Meera Sanyal- Clueless
While I do admire that Mrs. Meera Sanyal took it upon herself to be an instrument of change, I just wish the instrument was better tuned before it began playing in the orchestra. When it comes to representing south Mumbai and being a member of parliament, I am afraid Meera Sanyal is in unfamiliar waters and it is clear that she has no idea what she is doing.I had the opportunity to hear Mrs. Meera Sanyal, Mr. Milind Deora (Congress), Mr. Mohan Rawale (Shiv Sena), Dr. Mona Shah (Professionals Party of India) and Mr. Bala Nandgaonkar (MNS) speak at an event organized at Altamount Road in South Mumbai this evening. It was a great platform for voters to meet their candidates and get to know what they are all about. I was most curious to see what Meera Sanyal was like. Much has been said about this lady and she seems to be gathering support in some circles. Needless to say she was drastically disappointing.
Five minutes in to her speech it was easy to judge that she was clueless on what it takes to be an MP and what she hopes she can accomplish. The evening began with an important point that voters should understand which issues are related to the central government, which are handled by the state government and those that are looked after by the municipal corporation. I just wish it was also stressed that the 'candidates' should understand the issues as well. Apparently, Mrs. Sanyal did not receive the memo on that one.
She meandered on in her speech about water shortages and how people in the slums are aware of the price of the bucket of water, while the affluent citizens of South Mumbai were unaware of the market rate of water. Now, I am not saying that water supply it is not an important issue. Yet, it is something that needs to be dealt with at the municipal and state level.
Her points on education were again off target. She talked about Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) and the fact that the government has increased spends from Rs 13,000 crore to Rs 21,000 crore and how Maharashtra has spent only 16% of the amount allocated to them for schools. While that may be true, she should also know that the disbursement of SSA funds is up to the state government. As an MP she would not be able to do anything to change that.
She then went on to talk about a few other points that she would have no control over. Her story (which she has used in television interviews as well) about how every parent with a child of the age 3-25 years has waited in line for admission is irrelevant and shows that she is in some other dimension when it comes to issues.
The only point that did make sense, while still consistent in terms of not being connected to the role of an MP, was that Mumbai needs the system of having a strong mayor. Just as it has worked in a city like New York, I think a powerful mayor could take Mumbai to the next level.
With all due respect to a highly successful banker, she came across as a dull professor with no personality. Definitely not the kind of personality that inspires the change that everyone is talking about. It was more of a speech on what is wrong in India and Mumbai, which is a speech that any one of us can give. On the whole she talked like an amateur who had good intentions but who would get lost and be ineffective if elected. She would not know where to begin, how to get things done or what would come within her jurisdiction so to speak. I for one will not vote for her.
But don't take my word for it, there are plenty of more chances you might have to go hear her speak, judge for yourself.
On a side note, if you get a chance to hear Dr. Mona Shah speak, don't miss it. She talks like she is running to be the Head Girl of a school. If this is the "Professionals" Party of India, our level of professionalism is a joke.
Photo credit http://www.meerahsanyal.in/
that's unfortunate. I know a lot of people who were very excited about her candidacy. Out of curiosity, PG, who would you like to see represent Bombay on a national stage?
ReplyDeleteSanyal may be clueless, but what do you expect from a rookie politician? All the other candidates have emerged from within the political system (that we all deride so much) being groomed by each one's family and/or party. If a politician is supposed to serve the people what kind of employee would you like to have...smart, personable, energetic and dishonest..or clueless, dull, corporate and honest? The cluelessness can be remedied. I'm not so sure about the dishonesty.
ReplyDeletei too heard her on tv and felt the same way sad sad
ReplyDeletei actually felt very moved hearing her speak. She really seemed determined to make a change. And maybe her inexperience is not encouraging, but everyone has to start somewhere, and that can be easily changed - and as long as she has the right background and good intentions (pardon the idealism), she can eventually make a difference. She is not going to have the finesse of a seasoned politician, but that doesn't necessarily imply she can't learn and can't change things for the better. We always hope for smart people to be out there, and we should also realise that they need to be given a chance, especially when they are not from a political background.
