Friday, March 7, 2014



Postmortem of Kejri-cry

A point-by-point response to questions raised and rebuttal of irresponsible allegations made by Arvind Kejriwal 


(A compilation of authentic inputs for public education) 
On Gas Pricing

·      It was BJP leader Yashwant Sinha who led the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Gas Pricing, which gave a researched yet aggressive critique of the gas pricing policies seeking a re-think on the formulation of pricing through recommendations of the Rangarajan formula and urging the UPA government to review its decision to increase prices from April 2014.[1] The report makes these points mainly:

1.    The Committee advised the government to subject gas producers to closer regulation, especially on aspects of cost recovery and technical parameters related to production.

2.    The Committee opined that the contractor responsible for supplying gas from the KG-D6 gas field should deliver the shortfall in supply at the original price and not be allowed to take advantage of a possible upward price revision.
2.
3.    Expressing concerns about the adverse impact on different sectors of a possible price rise due the implementation of the new formula, the Committee suggested that the government re-think elements of the formula and impose a cap on the price suggested by it.
3.
4.    The Committee expressed the view that the government needs to do a thorough impact study of gas pricing on the core sectors of power, fertiliser, steel and small scale industry.

·      It is also important to remind Kejriwal that Gujarat’s Energy Minister Shri Saurabh Patel has also expressed his disappointment and opposition to the gas pricing which would lead to increased rates.[2]


·      Coming to Kejriwal’s charge of undue favours to Ambani, this is again a blind allegation in which Arvind Kejriwal specializes. Gujarat under Narendra Modi has seen transparent governance which has cut red tape and corruption tremendously.

·      The question to be asked to Arvind Kejriwal is that why did his party not raise its voice or demand any FIR in the Augusta Westland case which directly involved Sonia Gandhi? Did their political alliance play a part or it has more to do with the personal closeness of Arvind Kejriwal to the Sonia Gandhi & the NAC nexus?

On Agricultural Growth

Again Kejriwal used non existent figures to rubbish the most exceptional story of transformation in agriculture. Gujarat has indeed grown at close to 11% in the last decade. This data sourced from the Gujarat Socio Economic Survey proves him a liar once again. Gujarat has indeed been growing at 11% in the past decade.

Agri.jpg
Electricity Supply

Gujarat’s Jyotigram Yojna has been lauded over the country & in the world for revolutionising agriculture in rural areas. It has also been recommended as the ideal model by planning panel as well.

On subsidies to farmers, At a time when electricity consumers in Gujarat are paying about Rs 5 for every unit of electricity, farmers in the state are getting the same at a subsidised rate of just 56 paise. [3]

On Crony Capitalism
·      By asking such questions Arvind Kejriwal tries to indulge in innuendo, which has been the characteristic of the AAP. However if he did just some research on Gujarat and it’s progress in the last decade, the answers are clearly visible.

·      Under Narendra Modi’s rule in Gujarat, businesses have thrived and progressed immensely. Not only Adani, almost all industrial houses have done well in Gujarat. This is due to absence of red tape and excellent infrastructure in Gujarat. These policies of the Gujarat Government have directly benefitted the common man, by increasing employment opportunities & incomes.

·      Even the PSUs which were loss making entities in Gujarat before Narendra Modi came to power, are making great profit now. While they incurred a loss of 2702 crore in 2001, the same companies turned a profit of 4041 crores in 2012-13.

·      The per capita income in Gujarat has grown at the fastest rate in Gujarat in the entire country in the last decade. SMEs & MSMEs have also blossomed like never before. There are many success stories in Gujarat, which is truly the growth engine of India.

·      If he is specifically interested in only Adani, he should also know that Adani has invested in Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Goa, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Assam apart from Gujarat. In addition to it, the Group has made investment in Indonesia for coal mining project and Australia for port and coal mining projects. It’s investments in Gujarat comprise of only 35% of its total investments.

·      Hence questioning ties between Adani group and the Gujarat CM is just nonsensical. Also all the exchanges between the Gujarat Government and the company are in public domain, unlike the AAP which holds closed door meetings in hotels with industrialists to make political deals.
Health & Education
·      Arvind Kejriwal would be pleasantly surprised to know that Gujarat’s performance in education, health and helping farmers is indeed a model for the nation.

