On Dependence Day

Dear Subservient Servant of India,

We fools just celebrated Dependence Day! We traded one set of rulers for another self appointed set who collectively think they own this country under the pretext that "Parliament is Supreme". Yes, but Parliamentarians are SERVANTS of the CITIZENS, and should be subject to more scrutiny and not be exempt and immune from oversight and prosecution!

As a person, I have great respect for you, for in your heart and soul you love our country and you are an honourable person. However, the office that you occupy and the role that you play has been diminished and tarnished by the people manipulating it.

I regret having to address you this way for I have lost all respect for the Office that you preside over. The term Minister has been desecrated by the people who are expected to serve the country. Henceforth, I will refer to your office as the Chief Servant of India, for that is what the office should entail. In your case, I am sorry to say you are the Chief Subservient Servant of India.

Regretfully Yours,

Levy Annual Taxes on Diesel Cars and SUVs

Dear Manmohanji,

Jairam Ramesh had the right sentiment about SUVs, but chose the wrong words. Diesel Cars and SUVs benefit from lower taxes on Diesel and thus enjoy a subsidy. To negate this, an annual tax should be levied on Diesel Cars and SUVs. Trucks, Cargo Vans and Vans configured to carry twelve or more passengers should be exempt. People should be allowed to enjoy their vehicles by paying for that privilege.

Regards,

The Opportunity for Strong Lokpal Bill is ALIVE

Dear Prime Minister,

The Lokpal Bill not being voted on in the RS means that the opportunity for a strong Lokpal is ALIVE.

The key issue is to insulate the CBI from political, bureaucratic and other influences. At the same time its investigation should be confined to corruption, inappropriate use of power and criminal acts. Issues regarding personal behaviour should be off-limits.

Wish you a Happy New Year

Regards,

A Strong Lokpal Bill

Dear Manmohanji,

We need a strong anti-corruption bill with an investigating and prosecuting arm that cannot be influenced by politicians, fellow bureaucrats and vested interested parties. Stiff punishment should be meted out swiftly. We are relying on you to make this happen. May you have the power and influence to put India on the right track.

Seasons Greetings,

Jan Lokpal Bill

Dear Prime Minister,


We stand with Anna Hazare. We call on you to endorse the Jan Lokpal bill and act urgently to implement effective measures to tackle corruption. We want a new era of corruption-free politics in our country.


Patriotically Yours,

US Quandary over relationship with Pakistan

Dear Manmohanji,

The US is in a quandary over its relationship with Pakistan. The Left has been decimated. This is an opportune time to invite the US to establish bases in Kashmir, near the POK border and Ladakh near the China border. This would send a strong signal to Pakistan, it would ruffle China's feathers, the US will have an on the ground assessment of the situation in Kashmir and the China border, it will have a deterrent effect on the possibility of any wars with Pakistan and finally, it will be an economic benefit to Kashmir and Ladakh.

Sincerely,

Unnecessary Chest Thumping by Media Talking Heads

Dear Manmohanji,

All this talk of we can do what the US did in hunting down Bin Laden is just silly chest thumping. The US could get away with it because they are far away. If India conducted an overt operation like this the repercussions would be unpredictable. If at all India is compelled to do a surgical strike, it has to be done Quickly, Quietly and in Stealth mode. Satellite monitoring and Drones are probably the best options to target terrorist training camps.

Sincerely,