Believe it or not, I got the same reaction in the college WhtsApp group on May 13th. And I replied back the same way as you did. There is never a right time to ask questions which go against this government. This was never the case before.
You mentioned 26/11. Here is the list of folks who either resigned or were re-assigned.
The Ram Pradhan committe report was tabled, dicussed, and actions were taken based on the recommendations.
You mentioned Covid report. I saw that on May 8th when it was released. And I also knew why it was released that day.
Listen, pretty much every one lost a family member, relative, friend, or an acquantaince during 2021 in India. At least in UP and Delhi, I am sure of. Yet, no one asked questions. And 3 years later, Covid mis management was not even an issue in the elections.
Fyi .. here is the fallout after 26/11. We will never see any after Uri, Pathankot, Pahalgam...
1. Shivraj Patil
Position: Union Home Minister (Central Government)
Resigned: November 30, 2008
Reason: Criticized for repeated security failures under his watch (including prior blasts in Delhi and Ahmedabad), and for lack of preparedness during 26/11.
2. R.R. Patil
Position: Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister & Home Minister
Resigned: December 1, 2008
Reason: Public backlash over a dismissive comment ("small incidents happen") and perceived failure in maintaining law and order.
Note: He was later reinstated in 2009 after the state elections.
3. Vilasrao Deshmukh
Position: Chief Minister of Maharashtra
Resigned: December 4, 2008
Reason: Criticized for mishandling the situation and especially for visiting the Taj Hotel site with his actor son and a filmmaker, which was viewed as insensitive.
Successor: Ashok Chavan became CM.
Key Transfers or Role Changes
Hasan Gafoor
Position: Mumbai Police Commissioner
Transferred: February 2009 (replaced by D.N. Jadhav)
DCP (Anti-Terrorism Squad) & Other Senior Officers
While Hemant Karkare (ATS Chief), Vijay Salaskar, and Ashok Kamte were killed in action and became national heroes, there was later scrutiny of overall command and control decisions, leading to changes in postings and procedures.
Top Bureaucrats & Intelligence Heads
multiple intelligence and coastal security officials at both state and central levels were later reassigned or quietly moved as a part of systemic overhaul and face-saving measures.
Yes, I remember the resignations too (didn't bring that up because the piece was already lengthening and I didn't want the central point to be diluted). Also, glad you noticed the timing of the release of the Covid report -- which is more than the media and the Opposition did.
The good time to ask questions is the time by which we forget those questions.Remember the Chinese incursions and the status quo ante phraseology thrown at us. Pahalgam may also meet the same fate.
The Global outreach programme by coopting MPs from all parties, will also take some of the wind from the opposition sails at home.
Yes, agree. As for the outreach, early days, but thus far the delegations on the ground appear to be interacting either with the Indian diaspora, or with mid-level functionaries. Not sure what that is going to accomplish other than to stymie the Opposition, and deflect from the demand for a special sitting of Parliament.
Great job Sir. We need more of you, more of the critical thinkers. As a young guy in Punjab just starting out in my early twenties, it sometimes gets really sad looking at all of those buffoons punching the air. I’m tired. Everyone around me is probably tired. We just need to make one final push perhaps. Nishchay Kar Apni Jeet Karo.
Sat Sri Akal. Thank you, but actually what we need is more people like you -- young people who don't get swept up in the jingoism of the media and the perfidy of polity, and who are willing to see things clearly for how they are. More power to you, be well.
Well thought and articulated as always, Prem. Nothing will ever change, no heads will ever roll, nobody's lives will get better unless we start with the basics of asking questions to those in power
All of this is true -- but we need to keep speaking out, writing. As Ravish Kumar said while accepting his Magsasay Award, "Not all battles are fought for victory – some are fought to tell the world that someone was there on the battlefield".
Yes Prem true, but incisive writing which makes us pause and think nowadays is an absolute necessity. And yes, while you write what you're thinking, we think as we read you and being selfish I was just saying this is something every one should understand. And should be driven, nay hammered home by those who want us to elect them.
You are hundred percent right. We have not found a single perpetrator of Pahalgam. No responsibility. Instead nations has picked a 100billion dollar tag with no serious dent on cross border terror. There simply is no Accountability- period.
