Humanity wears out : Amid burning pyres oxygen and medicines are sold at inflated prices in black market

Fear of infection, a lack of medical facilities and days of waiting for cremations are said to be the reasons for the dozens of bodies seen abandoned at crematoriums in New Delhi.

The bodies of Covid-19 victims are piling up in mortuaries and abandoned bodies are left near crematoriums amid a thriving black market for medical oxygen as coronavirus cases spiral in India’s capital. 

India's Covid19 crisis has started throwing up challenges in multiple forms. The second wave Covid-hit has now resulted in emergence of the 'Indian variant'. The WHO has named it B-1617 and this has already affected 17 countries.  

On the global stage, as high as 38 per cent of global cases have now been reported from India in the past week.

Daily infections in India hovered above 300,000 for sixth straight day. 

The trajectory of infections in India is alarming. Daily infections hovered above 350,000 for the third straight day on April 29. The figure rose to 380,000 on April 30 before reaching a record high of 401,993 cases and 3,523 deaths on May 1.

The pandemic has infected more than 19 million people and claimed 211,853 lives so far in India. "We Indians talk big about humanitarian aspects and religious ideologies, but people display their baser instincts when faced with life’s realities,” says Pongsing, a Christian resident of Delhi who lost a family member to Covid-19.

“There is rampant black marketing of oxygen and some medicines. A cylinder of oxygen is sold at 30,000 to 40,000 rupees (US$400-500) on the black market. As we suffer, some people are focused on minting money."

The black market price of an oxygen cylinder is up to 10 times more than the actual of cost of 4,000 rupees.

Pongsing’s cousin lost his wife in the second Covid wave that hit India in April.

Those who bring their near and dear ones to hospital look almost reconciled that they will not get back their relatives

“There was no one to help. I think the entire atmosphere around Delhi hospitals is of utter frustration now,” he says.

“Those who bring their near and dear ones to hospital look almost reconciled that they will not get back their relatives."

Kalyan Baruah: Journalist expired due to Covid

Some 300 people are dying daily in New Delhi. The death toll has been increasing rapidly in the past week. India has been reporting more than 3,000 deaths each day, up from 2,000 in the previous week.

Crematoriums in the capital are burning multiple bodies and in most of them bodies are lined up in the open because of the backlog.

In most cases, no relative comes to receive the ashes or perform the rituals that Hinduism demands are necessary for the repose of the departed soul.

"Faith has become secondary in a country where we make a big fuss about rituals and religiosity. Now, everyone is busy saving their own life. It is a sense of reconciling to faith," says Delhi resident Mohini Sachdeva.

The mass burning of bodies and the utter confusion over who is taking the ashes of whose bodies has sparked a discussion on the concept of last rites and Moksha.

Hindus believe that a deceased’s ashes need to be immersed in the River Ganga at Varanasi or in other temple cities for the soul to attain Moksha, the union with the supreme God ending the cycle of rebirth.

But a temple priest in Delhi explains that all rituals are linked to faith and liberal Hinduism can be practiced in any situation.

“Hinduism is very liberal and flexible. Our ancestral sacred books say that all rituals should be pragmatic and realistic. If you cannot find the Ganga in your neighborhood, other water bodies are allowed for the immersion of ashes,” he says.

In today's circumstances, survival would get precedence even over prayers and rituals

Similarly, if a body cannot be cremated, it may be disposed of in other ways.

“The Antyeshti, or last rite, is linked to the faith that the soul or Atman is immortal. So, it is not a sin to not cremate the body or not to collect the ashes. If one cannot collect the ashes, the son of the deceased or a close relative can make a formal request to the priests to hold the last rite without ashes,” says the priest, who requested anonymity.

"In today's circumstances, survival would get precedence even over prayers and rituals. All these have been made and followed for human beings; the human beings are not made for rituals.”

Delhi is building cremation platforms in parks to ease the pressure on its crematoriums.

But amid the helplessness and utter frustration, the roles of administrative authorities have been found wanting.

Delhi High Court has criticized the city government's handling of the pandemic. The court threatened to dismiss the government led by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and hand it over it over to the federal government.

On the other hand, opposition parties say the chief failure for the present mess must be attributed to the federal government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

It would be unfair to blame one party or the other. This is crisis time on the global stage

But local leaders of Modi’s pro-Hindu Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) says it is not the time for a political blame game.

"It would be unfair to blame one party or the other. This is crisis time on the global stage. We do not want politics. India has suffered, it is true,” says Pankaj Chaturvedi, BJP spokesman for Madhya Pradesh state.

However, he said, as India is a federation of states, “the role of the state governments cannot be ignored either.”

Blogger 

India reports a staggeringly high 401,993 cases in a single day :: 18 patients die as fire engulfs Covid hospital at Gujarat's Bharuch 

India on Saturday/May 1 reported a staggeringly high 401,993 cases.
At the national level, the total number of cases stands at 19,164,969 and the death toll from the virus has shot up to 211,835. 

India thus became the first country in the world to log 400,000 infections in a single day. The number of fatalities in India has increased to 3,498 new deaths in last 24 hours. 

ends (Edited version of this above piece came in UCA News)

UCA News Link

18 patients die as fire engulfs Covid hospital at Gujarat's Bharuch, PM expresses pain

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday expressed 'pain' at the loss of lives due to

a fire at a Bharuch hospital in Gujarat. "Pained by the loss of lives due to a fire at a hospital in Bharuch. Condolences to the bereaved families," he tweeted.

Reports said at least 18 coronavirus patients died after a fire broke out at a hospital in Bharuch 

in the early hours on May 1.

Some patients reportedly were charred to death while on stretchers and their beds.
There were around 50 other patients at the four- storeyed Welfare Hospital when the fire broke out in the COVID-19 ward at around 1 am. 
They were rescued by locals and firefighters, an official said.

The 12 patients in the COVID-19 ward died due to the fire and resultant smoke. "The fire was so intense that the ICU ward was almost burnt to the ground," an eyewitness said. The cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained, officials said.

