[Assam] Chalo Delhi

[Ram Sarangapani]

C'da,

>** First off, that is NOT something Assam has any responsibility for
upholding or perpetuating.

Why that hold water? Every state has its responsibility, and the Center has
its. That is how the system has been setup since independence.

While there may exist some serious problems with how the Center or some
state has not adhered to policy guidelines as mandated, as long as Assam is
within the union, those are the rules.

>How come Assam's natural resources, its only assets, have been taken away (
as is being done right this minute), WITHOUT fair compensation? And whatever
pittance was sent back as >development funds were purely for the enrichment
of a few, the largest beneficiaries of those being OUTSIDERS.

So, there is vast consipracy going on. While, I agree to a large extent that
Assam ought to get fair compensation for its resources, I do not believe
that there is some concerted effort by all the Dilliwallas to rob Assam and
give it to OUTSIDERS.
This is more or less the story of many states - the Center is looting the
state's reserves - so even it that Assam has NOT been singled out. Further,
the other NE states seem to be getting a 'fairer share'? What gives?

>The argument that Assam does NOT get FAIR compensation for what is
rightfully
>THEIRS, because Assam politicians don't know how to grovel or beg for it is
an absurdity. It has absolutely no justification.

It will have NO justification or would be absurd, ONLY when you use words
like beg, grovel and when YOU THINK Assam as NOT being a part of India.
But once you get used to the idea Assam is a part of India, it starts to
make more sense:).But if you use words like 'Lobbying',
might sound a tad better. I brought up the US for this reason - when some
states in the US get sops - how do they get them - thru lobbying.
I am sure a lot of beggin and grovelin also goes with the territory.

 >Now for Assam to be able to negotiate a FAIR term, it MUST have some
CLOUT. What is Assam's clout?
>Does it have the number of votes in the Lok Sabha to hold out for a better
deal?

Now, that is a fair assessment. Yes, but in order to even contemplate a
change to that equation,
we must first accept that Assam is an integral part of India, and the fight
to make amendments to the
Constitution (specially those relating to States' rights) are possible only
if one believes in the overall
concept of the Constitution and the integrity of the Union.

>Do you not know that in desi-demokrasy it is the HIGH COMMAND that selects
the candidates,
>get them elected and virtually dictate what their policy stands have to be?


It happens here to, granted such things are more pronounced in India. There
was a Houston city councilman who actually won the primaries,
but the GOP high command, basically told him to step aside - this happend 2
years ago. Both Dems and GOP select candidates to field.
What is the surprise here with democracy? It has its ups and downs. Don't
Assamese voters ultimately vote for their MPs? Or does Dilli tie their
hands?


 >And look what Assam's best hope--The PM MM Singh, having been elected from
Assam,  been doing?

And again, C'd, the key word here is "elect".  But do agree that MMS ought
to be doing more for Assam.

 >*** My solution: To wrest controls over Assam's resources to who it
rightfully belongs --- the people of Assam.

And, how does one go about wresting controls from the Center? (at least
some). There are two ways - force the Center to give up
Assam or to work within the ambit of the Indian Constitution.

That I think that is the choice. I prefer the latter any day.

--Ram

On 12/19/06, Chan Mahanta <cmahanta at charter.net> wrote:

>
>
>
>
>
> C'da, each state within India has the same rights/restrictions as any
> other state. The Center is made up of these states. You make out the center
> as being a monster created on its own. The Center does have more power than
> any individual state, but THAT power is not more for one state and less for
> another.
>
> >There are no first among the equals amonst the states.
>
>
>
>
> *** First off, that is NOT something Assam has any responsibility for
> upholding or perpetuating. How come Assam's natural resources, its only
> assets, have been taken away ( as is being done right this minute), WITHOUT
> fair compensation? And whatever pittance was sent back as development funds
> were purely for the enrichment of a few, the largest beneficiaries of those
> being OUTSIDERS.
>
>
> The argument that Assam does NOT get FAIR compensation for what is
> rightfully
> THEIRS, because Assam politicians don't know how to grovel or beg for it
> is an absurdity. It has absolutely no justification.
>
>
>
>
> >Are there problems, yes, just like in the US. The argument here is
> apparently >NOT on State rights vs. the Feds.
>
>
> *** What does the US have to do with what is happening to Assam? And where
> in the US have you seen the Feds taking away states' resources with scant
> compensation Ram? Can you show us ONE example? Mineral and agricultural
> resources on private property is PRIVATELY owned in the USA. If you find oil
> in your homestead tomorrow, it is YOURS.
>
>
>
>
>
> >Assam does need to bargain at times, just like any other state would have
> to. and there is jostling at times. So what is the unique soultion you have
> for Assam to get out of this?
>
>
>
>
> *** I presume you understand the fundamental concept behind BARGAINING. It
> is
>         **** the negotiation of the terms of a transaction or agreement*
>
>
> Now for Assam to be able to negotiate a FAIR term, it MUST have some
> CLOUT. What is Assam's clout? Does it have the number of votes in the Lok
> Sabha to hold out for a better deal?
>
>
> And WHO DICTATES what the state MPs' stand be on issues? Do you not know
> that in desi-demokrasy it is the HIGH COMMAND that selects the candidates,
> get them elected and virtually dictate what their policy stands have to be?
> What are the chances of Bhodai Kalita MP, having been anointed to run for
> office, having been funded to campaign and having been elected and sent to
> Dilli -- by the Mai-Baaps ensconced at Hastinapur, risking his golden goose
> by taking a stand AGAINST what Mai-Baap dictates?
>
>
> And look what Assam's best hope--The PM MM Singh, having been elected from
> Assam,  been doing?
>
>
> How come those who excoriate Assam MPs for not grovelling furiously enough
> to get a few more crumbs, don't challenge MM Singh -- the one elected Assam
> rep. that has the most chance of doing well for his constituents?
>
>
> What is he contributing?
>
>
> *** My solution: To wrest controls over Assam's resources to who it
> rightfully belongs --- the people of Assam.
>
>
> Obviously you don't believe in it. So what is YOUR recommendation Ram?
>
>
>
>
>
>
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>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> At 9:41 AM -0600 12/18/06, Ram Sarangapani wrote:
>
> >*** If so, WHY does Assam have to go BARGAIN?
>
>
>
> C'da, each state within India has the same rights/restrictions as any
> other state. The Center is made up of these states. You make out the center
> as being a monster created on its own. The Center does have more power than
> any individual state, but THAT power is not more for one state and less for
> another.
>
> There are no first among the equals amonst the states.
>
>
>
> Are there problems, yes, just like in the US. The argument here is
> apparently NOT on State rights vs. the Feds.
>
>
> Assam does need to bargain at times, just like any other state would have
> to. and there is jostling at times. So what is the unique soultion you have
> for Assam to get out of this?
>
>
>
> >*** Then WHY are those who oppose 'Asom' are crying on Dilli's doorsteps?
>
>
>
> IMHO, the answer to that ought to be found in Assam. They apparently
> approach Dilli (Not the Government of India) but the party that is in power
> in Dilli. That party will obviously have clout with the ruling party in
> Assm. It is simply applying influence or pressure to correct things in
> Assam. So, why do you blame Dilli for that?
>
>
>
> If they were approaching Dilli or the Central Administration, those
> channels would be different/formal.
>
>
>
> --Ram
>
>
>
> On 12/18/06,* Chan Mahanta* <cmahanta at charter.net> wrote:
>
> > No, Assam is one of so many states, and each of them have equal rights
> with >the Center in these matters.
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> *** If so, WHY does Assam have to go BARGAIN?
>
>
>
>
> >The Center itself is made up of the consituent states - it is NOT a
> >Master-Slave relationship
>
>
>
>
> *** Then WHY are those who oppose 'Asom' are crying on Dilli's doorsteps?
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> The answers are obvious: That desi-demokrasy is a farce, that the Center
> wields all the real powers. People may not be very smart, but they can read
> the tea-leaves and know who is in charge, in control.
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> At 8:52 AM -0600 12/18/06, Ram Sarangapani wrote:
>
> >*** Very faulty reasoning here. WHY should Assam have to go beg, plead,
> bargfain or grovel for a FAIR share of what is THEIRS-->ALL of it--to begin
> with?
>
>
>
> Not really, C'da. Manoj used the term 'bargain' - ie. negotiate for better
> deals. And since Assam is still within the Indian Union, most of us would
> like to think these as negotiations with the Center (just like every other
> state), as opposed to "begging".
>
>
>
> Is Assam the ONLY state in the Union, and the rest are masters? No, Assam
> is one of so many states, and each of them have equal rights with the Center
> in these matters. The Center itself is made up of the consituent states - it
> is NOT a Master-Slave relationship that you would like all of us to believe
