengal - 7/42 (7/42)
Orissa - 6/21 (12/21)
Assam - 7/14 (4/14)
Arunachal - 1/2 (2/2)
Tripura - 0/2 (1/2)
Mizoram - 0/1 (1/1)
Manipur - 2/2 (1/2)
Meghalaya - 1/2 (1/2)
Nagaland - 0/1 (0/1)
Andamans - 0/1 (0/1)
Sikkim - 0/1 (0/1)
TOTAL - - 205/543 (143/543)
Conclusion: Forecast way off mark.
BJP
NORTH - 14/126 (26/126)
Uttar Pradesh - 10/80 (6/80)
Uttar Khand - 0/5 (4/5)
Punjab - 1/13 (3/13)
Chandigarh - 0/1 (1/1)
Himachal - 3/4 (3/4)
Haryana - 0/10 (3/10)
Delhi - 0/7 (4/7)
J&K - 0/6 (2/6)
WEST - 57/143 (48/143)
Maharashtra - 9/48 (18/48)
Goa - 1/2 (1/2)
Daman - 1/1 (1/1)
Dadra Nagar - 1/1 (1/1)
Madhya Pradesh - 16/29 (17/29)
Chattisgarh - 10/11 (7/11)
Rajasthan - 4/25 (9/25)
Gujarat - 15/26 (18/26)
SOUTH - 19/131 (14/131)
Kerala - 0/20 (0/20)
Karnataka - 19/28 (14/28)
Tamil Nadu - 0/39 (0/39)
Pondichery - 0/1 (0/1)
Andhra - 0/42 (0/42)
Lakshadweep - 0/1 (0/1)
EAST - 26/143 (26/143)
Bihar - 12/40 (10/40)
Jharkand - 8/14 (8/14)
West Bengal - 1/42 (0/42)
Orissa - 0/21 (6/21)
Assam - 4/14 (3/14)
Arunachal - 0/2 (1/2)
Tripura - 0/2 (0/2)
Mizoram - 0/1 (0/1)
Manipur - 0/2 (0/2)
Meghalaya - 1/2 (1/2)
Nagaland - 0/1 (0/1)
Andamans - 1/1 (1/1)
Sikkim - 0/1 (0/1)
TOTAL - - 116/543 (130/543)
Conclusion: A little off the mark.
Third Front
NORTH - 19/126 (44/126)
Uttar Pradesh - 19/80 (44/80)
Uttar Khand - 0/5 (0/5)
Punjab - 0/13 (0/13)
Chandigarh - 0/1 (0/1)
Himachal - 0/4 (0/4)
Haryana - 0/10 (0/10)
Delhi - 0/7 (0/7)
J&K - 0/6 (0/6)
WEST - 1/143 (0/143)
Maharashtra - 0/48 (18/48)
Goa - 0/2 (0/2)
Daman - 0/1 (0/1)
Dadra Nagar - 0/1 (0/1)
Madhya Pradesh - 1/29 (0/29)
Chattisgarh - 0/11 (0/11)
Rajasthan - 0/25 (0/25)
Gujarat - 0/26 (0/26)
SOUTH - 42/131 (51/131)
Kerala - 6/20 (4/20)
Karnataka - 3/28 (5/28)
Tamil Nadu - 25/39 (9/39)
Pondichery - 0/1 (0/1)
Andhra - 8/42 (14/42)
Lakshadweep - 0/1 (0/1)
EAST - 32/143 (35/143)
Bihar - 0/40 (0/40)
Jharkand - 0/14 (0/14)
West Bengal - 16/42 (28/42)
Orissa - 14/21 (6/21)
Assam - 0/14 (0/14)
Arunachal - 0/2 (0/2)
Tripura - 2/2 (1/2)
Mizoram - 0/1 (0/1)
Manipur - 0/2 (0/2)
Meghalaya - 0/2 (0/2)
Nagaland - 0/1 (0/1)
Andamans - 0/1 (0/1)
Sikkim - 0/1 (0/1)
TOTAL - - 94/543 (130/543)
Conclusion: Off mark by a distance.
Saturday, May 16, 2009
How to become the Prime Minister of India.
1. If you were not fortunate enough to have been born a Gandhi, don't fret. You can always marry one. The trick is to acquire the surname. And pretend you're related to Mahatmaji, Indiraji and Rajivji. Even if you don't pretend, the rural masses of India will assume you have Mohandas Karamchand's blood in your veins.
