Rise in petrol and diesel prices will neutralize Greenshoots in economy

Even after 70 years of independence, the GHOST of British legacy continues to haunt our country in the form of policies that subdue aspirations of native Indians. The administrative structure and prevailing governance system reflects the same mindset as that of British, where government is the ruling class and citizens are mere subjects of the ruling class. What else explains the brazen hike in petrol and diesel prices by the government on account of increased taxes??  

Since Modi's rise to power in 2014, taxes on diesel prices have increased five times whereas those on petrol have doubled. Taxes on these fuels now comprise nearly 66.67% of retail prices at petrol pumps. 

In May 2020, when global crude oil prices had reached record lows, the government increased excise duty on petrol and diesel by ₹10 per litre and ₹13 per litre respectively. Since additional burden of excise duty was absorbed by oil marketing companies, retail oil prices didn't witness any increase. Nonetheless, raising excise duty in the midst of lock-down reflected utter insensitivity of the government.

Since Unlock 2, oil marketing companies have begun to increase prices to recover losses incurred due to excise duty hike in May. Therefore, root cause of current spike is government decision of increasing excise duty. With recent spurt in gasoline retail prices, India has emerged as the most expensive country for petrol consumption in Asia.

Historically, governments have kept diesel prices lower, however, BJP government has moved a step further by making diesel prices comparable to that of petrol. From a macro perspective, hike in diesel prices will hurt the economy more because diesel is a significant input component for industries.  

Sectorally, agriculture and auto & trucking sector will be worst impacted due to the current decision of OMCs. In fact, major stakeholders such as farmers and truck operators are bracing for a considerable monetary suffering in a short-term period. With increased cost of transportation and subdued demand, the truckers are left with no option but to bear the burden of price hike. 

Agricultural activities such as tilling, harvesting and transportation of farming output are dependent on diesel. Any increase in diesel price will have a direct bearing on the retail prices of vegetables and fruits. This will result in 'Cost-Push' supply inflation within next three to four months.

According to Bloomberg, recent increases in excise duty will help the government to earn revenues up to US$ 30 billion this year. As the revenues don't translate into proportionate level of services for common citizens, gap between promise and delivery will become more pronounced. 

In an uncertain environment, increase in gasoline prices reflects a poor policy decision which will aggravate macro-economic issues over the next two years.

Another land grab case by Congress in Mumbai; Associated Journals Ltd is the front face

Congress list of scams is a never ending pit, the more we dig, the more filth comes out of it. The endless list of scams with disproportionate levels of corruption is a story of greed and abuse of power for selfish interests. 

Recently unearthed documentary evidence shows a typical land grabbing case of Congress in Bandra East, Mumbai. As per the docs, gross irregularities were found starting from acquisition of land till its final use. 

In 1983, Congress acquired a 3,500 square metre of land at dirt cheap rates under the pretext of building a hostel for students from backward classes. This acquisition was based on an earlier proposal, as per which a hostel was to be constructed (on this land) for providing accommodation to SC and ST students.

Seventeen years later, in complete violation of existing norms, Congress built a commercial building over the land meant for a social purpose. Even though, maximum allowable limit for construction was 20,000 square feet (sft), a commercial building was constructed over 80,000 sft of land. 

At 2017 land prices, the estimated worth of the land is at a whopping ₹262 crores. ED has already attached this property which was acquired by Congress through Associated Journals ltd.

Apart from land use violations, the terms of agreement between Congress and government were altered to make it favorable for Gandhis. As per rules, revenues generated through commercial use of such buildings is to be shared in 50:50 ratio between government and owner. In the Bandra land case, the deal was sweetened in favour of Gandhis who received 70% whereas, the government received the remaining.

Clearly, Congress' fight for equality and justice is also a complete sham. Issues like inequity among social classes are only meant to fill up the coffers of those who proclaim to be fighting for such causes. So much for Dalit Rights!!

National Herald Scam

The scam was exposed by Dr Subramanian Swamy in the year 2012. According to Dr Swamy, the Congress had committed serious fraud in the acquisition of Associated Journals Ltd (AJL) by its own company Young Indian Ltd (YIL). Through this acquisition, Congress, under Sonia Gandhi, wished to grab AJL's real estate properties across India. Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, Oscar Fernandez, Motilal Vohra and Sam Pitroda are the masterminds of National Herald scam. 

For the first time, in the history of independent India,  Gandhis were forced to appear in the court of law and plead for bail like normal criminals in 2015. This was possible only due to single-handed efforts of Dr Swamy. 