ReplyDeleteI was not there at this meeting; but I believe we need more MPs to represent their constituencies and influence the laws that make change happen. It is called FIXING the ROOT Cause for a problem. I believe if you interact with Ms. Sanyal, you will find depth and ability to understand what it takes to fix the root cause of problems and focus on the core sphere of influence an MP should exercise. Not promise grand schemes, none of which get executed. India/Mumbai, both need good governance and excellent execution. At state levels if the execution is not happening, you need the right type of influence in your Lok Sabha and you need the right type of leaders in the state assembly. We are responsible for both. What we need are people who do not BS with us, and get to the root of the problem. Let us not be caught in the trap of living our life as it is dished out to us, BE THE CHANGE YOU WANT TO SEE. Ask: Does she not bring the right attitude to her work?
ReplyDeleteWhat are your thoughts on Milind Deora? I was not able to make it to the debate but am interested to know how he fared.
ReplyDeleteI didn't attend the debate so I'd like to know what the other candidates had to say? Were they dynamic? Were they 'clued in' enough to give you sense of faith that they were actually gonna change the system or deliver on anything? I highly doubt that.
ReplyDeleteThat's not to say that I disagree with you, - Yeah, I think Meera Sanyal panders when she speaks and she skirts issues.
However, I'm hoping her integrity is something she will hold on to and atleast create some change over NO change. And that is absolutely fine by me!
Pranav - continuing our exchange on facebook - this is my follow:
ReplyDeletei did not agree that she is clueless, i said "maybe" in the sense that you may think so. the reality of our politics is that we have to start giving credit to those who are not the worst of the lot. until you change our system and raise the level of politics, which you can do only if you have honest (allegedly cluless) people in public life. ... Read Morebesides she has some record of being a successful working professional. some experience. i am not saying she is a revolutionary or a messiah, but she stands for the barest minimum that we deserve. that for me is a start.
I was there for the meeting and though meera did speak well, I find it hard to see how she will be able to deliver the things that she promises. Having worked with the BMC and state govt on various issues, I know that one has to coordinate any work with all the govt. bodies, something that will be impossible for an independant to do, no matter how good her motives.
ReplyDeleteSo she's new to the game. Bet someone had to teach you how to ride a bike! Why are you hiding behind this block and not standing for elections?
ReplyDeleteI wud congratulate Meera for jumping into the political quagmire..this requires guts.
ReplyDeleteIt is unfortunate that someone who has worked with Goldman Sachs is pretending to analyse Meeras performance and picking holes in her
speech.People with wall street backgrounds are all under deep suspicion currently and if they have such advanced critic oriented talent,wud do better tring to analyse some of the corrupt
candidates in the fray .Dont suppose u have the guts to analyse the stalwarts!
Dear Pranav,
ReplyDeleteIt is very easy to give a opinion on a person. Hearing a person once does not mean that person is dumb. If you thing she is all bad, please tell me good about some of the other candidated you are advocating. Whats so good about them. What have they done for south mumbai. What they have done so far makes one wonder does it take five years to do what they did. You seem to have spent a good part of your understanding life out of this country. Know the present polititians before you critisize anybody. Further in my opinion, she cannot do worst then what the current bunch of joker polititians whom WE have voted for elected have done. The other day the industry said Milind Deora is the most visible politian of all in Mumbai. Ya right, being on page three does not qualify for visibility. Boss you need to know the ground realities before you critisize some one.
Everyone is entitled to an opinion right? What's the point of making personal comments directed towards individual/s based on their opinions? If anyone has an opposing view on the mature thing to do would be to post your name and your reasons why - fearlessly. Do your bit - be of service because a more robust debate ultimately help ALL OF US reading (in this time of complete confusion) think better and most importantly make a better deciscion come April 30th.
ReplyDeleteWhat a crock this blog is... based on one speech you have completely written off a candidate with promise. So she's not the greatest orator but she's qualified, worked hard her whole life and will go quickly up the learning curve as she has the right intentions and is a professional of great repute and standing. We need more people like her coming into public service. instead of commending independents like her, you are deragotory .. seems like you want to appear like the guy who knows it all rather than analysing things in the interest of the country. Why dont you have the guts to comment on incumbents that are 'clued in' but have not done a damn thing..