2. Once you acquire the Gandhi surname, go and buy yourself the whitest of white kurtas/pyjamas and a large Tide detergent pack to make you look spotlessly white.
3. Learn the art of walking briskly if you want to acquire the 'dynamic' tag from the fawning media.
4. Master the technique of waving your hand like a car wiper. This technique will come in handy when you greet the masses who've assembled to see You the Gandhi.
5. Whenever there is a riot/flood/drought/disaster airdash to the affected area and make sure you get photographed while you commiserate with the victims. The photo will find its way into almost all newspapers in India, as everybody loves to see the rare sight of a Gandhi in rolled-up-sleeves mode.
6. Adopt a rural constituency six months before any election. And announce your candidature right before the election. Don't make the mistake of contesting from a seat with middle class audience. Focus on one with the most number of poverty stricken families (preferably illiterate).
7. Hire a helicopter during campaigning. Even if you're unable to attract crowds with your charm, wit and speech, a helicopter might just do the trick. This crowd magnet might even lull the newspapers into thinking you are hugely popular. More such uninformed/planted articles, the more you become a household name.
8. If this doesn't get you publicity and you're not a 'real' Gandhi, then issue a provocative / controversial statement like Varun's. If the statement is suitably controversial you might become a star overnight within your target audience.
9. The entertainment starved rural India loves a star. So why not play to the gallery? More publicity also means more votes.
10. If you win the election from your rural seat, being a Gandhi, the Indian press will automatically anoint you as a prime ministerial contender. And if you're in the Congress, all the egoless leaders will unabashedly name you as their pick, to keep each other out.
So that's it. All you have to do is to become a Gandhi and wait for your turn.
2. Once you acquire the Gandhi surname, go and buy yourself the whitest of white kurtas/pyjamas and a large Tide detergent pack to make you look spotlessly white.
3. Learn the art of walking briskly if you want to acquire the 'dynamic' tag from the fawning media.
4. Master the technique of waving your hand like a car wiper. This technique will come in handy when you greet the masses who've assembled to see You the Gandhi.
5. Whenever there is a riot/flood/drought/disaster airdash to the affected area and make sure you get photographed while you commiserate with the victims. The photo will find its way into almost all newspapers in India, as everybody loves to see the rare sight of a Gandhi in rolled-up-sleeves mode.
6. Adopt a rural constituency six months before any election. And announce your candidature right before the election. Don't make the mistake of contesting from a seat with middle class audience. Focus on one with the most number of poverty stricken families (preferably illiterate).
7. Hire a helicopter during campaigning. Even if you're unable to attract crowds with your charm, wit and speech, a helicopter might just do the trick. This crowd magnet might even lull the newspapers into thinking you are hugely popular. More such uninformed/planted articles, the more you become a household name.
8. If this doesn't get you publicity and you're not a 'real' Gandhi, then issue a provocative / controversial statement like Varun's. If the statement is suitably controversial you might become a star overnight within your target audience.
9. The entertainment starved rural India loves a star. So why not play to the gallery? More publicity also means more votes.
10. If you win the election from your rural seat, being a Gandhi, the Indian press will automatically anoint you as a prime ministerial contender. And if you're in the Congress, all the egoless leaders will unabashedly name you as their pick, to keep each other out.
So that's it. All you have to do is to become a Gandhi and wait for your turn.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
2009 Elections: PM Forecast
OK, it's now very clear that we have at least 10 potential candidates for the Prime Ministership. Not all of them are worthy or deserving. But that's the charm of democracy. Ain't it? We only get what we deserve. If you want to know who stands the best chance, read on...
MANMOHAN SINGH
Unfortunately for this man, the Congress can only form a stable government, if the commies are part of the coalition jingbang. And the Karat clones share a healthy dislike for him, thanks to the nuclear deal. So chances of living in Race Course Road is quite low. But what can swing in his favour is: he is the most erudite, decent and experienced man around to steer the nation during a recession. If the Leftists suffer a loss in Kerala and do just-about-ok in West Bengal, then Manmohan might just make it as the most acceptable compromise candidate.
LK ADVANI
Pratibha Patil holds the key to Advani's fate. If she invites the UPA first, then they'll make sure, Advani will be denied his date with destiny. But if the Congress fails to massage egos, then Sindhi bhai will come into play. Everyone's aware of his deep desire to become PM. He's likely to strike deals with Mayawati, Jayalalitha and Chandrababu. Even if it means naming Mayawati as Deputy PM.