·      The Modi Government with its Kanya Kelvani and Shala Praveshotsav programme in Mission Mode focused attention on primary education in the State for the first time. At the time Mr. Modi became Chief Minister the drop out rate in primary education was as high as 20%. These means that one in every five children dropped out of school at the end of class V. In 2012-13, this has come down to 2.04 .

·      This huge success in education was due to more money being spent on education especially in building infrastructure. The performance of Gujarat is far better than the National performance which can be seen below:

o   99% of schools in Gujarat have  electricity Vs 72% nationally
o   82% of schools in Gujarat have ramp facility Vs 53% nationally
o   89% of schools in Gujarat have boundary walls Vs 58% nationally
o   100% of schools in Gujarat have girls toilets Vs 72% nationally
o   100% of schools in Gujarat have drinking water Vs 23% nationally
·      According to the latest figures of IMR are for 2012, released by Registrar General in 2013 IMR of Gujarat has declined by 33% as compared to decline of 30% for All India between 2003 and 2012. Gujarat’s IMR at 38 is lower than the All India IMR of 42 hence Gujarat’s IMR has declined from 57 in 2003 to 38 in 2012.

·      Gujarat had a rank of 10 in 15 Bigger States in SRS 2005. This rank improved to 8th in 19 Bigger States which have been taken up in SRS 2013. Also important to note that in Gujarat IMR reduced from 69 in 1991 to 60 in 2001, but in the next 11 years decreased from 60 to 38! Hence Gujarat has done well in reducing IMR and this indicates that growth in Gujarat has been Inclusive.

·      It is interesting to see Arvind Kejriwal raise similar questions on farmer suicides which was raised by his Rahul Gandhi sometime back. Gujarat has an excellent track record in not being known for farmer suicides. The states of Andhra Pradesh & Maharashtra are known for farmer suicides.

·      If any party is responsible for farmer suicides, it is Congress Party. Also Maharashtra & Andhra Pradesh, two Congress ruled states have the highest no of suicide cases in India.

·      According to a reply given in the Lok Sabha[4], Andhra Pradesh recorded 7303 while Maharashtra recorded 10,264 deaths in 2010, 2011, 2012. It is ironic that Arvind Kejriwal asks this question to Narendra Modi when it is the party who he was associated with previously which is responsible for most farmer deaths.
·      Gujarat has the country’s best record in BT Cotton but the state has make excellent arrangements for provision of infrastructure and inputs, especially water and has been able to avoid farmer suicides.

·      It would be good if Arvind Kejriwal answers what has AAP Government done in Delhi. Rapes continue abetted. Racial crimes are flourishing. Infact their ministers are indulging in racism. As many as 174 people are reported to have dies in Delhi due to cold in 23 days of AAP regime itself. Even the NHRC had to step in and question the death of people due to cold.
Facts on the Purshottam Solanki case

No proven findings against Purshottam Solanki
·      Primarily imperative to ask anyone who levels any allegations against Purshottam Solanki as to what are the charges against him? If he/she is aware of the case details?
o   Whether there is a court order against him?
o   Whether there is a CAG finding against him?
o   Whether any allegation of corruption has been proved in a court against him?
o   Whether his actions have led to a loss to the public exchequer?
o   Whether there is any allegation of a quid pro quo?

·      The reality is there is no chargesheet/no court finding against Purshottam Solanki.
 His decision was in the larger interest of the community
·      Being from the fishermen community himself, the Minister for Fisheries Purshottam Solanki,  took a decision in the interest of the fishermen community by allowing communities, co-operatives, displaced & adversely impacted people to get contracts for fishing at upset prices. This decision was actually a medium of Empowerment for the local communities.

·      Some private individuals went to the High Court against this decision. The High Court asked the Government of Gujarat to study the matter and take appropriate decision.

·      The Cabinet studied all aspects of the case extensively and deduced that no spurious practice was followed by Purshottam Solanki in the case.



Governor gave sanction to prosecute disregarding Cabinet opinion
·      But the Governor of Gujarat, in yet another example of partisan politics, disregarded the opinion of the Cabinet & gave sanction to prosecute Purshottam Solanki.