ReplyDeleteI'd like to mention, first off, that I am not a member of the South Bombay (oops, Mumbai!) community.
ReplyDeleteSecondly, I find it strange how so many posters maintained their annonymity. Especially the person mentioning the fact that the author works at Goldman Sachs but is completely ambiguous as to what bearing that would have on the opinion presented here.
Thirdly, I agree to a major extent with what Sharan Jagtiani has said. Meera Sanyal might certainly be amateur, but she's got the guts to enter into the political fray, and I get the feeling that this post mocks her in some way. Its obvious that the author supports Milind Deora and why not? He's done a great job in his term and probably should continue.
However, my only issue with this blog, was the mocking tone in which it tried to convey its message. Please Mr. Gandhi, its extremely easy to talk about how she's incredibly clueless. But it takes guts to do what she's doing and everyone should respect that. Same goes for Dr. Mona Shah. They're trying to make a difference in their own way.
I suppose you're trying to achieve the same. I just don't understand what exactly it is.
I think meera sanyal and mona shah should be commended for standing against milind deora and mohan rawle. in fact, her lack of experience in politics works for her in my opinion. We need to change the system and i think words like 'clueless'are a bit strong for a woman who's headed an international bank and is clearly a smart, qualified profesional. I think she has the potential to learn along the way and i do admire her intentions as i do of mona shah, albeit i am less convinced of the latter's ability to spearhead change.
ReplyDeleteI would like to know what the reps for MNS and Shiv Sena had to say. Or were you too busy typing this out while they blabbered about their local agendas?
ReplyDeleteShe has decided to make her personal career second priority and to do something she feels strongly about. That is a step.
Benefit of the doubt goes to the person who decides to do something. If she learns along the way and achieves something. Super. If she doesn't and isn't able to do something positive, she will not win the next time and then you can continue with your tirade.
I mean, 60 years of independence, we have had mostly short sighted asses as politicians. And you find only Meera to slang? Come now...
PRG, I'm deeply saddned by your myopic view on the problems facing our city today.
ReplyDeleteI was there for the same meeting and I beg to differ.
These problems which you say are to be solved at the Municipal Level can never be solved at the Municipal Level. If there is a water supply problem, it is because there isn't adequate water supply. A majority of our country's water bodies cross state lines. Think about the Kaveri dispute.
What about the Mumbai Port Trust? the Largest land owner in the city of Mumbai? zero state control. It is directly under central control. An MLA or Municipal Councillor has no locus standi to comment on it's activities or plans.
Like I said, I was there at this meet that you speak off and she came across as an intelligent, efficient and capable person who was calm, composed and to the point while answering questions.
When asked how she intended to get things done as an Independent, she stated that if she stands for the right policies, if she stands for the good of the people of her constituency and Mumbai, which party will not support it?
Incidentally, she received the maximum applause for all her comments by far.
On your comment about how as an MP she cannot change the spending pattern of the state government, you have to be specific. As an ineffective/inefficient MP who only becomes active at election time, you are right such an MP cannot do so.
But, Meera believes she can. As an effective/efficient MP, she can question the state government about their reasons for not honouring their committments. She can follow up with them on a regular basis until they get their act together.
But we are so used to the former type of MP that we have lowered the bar of performance for all candidates. Let us raise it to the standards we deserve. Meera meets those standards and more.
Meera has 25 years of experience as an administrator. She has earned everything she has achieved on merit, excelled in everything she has done. Why would politics be any different?
Considering she has not been in politics before we only have her work colleagues present and former to guage her performance on. And judging by 100% positive citations and the support of her colleagues and peers, I'm inclined to think that by voting for her we would be getting the right person in the seat.
Maybe she is a little naive in politics but who would you want on Mumbai's side fighting for this city....
ReplyDeleteBetter to have someone with energy and the will to make a change than someone who has no intention to make a change....do you really believe that Milind is in this to make a difference to city??? i dont believe anyone who knows him personally would believe that....
the argument made by some (although not on this blog) that one should not vote for her because it will take away from Milinds votes and facilitate a Shiv Sena victory...i disagree...we need politicians to be scared of losing to independents so that they decide to work through their term as opposed to waking up 3 months before the election...