SONIA GANDHI
The lady who 'sacrificed' the post last time around has a new pliant president who won't ask searching questions, if she decides to stake a claim now. The way Sonia will play the game is to present Manmohan as her PM candidate. He will be unacceptable to the Left. Clamour will start for Pranab or Rahul as PM. Rahul will publicly decline the post (Sacrifice Episode 2). Congressman won't want Sharad Pawar as PM. Laloo, Paswan & all and sundry congressman will issue an appeal to the Sonia to bail out India in her hour of crisis. The battle-bruised leftists might agree to her name. The pro-congress press in India will urge her to take over the mantle. Priyanka will publicly announce her misgivings saying 'she worries for her mom's life'. After a lot of drama, Sonia might just give in to her secret desire to rule India. The only thing that might act as a disincentive is hard bargaining by Jayalalitha & Mayawati. Jaya will want Sonia to dismiss Karunanidhi and Maya will want all cases dropped against her. Will Ms. Maino bite the bullet?
RAHUL GANDHI
Once Manmohan gets politely declined by the left, a whisper campaign will start for annointing Young Rahul as PM. But Young Rahul will rule himself out of the equation by making a stirring 'I am not yet ready' speech. And he will milk this 'sacrifice' card during the next election.
PRANAB MUKHERJEE
He's the Narasimha Rao in waiting. He's a proven administrator. And is wilier than Sharad Pawar. Mamata will be for him. West Bengal will root for him. Leftists may not veto his name. Laloo won't mind him. Maya too, may not. But one person might fear him. That's Sonia. She will spike his name, somehow.
AK ANTONY
Genial, honest, loyal and goes by the book. When Pranab's name starts doing the rounds, 10 Janpath will float AK Antony's. Who knows, our man might just get lucky.
SHARAD PAWAR
If Sharad Pawar throws his hat in the ring, he will have 300 supporters in the new Lok Sabha. The only thing that might be a hurdle is the election results. Congress-NCP may not sweep Maharashtra. And NCP might just end up with 15 seats. No self-respecting congressman will allow Pawar to rule India with 15 seats. Especially Sonia. As a countermove, she might suggest her own name :-) When faced with such a deadlock, our man might be tempted to take the NDA support and form a government. But Pawar is never known for the daring. He will prefer to beat the system while staying in the system. So Pawar's chances are minimal.
NITISH KUMAR
Nitish will become a media darling after the elections. They will consciously project him as the new secular-development face of India. Nitish has friends across the board. The leftists are for him. Naveen Patnaik will back him. The BJP will reluctantly play second fiddle to him (if it means keeping congress out). Even Chandrababu will be okay with him. One man who might not relish this is Sharad Yadav (the NDA convenor) who might just suggest that Nitish should continue the good work in Bihar. If NDA pips UPA with more seats and if BJP emerges as the single largest party, then this scenario will come into play. Else, be prepared for Nitish as PM, 2 or 3 years from now.
PRAKASH KARAT
Leftists may not do well in Kerala. They might just suffer a few losses in West Bengal. Their overall tally is likely to be lesser this time. Given this background, even the leftists may not moot Karat for the big post.
JAYALALITHA
She might do well in Tamil Nadu. But the media may not celebrate her as much as, say a Nitish Kumar. 25 seats is what she might end up with. Will this be enough to catapult her to the gaddi? I don't think so.
MAYAWATI
Reports say, that Maya may not fare that well. Mainstream newspapers always get BSP's tally wrong. So I won't give these 'reports' much credence. If Maya bags 35 seats, she's in a good position to negotiate with the NDA & UPA. I don't see the Congress bidding goodbye to Mulayam if he gets 30 seats. Because a Mulayam is more dependable than a Maya. But LK Advani might. So you may still see her as India's second Dalit Deputy Prime Minister (Jagjivan Ram was the first).
MULAYAM SINGH YADAV
If Mulayam Singh maxes the UP election, Congress will kiss and make up with him. And the Deputy Prime Minster's post will be his.
I am not taking into account Chandrababu Naidu as he might just decide to focus on sticking to Andhra Pradesh for now.
My overall take is it might be Sonia, Manmohan, Nitish or Pawar. My gutfeel tells me it's gonna be Manmohan again.
