So much at stake.. Jagan wants to call the shots badly!

I have come across this incredible presentation on the worth of YSR Family, posted in Telugu Desam official website, and I did some research on the web to validate as much as I can and it seems they got their facts right. Even if they are right about one case, it is just incredible and insane.

For the complete presentation, you may refer to the below link.

http://www.telugudesam.org/tdpcms/scams/bhoomulu/sakshi/latest/ys_scam_powerpointpresentasion.ppt

YSR argued in assembly that he did not become a Mogul overnight but his family had a fortune. In fact, he argued that he paid taxes when he was in school. It is true that his family was rich and had connections with mining companies in Bellary and Gulbarga and Subba Reddy made lot of money legitimately and otherwise. In Andhra, it is YSR family calling the shots and Gali family in Karnataka. Media is just taking notes from these families. YSR openly said that he needed a channel to promote Congress party in Andhra and that is the reason why he got his son to start Sakshi. How stupid is that to say even if it was true?

Media's responsibility is to investigate and ask politicians the tough questions but if media itself is owned by the very politicians, nothing can protect the society. It is sad! It is just astonishing how the faimly's fortune grew over 3-4 years. It makes great sense why Jagan wants to call the shots. YS Jagan needs to have the power to safe guard all his earnings either directly or indirectly. We all have to understand what the poor Jagan must be going through. Stakes are really high! Go Jagan, Go!

YSR - Can anybody fill his shoes?

Y S Rajasekhar Reddy's death came as a shock to many and it is just sad to see so many people commit suicide over this shocking news. Why does this happen? Can you imagine a death is followed by 300 odd deaths? I remember someone saying some become cults in their era and they are almost living gods to many people. YSR got closer to the people of Andhra Pradesh more than any other Chief Minister not just in the history of the state of Andhra Pradesh but may be in the entire history of independent India. N T Rama Rao was also a cult but he was a movie star first and Telugu people worshiped him for his work in movies and then his populist policies.

One may disagree with YSR on his policies but his political acumen and hard work are undoubtedly admired by not just his followers but his critics. In a state that is so polarized based on caste, Reddys in support of YSR leadership and Kammas in the support of CBN (Chandra Babu Naidu) leadership, YSR captivated the hearts of rural Andhra by his populist policies. My village is full of Reddys and we have been voting in favour of Congress for very long time but loyalties switched this time as Roja Reddy (TDP) ran against a sitting MLA belonging to Kamma caste, Galla Aruna Kumari (Cong.). This is bad for the state but the reality is caste has become a big factor and in some constituencies, it is the single most factor. Such is the nature of politics today and Reddy managed to play the game well in the last few years.

In 2004, Congress needed a miracle and YSR's padayatra, free power promise and 9 years of severe drought not only helped YSR to become Chief Minister but also helped Congress in winning much needed seats at national level. YSR is a mass leader and can communicate eloquently compared to any of his contemporary leaders in Andhra Pradesh. His political rivals lacked the abilities and he excelled in the last 15 years. YSR understood that the equation to win elections is about creating policies that help masses in one way or other; pensions, arogya sri, ambulance services, indiramma housing, crop loans etc helped every farmer. One can argue on the politics of it and delivery efficiencies etc but politically, the schemes worked.

YSR one time was a leader of opposition within Congress party and led the group of dissenters in the party notably during Vijaya Bhaskar Reddy's 2nd term. YSR was very much his father in his early days; factionalism and group-ism were the weapons back then. He transformed from a discontent and frustrated faction leader to a mature and inclusive leader, who led a party like Congress very effectively both as an opposition leader and as a leader of the ruling party in the last few years. Leaving some outbursts in assembly, he maintained his cool and temper very much. It is difficult to lead when in opposition but YSR did so effectively for many years that too in an organization like Congress where power center is located in Delhi.

In a party like Congress, there is no appropriate time to look for successors. Cabinet under the newly sworn-in caretaker CM, Mr. Rosaiah passed almost an unanimous resolution to elect Y S Jagan as the leader of the ruling party. Y S Jagan is first time MP from Kadapa and UPA celebrated 100 days in office recently, which is what Jagan's experience is in active politics. TOI reported that forest minister, Mr. Peddireddy Ramachandra Reddy, even went on to say that he will resign if Jagan is not the boss. I think this is inherent in our political structure. What amazed me even more was that some legislators wanted Jagan to be sworn in as CM before even the last rites completed. I don't know what to call these crazy idiots.