CBI enquiry can unravel the mystery surrounding Sushant Singh Rajput's death

The so-called suicide of Sushant Singh Rajput has raised fresh debates over the current state of Bollywood in our country. The untimely departure of a promising and talented actor is mired in many controversies. As to why an actor like Rajput would really commit suicide?

Despite being an outsider, Rajput had made a mark in the industry. With films like Kai Po Che, MS Dhoni - The untold story and Chhichhore, SS Rajput had proved to be a very good actor. Most of his films were distinctive from the usual love stories of Bollywood yet these movies were commercially successful. Rajput, therefore, was an out-of-box and original actor. 

Sushant Singh Rajput also took avid interest into science and technology, social services, self defense for women and preparing children for ISRO/NASA. His past track record and future plans reflect an optimistic and imaginative mind which is ready to fulfill thousand other dreams. His decision to commit suicide is a one-eighty degree turn which defies all logic. It doesn't fit in well with Rajput's scheme of things.

Hailing from a small town in Bihar, SS Rajput  made it big in Bollywood due to his acting talent. He was emerging as a cut above others and just when he was about to change the rules of the game, we lost him. Bollywood biggies and their so-called 'Starkids' naturally felt threatened by Rajput's rise to glory.

Moreover, post suicide behavior of these celebrities is nothing but a scripted drama to throw dirt in the eyes of public. Their personal conduct and attitude towards Rajput, when he was alive, is contradictory to their fake condolence messages on social media.  

Underworld's murky influence in Rajput's death can't be ruled out. According to Ex-Raw officer, NK Sood, SS Rajput didn't commit suicide, rather he was murdered. Sood has made some brutal claims on Rajput's murder, highlighted as below:

• Just one month prior to Rajput's death, he changed sims 50 times as he was continuously receiving death threats. 
• Many times, Rajput slept in his car fearing that someone might intrude his home to kill him.
• A day before his demise, the CCTV cameras at his apartment complex were shut off. 
• The duplicate keys of Rajput's apartment are missing.
• SS Rajput's girl friend, Rhea Chakraborty, close friend, Sandip Singh and his servant were aware about the turmoil in the life of the late actor, however they stayed quiet.
• Rhea Chakraborty was living with SS Rajput and just few days before his death, she shifted out of the apartment.
• Sandip Singh, a small time director, was tracking Rajput's daily activities and passing on crucial info to few biggies in Bollywood

Above claims are subject to proper scrutiny and investigation by the agencies, however, Mumbai Police is already showing signs of sloth. Even though Police claims it to be a suicide, the late actor didn't leave any suicide note before his death. In the absence of a suicide note, the reason for suicide is not clearly established. 

Given these developments, Dr Swamy has requested his legal team to look into the untimely death of SS Rajput. Dr Swamy also supports CBI enquiry as this is a high-profile case, which may help to identify and trace Bollywood's links with underworld.

Declare Ram Sethu as a National Heritage Site to protect it from anti-Hindu forces

Ram Setu is not just a matter of belief for Hindus, it is our history that needs to be preserved at any costs. Technically, it is a chain of limestone shoals that connects Rameshwaram (in India) with Mannar Islands (in Sri Lanka). As per our historical records, Shri Ram had built Ram Setu to rescue his wife Sita from the clutches of Ravana. The bridge led to the glorious victory of Shri Ram over Ravana and therefore, has significant historical relevance for Hindus.

Ram Setu is a technological marvel, a superhuman scientific advancement of that era. Shri Ram had built this bridge with the help of two engineers in his Army, namely Nal and Neel. Contemporary scientific community accepts Ram Setu to be a man-made bridge, and therefore, it is a solid evidence of glorious Hindu past that still reverberates in the hearts of Hindus. 

Existence of such an evidence is an eyesore for anti-Hindu forces, which constantly target Hindu monuments and sites to destroy proof of Hindu history. In 2007, then UPA government, under the instructions of Sonia Gandhi, had ordered dredging of Ram Setu despite opposition from scientific community and Hindu leaders like late Ashok Singhal ji (VHP). When all hope was lost, Dr Swamy had come to the rescue and filed a petition with Supreme Court to obtain a stay on dredging. 

The stay provided a much needed 'BREATHER' to Hindus during Congress rule and with BJP's rise to power in 2014, Hindus were hopeful to achieve a permanent solution of this matter. Dr Swamy appealed his own government to declare 'Ram Setu' as a 'National Heritage site' so that it can be protected from any dredging attempt in future. More than six years have passed and BJP government hasn't yet fulfilled Dr Swamy's demand of declaring Ram Setu as a national heritage site. 