Matter being probed, important to wait for verdict
·      This matter is currently being probed by the Anti Corruption Bureau as per the Court Orders. There has been no chargesheet/court finding against Purshottam Solanki till date.

·      The question arises that how can someone judge Purshottam Solanki even before the court finds any evidence against him or pronounces its verdict. It is important to respect the sanctity of our judicial systems & wait for the verdict before declaring anyone guilty to score political points.

·      The case has not even come for trial; no chargesheet has been filed and there are no adverse findings by any court whatsoever
Facts on the Babubhai Bokhiria Case

Stay on Conviction
·      The opposition & sections of the media are routinely peddling lies that Babubhai Bokhiria remains in the cabinet inspite of being convicted. Nothing can be farther from the truth than this assumption.

·      The fact of the matter in Babubhai Bokhiria’s case is that his conviction has been stayed by a superior court.

·      Both his conviction and his sentence stay suspended.
Rationale behind Stay
·      The District Judge after taking into account the trial order has passed a detailed speaking order.

·      The District Judge has said that he is aware that a conviction should not be stayed unless it is a rare case. After detailed study of the case, the District Court Judge has come to the conclusion that this conviction should be stayed as it is a rare case.
Supreme Court Judgment
·      The Supreme Court judgment which repealed section 8 (4) of the RP Act 1951 while allowing disqualification of convicted representatives, also observed that the same will not apply retrospectively.

·      So it would be unfair to question the wisdom of the Supreme Court & asking Babubhai Bokhiria to be removed from the Cabinet as legally his conviction has been stayed  at present.


Moral Argument
·      Argument may be made that keeping in mind morality and commitment towards eradicating corruption, Babubhai Bokhiria should be removed from the Cabinet.

·      Here it is important to remind that morality should be applicable on both sides.  What if a higher court strikes down his sentence and conviction entirely and proves him innocent?

·      Hence we should wait for the Court to decide the case before coming to conclusions.
Questions Kejriwal needs to answer

·      While Arvind Kejriwal in his self righteousness questions a person as honest as Shri Narendra Modi, he himself has been found running away from the same questions.

1.    It has been found that on direction of the Court, the Centre has sent notices to the AAP to reveal it’s source of funding. But the Kejriwal led AAP is yet to reply inspite of 2 notices.[5]

2.    Arvind Kejriwal should question Manish Sisodia who is accused of misusing the money meant for his NGO. [6]

3.    Arvind Kejriwal also needs to answer the nation as to why is the Ford Foundation aiding the AAP and what are the ulterior motives behind it. [7]

4.    He is also yet to answer the Courts on crossing the election spending. [8]

5.    While Arvind Kejriwal positions himself as the champion of honest politics, it is strange to find that Arvind Kejriwal is yet to answer 13 RTI applications asking him questions pertained to funds received by way of donations and membership, details of expenses, statements of the party’s bank accounts, internal elections, candidates selections process and the proof of corruption against politicians whom Kejriwal has called corrupt in the recent weeks. The petitioner also adds “While Arvind Kejriwal was in the chair, the chief minister’s performance on RTI was at its worst ever. I had asked for reasons for the transfers of the two transport commissioners. The CM’s office replied that the citizens have no right to ask why the transfer happen[9]

AAP Manifesto Report Card
Sr No.
Promises
Status
01
The VIP culture should be stopped in Delhi. No MLA, minister or Delhi official will use red beacon on their cars. Neither they will live in big bungalows nor will take any special security.
Definitely no red-beacon is used. But big vehicle with VIP numbers were allotted to the ministers. Even Kejriwal himself asked for two 5-bed room bungalows. Thus on this front AAP government failed seriously because only tokenism was displayed.
02
Passing of the Jan Lokpal Bill, the same version for which Anna Hazare held fasts.
This in fact was opportunistically used by AAP in order to reap some benefit in Lok Sabha elections
03
People will take decision directly in 'mohalla sabhas', which will be held in every locality and colony.
Swaraj Bill’ even could not pass the cabinet. No opinion was taken for decisions during the tenure of government. This is a failure
04
AP demanded complete statehood for Delhi. Central government's hold on DDA and Police should end
No such bill came in the Assembly.
05
The party also demanded a special audit of all electricity companies in the national capital from the time these were privatised. The companies that refuse to participate, their licenses should be cancelled
Audit has been ordered. But because of resignation, how this can be followed up? -
06
Electricity meters should be checked.
This has not yet started.
07
There is 220 liters of water available for every person daily. Where is it?
In this tenure, Kejriwal never wanted to investigate this. No answer to Delhi Public till date
08
AAP wanted unauthorized colonies to be regularized. 30% of Delhi's population lives in such colonies and these should be regularized
This hasn’t been done yet nor any action initiated till date!