His eloquence, composure and temper are something that he acquired over the years and Jagan doesn't have any of those qualities at this time. In fact, other political parties in Andhra do not have leaders with skills that YSR has. We all know in the Indian history, Rajiv became Prime Minister not because of the experience but for the last name. Dynasty politics is something we accepted in the past and our political class continues to engage in the very same. Let us hope that whoever takes over lead us in the right path if not the same path YSR chosen.

This is a testing time for Pradesh Congress Committee and whatever High Command/Sonia's coterie decides now will determine the future of Andhra Pradesh politics. Time will evaluate the decisions of Congress but we know what a leader YSR was and it is indeed a great loss to the state of Andhra Pradesh. May his soul rest in peace!

Andhra CM, four others killed in chopper crash

News item from Indian Express posted on Thursday , Sep 03, 2009 at 1355 hrs.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy and four others were killed when their helicopter crashed on a hillock, about 49 nautical miles east of Kurnool, more than an hour it took off from Hyderabad on Wednesday.

The charred bodies and the wreckage of the twin-engined Bell 430 helicopter were located at 8.30 AM today on a hillock, eight kms from Kurnool, 23 hours after it went missing while flying to Chittoor in south Andhra Pradesh.

"With very deep sense of regret we have to announce the death of YS Rajashekhar Reddy. He was a tall leader and it is a big loss to the country," Union Home Minister P Chidambaram told reporters in Delhi.

The helicopter appeared to have hit a tree, crashed and perhaps exploded. The bodies were charred and were in a state of getting decomposed because of incessant rain in the area yesterday, Andhra Pradesh Chief Secretary Ramakanth Reddy said here.

The Congress Core Group met at the residence of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in Delhi and indications were that senior minister K Rosaiah will be the Acting Chief Minister before a decision on successor to Reddy is taken.

Reddy's funeral is expected to take place in his hometown in Pulivendala in Kadappa district in southern Andhra Pradesh tomorrow.

Others who died in the crash were Special Secretary P Subramanyam, Chief Secretary A S C Wesley, pilot Group Captain S K Bhatia and co-pilot M S Reddy.

The wreckage of the helicopter was strewn in bits and pieces all over the area in the hillock, Ramakanth Reddy said adding the tail piece is in tact.

The bodies were still lying at the crash spot and efforts were being made by the IAF to bring them either to Kurnool or Hyderabad. He said it will take some time for the operation to end before the bodies are brought out of the hills.

While three bodies were quickly recovered from near the wreckage, one was found a little away and it took some time to trace the fifth, Reddy said.

While the reasons for the crash were not known immediately, Chidambaram said the helicopter, which was going south towards Chittoor, had changed direction eastwards after crossing Kurnool towards Atmakur.

It crashed on a hillock between two villages, one of which is Velugodu.

"The wreckage was found by Air Force helicopters at 0830 hours on a hillock which 8 to 9 km from Atmakur between two villages one of which is Velugodu," Chidambaram said.

Reddy's body will be kept in Lal Bahadur Stadium here to enable public to pay their last respects and would be taken to Pulivendla in the afternoon.

A meeting of the Union Cabinet, scheduled this morning, was cancelled as the sad news trickled in.

Several state governments declared mourning and parties also flew their flags half mast as a mark of condolence. Chidambaram said the government was in a state of deep mourning and there was a sense of grief, shock and loss at the passing away of the Chief Minister.

"We share our grief and tender condolences to the family of the Chief Minister and others who passed away in the crash," he said.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Congress chief Sonia Gandhi are expected to go to Andhra Pradesh on Friday to pay their last respect to the departed leader.

Elections'09 - Nothing like what I thought..

This is an interesting election both at state and center but electorate chose to maintain the status quo, which is unfortunate. I will limit this post to Andhra in particular. People of Andhra liked Dr. YSR's last 5 years so much that they want him to continue for next 5 years. In the worst economic times, YS Jaganmohan Reddy's assets grew to Rs. 77cr in 5 Years and it may have well been 100cr, if Mr. Raju did not screw it up for himself and the poor Jagan. I am not sure Governor would have done the same thing if TDP came to power. That is what Congress is, you like it or not!

I think INC won this elections in rural land because of farm loan waiver, which costed the Indian exchequer Rs.71,680cr. In my own village, most of my neighbors are the beneficiaries of farm loan waiver and they just loved it. Farm loan waivers is not new; crop loans got waived in the past and my family was a beneficiary of that. Does it help farmers? Temporarily, yes but loan waivers are not the permanent solutions to solve the problems of farmers. Beneficiaries of loan waivers or any govt. subsidies are the middle class farmers, who also need Govt. help but there are poor farmers who need Govt. help more than the actual beneficiaries. Enough of cribbing on this loan waiver subject! My dad, if hears this, will get mad at me.