The point about expense on that badly-planned retaliation is something that will *never* make the public domain.
And just to be clear, I said badly planned because in gaming the scenario, the Indian establishment assumed that it could hit those nine initial targets, that Pakistan would eat the hit, make some belligerent noises, and that would be that. What the establishment did not bargain for is that Pakistan's army, with a beleaguered Munir in charge, would feel compelled to hit back, thus escalating the situation into a costly exchange on both sides. Naive, to put it mildly -- and in the final analysis, costly in terms of lives lost and damage sustained.
I know the game well. Problem here is that political perception overrides military. We were not allowed to take out Pak AD in preliminary operations on false belief it will be construed as attack on Pak military. So we called additional effort for AD while launching attacks on terrorist camps. In this lost dome aircraft’s. After this as they say is history.
Who to ask questions to, anyway? The PM would not even attend all-party meetings in the wake of Pahalgam. And we now have Parliamentary delegations roaming the world, supposedly briefing lawmakers in multiple countries. The irony is, our own Parliamentarians, representatives of the people, have not been briefed because the government refused to have a special session of Parliament.
There will never a time come when we will ask questions. Right now we're in a spiral, gaining momentum and Pandora's box cannot be closed. Your essay here and the compilation of attacks is an eye opener. It should be published everywhere, and send it to all parties. Maybe, like us, even the Oppn., seems clueless or is living in a bubble or under a rock. This monster ain't goin' home any time soon baby.
What I wrote is basic commonsense; the list of attacks is common knowledge. If the Opposition, and the public, need to read me to remember the obvious, then got help this country.
(I use my writing as a means of thinking out loud. Or as Joan Didion said, "I write to know what I am thinking." None of what I write should be new -- if people, and polity, are paying attention.)
Believe it or not, I got the same reaction in the college WhtsApp group on May 13th. And I replied back the same way as you did. There is never a right time to ask questions which go against this government. This was never the case before.
You mentioned 26/11. Here is the list of folks who either resigned or were re-assigned.
The Ram Pradhan committe report was tabled, dicussed, and actions were taken based on the recommendations.
You mentioned Covid report. I saw that on May 8th when it was released. And I also knew why it was released that day.
Listen, pretty much every one lost a family member, relative, friend, or an acquantaince during 2021 in India. At least in UP and Delhi, I am sure of. Yet, no one asked questions. And 3 years later, Covid mis management was not even an issue in the elections.
Fyi .. here is the fallout after 26/11. We will never see any after Uri, Pathankot, Pahalgam...
1. Shivraj Patil
Position: Union Home Minister (Central Government)
Resigned: November 30, 2008
Reason: Criticized for repeated security failures under his watch (including prior blasts in Delhi and Ahmedabad), and for lack of preparedness during 26/11.
2. R.R. Patil
Position: Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister & Home Minister
Resigned: December 1, 2008
Reason: Public backlash over a dismissive comment ("small incidents happen") and perceived failure in maintaining law and order.
Note: He was later reinstated in 2009 after the state elections.
3. Vilasrao Deshmukh
Position: Chief Minister of Maharashtra
Resigned: December 4, 2008
Reason: Criticized for mishandling the situation and especially for visiting the Taj Hotel site with his actor son and a filmmaker, which was viewed as insensitive.
Successor: Ashok Chavan became CM.
Key Transfers or Role Changes
Hasan Gafoor
Position: Mumbai Police Commissioner
Transferred: February 2009 (replaced by D.N. Jadhav)
DCP (Anti-Terrorism Squad) & Other Senior Officers
While Hemant Karkare (ATS Chief), Vijay Salaskar, and Ashok Kamte were killed in action and became national heroes, there was later scrutiny of overall command and control decisions, leading to changes in postings and procedures.
Top Bureaucrats & Intelligence Heads
multiple intelligence and coastal security officials at both state and central levels were later reassigned or quietly moved as a part of systemic overhaul and face-saving measures.