Gujarat chief minister Vijay Rupani announced financial assistance of  Rs 4 lakh for the families of 18 people, who were killed in the mishap. 

Rupani also extended his condolences to the patients, doctors and the hospital staff who lost their lives in the fire. Incidentally, today is also Statehood days for Gujarat and Maharashtra.

"Both states are home to outstanding people, who have made landmark contributions to national growth. 

May these states fight COVID-19 successfully and may the people of these states be blessed with good health," the Prime Minister wrote in another tweet.

Mizoram House in Delhi to be made Covid Care Centre 

Aware of problems in Delhi hospitals, the Mizoram government has decided to make state 

government-operated 'Mizoram House' at Vasant Vihar in the national capital a Covid19 care centre.

The state Chief Minister Zoramthanga made an announcement to this effect to help Mizo population staying in Delhi get the benefit of the facilities inview of the surge in number of cases in Delhi since last one week.

There are two Mizoram Houses in Delhi located at Vasant Vihar and Chanakyapuri areas.

Zoramthanga also said that he has great concern for the people of the state living in the national capital who have been infected by the pandemic.

A large number of Mizoram students and government officials reside in Delhi.  
The Chief Minister urged officials and office bearers of Delhi Mizo Welfare Association to make arrangement in this regard.
The chief minister also urged upon the medical staff including doctors and nurses from Mizoram living in the capital to use their skills and launch the service as per their convenience at the earliest.

"We will try our best for our people. It is time for us to fight the pandemic together," the Chief Minister said in a message in social media.

Mr Zoramthanga is a former insurgent leader and a close associate of Laldenga, who had inked peace pact with the central government in 1986.

Like Mizo people in general, Zoramthanga is also known for 'pragmatic'  approach to politics and life. During the tenure of Atal Bihari Vajpayee as the Prime Minister, Zoramthanga had offered to work 'on behalf of the centre' and expedite negotiations with Naga rebel leaders Thuingaleng Muivah and Late Isak Chishi Swu.

Once the Mizos shunned the path of violence, the Mizo leaders have been working tirelessly for establishing peace and harmony.
In 1999, the Vajpayee government had sanctioned a supplementary grant of Rs 242.16 crore as 'peace bonus' to the state government to help it tide over its acute funds crunch.

Back home in the state, 6019 people have been affected by covid-19 and the state has reported 14 deaths. 

Old Files: In 2018, a former 1971 War hero supports BJP in Tripura :::: 2016, Smriti Irani, Oppn parties & pro-afzal slogans ::: Rahul apology in 2019

In February 2018, I was in Tripura covering assembly elections which ultimately BJP won and the communists were dethroned!

1971 War Hero in a small hamlet Marachhara pledges support to BJP 

Blogger with The War Hero

(As I touched his feet saying, my dad also served with Assam Rifles... he said immediately "Tell him only son from a Fauzi background wud show such respect to a retired Subedar". He gave a smile....; perhaps I knew that 'smile' !!

And his eyes glittered with desire and optimism.

In general a refrain about BJP’s rise in Tripura – a known communist citadel – suggests that the indiscriminate politics of nepotism and corruption played by CPI-M led Left Front has led many political activists and supporters to rest faith in the BJP.

The 25 years of the Left rule saw the poor state experience a number of scams and frauds – like the Rose Valley Chit Fund scam, gross law and order problems wherein women continue to get molested and raped. There were problems like exploitation of the workers and under-payment of state government servants as also absence of developmental works and even problems with regard drinking water especially in tribal stronghold areas.

But a visit to a tiny hamlet at Marachara’s tribal-stronghold ‘Deb Barma Para’ under Surma assembly segment suggests there were even a few who always ‘questioned’ the Marxists’ party’s commitment to Indian nationhood and the Indian communist leadership’s policy towards China in 1962.

"Why the communists turn die-hard China fans? I always voted against the CPI-M. I had joined Army in 1963-64 just immediately after the 1962 Sino-India conflict. It was a national duty. The communists betrayed my trust in 1962. The Left approach to Indian politics in 1962 cannot be forgiven....we are nationalists,” says retired Subedar Chandrakant Deb Barma, a 1971 War Hero during creation of Bangladesh in 1971.

He maintains that the communists’ policy in 1962-63 suggested that India should adopt a laid back approach and turn a dithering nation. “How could we tolerate that?”  

Today in circa 2018 – at the ripe age of 79 – he says, “Thanks to the Narendra Modi government; India is changing now. India will regain it’s days of glory".

As a former soldier, Deb Barma is more than cautious and thus avoids talking about contemporary politics – including the on-going election scene.

But without ambiguity, he remains firm about his opposition to communists. This by itself is no small thing as his brother, nephews and many others in the sleepy hamlet on Kailashahar-Kamalpur highway under Surma reserved SC assembly segment are die-hard Marxist supporters.

Anti-Left BJP campaign in 2018

 But the former uniformed personnel who served with Army's signal corps Electronics and Mechanical Engineers (EME) gets excited to talk about Pakistan’s defeat and the liberation of Bangladesh. He also talks proudly about India’s diplomatic offensive' vis-a-vis the 1971 War.

“The communists will not understand my nationality and my commitment to Indian nationhood," he says but hastens to add quickly, "Prime Minister Narendra Modi is showing the right determination and the right kind of approach".

He says, it is not merely the nationalist chauvanism of the BJP that is making him applaud the saffron party and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

He lauds the Modi government’s “firm and assertive” policy on China. “A nation can earn respect only when the nation is self-respecting, strong and assertive about certain key issues....the Modi government is walking the right way”. He also says that the BJP-led dispensation has done the right thing in implementing the One Rank One Pay norm for army and retired personnel". 

Answering questions, he says in today’s political context (that is 2018) it is/was imperative to note that the state of Tripura has for long survived under a communist regime which could not provide jobs to many. 

“Thus it is high time, people opt for change and development,” he underlines even as his brother and nephew standing nearby does not agree to his anti-communists rhetoric.

Answering a question, Chanrakant Deb Barma says the Congress party has lost its hold in national politics. "Things have simply gone out of hand for Congress, my single vote may not help them. I will vote for the BJP,” he remarks. 