At state level, Chandrababu lost trust of the people by announcing alliance with TRS and PRP sucessfully splitted the anti incumbency votes. It would be interesting how PRP builds the cadre and fight the next elections. This is a nice opportunity for PRP to sideline TDP and become main alternative to Congress. But, for that to happen, PRP leadership will have to act smart and work hard to win the trust of people. Congress is now for single state and TDP is for separate state. How strange the politics are and how quick the policies of the parties change!

Loksatta won one seat and I am eager to see what role JP plays in assembly sessions.

A weak Singh 'Remote Control' - By Seema Mustafa

This is an interesting post by Seema Mustafa in M J Akbar's blog. I am pasting portion of her post, where she explains why Manmohan is indeed a weak PM and how he debased the office of Prime Minister.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh always gets visibly irritated and angry when opposition leaders at home describe him as ‘weak’. During these elections particularly Singh appears to have been under instructions from his “guardian angel” Sonia Gandhi to hit back, and has been doing so with uncharacteristic ferocity that actually sounds a little strange, and even woebegone, coming from him.

But lets get back to the charge that so angers our Prime Minister. Is he weak? The five years in office have provided sufficient indicators that he is. It starts with this gushing praise of the Nehru-Gandhi Family that he has maintained through the years, making it clear that he might be Prime Minister for the ordinary mortals of the country but not for Sonia Gandhi and her family. The Congress president is the one person he looks up to, who his not just his guardian angel but also his mentor, who he owes everything to, and who he can never contradict let alone question.

Is this being strong or weak? In accepting an authority outside the government, Singh has debased the office of the Prime Minister, a constitutional position that has immense sanctity and authority. It is no secret to the Congress party that the Prime Minister can be reined in at a moments notice, and that he is not in position to direct other ministerial colleagues and extract serious work from any. It is true that a Prime Minister is the first among equals in a government, but it is also true that he is expected to provide the direction free from outside intervention. This
is one of the many reasons why a Prime Minister of India is required to be an elected member of Parliament, and not seek his authority from the Rajya Sabha. Not only did Singh refuse to contest the elections for the five years in office, but even now is making a stake for the top job without even venturing into the fray.

For full article, click here .

2009 AP Assembly Elections.. Definitely Interesting..

It is election time in India and it has been very interesting at national level but Andhra Pradesh assembly elections has everything in it considering the entrance of Chiranjeevi and TDP allying with TRS and Communists to beat the common enemy, Congress. As with every election anywhere at any level, AP assembly elections naturally has unimaginable alliances, huge controversies, costly goof ups, heavy strategies, provocative speeches and some inspiring speeches.

Chiranjeevi's entry was compared to NTR's entry into politics by those who believe that South Indians like their film personalities in politics more than the North Indians. Times are very different now and then. In 1982, there was a need for an alternative as the national party (Grand Old Party in Indian context) became a party that doesn't care for people and Rama Rao felt a need for an alternative to teach a lesson to the Grand Old Party. It is said that Rajiv Gandhi did not meet Chief Minister of AP, Anjaiah back then in Hyderabad Airport and it was one of the incidents that NTR pressed in all his campaign speeches across Andhra Pradesh back then. It was an insult to the Telugu people and NTR cared deeply for self pride of Telugu people and he felt Congress failed in all aspects in restoring the self pride of Telugu people.

In 2009, we face entirely different set of challenges and an alternative to TDP and Congress will definitely be of some relief to people of Andhra Pradesh. But, Praja Rajayam Party did not differentiate itself from main stream parties and I feel that Chiranjeevi will be on the wrong side of political history of AP. He had a great opportunity but his family members screwed his aspirations. He neither has the basic understanding of issues nor has the oratory skills, which were forte for Nandamuri Anna, NT Rama Rao. PRP thought it would sell if they start talking of Social Justice but they will have to define the term to masses and explain what PRP intends to do to achieve Social Justice. Their thinking that this phrase will get them minority votes isn't really well thought about. Chiranjeevi is good as a movie star and people will appreciate him doing just that.

