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‘Social media is always harsh against ruling government’

September 11, 2015

Shaina NC is an Indian fashion designer, politician and a social worker. She is the daughter of former Sheriff of Mumbai, Nana Chudasama, a well-known personality who is a director on the boards of several companies. For glamour value, she is a high-profile fashion designer and renowned socialite. A fashion designer, she is often referred to as Queen of Drapes. She holds a record in Guinness Book of World Records for draping fastest saree.

Shaina entered in politics in 2004 and joined Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). She holds the positions of National Spokesperson of the BJP, member of the National Executive Council of BJP and a treasurer of the party’s Maharashtra unit. Here are excerpts of the interview with our correspondent Akshay Redij

Tell us about your journey from fashion designing to BJP, two extreme different fields? What has fascinated you about politics?
I am a student of political science and law, and I always say fashion is my profession and politics my passion. And most people feel that what is she doing in the politics? I don’t think we should stereotype, I make my money in fashion, to be honest. People always say that Shaina is non-corrupt that is because I have profession to back me.

My first love is fashion designing. I am very fascinated by the Saree, and I drape it in 54 styles, and I think all Indians don’t realize what beauty of the saree is. You need to understand that saree is not just a national costume but it is named under 12 international garments.

As an individual and Nana’s daughter you have contributed a lot to this city. Now your party is in power what further welfare can we expect?
My father has always called himself a legitimate voice of descent; he has always believed that there are people who are part of the problem and part of the solution; we are all part of the solution.

I along with my father are associated with welfare or organizations like, ‘Mumbai Majhi Laadki’ which focuses on environment and ‘Giants International’ which works for the betterment of the society.

These days BJP’s new face is visible on television, hence your appearance will be limited here after? What is the biggest challenge as a spokesperson of the party?
Competition is okay, but you need to create your space and a spokesperson’s image, which I was very much successful in creating. I can effectively speak in front of 10,000 people. You either possess oratory skills or you don’t.

How is the support on social media from traditional BJP supporters?
Social media is always very harsh, and when you’re a part of ruling government it is harsher. When we were in the opposition people were more supportive towards us. I think people have too much expectations from us.

Shiv Sena is opposing the meat ban? Why is Sena always attacking BJP despite having an alliance with it?
It is not about alliance, if they want to discuss anything then they should do it in the house. The meat ban practice during the Paryushan festival began in 1964 when a resolution was passed which said that meat should be banned for one day during the Paryushan period. In 1994 the tenure was increased to two days. The Congress-NCP government passed another resolution of extending the ban to four days, which has been followed till date. People are targeting BJP over the meat ban but what mistake has our party committed as this practice had existed since 2004?

What are the BJP’s notable achievements after they came to power in the state?
Through the ‘Jan Hit Shibir’ programme we are providing relief to people affected due to drought. We have procured 5-lac solar power pumps for the farmers. We are constructing 50000 nullahs for constructions.

I believe we are heading in the right direction and we have succeeded a government which was involved in scams. We are trying to streamline things and undo the damage done by them.

These days people are criticizing about RSS’s influence on BJP. What is your take about it?
RSS is a nationalistic organization, which believes in Indian-nation building. Those people who are unaware about the outfit pass comments about it. RSS is the only organization comprising 40-lakh ‘Swayamsevaks’ who keeps India’s interest at the forefront.

How you deal with the unprofessional approach of media? These days many BJP leaders have addressed Media as Bazaru and Prestitute. What is your opinion about today’s media?
Some section of the media needs to be more responsible; they can’t have opinions and agenda for everything. Media should publish reports after verifying the facts and should not sensationalise news.

What is your message for our twitter readers in 140 characters?
Discuss, debate and find a solution to the problem. Don’t be judgmental on everything; always realize there can be two or three opinions on an issue.

Focus on core issues

Mahendra Singh

September 11, 2015

It is sin to be poor and wretched. The message seems to be to make money at whatever cost. People expect police to do everything. They are expected to keep severely decomposed bodies safely by picking them up physically and eat only vada-pav and drink contaminated tap water. Mahatma Gandhi kept surroundings clean so we must only cash in on that and stop worrying about the filth around us. Last year Prime Minister Narendra Modi had inaugurated the Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan with much fanfare. The government had promised to gift a Clean India to Mahatma Gandhi on his 150th birth anniversary.