Narrating the war-time story, he says, "Indian army and Air Force had a perfect planning. The units advancements and formation ....all went off very well”. 

Recalling his direct role in the War, he says, “Every soldier was firm about giving the best.....Our unit had advanced till Dhaka. We all knew we were doing a great job".

As a war veteran he keeps an eye on the strategic and foreign policy developments too and says India and Japan trying for forging a maritime alliance is a good sign and also that such policies of Prime Minister Modi will help India in the long run.

One Marxist veteran and 'empty red chairs' 

 The following piece was around February 2016. 
The Centre issued a special order. 

All 46 Central Universities will fly the tri-colour atop a 207-feet tall flag mast "prominently and proudly" on their campuses to signify a "strong India" and the first will be hoisted at JNU, a resolution adopted at a meeting chaired by HRD Minister Smriti Irani said. 

"At a central place in every university, the national flag will be flown prominently and proudly," said the resolution passed at a meeting Irani had with the Vice Chancellors of Central universities. 

There was an interesting issue !.........The Modi govt's move drew a sharp reaction from the Congress which said nationalism doesn't mean hoisting the flag and singing Vande Mataram! 

In 2015: Smriti Irani in Lok Sabha exposed UPA era rot in HRD

She also took on Trinamool Congress MP Sugata Bose on ICHR and 'the Anil Kakodkar' episode. 

The level of debate and charge and counter charge often nosedived to personal accusations with the HRD Minister herself dismissing demand for her 'apology' from Trinamool Congress members and said "eminence per se (of Prof Sugata Bose) is not a certificate to pass snide remarks". 

A noted historian Prof Bose, who has also taught in the United States, also has penned a popular book 'His Majesty's opponent: Subhas Chandra Bose and India's Struggle against Empire'.

For their part, vocal Trinamool members like Kalyan Banerjee too did not lack behind when he said, Prof Sugata Bose - "is a very eminent man. … He is not coming from TV" --- certainly an obvious reference to Ms Irani's television career and mega serial 'Saas Bhi Kabhibahu thi'. 

ICHR row: 

Irani's combative response came during a debate on Demands for Grants for the HRD Ministry, in which she singled out Sugata Bose (TMC), drawing sharp reaction from his party members who demanded an apology.

Taking on Bose and Sushmita Dev (Cong) for their claims that the Modi Govt has appointed people with 'saffron' ideology to the Indian Council of Historical Research (ICHR), Smriti Irani said scholars like Purabi Roy, associated with CPI, and Sacchidananda Sahai, a close associate of Congress leader Santosh Mohan Dev, too were appointed to the body. 

Irani said the ministry intervened in Delhi University's decision to introduce a four-year undergraduate programme (FYUP) as the 40-odd courses were not sanctioned by the President.

"The programme would have produced 77,000 students (each year) with degrees without any worth. Had they been on the streets, were we ready to meet that situation? ... If I have protected their future, why are they hurt," she asked, taking a dig at leaders of some opposition leaders. 

On the charge of saffronisation of education, she said her government was committed to spreading education "within the limits prescribed by the Constitution".

"The Prime Minister had given this assurance. I am repeating it on the floor of the House," she said.

Referring to Shashi Tharoor's (Congress) claims that funds have remained unspent in the ministry, she said while in 2013-14, the utilisation was 92.9 per cent, it had increased to 97.69 per cent in 2014-15. 

Responding to charges that government was interfering with MoUs being signed by institutions like IITs, she wondered why the UPA government was silent when the Delhi IIT had signed an agreement to open a campus in Mauritius using "taxpayers' money." 

She only went by the law passed by Parliament, the Minister said.  

Trinamool Congress members vehemently protested Irani's jibes at Bose and demanded that she express regret for pointing her finger at him during her reply which, Saugata Roy (TMC) said, was "just not acceptable".

Irani rejected the demand and said "aspersions were made, doubts cast and snide remarks" made against her and "there is no question of apology". Terming her reply as "combative and aggressive",

Smriti has said: "Purabi Roy is a veteran scholar of international relations, is a renowned historian of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and the Indian Freedom Struggle of Indian Russian Relations, has done an outstanding work. 

".....Through you, Sir, very respectively I say that Purabi Roy was also associated with CPI. Her husband Kalyan Roy was a dynamic CPI Member of the Rajya...If we did partiality will such an eminent historian also figure in ICHR?

April 30, 2019 

BJP insists on apology from Rahul for his 'Chowkidar Chor Hai' jibe
The high and drama !! what's in an APOLOGY???

Advocate Ruchi Kohli representing Meenakshi Lekhi, narrates how and when Rahul Gandhi makes the statement. Lawyer: Your Lordship, the statements made by Mr. Gandhi… CJI Gogoi: Which Gandhi? Lawyer: Mr. Rahul Gandhi CJI Gogoi: Every Gandhi in this country is not Rahul Gandhi

    Ruchi Kohli: The second counter affidavit filed by Gandhi is similar to that of the first affidavit. Rebuts Rahul Gandhi’s argument that he had made the statements without reading the order of the Supreme Court. He made those statements in the evening too.

    He made the statement again in a political rally, Kohli adds as she rebuts Rahul Gandhi’s claim that the statement was made in the heat of the moment.

    Why the second affidavit?, The Bench asks Abhishek Manu Singhvi appearing for Gandhi

    Mukul Rohatgi appearing for Lekhi – Rahul Gandhi has deliberately put words in the mouth of the Supreme Court for political gains.

    Mukul Rohatgi continues- Two affidavits have been filed, second is identical to the first. There is only one word – regret in both the affidavits. This is the grossest form of contempt.

    What is the meaning of regret?, asks CJI Ranjan Gogoi. Mukul Rohatgi- There should be an unconditional apology. It is as clear as daylight…This is contempt.

    Mukul Rohatgi- He says multiple statements were made by other leaders also, then why contempt against me? This is his justification. Regret and all is lip service.
    He said it in one meeting, carried it on in another meeting. He goes on and on.
    Somewhere he denies the statement, somewhere he says he had not analysed the order. This affidavit should be rejected. CJI- What is reject his affidavit? Mukul 

Rohatgi- I meant to reject his excuses.

