There have been recent rumours about an impending military coup in Pakistan. That is not something new or surprising in that country, since civilian rule is a nominal mask for military dictatorship. 
 
Pakistan is not a normal country with political leaders, a Parliament, a constitution, the army and other branches of the state. It is one of the few places in the world where the army owns a country and runs it. The army is also in charge of a substantial portion of its economy.&nbsp;

After Indian action on Article 370, Pakistan appears to be very concerned about our 'secular’ fabric. They are trying to raise the issue in every way possible, without success.

In their ignorance or over enthusiasm, they claim that Kashmir is the jugular 'vain’ of Pakistan, as a recent press release by their official spokesperson, Director General ISPR revealed: “Pak Army is fully configured, prepared &amp; determined to defend honour, dignity &amp; territorial integrity of motherland at all cost. Kashmir is jugular vain (sic) of Pakistan &amp; no compromise shall be made which denies right of self-determination to our brave Kashmiri brethren” - COAS. Such is their level of vain about the jugular!&nbsp;

Their Constitution – the 1973 version visualises– to quote from its preamble, “Whereas sovereignty over the entire Universe belongs to Almighty Allah alone, and the authority to be exercised by the people of Pakistan within the limits prescribed by Him is a sacred trust; wherein the principles of democracy, freedom, equality, tolerance and social justice, as enunciated by Islam, shall be fully observed”&nbsp;

It is the Pakistani Army which is the chosen instrument to implement the will of God. This was clearly enunciated by its former Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani; protecting Islam and protecting Pakistan are the sovereign duties of the armed forces. Actually, Kayani suggested that the role of army is more than protecting the country – it is to protect the idea and religion.&nbsp;

An UN investigating team appointed by former Pakistan President Asif Zardari probing the death of slain Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto could interview all civil leaders, including the PM and the President, but not the military brass. When the army objected to the Kerry–Lugar bill, the President had to bring in Kerry himself to convince the army chief.&nbsp;

It does not stop there. The army does not recognise some sects of Islam as Muslims. Ahmadis are an example. Abdus Salam, a Pak-origin scientist got the Nobel Prize in Physics, along with Steven Wienberg in 1979. His home town municipality erected an arch in memory of him, which said: ‘First Muslim Nobel Laureate in Physics’. There was a big hue and cry since he was an Ahmadi. So the word Muslim was erased. The revised plaque read: “First Nobel Laureate in Physics”!

Very recently, an MP brought a bill in the Pakistan senate to allow non-Muslims to occupy positions like Prime Minister, President etc. That was out rightly rejected by the parliamentarians. Forget about other ethnic groups like Hindus and Christians, minorities even within Islamic sects like Ahmadis and Bahais cannot occupy high constitutional positions.

In India, the defence minister can ask the army chief to court martial a General, but in Pakistan, any such attempt will result in a coup. That is why Pakistan always negotiates with a gun to its own head. It wants to assert its suicidal tendencies.&nbsp;

Many studies have found that a large number of companies in Pakistan are ultimately owned by Fauji Foundation (FF), Army Welfare Trust (AWT), Bahria Foundation (BF) and Shaheen Foundation (SF), all different wings of its armed forces.

Also, a significant portion of its GDP is attributed to army-controlled entities. (See Military Inc. inside Pakistan’s Military Economy Ayesha Siddiqa—OUP—2007). &nbsp;One can easily conclude that the Pakistan economy and its army and spy agency, ISI, are synonymous.

At least 70% of the market capitalisation of the Karachi stock exchange is owned by the army and other related groups. Hence, never think of Pakistan without its army, whoever may be temporarily and nominally ruling that country.&nbsp;

At the moment, Pakistan is facing acute economic crisis. Its inflation rate is around 13% and the rupee has declined by more than 25% this year. Its GDP growth rate has fallen to sub-3% and there is a move to put it on black list by FATF because of its role in terror financing. A group of industrialists and businessmen recently met the powerful Pakistan army chief, Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa, without Prime Minister Imran Khan being present at the meeting. It is to be noted that the army chief is a member of the Prime Minister’s Development Council.&nbsp;

If the economy is in crisis, the main loser will be the defence forces since they control a significant portion of it. They are certainly not going to allow the benefits to go away from them.

There will be attempts to side line Imran Khan, who is considered as a 'selected’ PM rather than an elected one. Hence there is every possibility that he may be thrown out and once again, the actual rulers, namely the Army and ISI will assume power. As we have explained, Pakistan is the only place in the world in which the army has a country. 
 
There have been recent rumours about an impending military coup in Pakistan. That is not something new or surprising in that country, since civilian rule is a nominal mask for military dictatorship.

Also, a significant portion of its GDP is attributed to army-controlled entities. (See Military Inc. inside Pakistan’s Military Economy Ayesha Siddiqa—OUP—2007). &nbsp;One can easily conclude that the Pakistan economy and its army and spy agency, ISI, are synonymous.