MANMOHAN SINGH
Unfortunately for this man, the Congress can only form a stable government, if the commies are part of the coalition jingbang. And the Karat clones share a healthy dislike for him, thanks to the nuclear deal. So chances of living in Race Course Road is quite low. But what can swing in his favour is: he is the most erudite, decent and experienced man around to steer the nation during a recession. If the Leftists suffer a loss in Kerala and do just-about-ok in West Bengal, then Manmohan might just make it as the most acceptable compromise candidate.
LK ADVANI
Pratibha Patil holds the key to Advani's fate. If she invites the UPA first, then they'll make sure, Advani will be denied his date with destiny. But if the Congress fails to massage egos, then Sindhi bhai will come into play. Everyone's aware of his deep desire to become PM. He's likely to strike deals with Mayawati, Jayalalitha and Chandrababu. Even if it means naming Mayawati as Deputy PM.
SONIA GANDHI
The lady who 'sacrificed' the post last time around has a new pliant president who won't ask searching questions, if she decides to stake a claim now. The way Sonia will play the game is to present Manmohan as her PM candidate. He will be unacceptable to the Left. Clamour will start for Pranab or Rahul as PM. Rahul will publicly decline the post (Sacrifice Episode 2). Congressman won't want Sharad Pawar as PM. Laloo, Paswan & all and sundry congressman will issue an appeal to the Sonia to bail out India in her hour of crisis. The battle-bruised leftists might agree to her name. The pro-congress press in India will urge her to take over the mantle. Priyanka will publicly announce her misgivings saying 'she worries for her mom's life'. After a lot of drama, Sonia might just give in to her secret desire to rule India. The only thing that might act as a disincentive is hard bargaining by Jayalalitha & Mayawati. Jaya will want Sonia to dismiss Karunanidhi and Maya will want all cases dropped against her. Will Ms. Maino bite the bullet?
RAHUL GANDHI
Once Manmohan gets politely declined by the left, a whisper campaign will start for annointing Young Rahul as PM. But Young Rahul will rule himself out of the equation by making a stirring 'I am not yet ready' speech. And he will milk this 'sacrifice' card during the next election.
PRANAB MUKHERJEE
He's the Narasimha Rao in waiting. He's a proven administrator. And is wilier than Sharad Pawar. Mamata will be for him. West Bengal will root for him. Leftists may not veto his name. Laloo won't mind him. Maya too, may not. But one person might fear him. That's Sonia. She will spike his name, somehow.
AK ANTONY
Genial, honest, loyal and goes by the book. When Pranab's name starts doing the rounds, 10 Janpath will float AK Antony's. Who knows, our man might just get lucky.
SHARAD PAWAR
If Sharad Pawar throws his hat in the ring, he will have 300 supporters in the new Lok Sabha. The only thing that might be a hurdle is the election results. Congress-NCP may not sweep Maharashtra. And NCP might just end up with 15 seats. No self-respecting congressman will allow Pawar to rule India with 15 seats. Especially Sonia. As a countermove, she might suggest her own name :-) When faced with such a deadlock, our man might be tempted to take the NDA support and form a government. But Pawar is never known for the daring. He will prefer to beat the system while staying in the system. So Pawar's chances are minimal.
NITISH KUMAR
Nitish will become a media darling after the elections. They will consciously project him as the new secular-development face of India. Nitish has friends across the board. The leftists are for him. Naveen Patnaik will back him. The BJP will reluctantly play second fiddle to him (if it means keeping congress out). Even Chandrababu will be okay with him. One man who might not relish this is Sharad Yadav (the NDA convenor) who might just suggest that Nitish should continue the good work in Bihar. If NDA pips UPA with more seats and if BJP emerges as the single largest party, then this scenario will come into play. Else, be prepared for Nitish as PM, 2 or 3 years from now.
PRAKASH KARAT
Leftists may not do well in Kerala. They might just suffer a few losses in West Bengal. Their overall tally is likely to be lesser this time. Given this background, even the leftists may not moot Karat for the big post.
JAYALALITHA
She might do well in Tamil Nadu. But the media may not celebrate her as much as, say a Nitish Kumar. 25 seats is what she might end up with. Will this be enough to catapult her to the gaddi? I don't think so.