    Let us be very clear, once you start, don’t say that you want to file a reply, CJI tells 

Abhishek M Singhvi appearing for Rahul Gandhi.

    Abhishek Manu Singhvi – I don’t think there’s any deficiency in the affidavits, but if there is I should be allowed to rectify

    Singhvi – Affidavit is not contradictory as claimed by Counsel for Lekhi. I will argue (now) and if required file an affidavit on Monday.

    Singhvi- I have made three errors. I accept. I wrongly attributed the statements to My Lord. I apologised.

    Court – Where is that statement (on apology)? Singhvi- Regret is same as apology.

    Singhvi- Never intended to suggest that the SC endorsed, adopted or supported the political slogan ‘Chowkidar chor hai’. Supreme Court allows Rahul Gandhi to file another affidavit.

    Supreme Court clarifies that this order cannot be understood to be an acceptance or acknowledgement of the affidavits that have been filed already.

    Supreme Court allows new affidavit to be filed on Monday. Singhvi says Rahul Gandhi will apologize for attributing “Chowkidar Chor Hain” remark to the Supreme Court.

Jaishankar talks to US and Chinese counterparts on Covid crisis :: Master Blaster on a different knock, Tendulkar donates Rs 1 crore to procure oxygen concentrators

US Secretary of State Antony J Blinken and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held tele talks.

"Reviewed the flow of equipment and material from the US. Highlighted the importance of strengthening oxygen supply, expanding vaccine production and increasing Remdesivir supply. Appreciated the forthcoming response of the US in this regard," Jaishankar tweeted. In the US, spokesperson Ned Price said:

Secretary of State reaffirmed the strength of the U.S.-India partnership in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

 

"Expressing his appreciation for Indian assistance in America’s time of need, Secretary Blinken reviewed comprehensive ongoing U.S. government efforts in support of the Indian government’s COVID-19 response operations.  He also noted the outpouring of support from U.S. industries, non-governmental institutions, and private citizens for COVID-19 relief efforts in India".  

"The Secretary offered condolences and noted our concern for those who have lost friends and loved ones during this difficult period.  Secretary Blinken and Minister Jaishankar agreed to remain in close contact."

In a tweet, MEA spokesman Arindam Bagchi said: A strategic partnership of global significance! Our healthcare partnership can help effectively tackle the global pandemic. Deeply appreciate gift of 423 oxygen cylinders with regulators and other medical supplies from the U.S.A. 

During the day, External Affairs Minister Dr Jaishankar also "Received a call from State Councilor & Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who conveyed China’s "sympathies at the COVID challenge now faced by India". 

Both the leaders discussed the international cooperation aspects of the public health response to this difficult situation.

External Affairs Minister highlighted the importance of supply chains and air flights being kept open in these circumstances. Welcomed his assurances in that regard, as also more openness to Indian chartered flights.

Master Blaster is on a different knock, Sachin Tendulkar donates Rs 1 crore to procure oxygen concentrators 

On Thursday, April 29, the batting sensation announced donating Rs 1 crore to help procure oxygen concentrators for Covid-19 patients. 

Inn a message on social media, he said that the second wave of Covid-19 pandemic has put the country's health infrastructure under severe. He said that he is contributing to 'Mission Oxygen', a group of young entrepreneurs in Delhi-NCR who have set up a fund-raising initiative, for importing oxygen concentrators and donating them to hospitals across the country. 

"It is heartening to see how people are rising to the occasion. A group of 250+ young entrepreneurs have launched Mission Oxygen to raise funds for importing oxygen concentrators and donating them to hospitals across the country.

"I have helped by contributing to the cause and hope that their effort soon reaches out to many more hospitals across India. Today, we have to stand together behind everyone that is working hard to fight this pandemic."

Sorabjee once put his head on chopping block to save Vajpayee Govt 

New Delhi:

Death must be a private affair, or so. On the issue of 'privacy judgment', Late Soli Sorabjee used to refer to cases related to litigation on Aadhaar cards. Once he said, the essence of the right to privacy is the right to be 'left alone'. 

In his journey to eternity, he is perhaps alone though around the same time we have scores dying due to Covid19. But privacy - as he underlined - will remain one of the most cherished rights of democracy. 

Soft Hindutva icon

A committed legal luminary to the cause of civil liberty, eminent jurist Soli Sorabjee had opposed Emergency strongly. Known for his anti-Congress stance, he first became the Attorney General of India, from 1989-90 under V P Singh government and then from 1998-2004 under Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

Sorabjee passed away on Friday morning. He was 91. Delhi's media corps would have fond memories of the man, who called himself a 'good friend' of journalists,but also someone who would court controversies for his candid remarks at times both within the courtroom and also outside.

Though he occasionally fought with Ram Jethmalani, Sorabjee had trust of the then PM Vajpayee and Home Minister L K Advani during the NDA regime. But around the same time, he would often court controversies as well.

Such was an episode during the hearing on the Ram Temple-Babri Masjid dispute in the Supreme Court in 2002.

In one of the hearings, he told a bench of three judges that the Vajpayee government sought to give a special concession and allow 'bhoomi pujan' at Ayodhya as sentiments of the majority were involved.

"...the objective is not to rake up the past," he had told the court perhaps in reference to 1992 demolition of thedisputed structure and riots thereafter.One of the judges, Justice G B Pattanaik had actually provoked Sorabjee when he said, "The Rashtrapati Bhawan belongsto you, so is the acquired land at Ayodhya, will you allow Bhoomi pujan at Rashtrapati Bhawan".

Sorabjee had shot back: "This is not Rashtrapati Bhawan".Coincidentally, all these arguments were taking place when Godhra railway station inferno had already taken placeon Feb 27, 2002 and the mayhem also followed in Ahmedabad and various other parts of Gujarat.