I predicted some alliances in Andhra Pradesh when I poste about Bye elections but the actual alliances are not even close to what I predicted. I could never imagine TRS joining hands with TDP; TDP was for united Andhra and TRS core agenda is separate statehood for Telangana; TRS chief Chandra Sekhar Rao left TDP to start TRS and accused Chandrababu in very harsh words in many instances. I haven't fully learned from the history on the alliances part. Anything can happen! Anybody can join hands with anybody irrespective of their ideologies. I think there is only one party at that values ideology more than wining and that party is none other than Loksatta. Loksatta has been neglected by main stream media but you cannot ignore a party that got 12% vote in the bye elections that occurred in 18 assembly constituencies last year. Jaya Prakash Narayan, founder of Loksatta movement that became political party now, is more like Ron Paul than Barack Obama in Indian context. He talks well in the language he choses to talk. He has highest understanding of issues that country faces and he has experience running the Govt. during NTR's term. He is eligible to run our state but I have mentioned in one of my posts that a guy like Ron Paul cannot win elections as people do not vote for leaders who speak truth. Loksatta Party may not be as big now for media to cover but come 2014 (next) elections, LSP will be a major force to reckon with.

Few incidents that this assembly elections would be remembered for -

1) Pawan Kalyan's comments against the leaders of Congress especially the calling of Shabbir Ali a traitor (telugu word used - "Deasha Drohi")
2) Shabbir Ali's nasty response to Pawan Kalyan's comments and reminding people of the old incident with late Paritala Ravi in which Pwan's head was tonsured by Ravi's gang.
3) Shobha Rani's comments against Roja
4) Roja's response to Shobha Rani's comments where she accused Chiranjeevi and Pawan of casting couch
5) The raise of Jr. NTR as a good orator and future of TDP
6) Jr. NTR's involvemt in an accident that occurred on the way back to Hyderabad
7) Kesineni Nani's open comments to TV9 on P. Upendra abusing Kamma caste
in a PRP meet
8) Posani Krishna Murali scolding Kesineni Nani that there is importance to Kamma caste in PRP
9) Jeevitha and Rajasekhar's continued comments against Chiranjeevi with a hope that Jeevitha will be picked as Mahila President or something in Congress
10) Evangelist Brother Anil Kumar surrendering to the police after cases registered against him for distributing money in Church meetings to people
11) Posani Krishan Murali's temperament in media interviews triggered some speculation on his mental strength

These are just some and it could have been a bigger list if I was in Hyderabad.

I am predicting that PRP will play a key role in forming the Government and also for going into early polls. I am not sure how early it would be. Personally, I want Loksatta to win at least 3 seats this time to have an impact next time around.

Mr. Raju the True Poster Boy of Corporate fraud

It is shocking and stunning to hear the sensational and astonishingly surprising news on the fraud of this magnitude and proportion committed by somebody who we all admire so much. I still remember meeting Ramalinga Raju in Asia IT Ministers summit sometime in 2003. I was so thrilled that I got a chance to meet someone who has done so much and I always argued with people who raised questions when AP Govt, especially Naidu, granted so many lands to Satyam Computers in and around Hyderabad. Look at the story, today. They have been cheating many investors for almost 20 quarters with some false numbers. What have we got here? Bernie Maddoff in US cheated its investors to the tune of 50 Billion and now we hear from somebody who appeared to be a great leader that all he has been doing is report some damn numbers to exchanges, investors, traders, analysts and who else. I invested in Satyam and enjoyed dividend twice in 2008 (Sep and Nov). 5000Cr cash on the books impressed me and I accumulated when the stock plunged after the recent failed acquisition plans. But, it is now noted that the balance sheet was a joke and Raju surprised everybody.

I saw a colleague or two laughing at those who invested but I wonder how narrow short sighted people are when it comes to finances. If you are investing in LIC, Mutual Funds, ULIPs, Life Insurance plans etc., you may have had lost some money indirectly. So, everybody is a looser when something of this magnitude develops over such a long time and comes to light just overnight. I heard that investors committing suicide in US is highest now than ever before. I am wondering how many Raju may have killed.

It is very interesting reading his letter. He says that he and his family offloaded stake for philanthropic needs but not any other reason. Who is he trying to fool at this stage of the game? Satyam issued statement that Merill has been asked by them to advise on regaining the investor confidence. Now, Raju is his letter asks exchanges to entrust Merill to explore merger opportunities. Merill was probably hired for looking at merger opportunities in the first place but not for regaining investor confidence. I mean this guy is a well dressed crook and I am not sure how he could get away with this for many quarters. What can you say about regulators, auditors and bankers? Man! Who knows? His letter sounds like he thought he will be able to fix it but it went out of his hand and he spoke out. I am already hearing people here compare this to Enron. We will have to wait and see who does what now. They made 61 Cr profit in Q2 but they reported 649 Cr. I am not sure if it ends here. May be there are many companies playing with numbers laughing out loud at all of us. God bless everybody!!

You may read the letter