Yes, I remember the resignations too (didn't bring that up because the piece was already lengthening and I didn't want the central point to be diluted). Also, glad you noticed the timing of the release of the Covid report -- which is more than the media and the Opposition did.
panem et circenses ........ minus the bread
Indeed, yes. We are Marie Antoinette lite.
The good time to ask questions is the time by which we forget those questions.Remember the Chinese incursions and the status quo ante phraseology thrown at us. Pahalgam may also meet the same fate.
The Global outreach programme by coopting MPs from all parties, will also take some of the wind from the opposition sails at home.
Yes, agree. As for the outreach, early days, but thus far the delegations on the ground appear to be interacting either with the Indian diaspora, or with mid-level functionaries. Not sure what that is going to accomplish other than to stymie the Opposition, and deflect from the demand for a special sitting of Parliament.
Great job Sir. We need more of you, more of the critical thinkers. As a young guy in Punjab just starting out in my early twenties, it sometimes gets really sad looking at all of those buffoons punching the air. I’m tired. Everyone around me is probably tired. We just need to make one final push perhaps. Nishchay Kar Apni Jeet Karo.
Sat Sri Akal. Thank you, but actually what we need is more people like you -- young people who don't get swept up in the jingoism of the media and the perfidy of polity, and who are willing to see things clearly for how they are. More power to you, be well.
Well thought and articulated as always, Prem. Nothing will ever change, no heads will ever roll, nobody's lives will get better unless we start with the basics of asking questions to those in power
All of this is true -- but we need to keep speaking out, writing. As Ravish Kumar said while accepting his Magsasay Award, "Not all battles are fought for victory – some are fought to tell the world that someone was there on the battlefield".
So absolutely true. Wish more people read this and did some calm, open minded reflection. But I guess that's asking for too much in today's times!
Thanks, Jaya, and yes, way too much to ask -- I am glad a few people actually found this worth reading :-(
Yes Prem true, but incisive writing which makes us pause and think nowadays is an absolute necessity. And yes, while you write what you're thinking, we think as we read you and being selfish I was just saying this is something every one should understand. And should be driven, nay hammered home by those who want us to elect them.
You are hundred percent right. We have not found a single perpetrator of Pahalgam. No responsibility. Instead nations has picked a 100billion dollar tag with no serious dent on cross border terror. There simply is no Accountability- period.
The point about expense on that badly-planned retaliation is something that will *never* make the public domain.
And just to be clear, I said badly planned because in gaming the scenario, the Indian establishment assumed that it could hit those nine initial targets, that Pakistan would eat the hit, make some belligerent noises, and that would be that. What the establishment did not bargain for is that Pakistan's army, with a beleaguered Munir in charge, would feel compelled to hit back, thus escalating the situation into a costly exchange on both sides. Naive, to put it mildly -- and in the final analysis, costly in terms of lives lost and damage sustained.
Mr Panicker,
I know the game well. Problem here is that political perception overrides military. We were not allowed to take out Pak AD in preliminary operations on false belief it will be construed as attack on Pak military. So we called additional effort for AD while launching attacks on terrorist camps. In this lost dome aircraft’s. After this as they say is history.
A spineless media, A clueless and fragmented opposition and brain washed common man. No questions.
Who to ask questions to, anyway? The PM would not even attend all-party meetings in the wake of Pahalgam. And we now have Parliamentary delegations roaming the world, supposedly briefing lawmakers in multiple countries. The irony is, our own Parliamentarians, representatives of the people, have not been briefed because the government refused to have a special session of Parliament.
But never mind. There is an election coming.
There will never a time come when we will ask questions. Right now we're in a spiral, gaining momentum and Pandora's box cannot be closed. Your essay here and the compilation of attacks is an eye opener. It should be published everywhere, and send it to all parties. Maybe, like us, even the Oppn., seems clueless or is living in a bubble or under a rock. This monster ain't goin' home any time soon baby.
What I wrote is basic commonsense; the list of attacks is common knowledge. If the Opposition, and the public, need to read me to remember the obvious, then got help this country.
(I use my writing as a means of thinking out loud. Or as Joan Didion said, "I write to know what I am thinking." None of what I write should be new -- if people, and polity, are paying attention.)