At least 70% of the market capitalisation of the Karachi stock exchange is owned by the army and other related groups. Hence, never think of Pakistan without its army, whoever may be temporarily and nominally ruling that country.&nbsp;

At the moment, Pakistan is facing acute economic crisis. Its inflation rate is around 13% and the rupee has declined by more than 25% this year. Its GDP growth rate has fallen to sub-3% and there is a move to put it on black list by FATF because of its role in terror financing. A group of industrialists and businessmen recently met the powerful Pakistan army chief, Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa, without Prime Minister Imran Khan being present at the meeting. It is to be noted that the army chief is a member of the Prime Minister’s Development Council.&nbsp;

If the economy is in crisis, the main loser will be the defence forces since they control a significant portion of it. They are certainly not going to allow the benefits to go away from them.

There will be attempts to side line Imran Khan, who is considered as a 'selected’ PM rather than an elected one. Hence there is every possibility that he may be thrown out and once again, the actual rulers, namely the Army and ISI will assume power. As we have explained, Pakistan is the only place in the world in which the army has a country.

(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-pak-an-army-with-a-country-2795225">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) &nbsp;

There have been recent rumours about an impending military coup in Pakistan. That is not something new or surprising in that country, since civilian rule is a nominal mask for military dictatorship.

There have been recent rumours about an impending military coup in Pakistan. That is not something new or surprising in that country, since civilian rule is a nominal mask for military dictatorship. Pakistan is not a normal country with political leaders, a Parliament, a constitution, the army and other branches of the state. It is one of the few places in the world where the army owns a country and runs it. The army is also in charge of a substantial portion of its economy. After Indian action on Article 370, Pakistan appears to be very concerned about our 'secular’ fabric. They are trying to raise the issue in every way possible, without success. In their ignorance or over enthusiasm, they claim that Kashmir is the jugular 'vain’ of Pakistan, as a recent press release by their official spokesperson, Director General ISPR revealed: “Pak Army is fully configured, prepared & determined to defend honour, dignity & territorial integrity of motherland at all cost. Kashmir is jugular vain (sic) of Pakistan & no compromise shall be made which denies right of self-determination to our brave Kashmiri brethren” - COAS. Such is their level of vain about the jugular! Their Constitution – the 1973 version visualises– to quote from its preamble, “Whereas sovereignty over the entire Universe belongs to Almighty Allah alone, and the authority to be exercised by the people of Pakistan within the limits prescribed by Him is a sacred trust; wherein the principles of democracy, freedom, equality, tolerance and social justice, as enunciated by Islam, shall be fully observed” It is the Pakistani Army which is the chosen instrument to implement the will of God. This was clearly enunciated by its former Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani; protecting Islam and protecting Pakistan are the sovereign duties of the armed forces. Actually, Kayani suggested that the role of army is more than protecting the country – it is to protect the idea and religion. An UN investigating team appointed by former Pakistan President Asif Zardari probing the death of slain Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto could interview all civil leaders, including the PM and the President, but not the military brass. When the army objected to the Kerry–Lugar bill, the President had to bring in Kerry himself to convince the army chief. It does not stop there. The army does not recognise some sects of Islam as Muslims. Ahmadis are an example. Abdus Salam, a Pak-origin scientist got the Nobel Prize in Physics, along with Steven Wienberg in 1979. His home town municipality erected an arch in memory of him, which said: ‘First Muslim Nobel Laureate in Physics’. There was a big hue and cry since he was an Ahmadi. So the word Muslim was erased. The revised plaque read: “First Nobel Laureate in Physics”! Very recently, an MP brought a bill in the Pakistan senate to allow non-Muslims to occupy positions like Prime Minister, President etc. That was out rightly rejected by the parliamentarians. Forget about other ethnic groups like Hindus and Christians, minorities even within Islamic sects like Ahmadis and Bahais cannot occupy high constitutional positions. In India, the defence minister can ask the army chief to court martial a General, but in Pakistan, any such attempt will result in a coup. That is why Pakistan always negotiates with a gun to its own head. It wants to assert its suicidal tendencies. Many studies have found that a large number of companies in Pakistan are ultimately owned by Fauji Foundation (FF), Army Welfare Trust (AWT), Bahria Foundation (BF) and Shaheen Foundation (SF), all different wings of its armed forces. Also, a significant portion of its GDP is attributed to army-controlled entities. (See Military Inc. inside Pakistan’s Military Economy Ayesha Siddiqa—OUP—2007). One can easily conclude that the Pakistan economy and its army and spy agency, ISI, are synonymous. At least 70% of the market capitalisation of the Karachi stock exchange is owned by the army and other related groups. Hence, never think of Pakistan without its army, whoever may be temporarily and nominally ruling that country. At the moment, Pakistan is facing acute economic crisis. Its inflation rate is around 13% and the rupee has declined by more than 25% this year. Its GDP growth rate has fallen to sub-3% and there is a move to put it on black list by FATF because of its role in terror financing. A group of industrialists and businessmen recently met the powerful Pakistan army chief, Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa, without Prime Minister Imran Khan being present at the meeting. It is to be noted that the army chief is a member of the Prime Minister’s Development Council. If the economy is in crisis, the main loser will be the defence forces since they control a significant portion of it. They are certainly not going to allow the benefits to go away from them. There will be attempts to side line Imran Khan, who is considered as a 'selected’ PM rather than an elected one. Hence there is every possibility that he may be thrown out and once again, the actual rulers, namely the Army and ISI will assume power. As we have explained, Pakistan is the only place in the world in which the army has a country. There have been recent rumours about an impending military coup in Pakistan. That is not something new or surprising in that country, since civilian rule is a nominal mask for military dictatorship. Also, a significant portion of its GDP is attributed to army-controlled entities. (See Military Inc. inside Pakistan’s Military Economy Ayesha Siddiqa—OUP—2007). One can easily conclude that the Pakistan economy and its army and spy agency, ISI, are synonymous. At least 70% of the market capitalisation of the Karachi stock exchange is owned by the army and other related groups. Hence, never think of Pakistan without its army, whoever may be temporarily and nominally ruling that country. At the moment, Pakistan is facing acute economic crisis. Its inflation rate is around 13% and the rupee has declined by more than 25% this year. Its GDP growth rate has fallen to sub-3% and there is a move to put it on black list by FATF because of its role in terror financing. A group of industrialists and businessmen recently met the powerful Pakistan army chief, Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa, without Prime Minister Imran Khan being present at the meeting. It is to be noted that the army chief is a member of the Prime Minister’s Development Council. If the economy is in crisis, the main loser will be the defence forces since they control a significant portion of it. They are certainly not going to allow the benefits to go away from them. There will be attempts to side line Imran Khan, who is considered as a 'selected’ PM rather than an elected one. Hence there is every possibility that he may be thrown out and once again, the actual rulers, namely the Army and ISI will assume power. As we have explained, Pakistan is the only place in the world in which the army has a country. (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Pakistan: An army with a country