Also for completeness why not give some of your very "wise" insights on the other speakers...were they all "clued in"
Hey, how many of us have the balls (excuse me, but am a little concerned how we cant even begin to appreciate self starters), to leave our professinal working lives and dive deep into the "current" political scum. Like someone said here earlier on, we need to amke start somewhere. Unlike Milind who probably heard political speech in his mother womb, here is a lady who atleast,willing to try and if we all together are going to snub such self initaitors, polictics will continue to be adirty word and who would want to join the brigade, the way meera jumped. If the instrument waited to be tuned before it started playing the orchestra, it would have been late. Its betetr to be create a clutter(if i can extend your analogy Mr Gandhi), than to say anything at all (like many of us,who didnt jump into it). As about issues concerning national , state and BMC,its not important how she connects them, she will find teams to do that, its important she araised it. For starters sake, she atleast raises issues both for the rich and poor, living in her constituency. So lets not try to undermine the efforts of our felloow professional indian. Its not enough to say, i admire meera ..but..Either we can admire or we dont.
ReplyDeleteAs regards, Milind, am a supporter of this young blood, and being from the same college, it just brings that element of " we shared the same college" i can relate to his thoughts, but i credit his political linegae for the clarity of thoughts concerning nation and state as well as BMC. Thats not to take away the credit from him, but its more to credit people with initiatives (if not with balls :-)!!)
I was thrilled to know that someone in the corporate world is willing to give it all up to bring the change we are all wanting. My initial reaction was to go for her.However it is not enough to have an intention and the guts.When one is looking for votes you have to deliver and to do so you have to learn the ways of being successful in the political arena.
ReplyDeleteI saw some of her interviews where to me she came across as a sophiscated banker with the correct views and agenda but does that mean she will be able to deliver?
Perhaps she would succeed in her agenda if she works with people who can deliver and push her agenda through them.We all know how difficult it is to get anything moving.
If one genuinely is seeking a change it is smarter to get it done from someone who has the political wherewithall.
As citizens who want a change we are delighted to vote for Meera Sanyal so that we can now feel proud that we have done something for change and not just sat back.
ReplyDeleteWe can all get back to what we do, guiltfree, and convince ourselves that we fought the regular politicians and brought the change.
Poor Meera is then left to fight the erstwhile system and probably ends up frustrated.
Instead, if we as citizens sustain our interest and enthusiasm in the daily issues faced by the city, take accountability from our elected candidates, push them to do what they have promised(not once in 5 yrs)regularly, we will achieve more than we believe.
It is time to start strong citizens groups and the likes of Sanyal should start spearheading these. She will gain more from this than sitting in Delhi!!
As aware citizens, what is important for us in evaluating candidates is to see whether they are willing and able to tackle issues which are of importance to us and critically impact our lives, but can only be handled at a governmental level. These issues include education, security, slum development, city planning etc. My vote will go to any candidate who stands for elections in order to deal with THESE ISSUES, not to gain money, power or simply because it is their only job option.
ReplyDeleteIn short, candidates have to dmonstrate MOTIVATION, ABILITY TO UNDERSTAND VITAL ISSUES, and EFFECTIVENESS IN EXECUTION. Ms. Sanyal clearly demonstrates these qualities, and I am curious about whom you think fits the bill.... and your reasons why.
Pranav –
ReplyDeleteWhile I totally disagree with your assertion that Meera is clueless, I think the blog post provides us a great opportunity to discuss the merits and demerits of Meera Sanyal as a candidate.
You start by saying that Meera has been unable to distinguish issues of that are influenced at a local, state or national level. This is consistent with the modus operandi of Meera’s opponents, of using some statements out of context, and thereby trying to project her as an amateur. Let’s be clear – notwithstanding the challenges that your community (bankers) has been having off late, anyone who’s made the CEO of a multinational bank in India and has personally hired and managed over 6,000 people, gets it. While Meera may be a less experienced ‘professional politician’ I think it’s priceless to suggest that she does not get it.
