Tag:

Abdul Qadir

Can Political Quackery Do Any Good to Bihar?

by Editor's Desk November 13, 2024

Abdul Qadir | Team TrickyScribe: Now that the dust on Bihar’s by-election campaign has settled, it is introspection time for Prashant Kishor, the poll coach who has now decided to become a player. Unlike sports, where burnt-out players decide to play coach, Prashant Kishor has chosen the reverse.

Coaches as Players

Coaches rarely make good players. Moreover, contrary to his claims, Kishor has not altered or modified the grammar of Bihar politics. The list of his star campaigners did not elicit much confidence, as discredited veterans of Bihar politics, like Monazir Hasan, found a place in Jan Suraj’s roll of honour. Monazir Hasan, it may be recalled, cut his political teeth during the so-called Jungle Raj.

Quackery in Politics

By choosing Jitendra Paswan, said to be a quack, as his Imamganj candidate, Prashant Kishor, in a way, defined his politics — the politics of quackery. American English defines a quack as “a fraudulent or ignorant pretender to medical skills.” Apart from the penal provisions of the Medical Council Act, there are provisions for the punishment of quacks under Section 120B (criminal conspiracy), Section 304 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder), Section 420 (cheating), and Section 416 (impersonation).

Candidate Choices and Criminal Charges

Not only that, the man who promises to cleanse the state’s political doghouse has chosen candidates who, besides practicing quackery, enjoy an “unsavoury” image in their respective areas. Whether it be Belaganj or Imamganj, the Jan Suraj Party has fielded candidates facing serious criminal charges, including attempted murder and kidnapping. Both are turncoats as well, having contested previous elections as candidates for other parties.

First Impressions and Missteps

Political observers believe that Prashant Kishor, while making his electoral debut, put his wrong foot forward. He invited ridicule — perhaps rightly so — for changing candidates in Tarari and Belaganj. In Tarari, Prashant Kishor’s initial choice did not even fulfill the eligibility criteria.

Unlikely Allies and Limited Influence

With the help of discredited discards of Bihar politics and retired bureaucrats, even cosmetic change to the face of Bihar politics is unlikely. Credible accounts suggest that in Belaganj, Prashant’s candidate would at best be a poor third. In Imamganj, Prashant’s candidate may tilt the ongoing war between Jitan Ram Manjhi and Chiragh Paswan for the leadership of Bihar Dalits in favour of Chiragh.

Chirag Paswan’s Tacit Support

Ground reports say that the Imamganj candidate of Jan Suraj enjoys the tacit support of Chiragh Paswan’s followers. If Jitan Ram Manjhi’s daughter-in-law, Deepa Manjhi, is defeated, it would weaken Manjhi. A weak Manjhi means a stronger Paswan.

Funding and Transparency Concerns

The amount of money being spent by Prashant Kishor is also being viewed with genuine skepticism. Kishor has been heard boasting that he used to charge Rs 100 crores from his clients for election management. If that is true, Prashant Kishor should make public his Income Tax returns of the last ten years. Political probity requires at least this much transparency.

Total Views: 2,59,000

November 13, 2024 0 comments

India

Judgment Delivered, Litigation Continues

by Editor's Desk November 10, 2024

written by Editor's Desk

Abdul Qadir | Team TrickyScribe: “Justice delayed is justice denied”—so goes the saying, yet justice delivered in instalments may feel equally unfulfilling. The recent judgment by a seven-judge constitution bench in the Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) case reversed a 57-year-old ruling, sparking celebration. However, this outcome can only be regarded as partial justice.

Judgement on Minority Criteria Left Unresolved

The seven-judge bench, led by the outgoing Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, defined the criteria for granting minority status to institutions. However, whether AMU meets these criteria has been left to a smaller bench to determine, leaving the matter unresolved.

Supreme Court’s Scope under Article 142

Without delving into technicalities, it’s worth noting that Article 142 of the Indian Constitution grants the Supreme Court broad and discretionary powers. The constitution bench could have used these powers to resolve the question of AMU’s minority character outright. The same article was invoked by the court in the Ayodhya case to allocate the disputed site, catering to majority sentiments.

Necessary Documents Already with the Bench

Interestingly, the constitution bench already had access to all required documents to assess AMU’s status. By referring the matter to a smaller bench, the Supreme Court seems to have contradicted its own concerns about rising litigation.

Justice Delivery and Divine Directions

If recent developments are to be believed, beyond the constitution and laws, “divine directions” have influenced judicial decisions. There is speculation about what might happen if members of the proposed three-judge bench seek divine guidance to ascertain AMU’s status.

Criteria for Determining Minority Status

The Supreme Court’s prescribed tests for an institution’s minority character include examining the origin and purpose of its establishment, along with the founding community’s involvement. This proof could encompass letters, funding records, and communications affirming that the institution was primarily intended to benefit the minority community.