On September 25, United Kingdom’s Labour Party at its conference in Brighton passed a resolution that supported “international intervention in Kashmir and a call for UN led-referendum”. The motion was submitted by the Blackburn, Dudley North, Keighley, Stockport and Wakefield constituencies of the Labour Party. It condemned “The recent actions of the Government of India to revoke Article 370 and 35A of the Indian Constitution and the special status” granted to Kashmir.

It called on the Labour party to clearly and vocally support the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination and for international observers to be sent to the region immediately. The resolution also sought the party’s intervention at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC).

Reacting to the development, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said, “The government has noted certain developments at the Labour Party Conference on September 25 pertaining to the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. We regret the uninformed and unfounded positions taken at this event.” He also declined any engagement with the vote-bank driven politics of the Jeremy Corbyn-led Labour Party, which sits in the opposition and whose position is in conflict with the official stance of the British government that considers Kashmir a bilateral matter between India and Pakistan and Article 370 as an internal matter of India.

The High Commission of India in London cancelled the customary dinner reception to the Labour party and withdrew invites, a senior official said.

Jeremy Corbyn, 70, looks like the younger brother of Bernie Sanders on the other side of Atlantic, who in his speech, had made similar references to Kashmir.

Addressing the annual convention of the Islamic Society of North America in Houston on September 21, Sanders said he was “deeply concerned” about the situation in Kashmir and asked the US government to “speak out boldly” in support of a UN-backed peaceful resolution to resolve the issue.

This 77-year-old leader also penned an article in the Houston Chronicle at the same time when the highly successful ‘Howdy Modi’ extravaganza was taking place about. He wrote: “When President (Donald) Trump meets with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Houston, we will hear much about the friendship between the American and Indian peoples. However, there will be a deafening silence on the human rights crisis in Kashmir.”

The bad news is neither of them knows anything about Kashmir; the good news is both of them are well past their sell-by date and have no chance of winning office. Both are pandering to Muslim voters, more so in the case of Corbyn since London has become ‘Londonistan’ and Mirpuris from Kashmir are a significant vote bank.

Actually there are many commonalities between Corbyn and our own Rahul Gandhi. Both are leaders of a declining party with a dismal future. Both are college failures and full-time politicians with no other qualifications or expertise. The only difference is Corbyn is aged, married thrice and sometimes accused of being an anti-Semite.

After comments by Naz Shah in 2014 and Ken Livingstone in 2016 resulted in their suspension from membership pending investigation, Corbyn established the Chakrabarti Inquiry, which concluded that the Labour party was not “overrun by anti-Semitism or other forms of racism”, although there was an “occasionally toxic atmosphere” and “clear evidence of ignorant attitudes”. This exactly is apt in their comments on Kashmir — the occasionally toxic atmosphere and clear evidence of ignorant attitudes.

Someone needs to tell Corbyn that under his party, India became Independent and Pakistan itself is a gift of colonialism and a policy of divide and rule. This Kashmir mess is a British creation to keep a toe hold in the affairs of the Indian sub-continent.

Article 370 was obnoxious in denying rights to Scheduled Castes/nomadic tribes and women marrying non-Kashmiris. Women in Jammu and Kashmir (J&amp;K) can now buy real estate and transfer property to children, even if they get married to a non-resident as Article 35A has automatically become void with the scrapping of Article 370.

Article 35A gives the J&amp;K government the right to decide who qualifies as a ‘permanent resident’. The permanent resident is subject to special rights as only he can acquire land, settle and get government jobs and scholarships in the state. Does Corbyn know that Pakistan has to fulfill certain conditions for a plebiscite — like withdrawal of its troops from Pakistan Occupied Kashmir?