Just recently, DMK MP, TR Baalu had written a detailed letter to PM Modi urging him to revive Sethu Samudram Shipping Canal Project (SSCP), which requires dredging of Ram Setu. DMK, a rabidly anti-Hindu party, is following an anti-Hindu agenda yet BJP, a Hindutva party, is showing confusion in offering Hindu welfare. 

Ministry of Culture has already cleared the files for the declaration of Ram Setu as 'National Heritage', however, the files are pending approval from PM's end. All it needs is PM Modi's signature and Ram Setu will become a protected site. 

BJP needs a Saarthi to sail through the current crisis

Time and again this question has come up among nationalists and patriots as to why Modi is not taking help from Dr Swamy to resolve the existing mess. Our country is facing crisis on multiple fronts such as Covid-19, economy and India-China face-off, however, Modi govt seems reluctant to take help of nationalistic intellectuals like Dr Swamy.

PM Modi's current team is clueless about tackling the emerging challenges of the country. Whether it is economy, health, defense or foreign policy, Modi cabinet is falling short of public expectations. Even though BJP delivered on Article 370, Ram Mandir and CAA, such changes were an outcome of 30 years of physical and mental struggle of many volunteers, strongly backed by intellectual inputs of Dr Swamy and other seasoned leaders. 

However unexpected events of 2020 have brought a new range of issues for the ruling dispensation. The government is traversing the unknown territory, which will be a real test of Modi’s administrative skills, innovative thinking and preparedness for unforeseen eventualities. Till now, the tackling of new challenges has been below par and the government seems to be in dire need of radical ideas which can lift the sentiment. 

Time has come for Modi and his team to walk the talk, reduce rhetoric and produce results. 

Spreading false narratives with the help of friendly mainstream media and social media channels will only yield short-term relief. Since these narratives are merely spins, the current challenges will persist and may take an uglier form in the future. With each passing day, the current level of uncertainty will increase the odds against the present government to win future elections. 

The party needs to look at problems with fresh perspectives or bring in someone who can do the job. It needs a navigator (a Saarthi) who can visualize future scenarios, build back-up plans and execute them accordingly. Since our country is facing a war-like scenario from internal & external enemies, a saarthi like Dr Swamy could turn adversity into opportunity. Apart from an eminent economist and lawyer, Dr Swamy's views as a geo-strategist will provide India an edge over other nations. Any delay or confusion in this regard will backfire and dent our country's image in Global arena. Recent case of Italian Marines is a reflection of the current mess that unnecessarily lowers India's dignity. 

A sharp turnaround isn't impossible if the government seeks solutions with an honest and humble mind, however, staying aloof will magnify existing problems.

Can Russia be a trusted ally of India? Five facts that prove otherwise ..

Don't understand this euphoria over Russians coming to the rescue of India, especially when multiple actions of past prove Russia to be as deceptive as Chinese. Ideologically, Russia is much closer to China and globally, Russia has supported China on many occasions in order to challenge US leadership in the world. Both the countries perceive United States as their enemy and don't wish to see India developing closer ties with US. 

It is true that Russia helped India during 1971, however, it was only a geo-political decision driven by Russian interests and not due to any love for India.  

Historically, Russia has played a dubious role in Indian political matters in order to serve its national interests. Following points prove that Russian friendship has been counter-productive to India's rise in global politics: 

Mysterious Death of former PM, Lal Bahadur Shastri

Being a hardcore nationalist, Shastri ji always placed national interests above self interest,  however, he wasn't acceptable to loyal servants of dynasty. The treachery of these servants was driven by the desire to fulfill personal interests of their leader. Russia was aware about this internal dynamic and grabbed this opportunity to facilitate a friendly political setup in India. Despite the loss of a true 'National Hero', the bonhomie between India and Russia never subsided. Till date, Russia hasn't declassified files related to mysterious death of India's former PM.

Sonia Gandhi - A suspected KGB Agent

In the 1970s, Indira Gandhi had allowed a free reign to KGB in India, as many Russian diplomats and trade officials established their presence in the country. Outside Russia (erstwhile Soviet Union), KGB had the strongest presence in India. In all likelihood, the Soviets were keeping track of Indira Gandhi's son, Rajiv Gandhi. They somehow managed to setup Sonia for Rajiv Gandhi to gain closer access to PMO. Despite her Italian roots, Sonia Gandhi has a strong Russian connection.   

Mysterious Death of Deen Dayal Upadhyaya - Jan Sangh Founder

Former Jan Sangh leader and founder, Deen Dayal Upadhyaya, had emerged as a strong opposition leader in India. His rising popularity had become a prickly matter for the Congress leadership. Deen Dayal ji's assassination in a Lucknow-Patna train had a strange similarity with KGB's modus operandi. His dead body was found just 150 yards away from Mughalsarai station. The manner of killing of Deen Dayal Upadhyaya ji raises suspicions about possible involvement of then ruling dispensation in collaboration with KGB.