MAYAWATI
Reports say, that Maya may not fare that well. Mainstream newspapers always get BSP's tally wrong. So I won't give these 'reports' much credence. If Maya bags 35 seats, she's in a good position to negotiate with the NDA & UPA. I don't see the Congress bidding goodbye to Mulayam if he gets 30 seats. Because a Mulayam is more dependable than a Maya. But LK Advani might. So you may still see her as India's second Dalit Deputy Prime Minister (Jagjivan Ram was the first).
MULAYAM SINGH YADAV
If Mulayam Singh maxes the UP election, Congress will kiss and make up with him. And the Deputy Prime Minster's post will be his.
I am not taking into account Chandrababu Naidu as he might just decide to focus on sticking to Andhra Pradesh for now.
My overall take is it might be Sonia, Manmohan, Nitish or Pawar. My gutfeel tells me it's gonna be Manmohan again.
Saturday, May 2, 2009
2009 Elections: Final Forecast
NDA - 188 (BJP will bag 137 of these seats)
UPA sans Lalu, Paswan & Mulayam - 182 (Congress will bag 148 of these seats)
Third Front - 130 (AIADMK front with 30 seats, Mayawati with 35 & Left with 35 seats)
Others - 43
The single largest party will be Congress. The single largest pre-poll coalition will be NDA. Pratibha Patil being a Congress nominee, will call the single largest party or the single largest post-poll combination (whatever suits the congress) to form the government.
37 of the 42 seats from Others will be willing to support UPA.
That means Post-poll UPA has 219 seats.
If UPA jettisons DMK & Mulayam, the seat count will be 174. Now add AIADMK, Mayawati & Left = 174 + 30 + 35 + 35 = 274 seats.
If Left insists that Manmohan, Pranab and Rahul are not acceptable, then Congress may prop up Sharad Pawar.
If NCP's Sharad Pawar throws in the hat then he will attract the support of UPA + Mulayam + Laloo + Naveen Patnaik + Chiranjeevi + AIADMK + JD + Left + Shiv Sena = 174 + 29 + 6 + 5 + 6 + 30 + 5 + 35 + 16 = 306.
Meanwhile, if nothing works out NDA will be called.
NDA can make it with Chandrababu, AIADMK & Mayawati. Their seat count together will be 269 seats.
Conclusion: Expect a UPA-supported coalition. Sonia will prefer Sharad Pawar over Pranab Mukherjee. So you might just see Sharad as the PM.
UPA sans Lalu, Paswan & Mulayam - 182 (Congress will bag 148 of these seats)
Third Front - 130 (AIADMK front with 30 seats, Mayawati with 35 & Left with 35 seats)
Others - 43
The single largest party will be Congress. The single largest pre-poll coalition will be NDA. Pratibha Patil being a Congress nominee, will call the single largest party or the single largest post-poll combination (whatever suits the congress) to form the government.
37 of the 42 seats from Others will be willing to support UPA.
That means Post-poll UPA has 219 seats.
If UPA jettisons DMK & Mulayam, the seat count will be 174. Now add AIADMK, Mayawati & Left = 174 + 30 + 35 + 35 = 274 seats.
If Left insists that Manmohan, Pranab and Rahul are not acceptable, then Congress may prop up Sharad Pawar.
If NCP's Sharad Pawar throws in the hat then he will attract the support of UPA + Mulayam + Laloo + Naveen Patnaik + Chiranjeevi + AIADMK + JD + Left + Shiv Sena = 174 + 29 + 6 + 5 + 6 + 30 + 5 + 35 + 16 = 306.
Meanwhile, if nothing works out NDA will be called.
NDA can make it with Chandrababu, AIADMK & Mayawati. Their seat count together will be 269 seats.
Conclusion: Expect a UPA-supported coalition. Sonia will prefer Sharad Pawar over Pranab Mukherjee. So you might just see Sharad as the PM.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
2009 Elections Forecast: Small parties hold the key
As per my take, the smaller parties hold the key for the next coalition. It's neither the BJP nor the Congress. Perhaps the next government won't be called NDA or UPA. It will be a hotch-potch under some other name. May be with a dark horse from NDA or UPA as the PM. Here's what the small parties will end up getting:
AIADMK + PMK = 25
AGP (Assam Gana Parishad) = 5
Akali Dal = 5
BJD (Naveen Patnaik's) = 6
BSP (Mayawati's) = 44
Chautala = 5
Deve Gowda's Janata Dal = 5
JMM (Jharkand Mukti Morcha) = 4
Kerala Small Parties = 4
Lalu + Ram Bilas = 12
Left Front = 35
Mulayam's Samajwadis = 24
Nitish Kumar's JDU = 16
North Eastern Parties = 5
Omar Abdullah = 4
Praja Rajyam = 5
Sharad Pawar's NCP = 6
Shiv Sena = 16
TDP + TRS = 14
Trinamool = 7
Vijaykanth = 2
TOTAL = 247
Now isn't that a shocker? 50% of India's Lok Sabha will be occupied by smaller parties. It's never happened before. It will happen in 2009.