Much water has flown down the Jhelum and the global situation has changed. If Corbyn is a chit-reading leader like Stalin in Tamil Nadu, then he is a great loser. He must start studying history and acquaint himself with the geography of the Jammu and Kashmir.

Interestingly, the British labour leader is rather quiet about Uighur Muslims who are denied freedom and kept as prisoners by China in its western region. That is the irony of Left Liberals. Attack democratic societies like India and uphold theocracies like Pakistan and dictatorships like China.

Of course, the UK itself is in dire straits economically, socially and politically and may request India to take over their country and rule them! After all, they did rule India for two centuries.

They are a failed country and sick child of Europe wanting to get out of the continent, but not knowing how to do so. The UK has become the butt of all jokes: Boris Johnson wants a poll, but does not want to resign and Corbyn wants Boris to resign but does not want a poll! The UK should take care it is not pushed out of Commonwealth because of its tantrums.

Corbyn has to be informed that his party may pamper and appease their Islamic constituency as much as they like, but there is no need to involve himself in India’s affairs. The Queen does not rule us any more — fortunately. 
 
(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-uk-labour-s-india-pain-2793356">original article</a>) 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) &nbsp; 
&nbsp;

On September 25, United Kingdom’s Labour Party at its conference in Brighton passed a resolution that supported “international intervention in Kashmir and a call for UN led-referendum”.

On September 25, United Kingdom’s Labour Party at its conference in Brighton passed a resolution that supported “international intervention in Kashmir and a call for UN led-referendum”. The motion was submitted by the Blackburn, Dudley North, Keighley, Stockport and Wakefield constituencies of the Labour Party. It condemned “The recent actions of the Government of India to revoke Article 370 and 35A of the Indian Constitution and the special status” granted to Kashmir. It called on the Labour party to clearly and vocally support the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination and for international observers to be sent to the region immediately. The resolution also sought the party’s intervention at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC). Reacting to the development, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said, “The government has noted certain developments at the Labour Party Conference on September 25 pertaining to the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. We regret the uninformed and unfounded positions taken at this event.” He also declined any engagement with the vote-bank driven politics of the Jeremy Corbyn-led Labour Party, which sits in the opposition and whose position is in conflict with the official stance of the British government that considers Kashmir a bilateral matter between India and Pakistan and Article 370 as an internal matter of India. The High Commission of India in London cancelled the customary dinner reception to the Labour party and withdrew invites, a senior official said. Jeremy Corbyn, 70, looks like the younger brother of Bernie Sanders on the other side of Atlantic, who in his speech, had made similar references to Kashmir. Addressing the annual convention of the Islamic Society of North America in Houston on September 21, Sanders said he was “deeply concerned” about the situation in Kashmir and asked the US government to “speak out boldly” in support of a UN-backed peaceful resolution to resolve the issue. This 77-year-old leader also penned an article in the Houston Chronicle at the same time when the highly successful ‘Howdy Modi’ extravaganza was taking place about. He wrote: “When President (Donald) Trump meets with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Houston, we will hear much about the friendship between the American and Indian peoples. However, there will be a deafening silence on the human rights crisis in Kashmir.” The bad news is neither of them knows anything about Kashmir; the good news is both of them are well past their sell-by date and have no chance of winning office. Both are pandering to Muslim voters, more so in the case of Corbyn since London has become ‘Londonistan’ and Mirpuris from Kashmir are a significant vote bank. Actually there are many commonalities between Corbyn and our own Rahul Gandhi. Both are leaders of a declining party with a dismal future. Both are college failures and full-time politicians with no other qualifications or expertise. The only difference is Corbyn is aged, married thrice and sometimes accused of being an anti-Semite. After comments by Naz Shah in 2014 and Ken Livingstone in 2016 resulted in their suspension from membership pending investigation, Corbyn established the Chakrabarti Inquiry, which concluded that the Labour party was not “overrun by anti-Semitism or other forms of racism”, although there was an “occasionally toxic atmosphere” and “clear evidence of ignorant attitudes”. This exactly is apt in their comments on Kashmir — the occasionally toxic atmosphere and clear evidence of ignorant attitudes. Someone needs to tell Corbyn that under his party, India became Independent and Pakistan itself is a gift of colonialism and a policy of divide and rule. This Kashmir mess is a British creation to keep a toe hold in the affairs of the Indian sub-continent. Article 370 was obnoxious in denying rights to Scheduled Castes/nomadic tribes and women marrying non-Kashmiris. Women in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) can now buy real estate and transfer property to children, even if they get married to a non-resident as Article 35A has automatically become void with the scrapping of Article 370. Article 35A gives the J&K government the right to decide who qualifies as a ‘permanent resident’. The permanent resident is subject to special rights as only he can acquire land, settle and get government jobs and scholarships in the state. Does Corbyn know that Pakistan has to fulfill certain conditions for a plebiscite — like withdrawal of its troops from Pakistan Occupied Kashmir? Much water has flown down the Jhelum and the global situation has changed. If Corbyn is a chit-reading leader like Stalin in Tamil Nadu, then he is a great loser. He must start studying history and acquaint himself with the geography of the Jammu and Kashmir. Interestingly, the British labour leader is rather quiet about Uighur Muslims who are denied freedom and kept as prisoners by China in its western region. That is the irony of Left Liberals. Attack democratic societies like India and uphold theocracies like Pakistan and dictatorships like China. Of course, the UK itself is in dire straits economically, socially and politically and may request India to take over their country and rule them! After all, they did rule India for two centuries. They are a failed country and sick child of Europe wanting to get out of the continent, but not knowing how to do so. The UK has become the butt of all jokes: Boris Johnson wants a poll, but does not want to resign and Corbyn wants Boris to resign but does not want a poll! The UK should take care it is not pushed out of Commonwealth because of its tantrums. Corbyn has to be informed that his party may pamper and appease their Islamic constituency as much as they like, but there is no need to involve himself in India’s affairs. The Queen does not rule us any more — fortunately. (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Kashmir mess is a British creation