08
AAP wanted unauthorized colonies to be regularized. 30% of Delhi's population lives in such colonies and these should be regularized
This hasn’t been done yet nor any action initiated till date!
09
The party demanded to know if the Congress and the BJP will support its decision to give clean and affordable 'pakka houses' (built up houses) to those living in slums.
Both BJP and Congress agreed to it. But AAP government didn’t initiate any action
10
It also sought their support to give regular jobs to those working on contractual basis.
No Action initiated by AAP government despite their promise.
11
It wanted to give infrastructural facilities like roads, electricity, water and basic facilities to the ordinary trader
Not once these promises were discussed.
12
AAP said it is against FDI in retail.
A letter from Delhi government sent to the central government withdrawing earlier consent of allowing FDI in retail at Delhi
13
The party wanted to provide facilities and subsidies to farmers in the villages in the national capital.
No attempt is made in this tenure.
14
The party also demanded to know the Congress and BJP's stand on opening 500 government schools, stopping donations in private schools and making the fee system transparent.
Nothing has been done by AAP government.
15
The party said it wanted to open new government hospitals with better facilities.
Nothing is done.
16
It also wanted to have special security units for women and wants all harassment cases to be tackled within three months.
Some initial discussion started but nothing concrete done by the government.
17
It wanted to set up enough courts and appoint judges so that all cases are dealt within six months.
Not done and neither initiated any action.
18
The AAP wanted to know whether the municipal corporations of Delhi will support them on these issues.
No such situation has aroused during the tenure where MCD’s support is required.
19
Providing electricity at 50% reduced tariff: The original promise was to make the audit of discoms, check their irregularities so that Delhi public could the reduction of 50% in their tariff.
Audit ordered and in the mean time 50% subsidy upto 400 units was announced. This subsidy included prevailing subsidy. This is applicable to only metered house. This can only be seen as a populist measure benefiting affording class only at the cost of Public money.
20
Providing free water up to 700 litre per day per house hold
20kl water is made free for each household those have meters. Those who don't have meters (particularly poor people) wouldn’t be benefited. Further the main issue of providing water to everyone was not addressed. Thus in coming summers, the people who were suffering since years and became victim of tanker mafia are sure to suffer, because AAP is now interested in national ambition.
21
Shelters to homeless: After assuming office, Kejriwal had announced that his government would set up porta cabins for the homeless.
But the government set up makeshift homes of plastic sheets. According to reports, at least 178 people lost their lives due to Cold in the past one month.
Delhi High Court also pulled up the AAP government over deaths due to cold at night shelters in the national capital.