Sorabjee later told journalists that he knew of the public sentiment and thus made the offer before the apex courtas Bhoomi Pujan could have 'brought in some calm and amity'. Of course, some MPs were up in arms, saying Sorabjee was acting like a "BJP member". 

Parliament was disrupted. Sorabjee also had said, "I was not sharing anyone's views....it was as an officer of the court. Neither the government or the VHP had given him the briefing". 

Sorabjee: Favoured simple language for Laws

However, it was claimed that top BJP leaders had approved of the 'suggestion' for Bhoomi Pujan after Arun Jaitley mooted the idea. The BJP leaders discussed with Sorabjee and concluded that the 1994 Supreme Court judgement put no restrictions on the subsequent use of the 'undisputed land' in Ayodhya. 

Apparently, some leaked media reports claimed Pramod Mahajan had opposed the move.

Years later, Sorabjee would laugh over the episode and once told some journos in presence of Late P A Sangma, "Often these things happen, a lawyer knows how to protect his client's interests and prestige  by offering his own head".

On a different plane, Sorabjee used to say that 'freedom of the press' is not specifically articulated in Indian constitution.Hus argument while it is mentioned in statues all over the world, the Constituent Assembly leaders believed that the freedom of the press was contained in theguarantee of 'freedom of speech and expression' and thus need not be specifically mentioned. 

"Our Supreme Court in more than one decision has deduced freedom of the press from Article 19(1)(a) on the premise that it is implicit in the said guarantee," the eminent lawyer used to say. 

Thus, by "creative judicial interpretation", he would say - the freedom of the press has been given the constitutional status of a fundamental right. 

Sorabjee also had a good sense of humour. 

For repeated 'stay orders' from the courts,he would often say, "Everything has been stayed in India, what is the point .....".

ends 

Did he oppose Bhoomi Pujan at Ayodhya ? 

Shoaib Iqbal adds to Kejriwal's woes, demands President's Rule in Delhi

New Delhi: Amid height of Covid-induced crisis and strong rebuke from the Delhi High Court, Arvind Kejriwal-led AAP has landed into a deeper problem with its own legislator demanding imposition of President's Rule and dismissal of their government. 

"Aaj mujhe Delhi ka halat dekh ke rona aa raha hae (Today, I feel like crying as I see the shocking things of affairs in Delhi)," AAP leader Shoaib Iqbal said. " 

I am not proud, but I am embarrassed of being an MLA as I am not able to help anyone in such a distressful situation," Shoaib Iqbal said in a video message that has gone viral on social and electronic media.

 "The situation in Delhi makes me cry. It pains my heart to look at such a condition. There's no oxygen or medicine available. My friend is suffering right now. He does not have any oxygen supply or any ventilator for support. I don't know where to buy him Remdesivir medicine...", the legislator from Matia Mahal said.

Notably, the angry outburst from the legislator comes days after Delhi High Court told the city government's counsel during a hearing that if it failed to deliver during the time of pandemic, it could ask the centre to take over. 

"I appeal to the Delhi High Court to impose the President's Rule with immediate effect," Iqbal said.

AAP sources said Iqbal's views were personal and moreover, "it is a well known fact that Shoaib Iqbal is a known turncoat and a habitual defector".

In fact, Iqbal though a six-time MLA in Delhi has functioned in the past with parties like the Janata Dal (Secular), Ram Vilas Paswan-led LJP and also Congress.

He had joined the Congress party in 2014 and subsequently won Delhi Legislative Assembly elections from Matia Mahal. He also won the seat in 1993, 1998, 2003, 2008 and 2013. 

However, in 2015, Shoaib was defeated by Asim Ahmed Khan of Aam Aadmi Party.

Iqbal joined AAP in 2020 just on the eve of elections.

On April 27, a two-member bench of the Delhi High Court had taken exception to city government's failure to respond adequately on Covid crisis and had said, "Enough is enough. If you can’t do it, tell us...."

ends 

Once upon in India, there lived a happy Indian : From 'birth' to 'death' One Dynasty was the Solace: Modi 'destroyed' everything !

In the season on Covid19 as India suffers hospitalisation, deaths and frustration; one can take a journey back to the 'sickular India', we knew.

From 'birth' to 'death bed', we had one Dynasty and its icons at every stage; and Indians were so happy, joyous and rich. Here is a list ..... that cannot be completed as it goes on and on; ..............and the journey....

Happy Family: Democrats 

** A child was born due to the efforts of a doctor who studied at the Indira Gandhi Medical College (Shimla) or Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College (Raipur). 

The kid could have been cared for by graduates of the Rajiv Gandhi College of Nursing (Bangalore).  

# His house could have been built under #IndiraAwasYojana or even Rajiv Ratna Awas Yojana. 

#He could have been resident of Jawahar Nagars, Indira Colonies, Sonia Vihars and even Rajiv Chowks. 

#Electricity would have come from the Rajiv Gandhi Grameen Vidyutikaran Yojana.

#Water could have come from the Rajiv Gandhi National Drinking Water Mission. 

#In Puducherry, he could have had a nutritious morning meal under the Rajiv Gandhi Breakfast Scheme.

Three generations: One Ex-PM; Three potentials PMs

Move on ......

** In Mumbai/Maharashtra he should have benefited from the Rajiv Gandhi Vidyarthi Suraksha Yojana; in Himachal,  there would have been one  Indira Gandhi Balika Suraksha Yojana as well.

#In Haryana, there could have been the Rajiv Gandhi Bridges and Roads Infrastructure Development Programme 

And more -- Rajiv Gandhi Udyami Mitra Yojana for benefit of NE entrepreneurs under the  Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises could have also helped.

In Itanagar, he could have studied at Rajiv Gandhi University!! 

Still move on ----- Rajiv Gandhi Shramik Kalyan Yojna, Employees' State Insurance Corporation

One could have deposited money in Post offices under Indira Vikas Patra

Rajiv Gandhi Rehabilitation Package for Tsunami Affected Areas, Govt. of Tamil Nadu, Budgetary Allocation Rs.2347.19 crores 2. Rajiv Gandhi Social Security Scheme for poor people, Department of Revenue and Disaster Management, Govt. of Puducherry 3. ...

