The once mighty BJP is in a bad shape. Nobody gives it a fighting chance at the next general election unless it rids itself of its defunct leaders and comes up with an idea capable of capturing the imagination of young Indians. There is no point in dredging up hatred between Hindus and Muslims because, as recent attacks on temple and mosque have proved, nobody is stupid enough any more to start killing each other because of the activities of a handful of lunatics. Besides, when it comes to Hindutva there is already Uma Bharati on the loose.

Much as I would like to name the names of all the other politicians, especially those of Leftist persuasion who are actively involved in ensuring that India goes down rather than up, I am restricted by the number of words I can fit into this space. But, if you spend a few minutes every morning paying attention to the issues that are being raised in the current spate of elections you will discover for yourself how out of sync with the times our politicians are.

From village to five-star hotel, from small town to metropolis, Indians are united in what they want from our political leaders. Bijli, paani, sadak, school, of course, but also development at double speed so that within the next 20 years we rid ourselves of (not alleviate) the terrible scourge of poverty. Only our political leaders need to keep as many people poor for as long as possible so they can continue to try and fool them with sops like reservations.

... contd.