Keep them away

Recently I visited Krishna Janmabhoomi complex in Mathura. The sprawling premises house an ancient mosque adjacent to two magnificent temples, set up and run by a trust founded by Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya and former Lok Sabha Speakers GV Mavalankar and MA Iyengar. I found it the best example of peaceful coexistence. Though large-scale security arrangements preempt any mishap, the fact remains that not a single incident of conflict between Hindus and Muslims has ever been reported there. According to trust officials, thousands visit the temples every day. The adjacent mosque also draws some worshippers, many of whom also proceed to offer their prayers in the temples. Nobody treats it as unusual. Despite a fortress-like security, the place is an embodiment of peace. I can easily vouch that this place will never see a problem as long as those who try to take political advantage out of religious conflicts are not allowed. People by themselves can get along well as they give respect to both faiths equally. The moment we allow activities of religion-minded politicians here, the peace and sanctity of this place will be jeopardized.

Petrol hike
All political parties have demanded a rollback of the petrol and diesel price hike, but the government is unwilling to budge, citing its own compulsions. The facts present a grim picture. In last two years, international prices of crude oil have jumped a whopping 107 per cent. The situation is alarming for India and other developing countries. In the case, even a heavy cut in duties will serve no purpose and end-user prices will have to rise. The gravity of the matter should be in grasp of every political party. A national strategy to combat the rising prices will have to be evolved. It is one matter that centre lowers customs and other duties in import and refining of oil, but the states have to relook at heavy rates of sales tax they impose on petrol and diesel. The Centre alone cannot sustain the burden. A sales tax rate of as high as 35 per cent is in practice in many states.
Today, when BJP decides to block roads to protest against the hike, it conveniently forgets that its own government affected no less than 15 such hikes between 2002 and 2004. Colossal hikes were affected for kerosene and cooking gas as well. Truth is, no government lasting a full term in India has been able to prevent a significant hike in fuel prices.

Modi8217;s mini cabinet
Gujarat is being ruled by a group of 5 ministers. It is amazing that of a council of 30 ministers, Chief Minister Narendra Modi has taken only five in his cabinet, rest being Ministers of State. A cabinet this tiny is unrivaled in India. Given the large size of Gujarat, the earlier state governments had cabinets comprising over 15 ministers. Modi seems to have a clear agenda in packing his cabinet entirely of his yes-men.
A wider cabinet means multiple viewpoints and elaborate discussions on all issues8212;something that Gujarat government is deprived of. Still, a huge hype has been created around administrative skills of Narendra Modi.
A section of the media has gone gaga over it, so there are signs of him becoming another Chandrababu Naidu in next elections. Whatever development Modi has accomplished, is confined to a few urban centers and a vast majority of interior Gujarat is still battling for bijli, paani. The government claims it has signed MoUs to bring foreign investment worth Rs 60,000 crore, but very little money has actually flown in. The state is home to not a single IT company of repute.
rajeev.shuklaexpressindia.com