And many more:

Indira Gandhi Women Protection Scheme, Maharashtra Govt. 28. Indira Gandhi Prathisthan, Housing and Urban Planning Department, UP Govt 29. Indira Kranthi Patham Scheme, Andhra Pradesh 30. Indira Gandhi Nahar Pariyojana, State Govt. Scheme 31. Indira ...

Rajiv Gandhi Gold Cup Kabaddi Tournament 2. Rajiv Gandhi Sadbhavana Run 3. Rajiv Gandhi Federation Cup boxing championship 4. Rajiv Gandhi International tournament (football) 5. NSCI - Rajiv Gandhi road races, New Delhi 6. Rajiv Gandhi Boat Race, Kerala...

Rajiv Gandhi Stadium, Nahariagun, Itanagar 

 Rajiv Gandhi Badminton Indoor Stadium, Cochin 10. Rajiv Gandhi Indoor Stadium, Kadavanthra,Ernakulam 11. Rajiv Gandhi Sports Complex , Singhu 12. Rajib Gandhi Memorial Sports Complex, Guwahati 

Awards  1.   Rajiv Gandhi Award for Outstanding Achievement 2.   Rajiv Gandhi Shiromani Award 3.   Rajiv Gandhi Shramik Awards, Delhi Labour Welfare Board 4.   Rajiv Gandhi National Sadbhavana Award 5.   Rajiv Gandhi Manav Seva Award 6.   Rajiv Gandh...

# Why the Indira Gandhi Nahar Project in Rajasthan could not prevent Modi's march towards Delhi is actually a 'secular question and part of freedom of speech'.

Rajiv Gandhi in an Amethi hut

Rahul also had visited Amethi hut

(ting tong...)

Help other countries and thou shall be helped - is 'Modi diplomacy' Mantra in Covid season," says Foreign Secy Shringla

"We are facing a situation that perhaps we have not seen before and may not see in the future. This is an unprecedented situation," - thus stated Foreign Secretary Harsh V Shringla. 

"We have given assistance; we are getting assistance. It shows an interdependent world. It shows a world that is working with each other," Shringla said.

At a media briefing here on Thursday, the Foreign Secretary maintained the global assistance has been pouring in and so far 40 countries has extended help.  

"It is an interdependent world where we have given and we are taking also. Vaccine has to be seen in the context of international cooperation," he said. 

Earlier India was in a position to supply vaccines and today its needs are far greater. "All our partners understand that," he said.

Notably, External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar also had maintained that the Vaccine Maitri has certainly "strengthened global solidarity with India".

He was asked on whether there was a change in India's policy of not accepting foreign aid that was enforced after the 2004 tsunami by the Manmohan Singh government. Post Tsunami, New Delhi'sstance was it did not want to be seen as someone carrying beggar bowl. In fact, during the Vajpayee regime, the then Foreign Minister Jaswant Singh had in 2003 created a new doctrine of foreign aid.

There was some irritation in the foreign policy engine room around that time on certain preconditions imposed by tiny countries (Denmark was one such) that had cancelled its paltry $28 million commitment when India conducted multiple nuclear tests in May 1998.

 

Jaswant Singh's mechanism highlighted that all those countries giving aid assistance below $25 million, could donate it to NGOs. The NDA government had driven away quite a few bilateral donors and a minimum limit of $25 million was fixed for the government to accept any bilateral assistance.  

On Thursday media briefing, Foreign Secretary Shringla said since the outbreak of Covid in 2020, India had supplied essential pharmaceutical products including hydroxychloroquine, paracetamol and even Remdesivir to countries across the globe;  and many countries have now come forward to help India.

"We have given assistance; we are getting assistance. It shows an interdependent world. It shows a world that is working with each other," Shringla emphasised adding, "We are dealing with the situation which is quite exceptional".

Russian shipments in Delhi airport

"They are extending support as they feel that this is the time we must help India. 'India has helped us and we must help India'. So I do not think we are looking at it in policy terms," the foreign secretary said.

"We are looking at it in terms of a situation that is very very unusual, that is very unprecedented, that is very exceptional".

The foreign secretary also referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's regional and global outreach in confronting the challenges arising out of the pandemic under a collective approach.

"The prime minister talked about the fact that countries need to come together to cooperate. That is why we initiated the SAARC conference on COVID-19 in March last year when it was a very new concept. We then initiated a call for a G-20 summit," he said.

"We have extensively gone forward to assist countries which are very far and away," he added.

The foreign secretary also said that India was looking at procuring ready-to-use coronavirus vaccines considering the huge domestic requirement.

In fact, in his address to the NAM Summit (through video conference) on May 4, 2020; Prime Minister had said, "Even as the world fights COVID-19, some people are busy spreading other deadly viruses, such as terrorism. Such as fake news, and doctored videos to divide communities and countries".

Though no country was named, it was clear that Modi was directing his ire against Pakistan.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan had earlier given the SAARC virtual meet on Covid-19 a slip and  had instead nominated his Health Minister to speak and who had raked up Kashmir issue.

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BJP may be on 'right side' of Bhadralok !! Has Bengal given up 'outdated Left-Liberalism' ? What happens when voters dump 'a fighting Didi' ?

"Bhag Mamata, Bhag" - is that the crude message from West Bengal's exit polls ?

Many surveys have hinted at a stiff fight for the Chief Minister in Nandigram.

In 2014 within 20 days of the Modi government coming to power, Arunabha Bagchi, a former Dean at the Netherland's University of Twente, said if Bengalis wanted to play big in India's national politics, one way was to "forget the outdated communist" ideas and the other way was to "help" the BJP become a serious political player in West Bengal.

The last phase of polling is finally over in the state and the 'exit polls' now says irrespective of the fact, the BJP is in the game in West Bengal - onetime the Marxist's citadel and a state where the saffron party was nowhere. Some surveys have said in Jalpaiguri region in North Bengal, out of 27 seats, the BJP is winning all.  