You mention that Meera came across as lacking charisma. I too met Meera in a citizens meet and I too was under impressed by her ‘charisma’ – she did not have the wit of Laloo Prasad Yadav, nor the sarcasm of Narendra Modi and definitely not the dashing persona of an Amar Singh. No – I did not see a savvy charismatic politician. Instead, I saw a person who had decided that ‘enough is enough’. I saw a person who’s motivation for joining public life was public service, not making politics a profession. I saw a person with good intention, who has shown her effectiveness as a hardy professional (she is a CEO banker in a financial world dominated by men).
Would I vote for charismatic, “professional politican” who is the least worst option OR would I vote for an honest, well-intentioned and effective person? Call me idealistic but I would vote the latter – a person who represents certain ideals and principals not just the whip of his/her party.
It would seem to me that given your recent young experience on Wall Street in the bubble years, you’ve come to realize the importance of integrity in all facets of life. Meera is our beacon of hope. Hers is the start of a journey – this is not about Meera it’s about the future and hope of young India.
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ReplyDeletei guess the reason no one will talk about the incumbent and have a fair debate on his track record is because a lot of people know him within 1-2 or 3 degrees of seperation. u,mmm who didn't go to cathedral, hang out at Bombay gym bar night, go to school or know someone who went to school in Boston or just live in bombay long enough. we all suffer from what india suffers from a practicality from understanding the system we live in the same one we bitch about. we want change but we all want it knowing we can't piss off politicians or people who have power. see you never know when you need a small favor or them. lets admit that to ourselves 1st.
ReplyDeletemilind deora looks like us, talks like us oh yeah he's young so we want to vote for him. but what the hell has he done? where was he for 5 years between elections? he so cleverly uses the internet like politicans in the west to gather people but unlike them only at election time. intention and action is everything today. i am sick of the best of the worst. milind says he brought the nsg to bombay. my ass. he made a comment to the PM a suggestion. i would have said hats off man if he brought the nsg into bombay after the train blasts, worked his tail off to make it happen instead of defense committees such a nice place for kickbacks. did we get the nsg before or after we got our brains bombed on 26/11 - is that a real achievement? do we have to die in airconditioning to deserve service??? please give me a break. give me rawale and the sena give me meera or mona man anwyay with milind in power the MNS went buck mad in this city and he didn't even speak. oh sorry forgot that's the cops job not the MP he doesn't look at water, roads, hooliganism. shit what does he do agin?
ReplyDeleteThanks for all the comments. They lead to a positive discussion as everyone’s viewpoint is expressed.
ReplyDeleteI agree with some of the points mentioned. I have nothing but high regards for Meera Sanyal for taking the stand that she has. She deserves commendation for having the guts to stand up and run for elections. In fact I have even blogged about it in the past. Please read it when you get a chance. http://prgthoughts.blogspot.com/2009/03/south-mumbai-elections-heating-up.html The article was featured in the Mumbai Mirror on March 26th and even Meera Sanyal’s own website has a link to the article. I wrote that article because I too was excited about a new entrant and a fresh perspective.
However, after hearing her multiple times on television as well as having seen her live, while her intentions are great and she seems genuine, I was not impressed.
A point that I wish was mentioned by someone, is a line in the current article that says, “But don't take my word for it, there are plenty of more chances you might have to go hear her speak, judge for yourself.” I am sure that everyone will make a decision based on his or her own analysis
Really, Mr Gandhi, you have already made it clear in a previous page that you think these two will only end up splitting Mr Deora's vote as they do not have enough backing.