Modi himself had taken a broom to sweep street of New Delhi. Many celebrities had emulated him as some of them received flak for turning the mission into a photo op event. Even though one year has passed but results are not visible as we can find filth and garbage accumulated on streets. Garbage lies unattended everyday, rivers stink with sewage and more than half the 1.2 billion population continues to defecate in the open. Swachh Bharat mission should become an ongoing process and must not become a photo-op event.

Yesterday, I had read a newspaper report which mentioned that there is shortage of welding instructors and electricians at ITI. We seek the assistance of foreign countries to overcome this shortage so that youth can become proficient in various trades. Our government must take urgent steps to resolve this matter. If youth become skilled workers they can stand on their own feet instead of depending on government jobs and indulge in corruption.

The BMC has imposed 20 per cent water cut in the city due to deficient rains. Apart from that, there will be 50 per cent cut in supply to large users like swimming pools, malls and air conditioning plants. Water levels in reservoirs are 28 per cent lower than the same period last year, and 25 per cent lower when compared to the average between 2005-2014.

The civic body is planning to impose an additional 10% water cut if the catchment areas doesn’t receive any rainfall in September. Water cut is likely to be imposed after the Ganesh festival. The BMC supplies approximately 3,750 million litres of water to the city daily. However, with water cuts being imposed, only 3,200 million litres of water is being picked up from the seven lakes. Often the city receives good monsoon in August resulting in a rise in the lake levels. However, this time the water level of lakes is falling due to deficient rains. The civic body has already started appealing to people to conserve water for overcoming the shortage. Citizens must avoid wasting water and also plug the leakage of taps.

Sushant will be fantastic as Dhoni says, John Abraham (optional)

Afternoon Voice

September 11, 2015

John Abraham, who shares a great bond with Indian skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni, is happy with the film being made on him and thinks actor Sushant Singh Rajput will do a great job.

“M S Dhoni: The Untold Story” is an upcoming biopic directed by Neeraj Pandey. “He (Dhoni) is a friend and I am glad a film is being made on Mahi’s life. I am happy about it. I respect the vision of the director,” John told PTI.

The 29-year-old “Detective Byomkesh Bakshy!” actor will essay the role of one of India’s most successful captain, while Kiara Advani will feature as his wife Sakshi Singh Dhoni.

“I respect the director and the actor for doing this film. I am sure Sushant will be fantastic and will do good work,” the “Madras Cafe” star said.

John, 42, is currently working on “Force 2” and is busy shooting in Budapest (Hungary) along with Sonakshi Sinha, who plays a RAW agent.

Not nervous about ‘Kis Kisko Pyaar Karoon’: Kapil Sharma

Afternoon Voice

September 11, 2015

Stand-up comedian Kapil Sharma is anything but nervous ahead of the release of his debut film “Kis Kisko Pyaar Karoo” as he is happy to have come a long way in his career.

The 34-year-old “Comedy Nights with Kapil” star is making his foray into Bollywood with filmmaker duo Abbas-Mustan’s romantic-comedy.

“There is no nervousness about the film. I have come far in life and have achieved so much that I don’t get nervous now. I have love of my fans and that is enough. I am really happy with the response to the film’s songs and trailers, so now I am looking forward to the film’s release,” said Kapil.

The actor rose to fame after he won a reality comedy competition series in 2007.

“I won’t leave ‘Comedy Night with Kapil’. I love hosting the show. I can juggle between films and TV. I don’t intend to leave television,” he said.

The actor is in talks for a few scripts but has not signed anything yet.

“Kis Kisko Pyaar Karoon”, also starring Arbaaz Khan, Elli Avram, Varun Sharma and Manjari Phadnis among others, is set to release on September 25.

Consider myself lucky to work with Salman: Neil

Afternoon Voice

September 11, 2015

Actor Neil Nitin Mukesh, who has wrapped up the shooting for “Prem Ratan Dhan Payo”, says he considers himself “lucky” to work with Salman Khan and director Sooraj Barjatya.