Jan Ki Baat gave a landslide win to the BJP saying the saffron party may end up winning 162 to 185 seats. The Trinamool tally may be between 104 and 121 seats. 

At the state level, Republic-CNX Exit polls says, the BJP may win 138 to 148 seats -- that's almost half-way-mark in the 294-member assembly. 

India Today-Axis Exit Polls showed Trinamool may get 44 percent and the BJP may end up just below that arithmetic number - 43. By this, Mamata's outfit may win between 130-156 seats and the BJP's number of seats could be between 134 and 160.  It could not have gone closer. 

In some surveys, however, Trinamool Congress has been given an edge but the story of the day is the BJP is in the game. 

"We will do much better than what has been projected in the surveys and exit polls as the West Bengal politics is known for violence and voters voting in favour of the BJP will not tell the surveyors fearing backlashes," BJP general secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya.  

In TimesNow-C Voter survey, close finish could be in 96 seats. According to this survey, Trinamool may sail through winning 158 seats and the BJP - 115. As many as 19 seats could go the Left-Congress-ISF alliance.

Before going further in this blog, we need to understand the journey of the BJP in last few years in the context of its surge in West Bengal. 

The Modi Sarkar and the saffron party - guided by PM Narendra Modi and Amit Shah - wanted to become 'masters' of many firsts. The Bengal project was in the pipeline in that context, but that was almost a dream. Even by 2017, the BJP was hardly in the scene in the state.  

I distinctly remember asking Amit Shah once did he find the 'Bengali mindset' changing. His response was negative. However, he said efforts would be made by his party - nothing would be spared - and he was confident that the voters would gradually accept the Lotus party and its nationalistic ideology. 

However, few months after that interaction, the BJP first captured Tripura and its penetration in West Bengal too went deeper in 2018 panchayat polls. This is precisely when the Trinamool Congress actually started feeling the heat on ground. 

As one analyses various pros and cons, it ought to be remembered here that besides the Hindutva card and Modi's pledge of playing a catalyst of development, the BJP strategists always used 'the issue of corruption' as a tool against Mamata's party. 

Around January 2015 itself, the BJP had stepped up its attack against Mamata regime on Saradha chit fund scam, and as there were loopholes in Trinamool camp, not to forget BJP leader Siddharth Nath Singh's assertive declaration - "Bhag Mamata, Bhag". 

Mamata's lieutenants could not stomach the taunt essentially drawn from a film's name and lawmaker Kalyan Banerjee had questioned, "Who is this Siddharth Nath Singh. I know him to be a grandson of Lal Bahadur Shastri, but who gave him authority to speak about Bengal politics". 

This was not confidence; it was arrogance. 

That arrogance had its rustic variety in the voice of Mamata Banerjee herself. Once she screamed, "Who is Amit Shah?". Many things have changed since then. BJP started organising rallies and various Trinamool leaders went behind bars. Even soft spoken and articulate floor leader in Lok Sabha, Sudip Bandyopadhyay was arrested and taken to Odisha. 

When the Journey is Long, key Mantra is 'Hard work'

The days of Mukul Roy defecting or Suvendu Adhikari screaming Jai Shri Ram were far off. But the journey was on nevertheless. 

The BJP vote share in West Bengal and also Tripura have been increasing gradually (between 2015-16 and 2018). In March 2018, the BJP dream of capturing power in with substantial Bengali voters, Tripura materialised, and this gave further push to the bigger dream - target West Bengal more aggressively. 

Now to come back to BJP's initial years in terms of making ambitious plans for West Bengal, it would be pertinent to state that Bengalis have been traditionally on the wrong side of Indian politics. There have been another element - that irrespective of party affiliations - Bengalis in general agree that 'New Delhi has also conspired' against state Bengal leaders.

Here comes the name of Subhash Chandra Bose, who was forced to resign as Congress president in 1939 with the tacit approval of Mahatma Gandhi. This changed Bengal's political history. The Congress party in Bengal landed in utter disorder and shambles. Bharatiya Jana Sangh was no doubt founded by Shyama Prasad Mookerjee; but the Bengal unit could not grow up since his death. 

It may not be wrong to suggest here that the Hindu Mahasabha and later also the Bharatiya Jana Sangh were politically on the wrong side of the Bengali 'bhadralok' sensibilities. 

Come back to Moditva phenomenon, it was only in 2014 parliamentary polls that the saffron party's vote share increased considerably. Among all, M Venkaiah Naidu became 'optimist' and in Lok Sabha told noisy Trinamool MPs once, "Bangal mein zameen khisak raha hae". This was a turning point and a new beginning.   

But it may be a bit erroneous to attribute the entire 17 per cent votes BJP had polled in 2014 to the 'Modi wave'. An undercurrent of Hindu discontent was brewing and an aggressive Modi-led campaign blitzkrieg gave them windows to ventilate their opinions more confidently. 

Niagara falls lit in tri-colour, Shipments arrive from Russia, UK

New Delhi: In a unique gesture to India during the ongoing pandemic crisis, Niagara Falls in Canada was lit up in orange, white and green, the colours of India's national flag. 

This was done with a 'Stay Strong India' message, diplomatic sources said.

This was to "display solidarity" with India, which is currently facing a surge in cases and losses of life resulting from the COVID-19, a message from Niagara Parks said.

In a message in the micro blogging site, Indian Consulate General office in Toronto thanked concerned authorities for the unique gesture and support.

"We deeply appreciate this gesture at this critical juncture," the message said. 

Niagara Falls, Ontario, is a Canadian city at the famous waterfalls of the same name, linked with the US by the Rainbow Bridge.

Meanwhile, shipments of oxygen concentrators, ventilators and other medical supplies from the United Kingdom and Russia arrived in India.

"A longstanding and time-tested partner! Grateful for shipment of oxygen concentrators, ventilators and other medical supplies that arrived from Russia this morning in two aircrafts," tweeted MEA spokesman Arindam Bagchi.