In the 1960s, there was an anti-Congress front, which came to power in Madhya Pradesh, with the Jan Sangh and Communists in the same camp! During that period, regional parties were on the ascendance, with DMK — helped by Swatantra Party and CPM — coming to power in Tamil Nadu.&nbsp;

During the 1970s and the 1980s, the communal versus secular debate was not much in vogue. Regional parties joined hands to oppose the Congress. Their one-point agenda was anti-Congressism.&nbsp;

In the 1990s and later, Congress was a major force that attracted many regional satraps and ran governments with their help from 2004 to 2014.&nbsp;

The rise of BJP in the 1990s has altered the equations with some regional parties like Shiv Sena, Akali Dal and the JD(U) aligning with the BJP, while the others are close to the Congress.&nbsp;

It is interesting to note that socialist parties in MP, Rajasthan and Gujarat have practically disappeared, merging with either the Congress or BJP. These three states had a significant presence of various Lohia-ite parties, all of which were very powerful in the 1960s and 1970s. But they stand forgotten, and the BJP has emerged as the only alternative to the Congress in these three states, which have become two-party systems.

The important point is not about the national aspirations of these regional parties, but their functioning. Whether it is DMK or Shiv Sena where family battles have come out in to open, or the Akali Dal, Janata Dal (S), PMK or the NCP, where an heir apparent has been anointed, or the TDP or RJD, whose family business is politics.&nbsp;

It is important to mention that Tamil Nadu is the pioneer in this aspect where the interests of the state, party, government and language are all subsumed for the welfare of a family enterprise.&nbsp;

In any business, maximisation of shareholder’s wealth is the main objective. Unfortunately, these regional parties are not listed on the stock exchanges and hence an accurate market valuation may not be available.

The total wealth declared by these leaders during election time in the form of affidavits can be a guide to their net worth. But, it will be an under-valuation since it only reflects what can be declared and does not tell the future earning potential of the business.&nbsp;

In this, there are multiple stakeholders other than the controlling family, which plans, allocates and execute projects, with the returns being shared.

The preoperative and preliminary expenses are related to rabble-rousing on caste or language issues. Some initial investment in the form of cut-outs is needed. Another method is to promise largesse in the form of free power, milk, free liquor, TV, free cinema, free rice (Why nobody offers free sex is a mystery to me!), which are to be given from the state exchequer.&nbsp;

In this model, the actual business entity need not worry about operational expenses since post-power, it has total access to the revenue stream.

So, most regional parties ultimately became unlisted family enterprises (DMK/ SP/ RJD/ NC/ SS/ TDP/ YSRP). Three others came to be run by single women (AIADMK/ TMC/ BSP). Since Congress itself is a family-controlled party, it was easier for it to deal with other families through the patronage system. Meanwhile, the amassing of wealth by families that run regional parties is ignored with a benign smile.&nbsp;

At one point, Indira Gandhi had a deal with the DMK where she allowed the latter all the Assembly seats in lieu of Lok Sabha seats in Tamil Nadu. That was accommodation par excellence.&nbsp;

But the emergence of the BJP as the main pole in national politics, has altered the nature of the discourse. This is one of the reasons why the BJP and the Shiv Sena are having a tough time sealing the deal in Maharashtra.&nbsp;

Unlike the Congress, the BJP seems less interested in the patronage and sharing system of spoils since it has a majority of its own in the Lok Sabha. To that extent, it is not dependent on regional families like the DMK.&nbsp;

Many leaders of regional parties find it more attractive to join the BJP than being regional. Congress is not in a position to be an alternate pole to attract regional parties, who find it difficult to be out of power for long periods because their ‘sources’ get depleted. The new national rhythm of the BJP is thus a challenge to regionalism, which can create its own fault-lines in the Indian polity.&nbsp;

The accommodative and patronage-based policy of the Congress towards regional satraps may be replaced by aggressive nationalist postures. Introduction of pan-Indian regulations and laws like GST may be accelerated. Or will the BJP become like the Congress, as far as accommodative politics goes? That is a major issue.