Challenges Faced by AMU’s Supporters

Supporters of AMU’s minority status seem confident, but they may underestimate the intense scrutiny of legal experts. As AMU’s donation records reportedly do not specify donors’ religious affiliations, reliance might fall on Islamic names, a method that could face complications due to shared names between communities.

Religious Ambiguity Surrounding Sir Syed Ahmad Khan

Sir Syed Ahmad Khan, the university’s founder, was reportedly labeled a “kafir” (infidel) by some Muslim clerics for his advocacy of Western education. This included opposition from poet Akbar Allahabadi. Such a history may raise questions about his religious stance, adding complexity to the AMU’s claim.

A Lengthy Judicial Process Ahead

India’s justice system, often criticized as “adjournment-centric,” tends to move at a slow pace. Many won’t be surprised if the smaller bench takes years, possibly decades, to reach a decision on AMU’s minority status. As the saying goes, “Kal kisne dekha hai” (Who has seen tomorrow?). For now, we find ourselves in the interval of the ongoing “legal soap opera” surrounding AMU.

Total Views: 3,69,630

November 10, 2024 0 comments

India

Twist in Waqf Property Management: Backward Muslims Demand Greater Participation

by Editor's Desk November 9, 2024

written by Editor's Desk

Abdul Qadir | Team TrickyScribe: In a significant development concerning the Waqf Property management debate, the backward Muslim community has asserted its right to be involved in managing Waqf properties. These endowments, established to serve the underprivileged through welfare initiatives such as education, healthcare, and personal support, are a vital resource for charitable aid.

Purpose of Waqf Al Aulad: Preserving Heritage

Waqf properties serve not only as sources of community support but also help maintain family property through what is known as “Waqf Al Aulad.” In this form, while heirs have management rights, they cannot sell the property, ensuring it remains within the family and its original purpose intact.

Proposed Amendments in a Letter to JPC Chairman Challenged

Ali Anwar, a prominent leader of backward Muslims and a two-term Rajya Sabha member, has voiced opposition to certain amendments proposed in the Waqf Bill. In his letter to Jagdambika Pal, chairman of the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC), Anwar criticizes provisions such as the increased authority given to District Collectors and the limited representation of backward and Dalit Muslims.

Call for Inclusive Representation in Waqf Management

In addition to demanding inclusion for backward and Dalit Muslims, Anwar emphasizes the need for women’s representation in Waqf management. He argues that the proposed digitization of Waqf properties may lead to increased complexities and legal disputes.

Scale of Waqf Properties in India: Over 4.9 Lakh Assets Valued at Rs 1.2 Lakh Crores

With 4,90,021 Waqf properties across India, estimated at Rs 1.2 lakh crores, Waqf Boards are among the country’s largest landholders, ranking after the Indian Army and Railways. This immense wealth highlights the need for responsible and community-centered management.

Fears of Minority Disempowerment in Waqf Property Management

The proposed bill could fundamentally alter the nature of Waqf property management by reducing minority participation. Anwar’s letter argues that this will deprive the Muslim community of rightful control over its religious and charitable assets.

Argument for Muslim-Led Waqf Property Management

Drawing parallels with Hindu religious endowments managed solely by Hindus, Anwar contends that Muslims should retain complete authority over Waqf properties. He cautions that under the guise of reforms, the very nature of Waqf properties was being altered to the disadvantage of the intended beneficiaries of the Waqf property.

Sachar Committee Findings: Better Waqf Management Could Transform Muslim Socioeconomic Conditions

Referencing the Sachar Committee report on Indian Muslims’ status, Anwar stresses that efficient Waqf property management could uplift the socioeconomic and educational standing of the Muslim community in India.

Proposed Amendments Are Worse Than the Problem, Asserts Ali Anwar

In his closing remarks, Anwar criticizes the proposed amendments, calling them a “remedy worse than the disease.” The backward Muslim community has requested a meeting with JPC members to present their concerns effectively.

Total Views: 2,58,092

November 9, 2024 0 comments

India

‘Water with Qadir’ in Contrast With Coffee with Karan: An Imaginary Rendezvous With PK

by Editor's Desk October 23, 2024

written by Editor's Desk

STATUTORY WARNING: Like election manifestoes, this interview is the product of sterile imagination and as such must be taken as seriously as political parties take their manifestoes. Any similarity with real happening is to be taken as orchestrated co incidence.

Abdul Qadir | Team TrickyScribe: Hello and welcome Prashant! Thank you for finding time for my newly launched platform ‘Water with Qadir’.

Prashant: Giving interviews is my new 24X7 job. You need not thank me. And then you did not invite me for the interview. Being a simple person, I do not wait for invitation for interviews. I just roam around the studios and barge in wherever there is any scope. I am here at this startup studio as the regular channels are too busy with the PM who is giving an interview to all and sundry.

Interviewer: Thank you for your honest modesty.

[PK grins!]

Interviewer: Before we proceed further, let me know whether you have brought water to get properly hydrated or should I arrange water for you. I can only arrange tap water for you as this startup cannot afford costly bottles of mineral water.