AIADMK + PMK = 25
AGP (Assam Gana Parishad) = 5
Akali Dal = 5
BJD (Naveen Patnaik's) = 6
BSP (Mayawati's) = 44
Chautala = 5
Deve Gowda's Janata Dal = 5
JMM (Jharkand Mukti Morcha) = 4
Kerala Small Parties = 4
Lalu + Ram Bilas = 12
Left Front = 35
Mulayam's Samajwadis = 24
Nitish Kumar's JDU = 16
North Eastern Parties = 5
Omar Abdullah = 4
Praja Rajyam = 5
Sharad Pawar's NCP = 6
Shiv Sena = 16
TDP + TRS = 14
Trinamool = 7
Vijaykanth = 2
TOTAL = 247
Now isn't that a shocker? 50% of India's Lok Sabha will be occupied by smaller parties. It's never happened before. It will happen in 2009.
2009 Election Analysis: Third Front & BJP face dead heat.
For ease of calculation, I have classified TDP + Left + AIADMK + Deve Gowda's Party + BSP + Naveen Patnaik + PMK as Third Front. But Mayawati, TDP, AIADMK & Deve Gowda may not necessarily be with the Third Front, post elections. So bear that in mind. My forecast is Mayawati will do very well. Jaya will do decently. Chandrababu & Deve Gowda won't. Naveen will rue breaking up with BJP. West India will be a complete wipe out for the Third Front. Au contraire, South will be a romp for Third Front. Overall, Third Front might just end up with the same number of seats as BJP.
NORTH - 44/126
Uttar Pradesh - 44/80
Uttar Khand - 0/5
Punjab - 0/13
Chandigarh - 0/1
Himachal - 0/4
Haryana - 0/10
Delhi - 0/7
J&K - 0/6
WEST - 0/143
Maharashtra - 0/48
Goa - 0/2
Daman - 0/1
Dadra Nagar - 0/1
Madhya Pradesh - 0/29
Chattisgarh - 0/11
Rajasthan - 0/25
Gujarat - 0/26
SOUTH - 51/131
Kerala - 6/20
Karnataka - 5/28
Tamil Nadu - 25/39
Pondichery - 0/1
Andhra - 14/42
Lakshadweep - 0/1
EAST - 35/143
Bihar - 0/40
Jharkand - 0/14
West Bengal - 28/42
Orissa - 6/21
Assam - 0/14
Arunachal - 0/2
Tripura - 1/2
Mizoram - 0/1
Manipur - 0/2
Meghalaya - 0/2
Nagaland - 0/1
Andamans - 0/1
Sikkim - 0/1
TOTAL - 130/543
NORTH - 44/126
Uttar Pradesh - 44/80
Uttar Khand - 0/5
Punjab - 0/13
Chandigarh - 0/1
Himachal - 0/4
Haryana - 0/10
Delhi - 0/7
J&K - 0/6
WEST - 0/143
Maharashtra - 0/48
Goa - 0/2
Daman - 0/1
Dadra Nagar - 0/1
Madhya Pradesh - 0/29
Chattisgarh - 0/11
Rajasthan - 0/25
Gujarat - 0/26
SOUTH - 51/131
Kerala - 6/20
Karnataka - 5/28
Tamil Nadu - 25/39
Pondichery - 0/1
Andhra - 14/42
Lakshadweep - 0/1
EAST - 35/143
Bihar - 0/40
Jharkand - 0/14
West Bengal - 28/42
Orissa - 6/21
Assam - 0/14
Arunachal - 0/2
Tripura - 1/2
Mizoram - 0/1
Manipur - 0/2
Meghalaya - 0/2
Nagaland - 0/1
Andamans - 0/1
Sikkim - 0/1
TOTAL - 130/543
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