“I consider myself very lucky to work with Salman bhai and Sooraj ji. It’s a legacy; I am a part of a project I dreamt of,” said Neil.

The actor also recalled the time when his mother helped him buy tickets of “Hum Aapke Hain Koun..!”

“Me and my sister wanted to watch ‘Hum Aapke Hain Koun..!’ as soon as possible when it released in 1994. We were kids then. Mom made this happen by buying tickets in black at Rs.500 each for them otherwise it was house full show on first day’s first show,” he said.

He disclosed that it was big money then for their family when actual ticket rates were around Rs. 25.

“When we thanked mom for showing the movie, she said that I could pay her back when I might do a film with the banner under Rajshree Productions one day,” he reminisced.

“Prem Ratan Dhan Payo” also marks Salman’s return to a Barjatya film after 15 years.

Work in progress, but where?

Afternoon Voice

September 10, 2015

BJP leaders speak about the achievements of the Fadnavis government after coming to power.

The Fadnavis government will be completing one year on October 31. In its 11 month tenure the government has undertaken some development works whereas some of its policies were criticised by citizens and opposition parties. Meanwhile, ahead of the state government completing a year in office, the Chief Minister’s Office has asked all departments to list various decisions taken by them during this period.

The state government had passed the Maharashtra Guarantee of Public Services Act to improve transparency and delivery of services to citizens from the government machinery. The government had notified more than 110 services and said it will make most of them available online in the near future. The 110 services notified by key departments such as home (17), urban development department (30), transport (14), skill development (2), water conservation (9), rural development (13), revenue (14), medical education (7), minority (1) and law and judiciary (2). The Act includes a penalty for default on part of the government employee, which ranges between Rs 500 and Rs 5,000. The Act has three-tier appellate authorities; first two are government officials and third will be a Right To Service commission headed by a retired civil servant or a prominent personality from sectors other than politics.

When AV spoke to Gopal Shetty, BJP MP said, “We have opened the Jan-Sewa Kendra for providing quick solutions to the problems of residents. The government has given a go ahead for the construction of Metro 2 and Metro 3 project. We have already enacted a legislation to ban beef in the state. Several amendments have been made in the SRA project to enable applicants to get houses in the SRA schemes faster.”

“The government will be providing employment to labourers affected due to drought. It will supply drinking water to the drought hit villages through railway wagons” he added.

Yogesh Sagar, BJP MLA he said, “The government has already given a nod to the coastal road project which will ease the city’s transportation woes. We have waived off the fees of farmers children and also have relaxed the registration fees for land or home transfers. The government has sanctioned the Indu Mill land for the construction of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar’s statue. We will undertake a pilot project of using wastewater for power plants, even if the area is not drought affected.”

Atul Bhatkhalkar, BJP MLA from Kandivali (E) said, “Our government has followed transparency while discharging its duties. In an attempt to give fillip to the Make in Maharashtra campaign and attract more investments, the state government reduced the number of permissions required for starting a business from 75 to 26. It has initiated a process to simplify the procedure of converting farm land to set up factories and removed some hitches in obtaining environmental clearance among other things. We have started ‘Shashvat City Project’ for rural areas and every year we are going to construct 5,000 small towns and have allotted funds for the same.”

Narendra Mehta, BJP MLA said, “All major or small tolls were abolished except for four major tolls booths in Mumbai. We were successful in seeking permission from the centre for the construction of coastal road project. Mira-Bhayander was facing water scarcity problem. The state government has sanctioned Rs 200 crore for resolving this issue. The government has sanctioned funds for the construction of Dahisar Link road project.”

“The reforms in the industrial sector have sent out a positive signal to the business community. By scrapping the river regulatory zone and relaxing regulations for reservations in forest, the government has proved industry comes first.”