Prashant: Do not worry. I have brought plenty of Ganga jal along. After all I am the real son of mother Ganga as I am from Buxar and not from Vadnagar.

Interviewer: Please make it sure that you take only enough water to keep your head and body hydrated. Beyond that the hydration may percolate down to the chair!

Prashant: Do not worry. In that case, I will gift you a new chair altogether.

Interviewer: Let me ask why did you agree for an interview with Karan Thapar, a self proclaimed devil.

Prashant: It was not a planned affair. I just felt dehydrated and as such went there for hydration. And then Karan is a well-known ‘hydrator’. One beneficiary of his hydration skills climbed up to the top post. Who will not give his right shoulder for being similarly hydrated?

Interviewer: How do you select your clients?

Prashant: Winning potential! I select only such clients who, in any case would have won the election. Prashant Kishor or no Prashant Kishor!

Interviewer: What should be the qualities of a good political strategist?

Prashant: A good political strategist must also be a good what they call a Weather Scientist or a Mausam Vaigyanik. He must always swim with the tide.

Interviewer: Who is your role model?

Prashant: Imam Bukhari!

Interviewer: What, Imam Bukhari ? How could the Imam be your role model?

Prashant: The Shahi Imam was the first Mausam Vyganik of Indian politics. In 1977, the year I was born, Imam Bukhari read the mood of the Muslim voter and accordingly gave a call to oust the Congress. The Muslims would, in any way have voted against the Congress for the Turkman gate incident and forced sterilisations. But a clever Bukhari walked away with the credit. Three years later, the Imam once again correctly sensed the Muslim mood and accordingly issued statements in favour of Indira Gandhi and Indira Gandhi made a dramatic come back. And the rest as they say is history! Similarly in 2014, Modi would have won hands down even if I were the poll strategist for the UPA.

Interviewer: Why did you leave team Modi?

Prashant: I had to quit as Modiji knew my real worth. Had I been there how would you have known that I made Modiji win the 2014 election. Modiji never acknowledged my contribution. I worked ‘25 hours a day’ to make Modiji the Prime Minister of India. Nor did Amit Shah ji. Amit Shah ji was even jealous on account of my proximity to the then Gujarat CM.

Interviewer: You are being self contradictory. In one breath you say that Prashant Kishor or no Prashant Kishor Modiji would have been the PM in 2014. Then you say that you worked 25 hours a day to make Modi the PM!

Prashant: Where is the contradiction? Both statements are equally and simultaneously true!

Interviewer: Coming to the controversy that dehydrated you in the Karan Thapar interview. Did you not predict Congress rout in Himachal and Telangana?

Prashant: No, I never made such a wrong prediction. I said that Congress will get ROOTED in Himachal and Telangana. They read the ROOT as ROUT. Am I to blame for that? That is why I insisted on videographic evidence. I am not obliged to do the proofreading for the newspapers. I am ‘man enough to admit my mistakes’. Not for those I never made.

Interviewer: What do you like the most in PM Modi?

Prashant: There is nothing in Modiji to be disliked about. But his innovative approach to politics is really enchanting. Look, he brought, buffalo the most under privileged milch cattle at the centre stage of the Indian electoral discourse. Could anyone else have done that? Ever since the 1952 elections, the cow has been an election issue. But all these years, the buffalo has been neglected. But for Modiji buffalo would never have hogged the limelight. Earlier Laluji made a feeble attempt to bring buffalo in the limelight. But he limited himself to his buffalo riding skills. It was Modiji who gave buffalo its due. Buffalo is much more than a milch cattle. It is a symbol. A symbol of aspirational India. The aspirational Indian wants to have as many buffalos as he can. He can give his life but not the buffalo. What a masterstroke.

Interviewer: What made you quit the poll strategist’s job?

Prashant: There are two reasons for that. Number one I was grossly undervalued. You see a rookie like Sanjay Yadav, Tejashwi’s poll strategist effortlessly made it to the Rajya Sabha. By that standard I deserved to be a cabinet minister in the Modi govt. My contribution is any day more than Smriti Irani’s. And then I have been with every national and regional political party worth its name. So, I have no place to go. The lefties do their own election management and the result is there for everyone to see. Now I have become a quack psephologist and I am enjoying my new job.

Interviewer: PM Modi won more seats in 2019 when you were on the other side of the political divide.

Prashant: Foot soldiers win mere battles. To win wars you need a Trojan horse!

Interviewer: So, you were a Trojan horse planted in the opposition camp?

Prashant: Did I say that? Show me the videographic evidence. No no, I will not allow you to get away with that lie. I am calling the bluff. You show me the videographic evidence of me calling myself as a trojan horse or be ‘man enough’ to apologise. Give me some water. Even tap water would do. Now I know why you call yourself as the ‘angel’s advocate’. I have nothing to do with angels. Devils take better care of me.

[Prashant takes down the mic and walks away]

A political satire penned down by senior scribe Abdul Qadir.

Total Views: 1,03,896

October 23, 2024 0 comments