Sunanda Pushkar Murder

Sunanda Pushkar Tharoor was mighty upset from Mr Shashi Tharoor due to his extra-marital adventures. She was on the verge of exposing a vicious nexus between her husband, Congress and Pakistan, however, was brutally silenced. Later, attempts have been made to cover up the murder as a suicide. Sunanda Pushkar was murdered through forceful injection of Russian poison (Polonium 210) - a rare substance commonly used by KGB. Therefore, one cannot rule out Russian involvement. 

Selling of outdated Weapons

Russia primarily perceives India as a profitable market for its weapons and weapon systems. Most of the times, the weapons are deliberately under-priced in comparison to other major weapon suppliers such as US, France and Israel. However, Russia has a had history of escalating the prices during the execution of the contract, thereby leaving no choice for India except to pay more. Purchase of aircraft carrier Admiral Gorshkov, later known as INS Vikramaditya, is one such example where India ended up paying double of the initially agreed price. Defense equipments and spare parts get obsolete within two to three years of purchase. Delays, inconsistent delivery and other bottlenecks are quite common while dealing with Russia. Whether it is the delivery of new weapons or up gradation of existing Russian weapons, Russia has played false on many occasions. During Kargil war, a large percentage of Krasnopol precision guided munitions was found to be defective. The T-90s tanks were handed over to India without necessary weapons like missile firing systems.

Conclusion

In the recent Indo-China faceoff, Russians misled India to believe that buildup of Chinese Army across LAC is a routine military exercise. Indian bureaucrats, still charmed by Soviet era, lobby for Russian deals that may accrue invisible benefits (in the form of kickbacks & commissions) to them.

For all possible reasons, they are misleading Modi to trust Russians, which can be a disastrous error. Russia, along with Chinese, will never want India to reach centre-stage in global politics. History tells us that over dependence on Russians could result in unfavorable outcomes. 

Distressed Indian economy needs a Reboot; Denial will deepen the crisis!

Modi government is nearing a cusp - a new phase, where it will emerge as another face of Congress. It's current position on different policy issues is a grim reminder of the Congress legacy that ruined our country for decades. At this rate, the ruling party risks losing its core character. 

BJP's unfriendly economic policies, copied from Congress era, have brought unimaginable misery to common citizens. Although right-wing parties are supposed to be champions of 'Free-markets' , BJP adopted the model of 'Gandhian Socialism' since it's inception.

The current economic policies seem to be inspired by this model, which glorifies the virtues of a socialist state. However, it brings unimaginable suffering to the citizens of the country. Whether demonetization or GST, the government explored options that expanded harassment of general public and businesses. In the modern era, GST emerged as a prominent driver of tax terrorism and caused irreparable damage to existing business sentiment. A complex and faulty implementation of GST has created more obstacles instead of easing the pain. 

It was initially marketed as 'One Nation, One Tax', however, the bureaucrats managed to create a bigger cobweb of tax measures. The unfathomable complexity of GST caused severe strain to the Cerebrum of businessmen, CAs and government officials.

Current economic policies are reactionary and lack vision to address emerging challenges. Moreover, consistent fluctuation in decision-making by MoF has only made matters worse. Since the last two years, the government is grappling with excess supply issues yet it somehow manages to offer SOPs/ incentives to industry, which will further augment supply. On demand side, signs of depression were visible much earlier yet nothing was done to spur consumption. 

Sudden emergence of Covid-19 disrupted the normal way of living and further deteriorated the ailing economy. Lack of planning prior to announcement of lockdown added to the existing mess. A near complete halt of economic activities alongwith rising Covid-19 cases has created holes in BJP's governance and economic model. 

Despite the mess, the party continues to be aloof regarding ground problems and refuses to seek help of talented leaders from within. It has failed to utilize the capabilities of  intellectuals like Dr Swamy for the benefit of the nation. Dr Swamy's brilliant ideas on economy can change the course of the country. He co-authored index number theory along with Paul Samuelson, who also happened to be his Guru at Harvard. 

BJP's reluctance will add to existing woes of the party and could adversely impact it's image in public domain. Dr Swamy's out-of-box idea on 'Abolition of Income tax' can be a game changer if implemented properly. Similarly, Dr Swamy has innovative solutions to revive industrial and agricultural sectors. 

Time has come for BJP leadership to set aside its arrogance, accept mistakes and seek Dr Swamy's guidance on national & economic matters. Any delay in this regard is against the NATIONAL INTERESTS of the country.