Hawala Baaz Congress Vs Hawa Baaz Modi

September 10, 2015

Congress President Sonia Gandhi says something and immediately PM Narendra Modi taunts her, that’s what is happening from past 15 months in India. In a way, Congress is maturing as an opposition but Modi is yet to come out of election campaigning mode. He is working quite less as PM but campaigner of BJP and its rallies. Modi attacked Congress in response to Sonia Gandhi’s remarks terming his electoral promises nothing more than “hawa baazi” (hot air). Modi hit out at the Congress for not allowing parliament to function during the monsoon session, terming it hawalabaaz (corrupt) and accusing it of creating roadblocks for the government in the development.

Modi, claims that the decisions were taken one after another in parliament. The hawala baaz were worried at the tough decisions taken by the government against black money. They could sense trouble ahead. That’s why; they are putting roadblocks on all major decisions. Frankly speaking, this was the biggest lie from PM of this country. They won the election on Black money issue alleging Sonia and her family but it’s been 15 months since they failed to take action or book them for alleged scam or possession of Black money.

The fact is that social peace has been disturbed and communal tension is rising and threats emanating from neighbours are becoming more intense creating a panic especially in border areas. Modi government is a failure. With 2/3 majority in Lok Sabha with allies, it has achieved absolutely nothing in terms of legislation to ease business in India. Government has achieved nothing in improving export and the irony is that rupee has depreciated 14% and exports have declined 22%. Team Modi has failed to live up to the people’s expectation on economy and development. Nowadays, PM Modi knows only two things in reply. If somebody raises questions on his governance firstly he abuses Nehru-Gandhi family and secondly blames the past government for it. He feels that these two excuses would make him free from the liabilities of performance. Till date all of his promises seemed to be false. His oration and attacks are losing its sheen and people are questioning on his wisdom of performance which is sub-zero causing a lot of anguish among the masses who are reeling under unprecedented rate of un-employment and price rise apart from problems related to poor farmers. Now, its high time he should realise that the ground reality is different. People do not expect his rhetorical statement or bashing of Congress but they want him to solve their problem.

On the other hand, Congress government which is attacking Modi almost every day was in power for almost 67 years. What they had done other than pushing the country backward with scams and scandals? Perhaps, this is the reason the anger against Congress was successfully created. In 1947, 1 dollar was equi-valent to 13 INR. In 2013, it was 63 INR. Why? If one party has ruined /gained the country for 67 years, won’t it take at least 5 to 10 years to set it right for the newly elected BJP? Why don’t we people understand? Modi doesn’t have magic wand that he will change everything overnight, but he should seriously start deliveri-ng his promises. We need to have realistic expectations. We, the people too need to learn to understand that doing things takes time, for that even government has to move in right directions. People have punished Congress for their wrongdoings in previous election and elected BJP with great faith. We should also note that there is a need of strong and united opposition to take this country ahead.

Let’s agree, so far Modi is working only on hype and event management. Nothing has been done for the poor and farmers. Every step seemed to be good for only capitalists. On the other hand, Congress might have been proven as mother of all scams but we should not ignore that, India has become a superpower under the Congress rule. Mudslinging by BJP supporters will not help the BJP government. What do performances indicate? If BJP don’t perform, then they will perish like Congress party. People gave them a historic majority to serve the people and not the communal fanatics! I hope good sense will prevail!

It’s high time, ruling BJP and opposition Congress should focus on people of this country and its welfare leaving ‘hawa baazi’ aside.

Jains are feeling emboldened because of ‘Gujarati’ PM Narendra Modi: Raj Thackeray

Afternoon Voice

September 10, 2015

Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray hit out at the Jain community on Thursday and said that they were getting emboldened because a Gujarati was the Prime Minister of India.

“Because of PM Narendra Modi and Amit Shah, Gujarati people, Jains are feeling emboldened,” Raj said.

He added, “This issue is taken as “Jains against Hindu”, MNS will definitely support whoever wants to sell meat, won’t follow meat ban.”

The MNS chief’s another salvo was – “Digambar Jains roam naked showing their body, if that is okay, then why this meat ban.”

Raj maintained that in future “Muslims will also make such conditions on Ramzan and shops will close?” adding, “Only BJP will benefit from these vote bank tactics.”

In what could be construed as a warning to the Jains, the MNS leader stated, “Jain people will not decide what will happen in Maharashtra.”

