Another one bites the dust
The BJP juggernaut has succeeded in crushing one more opposition party –the NCP, by getting a significant number of MLAs led by rebel Ajit Pawar to defect. Post the merger (murder, to be precise) of course Ajit Pawar made the right noises about India marching ahead under Modi, the visionary leader, and that there is no alternative to the Vishwaguru. It was only a week ago that Modi had accused the NCP of perpetrating a scam of Rs 70,000 crores, but a week is a long time in politics. It is to be mentioned that half the defectors had the ED, the CBI and the IT on their tails for alleged crimes committed when they were part of the ruling dispensation in Maharashtra. Now of course with the jumbo BJP laundromat at work, the defectors will emerge squeaky clean with haloes of saints.
Funnily but logically, members of the Eknath Shinde faction of the Shiv Sena which had earlier merged into the saffron outfit are crying out in righteous indignation about now being served only a half/quarter of the pie considering that there are more ‘mouths’ to feed with the addition of the NCP faction. With Udhav and Sharad Pawar successfully emasculated there is almost no sign of the Maha Vikas Aghadi anymore. It will be smooth sailing for the BJP in Maharashtra. Their next aim would be to wrest control of the cash rich Municipal Corporation of Greater Bombay to finance future defections/strategic alliances and elections, the around Rs 37,000 crore kitty of the Corporation will surely come in handy for such nefarious deeds. Never in the history of India has such naked lust for power been exhibited or pursued with such ruthless perfection as is being done by the saffron outfit now. I wouldn’t be surprised if India shall have a single party autocracy post 2024. The fear is elections might be abolished altogether. Long live the father of democracy.
Vinay Dwivedi, Benaulim
Stop eating ‘jumping chicken’
The recent spell of rains has seen a number of frogs coming out in the open. This has raised concern amongst activists who feel that efforts to protect frogs need to be stepped up. The croaking of frogs can be heard as the mating season begins. It is learnt that there are more than 117 species of amphibians found in the state. As the frogs step out of hibernation, they are in a vulnerable position and can be easily caught by human beings. This is because the amphibian is still in a hazy state to come to realize its surroundings and be fully aware. Frogs from these areas end up as a seasonal monsoon delicacy called ‘jumping chicken’, which is served in some local eateries.
Usually, ‘jumping chicken’ is served discreetly. It isn’t listed on menus, but is served to ‘regulars’ at these restaurants, who are aware that frog meat is served here. Frogs are often termed as ‘friends of farmers’ hence they are assets to be protected. They feed on many insects found in fields, reducing crop loss to pests, and also countering the threat of malaria, encephalitis and other such insect-borne diseases. It is said that a single frog can eat more than its weight of waterborne pests every day. Wetlands, rice fields, gardens, and plantations are frog areas. The use of pesticides and herbicides drastically affects the amphibian population. The conversion of fields and farmlands to human habitation and pollution of water bodies results in irreversible damage to frog habitats.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
Mission 2024: Cracking the Opposition
The mutiny in the NCP was only to be expected ever-since the BJP lost its power in Karnataka in the worst possible manner. This is a clear indication that the Modi government has started its politics of filth and has intensified its crackdown on Opposition leaders to block and frustrate their efforts to unite ahead of the 2024 general elections.
In fact, the initiation of the debate on the Uniform Civil Code before the Lok Sabha polls is only to polarise the electorate along religious lines and divert their attention from problems such as price rise, unemployment, corruption, and of course the unabated Manipur violence.
The split in the NCP signals the BJP’s loathing and repellence politics in the run-up to the LS polls have just begun. But, in a sense, such antipathy politics played by the BJP should only further resolve the Opposition unity.
Ranganathan Sivakumar, Chennai
Don’t ignore mental health issues
Umpteen times we tend to suppress mental health issues. Society’s stereotypes, stigmas, and misconceptions don’t allow the ones who are suffering from mental health issues to seek help. Although people are educated yet their perspectives about mental health haven’t changed. Everyone has to face issues at some point in their lives. The way we face them, the way we tackle situations and the way we solve problems makes a difference.
What will you do when you know that a person you know is suffering from mental health issues? Don’t cut them off. You can be there for that person. Encourage them to seek professional help from psychologists or psychiatrists. Writing down about your life can help you to be aware of yourself. Have a positive attitude and be grateful for your life and this will keep you away from mental illnesses. More counsellors should be appointed at the workplace to resolve conflict and help people. Let’s encourage people who are battling with mental health issues, rather than discourage them to seek help. You and I can bring a change to the world by assisting those with mental health issues. Let’s be that one change!
Princy Carol Gonsalves, Quepem
West needs to act against pro-Khalistanis
This refers to ‘Indian Consulate in San Francisco set on fire yet again’ (O Heraldo July 5, 2023), India’s allies in the West have seen a rise in Khalistani activities. The latest attack on the Indian Consulate in San Francisco underlines the potentiality for further violence and the need for proactive measures to counter such threats. For years, these nations had no qualms in letting secessionists carry out their anti-India activities. The laxity of the authorities has emboldened these elements to spew venom against India at will.
That Khalistanis are cooperating with Pakistani terror groups and intelligence agencies, cannot be ruled out. And since China continues to be Pakistan’s closet ally and with Beijing also posing a strategic-security problem for the west including Canada, it makes sense for Canada to view the Khalistani issue in larger prospect. The development in Canada is adding to the security concerns in Punjab. Canada needs to act on this, otherwise bilateral ties between Canada and India are likely to be affected.
Gregory Fernandes, Mumbai