Will the business model of regional family parties meet its nemesis? One reason it will flourish for some more years is the increasing importance of land as a factor of production.&nbsp;

In the 1960s, capital was scarce and land was easily allotted. Now capital is available even from global sources, but land is scarce and that is the strength of these families. Control and allotment of land is the primary ‘son rise’ (pun intended) industry.

To that extent, family businesses will flourish since land is gold and as our regional political parties have realised, it is a state subject.

More than Uniform Civil Code, what is needed is making land and water central subjects. This will alter the future of India, which is linked to some 40-50 families and their capacity for rabble-rousing along with rapaciousness and greed. Are we ready for a thorough reform? Will BJP bite the bullet? 
 
(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-politics-as-family-enterprise-2790022">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)&nbsp;

In the 1960s, there was an anti-Congress front, which came to power in Madhya Pradesh, with the Jan Sangh and Communists in the same camp! During that period, regional parties were on the ascendance, with DMK — helped by Swatantra Party and CPM — coming to power in Tamil Nadu.

In the 1960s, there was an anti-Congress front, which came to power in Madhya Pradesh, with the Jan Sangh and Communists in the same camp! During that period, regional parties were on the ascendance, with DMK — helped by Swatantra Party and CPM — coming to power in Tamil Nadu. During the 1970s and the 1980s, the communal versus secular debate was not much in vogue. Regional parties joined hands to oppose the Congress. Their one-point agenda was anti-Congressism. In the 1990s and later, Congress was a major force that attracted many regional satraps and ran governments with their help from 2004 to 2014. The rise of BJP in the 1990s has altered the equations with some regional parties like Shiv Sena, Akali Dal and the JD(U) aligning with the BJP, while the others are close to the Congress. It is interesting to note that socialist parties in MP, Rajasthan and Gujarat have practically disappeared, merging with either the Congress or BJP. These three states had a significant presence of various Lohia-ite parties, all of which were very powerful in the 1960s and 1970s. But they stand forgotten, and the BJP has emerged as the only alternative to the Congress in these three states, which have become two-party systems. The important point is not about the national aspirations of these regional parties, but their functioning. Whether it is DMK or Shiv Sena where family battles have come out in to open, or the Akali Dal, Janata Dal (S), PMK or the NCP, where an heir apparent has been anointed, or the TDP or RJD, whose family business is politics. It is important to mention that Tamil Nadu is the pioneer in this aspect where the interests of the state, party, government and language are all subsumed for the welfare of a family enterprise. In any business, maximisation of shareholder’s wealth is the main objective. Unfortunately, these regional parties are not listed on the stock exchanges and hence an accurate market valuation may not be available. The total wealth declared by these leaders during election time in the form of affidavits can be a guide to their net worth. But, it will be an under-valuation since it only reflects what can be declared and does not tell the future earning potential of the business. In this, there are multiple stakeholders other than the controlling family, which plans, allocates and execute projects, with the returns being shared. The preoperative and preliminary expenses are related to rabble-rousing on caste or language issues. Some initial investment in the form of cut-outs is needed. Another method is to promise largesse in the form of free power, milk, free liquor, TV, free cinema, free rice (Why nobody offers free sex is a mystery to me!), which are to be given from the state exchequer. In this model, the actual business entity need not worry about operational expenses since post-power, it has total access to the revenue stream. So, most regional parties ultimately became unlisted family enterprises (DMK/ SP/ RJD/ NC/ SS/ TDP/ YSRP). Three others came to be run by single women (AIADMK/ TMC/ BSP). Since Congress itself is a family-controlled party, it was easier for it to deal with other families through the patronage system. Meanwhile, the amassing of wealth by families that run regional parties is ignored with a benign smile. At one point, Indira Gandhi had a deal with the DMK where she allowed the latter all the Assembly seats in lieu of Lok Sabha seats in Tamil Nadu. That was accommodation par excellence. But the emergence of the BJP as the main pole in national politics, has altered the nature of the discourse. This is one of the reasons why the BJP and the Shiv Sena are having a tough time sealing the deal in Maharashtra. Unlike the Congress, the BJP seems less interested in the patronage and sharing system of spoils since it has a majority of its own in the Lok Sabha. To that extent, it is not dependent on regional families like the DMK. Many leaders of regional parties find it more attractive to join the BJP than being regional. Congress is not in a position to be an alternate pole to attract regional parties, who find it difficult to be out of power for long periods because their ‘sources’ get depleted. The new national rhythm of the BJP is thus a challenge to regionalism, which can create its own fault-lines in the Indian polity. The accommodative and patronage-based policy of the Congress towards regional satraps may be replaced by aggressive nationalist postures. Introduction of pan-Indian regulations and laws like GST may be accelerated. Or will the BJP become like the Congress, as far as accommodative politics goes? That is a major issue. Will the business model of regional family parties meet its nemesis? One reason it will flourish for some more years is the increasing importance of land as a factor of production. In the 1960s, capital was scarce and land was easily allotted. Now capital is available even from global sources, but land is scarce and that is the strength of these families. Control and allotment of land is the primary ‘son rise’ (pun intended) industry. To that extent, family businesses will flourish since land is gold and as our regional political parties have realised, it is a state subject. More than Uniform Civil Code, what is needed is making land and water central subjects. This will alter the future of India, which is linked to some 40-50 families and their capacity for rabble-rousing along with rapaciousness and greed. Are we ready for a thorough reform? Will BJP bite the bullet? (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Politics as family enterprise: Nationalist rhythm of BJP is challenge to regionalism

Since the 1990s, two leaders who rose on the political horizon and were closely watched were Arun Jaitley and P Chidambaram. Both were sophisticated spokesmen for their respective parties, namely the BJP and the Congress. Both were lawyers and very eloquent in English, both written and spoken.