ReplyDeleteIs that why you choose not to comment on the achievements/plans of all the other worthies there who have already done so much for the nation?
arnob,
ReplyDeletei think mr gandhi's intention when he wrote this article was to talk about meera sanyal and his opinion on her. i don't think his agenda was to talk about every candidate and to do a comparison of any sort. you might not agree with him- quite frankly i don't think i would have been as harsh as he was either. but i think everyone is entitled to an opinion on the subject and i dont think one can be penalized/ criticized for the choice of their subject.
do you even think Meera sanyal would have gotten a ticket from the congress? or any other party? or mona? not until to a politic-family business had they been born or a hundred years had passed (check out college politics, youth wings of parties plenty of candidates), games been played, backs been scratched and money been paid. So how will we EVER get candidates from a better pool or how long will it take? nana chudasmas board today says something like " fear of the boot, makes the magic of the booth" if it only means others to the manor born or up the complex ranks risen take their job more seriously the independants with their will and wanting to do something have done more than we have. time isn't a luxury we have in our country and change is slowwwwww
ReplyDeleteIt's obvious that Meera Sanyal is a genuine candidate. Instead of being so critical, you have to understand that all political aspirants have to begin somewhere. Why not support her as she means to make a difference? She's far more trustworthy than other parties and if elected she is sure to make a difference in the long term. She has to be given a chance now.
ReplyDeleteMy first impression when they hear that the head of ABN Ambro is stepping down to give back is "wow" thats just what we need...when you see her and hear her though I would have to agree with gandhi that she is far from impressive....yet i would rather have someone who will make an effort and give it there best than someone whose primary goal is using the seat for personal gain...but i feel the frustration of the writer....
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with Rati here. Whether it's Meera or Mona, it doesn't matter.
ReplyDeleteIf one day, it comes upon one of us to change the city/country, we'd probably not do better. But we have got to give this city a chance for betterment. What has Milind Deora done apart from appear at every party or some sort of office pravesh?
Other parties are far more criminal in their nature and aspirations than these women. That you can be sure of.
Just one question, if you don't vote for either Meera or Mona (because they don't know their job yet / have not had their speeches written by an "expert" on this matter), will you vote for those other cartoons who have only had demonstrations in the city? The ones who are responsible for bandhs and hooliganism in the city?
Please check out my new post when you get a chance. Comments from politically active people such as yourselves will be very productive on the new article. http://prgthoughts.blogspot.com/2009/04/how-should-one-vote_16.html
ReplyDeleteWhile all this debate is going back and forth on who:
ReplyDelete1. can lead and can not
2. can speak and can not
3. do something as do nothing
it is time we also realize that an MP is "only" a representative of our society. If someone has come forward with a good (and clean) intention of contributing towards the betterment of our society (not to mention our safety), I think we need to sit back and think, that if (at all) these (new non-political ideology) people will be provided the opportunity, they are capable of running an office along with the required administrative staff (of qualified IAS officers).
Take the example of Lalu Prasad Yadav and Chandra Babu Naidu. I have been around in India (and especially lived in Andhara enough and very well traveled by train) to see what a person with a vision can do. These guys did it, and I for one salute them.
If a person like Meera Sanyal comes into power, she will (I am sure) go through a transition period (and orientation programme) to learn what her job involves - just like any of us did in the professional world when we joined / resigned our present and past employers.
Dear All,
ReplyDeleteMeera Sanyal, who is on a sabbatical for two months to contest elections till May, has obviously not done her homework as she fails to realize that managing affairs of a city as dynamic as Mumbai is a far cry from managing a foreign bank!
She is adamant on challenging the political expertise of Milind Deora, who with his 5 years of experience has catapulted into a seasoned parliamentarian whose roots run deep into the political soil!
Lip service is cheap! Instead of being forthright about what she can and cannot do, Meera’s agenda reeks of lofty promises which she does not have the capability and political machinery to fulfill!
Sanyal who claims to be the harbinger of change, is nothing but an elite Mumbaikar who is craving for success and growth, and has very thoughtfully decided to plunge into the politics at this point when most of the banks are running out of business, getting shut down or nationalized or getting merged with others, not to forget the ABN AMRO which is also selling off its retail and SME units in India.!
Instead of being sincere and looking out for the people who need the help the most, the minorities, dalits,the down trodden and illiterates, Meera chooses to make a hue and cry on issues like whether to build a flyover on Pedder road or not, or to widen the road or not, and other meager issues of south Mumbai. Is this the substance and depth she has to offer to her citizens!
Milind was 27 yeas of age when he became an MP. Today he has to his credit a repository of political knowledge which no Meera Sanyal or other independent can even strive to come close to!