Meanwhile, the wrangling over the ban on sale of meat during the Jain fasting period ‘Paryushan’ escalated today with Shiv Sena and MNS hitting the streets against it even as the Bombay High Court took a critical view of the step noting it will not be feasible in a metropolitan city.

MNS set up a stall to sell chicken meat at busy Dadar area as a symbolic protest while Shiv Sena workers tore off notices put up by Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai declaring the ban on meat by for four days – September 10, 13, 17 and 18, when members of the Jain community observe religious fast.

A similar ban has also been clamped on neighbouring Mira-Bhayander and Navi Mumbai municipal corporations.

While the BJP defended the ban, its ally Shiv Sena as well as opposition MNS and Congress and the NCP have slammed it, dubbing the move as a BJP ploy to polarise voters and appease a section of society before the crucial MCGM polls in early 2017.

Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray said his party would ensure that there was no ban on sale of meat.

MNS leaders said they will continue the protest by setting set up meat stalls across the city on all the days of the ban.

BJP leaders, however, defended the ban arguing that this had been there for long and it was wrong to blame the party-led state government.

Seeking response of the state and the civic body on a plea of Bombay Mutton Dealers Association, a Division Bench of the High Court said imposing a ban on animal slaughter and sale of meat for four days is not feasible in a metropolitan city like Mumbai.

“Mumbai is a metropolitan city. Such straight ban on meat cannot be a formula. Ban is on slaughter and sale of the meat. What about other sources? What about packaged meat that is already available in the market?” the bench headed Justice Anoop M asked, as per PTI.

The court, while posting the matter for hearing tomorrow, suggested if the Jain community had a problem with animals being slaughtered in the open and displayed in shops, a direction can be issued against that.

The petitioners claimed that the decision is unconstitutional as it affects the livelihood of a section of people and favours a small percentage of population.

Talks failed due to FTII students’ hardline stand: Rajyavardhan Rathore

Afternoon Voice

September 10, 2015

Union Minister Rajyavardhan Rathore on Thursday said that people negotiating with agitating FTII students have given up due to “extremely hardline” stand taken by students.

“We want to resolve it. We have not been harsh with the students at all. We have been extremely liberal with the students,” Rathore told.

“Unfortunately the students have taken an extremely hardline stand. We are ready to resolve all issues. We have had multiple talks with them,” he said.

The Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting said that there have been innumerable backdoor negotiations with students.

“Some well known actors, directors, producers have negotiated. They have given up. People who were negotiating have given up,” he said.

Students of Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) have been protesting for three months over the appointment of Gajendra Chauhan as its chairperson.

Special MCOCA court to pronounce judgement in 7/11 Mumbai serial train blasts on Friday

Afternoon Voice

September 10, 2015

A special Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) court will on Friday pronounce the judgement in the 2006 serial bomb blasts in Mumbai local trains. The chargesheet in the MCOCA court was filed in November 2006.

The conspiracy for the terror attack was hatched by Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT), which claimed at least 183 lives while over 800 got injured. A series of seven bomb blasts was carried out over a period of 11 minutes on suburban trains in Mumbai on July 11, 2006.

During the course of investigation, the Mumbai Police had claimed the role of Pakistani spy agency ISI in the attack.

Alleged Indian Mujahideen co-founder Sadiq Sheikh, who had agreed to depose in court as a defence witness, was declared a hostile witness in 2013 by the defence advocates.

The investigating agency, Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) had questioned as many as 200 witnesses against 13 accused.

The names of the 13 accused are Faisal Shaikh, Ali Bashir Khan, Mohammad Ali, Majid Shafi, Sajid Ansari, Kamal Ansari, Ethesham Siddiqui, Zameer Shaikh, Sohail Shaikh, Muzammil Shaikh, Tanvir Ansari, Naveed Hussain and Abdul Shaikh.

As per the prosecution’s case, as many as 188 people were killed and over 800 injured when serial explosions ripped apart the first class compartments of Mumbai’s suburban trains.

The blast occurred between Khar Road and Santacruz, Bandra and Khar Road, Jogeshwari and Mahim Junction, Mira Road and Bhayander, Matunga and Mahim Junction, and Borivli.

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