Ending 49 days of AAP rule in Delhi
No.
Manifesto Agenda
Status
01
01
BRINGING AN END TO CORRUPTION IN DELHI
Undecided
02
0203
DEVOLVING POWER DIRECTLY TO THE PEOPLE
     12065738771352376078Arnoud999_Right_or_wrong_5
03
03
FULL STATEHOOD TO DELHI
     12065738771352376078Arnoud999_Right_or_wrong_5
04
04
ELECTRICITY BILLS TO BE REDUCED BY HALF
Undecided
05
05
CLEAN WATER IN EVERY HOME
     12065738771352376078Arnoud999_Right_or_wrong_5
06
06
MAKING SEWERAGE SYSTEMS WORK, BUILDING COMMUNITY TOILETS
     12065738771352376078Arnoud999_Right_or_wrong_5
07
07
BETTER WASTE MANAGEMENT, A CLEANER DELHI
     12065738771352376078Arnoud999_Right_or_wrong_5
08
HIGH QUALITY EDUCATION IN GOVERNMENT SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES
     12065738771352376078Arnoud999_Right_or_wrong_5
09
IMPROVING PUBLIC HEALTHCARE FACILITIES
     12065738771352376078Arnoud999_Right_or_wrong_5
10
SECURITY FOR WOMEN , CHILDREN AND SENIOR CITIZENS
     12065738771352376078Arnoud999_Right_or_wrong_5
11
SWIFT AND FAIR DISPENSATION OF JUSTICE
     12065738771352376078Arnoud999_Right_or_wrong_5
12
DEVOLUTION OF POWER TO GRAMS SABHAS AND BETTER FACILITIES IN DELHI’S VILLAGES
     12065738771352376078Arnoud999_Right_or_wrong_5
13
BETTER FACILITIES AND REGULARISATION OF UNAUTHORISED COLONIES
     12065738771352376078Arnoud999_Right_or_wrong_5
14
BETTER FACILITIES AND REHABILITATION OF SLUMS
     12065738771352376078Arnoud999_Right_or_wrong_5
15
PROTECTING THE COMMON MAN FROM RISING PRICES
    12065738771352376078Arnoud999_Right_or_wrong_5
16
INCREASING EMPLOYMENT IN DELHI
    12065738771352376078Arnoud999_Right_or_wrong_5
17
FACILITATING TRADE IN DELHI
    12065738771352376078Arnoud999_Right_or_wrong_5
18
IMPROVING FACILITIES IN INDUSTRIAL AREAS
    12065738771352376078Arnoud999_Right_or_wrong_5
19
NO CONTRACTUALISATION OF JOBS
    12065738771352376078Arnoud999_Right_or_wrong_5
20
SOCIAL SECURITY FOR UNORGANISED SECTOR WORKERS
    12065738771352376078Arnoud999_Right_or_wrong_5
21
LICENCES AND PERMANENT SPACES TO STREET VENDORS
    12065738771352376078Arnoud999_Right_or_wrong_5
22
CONVINIENT AND INEXPENSIVE PUBLIC TRANSPORT
    12065738771352376078Arnoud999_Right_or_wrong_5
23
IMPROVED ROADS, WITH SPACE FOR NON-MOTORISED TRANSPORT
   12065738771352376078Arnoud999_Right_or_wrong_5
24
FAIR ARRANGEMENTS FOR AUTO-DRIVERS AND AUTO-COMMUTERS
Undecided
25
YAMUNA: ENDING POLLUTION AND ENCROACHMENT
  12065738771352376078Arnoud999_Right_or_wrong_5
26
REDUCING POLLUTION, SAVING THE RIDGE
  12065738771352376078Arnoud999_Right_or_wrong_5
27
PROTECTING CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS OF SCHEDULED CASTES
  12065738771352376078Arnoud999_Right_or_wrong_5
28
LIFE OF DIGNITY TO THE VALMIKI COMMUNITY
  12065738771352376078Arnoud999_Right_or_wrong_5
29
PEACE, JUSTICE AND EQUALITY FOR MUSLIMS
  12065738771352376078Arnoud999_Right_or_wrong_5
30
JUSTICE TO VICTIMS OF 1984 MASSACRE
Undecided
31
TRUE SECOND LANGUAGE STATUS TO URDU AND PUNJABI
  12065738771352376078Arnoud999_Right_or_wrong_5
32
PROTECTING THE RIGHTS OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITY
  12065738771352376078Arnoud999_Right_or_wrong_5
33
OTHER MARGINALISED COMMUNITIES
  12065738771352376078Arnoud999_Right_or_wrong_5
34
SPORTS AND CULTURE
  12065738771352376078Arnoud999_Right_or_wrong_5









[3] http://indianexpress.com/article/cities/ahmedabad/farmers-pay-56-paise-per-unit-of-electricity/
[4] http://164.100.47.132/Annexture/lsq15/14/as24.htm

2 comments:

  1. Being honest (? so called in his case) is one thing, but being capable is the only thing required in Governance. An Escapist without conviction can never be a good leader. One's Pseudo good intentions can only spread anarchy, which is good for nothing.

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  2. This comment has been removed by the author.

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