Jaitley, in a sense was a local product — studied in Delhi, active in ABVP and jailed during the Emergency. He married Sangeeta, daughter of former Jammu and Kashmir finance minister, Girdhari Lal Dogra. Both his children are lawyers. He was a one-party-man throughout his life. He was trusted as a troubleshooter and had the ear of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

P Chidambaram’s maternal grandfather, Annamalai Chettiar, was the founder of Annamalai University. Chidambaram got his law degree from Madras, but went to Harvard to pursue higher education in management.&nbsp;

But, the Harvard business education did not change his political orientation — Left of centre. He ran a Leftist magazine in Tamil Nadu with N Ram of The Hindu and Marxist Mythili Shivaraman — called Radical Review, mostly aligned to the CPI(M).&nbsp;

He was a junior to the legendary MK Nambiar and current Attorney General KK Venugopal. He met his wife Nalini in those days — she was also a lawyer — and married her even though she belonged to a different caste. She is the daughter of former Supreme Court judge PS Kailasam.

Chidambaram — better known as PC — was close to Rajiv Gandhi and was a minister from the late 1980s. Initially, he was a junior minister in 1986, but moved significantly up the ladder — except for 1999 to 2004 when the BJP was in power.

But along with Moopanar, PC quit the Congress and formed the Tamil Maanila Congress due to the party’s decision to align with Jayalalithaa’s AIADMK. Later, he floated his own party, but finally came back to the Congress. In that sense, he was not a one-party man.

Chidambaram was elected seven times between 1984 to 1999 and 2004 to 2014 from Sivaganga constituency in Tamil Nadu, but is not considered a mass leader. He has always been dependent on one of the Dravidian parties, and the one time he stood on his own, he was defeated by Congress candidate Sudarshan Natchiappan.

Jaitley also cannot be considered a mass leader. He lost the only election he fought from Amritsar in 2014, in spite of the “Modi Wave”. He was always the backroom boy, who knew the byzantine bylanes of Delhi and its Lutyen manipulators.

Both Jaitley and Chidambaram held finance portfolios for long — Chidambaram from 2004 to 2014 and Jaitley from 2014 to 2019.&nbsp;

PC was commerce minister in the PV Narasimha Rao cabinet. He reportedly rewrote the country’s foreign trade policy at one go during a non-stop eight-hour session in Udyog Bhavan in July 1991.&nbsp;

Many may not recall that PC resigned from the Rao cabinet during the Harshad Mehta scam since his family was presumably, a major shareholder in one of the related companies, in what came to be known as the Fairgrowth case.

Interestingly, the lawyer who argued on Chidambaram’s behalf, in this case, was another prominent lawyer-cum-politician — Arun Jaitley.

In their own words, they were good friends. In 2012, Jaitley was the then Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha and Chidambaram was the Home Minister of India. The Parliament was discussing the 2G scam. Jaitley led the opposition’s charge to question Chidambaram on the deal. Chidambaram initially said he was “happy” that his “friend of 22 years” was raising the issue. “I have great respect for the manner in which he raised the question,” Chidambaram said, adding, “and I sincerely hope that I would be able to respond to that and clarify all the doubts.”&nbsp;

But when Jaitley continued to grill the Congress leader, Chidambaram became emotional. “(I don’t) want to reveal private conversations (presumably between Jaitley and him) but I still maintain that it would be much simpler if somebody took a dagger and plunged it into my heart rather than question my integrity,” he said. The barb was clearly directed at Jaitley.

However, the role of Chidambaram and his wife in many dealings were not considered above board. He was legal advisor to Enron — but for its collapse, India may have had to pay a huge compensation. His wife, meanwhile, was the legal advisor to Gold Quest scheme, a Pyramid scheme of selling gold coins. She was also advising Saradha group’s chit schemes in West Bengal, which are under investigation. Later, his son Karti has been embroiled in many alleged dubious transactions.

In contrast, there are no major allegations against Jaitley, who was a favourite of the media. Once Arun Shourie jokingly called Jaitley the mass leader of a few Delhi journalists. After Jaitley’s demise, many in the media expressed their personal loss.&nbsp;

PC, though, is not popular with the media since he is perceived as arrogant and not courteous. He even used to set terms for his interviews.&nbsp;

In his younger days, PC was a chocoholic and chips lover, while Jaitley was fond of sweets and other savouries. It is said that Jaitley could remember great restaurants in many parts of the world along with their special dishes.

It will not be easy to replace the likes of Jaitley and Chidambaram as orators. It has been suggested that Jaitley was soft on PC and because of that, some probe agencies were going slow against PC.

Well, one of them is no more. The other is likely to spend long years in jail due to ED cases.