Dream on Sanyal…
Best Regards,
Ashita A Rajani
Hi Ashita are you by any chance Milind Deora's campaign manager?
ReplyDeleteMilind Deora harps about getting the NSG to Bombay.
We would be willing to believe that had he started working on it the very first day in office or for that matter after the train blasts not after 26/11 with six months to go for elections and a public outcry with the Central Govt forced to respond????
He spoke during the last election of getting a mayor for Bombay and here he goes again this time.... all talk where is the action?
Where is this mayor? in five years what steps did he take to make it happen? NONE! The MNS goes on a rampage but he was nowhere to be seen or heard but when Kasab takes over the Taj he's on the roads.
He won by a margin of less than 10,000 votes and got the ticket itself because he is Murli Deora's son and afcourse he's young.
Taking steps in hindsight is not good enough, having vision followed by action is.
He had his chance - it lasted for 5 years - might as well give another M a chance just like we gave him a chance and see where it gets us this time. Let him work over 5 yrs without a seat and prove he actually cares about what he says he cares about.
Enough is Enough.
And yes Ashita his "repository of political knowledge" that's just what is going to get bombay far
ReplyDeleteIts amazing how I was just reading Ashita's post thinking of an extrememly well worded reply to it. But my thoughts were completely echoed by Priya S, who put it wayy better than what I could've achieved!
ReplyDeletePerfect reply! I need not say more!
I find it very inspiring and laudable that someone with Meera Sanyal's background has chosen to join politics. It's clear that the writer of this article is a Milind Deora supporter. Moreover, are we supposed to be impressed with his Goldman Sach's Work experience and knowledge? What has Milind Deora done for South Bombay in the last 5 years. he's young, talks like us etc. That does not make him in any way competent to solve the national and international problem. Look at Priya Dutt and the work she does in her constituency. What has Milind done? Do we even see him. He harps about the RTI etc. as if it is was all his doing. He is the son of a powerful politician (aligned to the corporate interests ) What is his campaign promise? What is his manifesto?
ReplyDeleteFor the record, I gave him my vote first time around, not this time. He has not earned it this time. Go Meera!
It is obvious no one is going to believe Ashita and that hollow and much too well crafted political response.
ReplyDeleteWow guys, what a great response back to people like Pranav Gandhi & Ashita Rajani, who in their articles come across as arrogant and caustic.
ReplyDeleteOf course we have a right to our opinions, but to get caustic about someone you don't know at all and have not venetured to get to know, betrays their insecurity. And insecure, Milind and his friends are, becasue of his lacklustre performance. It's heartening to read that all of us supporting Meera Sanyal speak of her strengths and Milind's friends only try and run her down ! Even the Prime Minister made an obscure reference to Meera. What a tribute !!
If Milind really is so good , then why are you guys worried about Meera ? And if you really think she will take away his votes, then Milind & ganag, it's time to introspect on your performance and understand that you cannot take your constituency for granted.
Round 1 already to Meera.
Round 2 will be uphill, we all know that but we will continue doing the right thing by supporting the better candidate. Even if Meera does not make it, she is already a winner !!!
Ashita,
ReplyDeleteYour speech looks like a well rehearsed one and laughable at that.
I agree with Priya, Ishan and Sonali and let me tell you my dear not too many people have any faith in Mr Deora.
You say that "managing a city like Mumbai is a far cry from running a bank", well at least Meera Sanyal has proved successful in running the bank... Milind Deora has has little to no success so far in his political life and as far as I know he has no other profession. I would much rather see a successful professional be it a doctor or banker take office rather than false promise making so politician whose so called " roots run deep in political soil"
So far all strikes for Mr Deora and next time you would choose to blog on any public platform I suggest you keep the flowery glowing buttery political language at home!
And though undecided at this point as far as I am concerned my candidate is one of three, Mr Deora not included.
Good Night
So there is confusion on Mr Deora - did he do something or not? Was he trapped by the system? His work you see is at the Center, national issues and local issues aren't in his purview - that's why we feel he hasn't performed?
ReplyDeleteTo solve that query once and for all lets put fwd a small test.