Russian foreign ministry sources said, flights of the Russian Emergencies Ministry delivered over 22 tonnes of necessary equipment, such as 20 oxygen production units, 75 lung ventilators, 150 medical monitors and 200,000 packs of medicine.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday held crucial telephonic discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

In another missive, the MEA spokesman said, "Cooperation with the UK continues. Welcome another shipment from the United Kingdom containing 120 oxygen concentrators that arrived early this morning".

External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar on Wednesday held a virtual conference with all Indian Ambassadors across the world. Minister of State for External Affairs V Muraleedharan and Foreign Secretary Harsh V Shringla also attended.

"Heard from them the enormous goodwill and support for India in combating COVID.  The Vaccine Maitri has certainly strengthened global solidarity with India," Dr Jaishankar said.

He further said, the envoys and MEA leadership discussed the logistics of urgently-needed oxygen and medical supplies. 

"Team MEA is working as one to meet this challenge," he said.

Mauritius also gifted 200 oxygen concentrators.

The shipments from the US are expected to arrive on Friday. 

A number of leading countries including the US, Russia, France, Germany, Australia, Ireland, Belgium, Romania, Luxembourg, Singapore, Portugal, Sweden, New Zealand, Kuwait and Mauritius have announced medical assistance to India to help it fight the pandemic.

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WHO names Indian variant as B-1617::::::Modi announces 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue with Russia

WHO names Indian variant as B-1617

New Delhi: More than 80 lakh people registered themselves on the portal, www.cowin. gov. in on the first day of registration for Covid vaccination within three hours from 1600 hours to 1900 on Wednesday.

Tragedy and Huge Nos.

The Centre began the process of registration on Thursday as a nationwide massive vaccination drive for all Indians above the age of 18 would be rolled out from May 1.

The government issued a statement and clarified that the media reports that the server has crashed were incorrect and were without any basis.

"The server supporting the Co-Win digital portal continues to work smoothly at its highest efficiency. People are registering on the platform, mostly of age-group 18-44," it said.

R S Sharma, Cowin chief, said in order to ensure that there is no chaos, citizens have been advised to 'register first' and take "appointment" and then only go to the respective designated hospitals for vaccination.

"Please ensure an orderly way and this orderly will also ensure social distancing at the vaccination centres," he said.

Sharma said the new software structure is updated and through which people in Delhi or Mumbai or any one city can get themselves registered for vaccination in other places of their choice if they are traveling or have traveled lately.

WHO has named 'Indian variant' as B-1617 and said it has spread to 17 countries. WHO has already identified variants from other countries such as British, South African and Brazilian.
The original Covid-19 is said to have come in from Wuhan province in China.

On Wednesday, April 28, India saw over 20 lakh vaccine doses administered across the country taking its cumulative total near 15 crore.

The cumulative number of Covid-19 vaccine doses administered in the country stands at 14,98,77,121. 

These include 93,66,239 Healthcare Workers, who have taken the first dose and 61,45,854 who have taken the second; and 1,23,09,507 Frontline Workers given the first dose and 65,99,492 the second. 

On Wednesday, India reported the largest single-day increase of 360,960 new cases in the previous 24 hours.

More than 2.61 lakh people recovered from COVID-19 between Tuesday and Wednesday. 

Meanwhile, government sources have said that in view of the devastating impact left by the second wave of Covid19 in the last fortnight, international assistance is pouring in.

India is looking at oxygen for procurement and also critical medicines such as Remdesivir, Tocilizumab and Favipiravir from the US and several other countries.

The first Russian aircraft carrying medical supplies will arrive in India on Thursday while the US assistance is  expected to land on Friday. A Russian Foreign Ministry statement said, ".... flights of the Russian Emergencies Ministry will deliver over 22 tonnes of necessary equipment, such as 20 oxygen production units, 75 lung ventilators, 150 medical monitors and 200,000 packs of medicine". 

Notably, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President held crucial telephonic talks on Wednesday.

The leaders welcomed the registration of the Russian Sputnik V vaccine in India and noted its high efficiency and safety. 

They also expressed their satisfaction with the fact that the Russian Direct Investment Fund had reached an agreement with Indian companies to produce 850 doses of Sputnik V. The production is to begin in May.

The US leaders including President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris have extended all support and assistance to India at this critical juncture.

In the meantime however, there is also an argument that the US has its compulsions to help India.

According to Vipin Narang from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, "It is in the US’s and Biden Admin’s self-interest to assist India through its hellish crisis because all of our (American) vaccination efforts will be for naught when India’s uncontrolled spread generates a variant that escapes those vaccines". 

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Narendra Modi gives 'big picture' message to Joe Biden; announces 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue with Russia 

In the height of all sorts of permutation and combination vis-a-vis global assistance pouring in for Covid-hit India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday, April 28, held a crucial telephonic discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin. 

Prime Minister Modi said, to add further momentum to "our strong strategic partnership, President Putin and I have agreed to establish a 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue between our Foreign and Defence Ministers". 

Both the two leaders reviewed the diverse bilateral cooperation, especially in the area of space exploration and renewable energy sector, including in hydrogen economy. 

"Our cooperation on Sputnik-V vaccine will assist humanity in battling the pandemic," he tweeted. Both the leaders discussed the evolving COVID-19 situation.

Modi thanked President Putin for Russia's help and support in India's fight against the pandemic. 

Russian Govt statement:

Vladimir Putin supported Narendra Modi during this difficult period of combating the spread of the coronavirus and informed him of the decision to send emergency humanitarian aid to India.

In particular, already today flights of the Russian Emergencies Ministry will deliver over 22 tonnes of necessary equipment, such as 20 oxygen production units, 75 lung ventilators, 150 medical monitors and 200,000 packs of medicine. 

The Prime Minister of India warmly thanked the President of Russia for the assistance provided, which is largely high-tech and is in great demand in the country.

The leaders welcomed the registration of the Russian Sputnik V vaccine in India and noted its high efficiency and safety. They also expressed their satisfaction with the fact that the Russian Direct Investment Fund had reached an agreement with Indian companies to produce 850 doses of Sputnik V. The production is to begin in May.

Further development of bilateral relations of the especially privileged strategic partnership was discussed, including a schedule of contacts at various levels.