(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-tale-of-two-political-stalwarts-2788362">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

 
&nbsp;

Since the 1990s, two leaders who rose on the political horizon and were closely watched were Arun Jaitley and P Chidambaram. Both were sophisticated spokesmen for their respective parties, namely the BJP and the Congress.

Since the 1990s, two leaders who rose on the political horizon and were closely watched were Arun Jaitley and P Chidambaram. Both were sophisticated spokesmen for their respective parties, namely the BJP and the Congress. Both were lawyers and very eloquent in English, both written and spoken. Jaitley, in a sense was a local product — studied in Delhi, active in ABVP and jailed during the Emergency. He married Sangeeta, daughter of former Jammu and Kashmir finance minister, Girdhari Lal Dogra. Both his children are lawyers. He was a one-party-man throughout his life. He was trusted as a troubleshooter and had the ear of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. P Chidambaram’s maternal grandfather, Annamalai Chettiar, was the founder of Annamalai University. Chidambaram got his law degree from Madras, but went to Harvard to pursue higher education in management. But, the Harvard business education did not change his political orientation — Left of centre. He ran a Leftist magazine in Tamil Nadu with N Ram of The Hindu and Marxist Mythili Shivaraman — called Radical Review, mostly aligned to the CPI(M). He was a junior to the legendary MK Nambiar and current Attorney General KK Venugopal. He met his wife Nalini in those days — she was also a lawyer — and married her even though she belonged to a different caste. She is the daughter of former Supreme Court judge PS Kailasam. Chidambaram — better known as PC — was close to Rajiv Gandhi and was a minister from the late 1980s. Initially, he was a junior minister in 1986, but moved significantly up the ladder — except for 1999 to 2004 when the BJP was in power. But along with Moopanar, PC quit the Congress and formed the Tamil Maanila Congress due to the party’s decision to align with Jayalalithaa’s AIADMK. Later, he floated his own party, but finally came back to the Congress. In that sense, he was not a one-party man. Chidambaram was elected seven times between 1984 to 1999 and 2004 to 2014 from Sivaganga constituency in Tamil Nadu, but is not considered a mass leader. He has always been dependent on one of the Dravidian parties, and the one time he stood on his own, he was defeated by Congress candidate Sudarshan Natchiappan. Jaitley also cannot be considered a mass leader. He lost the only election he fought from Amritsar in 2014, in spite of the “Modi Wave”. He was always the backroom boy, who knew the byzantine bylanes of Delhi and its Lutyen manipulators. Both Jaitley and Chidambaram held finance portfolios for long — Chidambaram from 2004 to 2014 and Jaitley from 2014 to 2019. PC was commerce minister in the PV Narasimha Rao cabinet. He reportedly rewrote the country’s foreign trade policy at one go during a non-stop eight-hour session in Udyog Bhavan in July 1991. Many may not recall that PC resigned from the Rao cabinet during the Harshad Mehta scam since his family was presumably, a major shareholder in one of the related companies, in what came to be known as the Fairgrowth case. Interestingly, the lawyer who argued on Chidambaram’s behalf, in this case, was another prominent lawyer-cum-politician — Arun Jaitley. In their own words, they were good friends. In 2012, Jaitley was the then Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha and Chidambaram was the Home Minister of India. The Parliament was discussing the 2G scam. Jaitley led the opposition’s charge to question Chidambaram on the deal. Chidambaram initially said he was “happy” that his “friend of 22 years” was raising the issue. “I have great respect for the manner in which he raised the question,” Chidambaram said, adding, “and I sincerely hope that I would be able to respond to that and clarify all the doubts.” But when Jaitley continued to grill the Congress leader, Chidambaram became emotional. “(I don’t) want to reveal private conversations (presumably between Jaitley and him) but I still maintain that it would be much simpler if somebody took a dagger and plunged it into my heart rather than question my integrity,” he said. The barb was clearly directed at Jaitley. However, the role of Chidambaram and his wife in many dealings were not considered above board. He was legal advisor to Enron — but for its collapse, India may have had to pay a huge compensation. His wife, meanwhile, was the legal advisor to Gold Quest scheme, a Pyramid scheme of selling gold coins. She was also advising Saradha group’s chit schemes in West Bengal, which are under investigation. Later, his son Karti has been embroiled in many alleged dubious transactions. In contrast, there are no major allegations against Jaitley, who was a favourite of the media. Once Arun Shourie jokingly called Jaitley the mass leader of a few Delhi journalists. After Jaitley’s demise, many in the media expressed their personal loss. PC, though, is not popular with the media since he is perceived as arrogant and not courteous. He even used to set terms for his interviews. In his younger days, PC was a chocoholic and chips lover, while Jaitley was fond of sweets and other savouries. It is said that Jaitley could remember great restaurants in many parts of the world along with their special dishes. It will not be easy to replace the likes of Jaitley and Chidambaram as orators. It has been suggested that Jaitley was soft on PC and because of that, some probe agencies were going slow against PC. Well, one of them is no more. The other is likely to spend long years in jail due to ED cases. (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Tale of two political stalwarts - Arun Jaitley and P Chidambaram

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Zee News Rajasthan

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