Lab Rat 1 MP Milnd Deora. Lab Rat 2 MP Priya Dutt.
Both Rats reside in mammoth, complex, overcrowded, problematic Bombay, have the same job and report to little boss MP Rahul Gandhi.
Similarities
Family business called politics therefore easy tickets, young, priveleged, educated Bombay, both facing new delimited areas added to their constituency, both running for second terms, both have appeal amongst similar voting people - us.
Differences
Mr Deora has to CONTINUOUSLY defend his work and has most of his supporters (from the educated, young group) from his last election questioning him or refusing to vote for him. Ms Dutt has thumping support for a second term amongst the same supporters thanks to the work they feel she has done in their constituency.
Mr Deora's campaign workers and friends please peacefully lay to rest the VICTIM act - it's so run its course.
Do we really want to go the same route when we now, finally have a choice? Do we really want to vote for someone like Milnd Deora who's family has benefited and benefited and benefited by taking probably hundreds of crores of bribes over the years. The apple doesn't fall far from the tree. Milind is young and educated, he could do anything else. Why go into politics? Do you really think it is to make a difference? Or is to continue the family 'business' as it were. Lucrative with many perks.
ReplyDeleteMeera has shown that she is committed and has had enough. She is one of us. We may not be politically savvy but do have integrity. That's what this country needs.
I have been reading the comments with a great deal of interest and it is great to see so many people taking initiative in this election. The last time I can remember such an interest was the elections post the Indira Gandhi emergency. At the time we did not even have blogs, 24 hour news and media and other avenues.
ReplyDeleteI think what PRG said is fine. So what if he does not think Mrs. Sanyal is qualified. That is his opinion and he has his reasons. I do not agree with him but I respect his opinion.
A lot of the posts people have put up have been very informative adn engaging. Then there are some annonymous ones which offer personal attacks on the author for his views. What a waste of time. Even Ashita's post where she says "dream on sanyal" is uncalled for. While I respect Ashita for her support of Milind and I respect a lot of you for your support of Meera, stick to why you think your candidate is better and don't mock people for their opinions. Try to win them over and you might convince them and get their vote.
In addition, at no point do I see PRG supporting Milind Deora. By assuming that he does you are agreeing that voting for Meera means not voting for Milind, which is not true. There are enough Congress haters out there (I am one) that will never vote for Congress. I normally would have voted for Shiv Sena to bring back the NDA, but I think I might end up voting for Meera Sanyal. Thus Mohan Rawale has lost a vote, not Milind.
I think the point of PRG here was to give his view on Meera, simply because she is new and fresh and creating a lot of excitement. It has nothing to do with Milind or Rawale.
I hope a lot of you read another one of his posts. It is a great insight in to what people are thinking and the few comments that are posted are wonderfully written without too much political animosity and bias. Read it and share your views, it is a more interesting topic than this one.
http://prgthoughts.blogspot.com/2009/04/how-should-one-vote_16.html#comments
Oh and Priya S, I really enjoyed your lab rat post. While I despise the Congress and would not vote for Priya Dutt anyways, your analysis was to the point and hit the nail on the head.
ReplyDeleteI agree, Ramesh, my vote would also have been for BJB through Shiv Sena since I am also a Congress hater. So, Shiv Sena lost to Meera and not Milind.
ReplyDelete'Definitely not the kind of personality that inspires the change that everyone is talking about.'
ReplyDeleteAnd who, pray, are those that inspire change? I dare you to name any in the political firmanent who inspire. Do the sons and daughters of political families inspire change.
Here is a gem and we revile it for we deserve no better than the tainted mobsters and their servants to fail to govern us. How disappointing...I think you need to meet the Sena, Sene, and the Holy Family for inspiration.
What an amazing blog .you kids today are great !! thank god you can see through the BS of the so called" youthful" brigade of Lab rats (great analogy Priya S ),theyre' about as youthful as a twisted skunk.
ReplyDeleteYup who need the protege's of theiving Wall Street companies, We are talking about change right !? So whats the point of perpetuating thieves with indian or phoren values. Lets get down to the nitty gritty of integrity,sincerity, honesty..words that have long been out of fashion .here's to Meera!