> so that more credence can be given to the drumbeats of independence and
> autonomy.
>
>
>
> --Ram
>
>
>
> On 12/18/06,* Chan Mahanta* <cmahanta at charter.net> wrote:
>
> > couldnot bargain on the share state should have got utilisation of
> resources >like oil, coal and water.
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> *** Very faulty reasoning here. WHY should Assam have to go beg, plead,
> bargfain or grovel for a FAIR share of what is THEIRS--ALL of it--to begin
> with?
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> It is no different from Kharkhowas pleading with Dilli to not change the
> name of their state to Asom.
>
>
>
>
>
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>
>
> At 11:18 AM +0530 12/18/06, Manoj Das wrote:
>
> Hi dadas,
>
>
>
> The case of Assam is like that of a cursed 'Hamuman' -who didnot know his
> own strength. We are so careless that our political leaders couldnot bargain
> on the share state should have got utilisation of resources like oil, coal
> and water. Nagaland adn Arunachal are much smarter. Day before I attended a
> workshop organised by Arunachal government on the development of 50000 mw of
> hydropower in the state. The state is expecting to rake in about 10000 rs.
> crore just from signing MOUs. It will also take part in equities through a
> special dispensation from the Planning commission. Our leaders havenot
> thought about bargaining  the downstream rights of riparian states. 'sobei
> nakot tel di shooi ase'. Arunachal Govt. is ready to talk to Assam on the
> issue.
>
>
>
> Just a point to ponder. Despite extracting oil/coal/tea from
> the area upper Assam districts have lower per capita income than some other
> lower Assam districts.The resources have not added to their wealth. And
> look at this..Bhutan has now the highest percapita income in South
> Asia..just on the strength of two power projects..Taal and Sukha..also built
> on India's money. Only they knew how to bargain and negotiate.
>
>
>
> "Jaa"...*
>
>
>
> MKD
>
> *Jai Ai Asom/Axom"
>
> On 12/18/06,* Ram Sarangapani* <assamrs at gmail.com> wrote:
>
> Dear Barua,
>
>
>
> >In case of Assam, they had to keep the people busy so that they donot
> have time to >discuss what happened to Rs 15000 croes,
>
> >Assamese intellectuals, the media and all are falling for it.
>
>
>
> Actually, in the case  of Assam, the people are either totally unaware
> or just don't care of what happened to the Rs. 15000 crores, AND nor are
> they (it seems so) upset or seem to care about the the name. (the Hobo Diok
> kicking in)
>
>
>
> The reason I am saying this is, I don't see any mass-scale opposition (or
> for that matter support) for the name change. Where is the passion?
>
>
>
> As far as the intellectuals, they are not falling for it, but it seems
> they want to have a "say" whether its right or wrong. To be in the limelight
> is nice. And as for the media, they just want to sensationalize something
> where there is absolutely none. They too don't know which horse to back
> these days.
>
>
>
>
>
> --Ram
>
>
>
> On 12/17/06,* Barua25* <barua25 at hotmail.com> wrote:
>
> >My feeling is that politicians and some "literary stalwarts" who have
> little else to do, bring up non-issues like this from time to time. It seems
> >like they just want to whip up some regional or linguistic frevor. Its all
> hubris and rah-rah than anything else.
>
>
>
> I will agree with that.
>
> It is like re-arranging the furnitures in Titanic.
>
> In case of Assam, they had to keep the people busy so that they donot have
> time to discuss what happened to Rs 15000 croes,
>
> Assamese intellectuals, the media and all are falling for it.
>
> Barua
>
> ----- Original Message -----
>
> *From:* Ram Sarangapani <assamrs at gmail.com>
>
> *To:* Rajen & Ajanta Barua <barua25 at hotmail.com>
>
> *Cc:* Dilip/Dil Deka <dilipdeka at yahoo.com> ; ASSAMNET <assam at assamnet.org>
>
> *Sent:* Sunday, December 17, 2006 10:44 PM
>
> *Subject:* Re: [Assam] Chalo Delhi
>
>
>
>
> Dear Barua,
>
>
>
> My basic argument is that, even though it may make "sense" , why is that
> when the names were originally accepted - ie: Bangalore or Madras or Baroda
> or Assam, the people in those days accepted the names without any problem?
>
>
>
> Why is this becoming a trend now? Were those early people just plain
> stupid that they accepted whatever names were given? What has changed?
>
>
>
> My feeling is that politicians and some "literary stalwarts" who have
> little else to do, bring up non-issues like this from time to time. It seems
> like they just want to whip up some regional or linguistic frevor. Its all
> hubris and rah-rah than anything else.
>
>
>
> As far as Assam is concerned, the ONUS should be on the people who are
> hell-bent on changing the name to Asom. They should provide the logic and
> reasoning why such a name change is not just necessay but also imperative
> for Assam's survival. Why should there be a need by those who are satisfied
> with continuance of the name "Assam"  bring in historical or other relevance
> so as to convince the Assam Govt. not to change.
>
>
>
> --Ram
>
>
>
>
>
>
> On 12/17/06,* Rajen & Ajanta Barua* <barua25 at hotmail.com > wrote:
>
> Ramgopal:
>
> If one looks at these name changes, all may make sense. In fact another
> due change may be Baroda to Badodara.
>
> But Assam to Asom does not make any sense at all. This is a classic
> example of what we say in Assamese:
>
> Dekhak dekhi kukurew pale ekadoxi.
>
> or
>
> Adak dekhi keturai bwle mwkw kha.
>
> Barua
>
> ----- Original Message -----
>
> *From:* Ram Sarangapani <assamrs at gmail.com>
>
> *To:* Dilip/Dil Deka <dilipdeka at yahoo.com>
>
> *Cc:* ASSAMNET <assam at assamnet.org>
>
> *Sent:* Sunday, December 17, 2006 3:20 PM
>
> *Subject:* Re: [Assam] Chalo Delhi
>
>
>
>
> Whats the world coming to. Here is a news item from the TOI along some
> more name changes. Looks like these politicians and others have little else
> to do.
>
>
>
> From the TOI:
>
>
>
> BHOPAL: After Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Thiruvananthapuram and Bengaluru,
> the Jabalpur Municipal Corporation has passed a resolution to rename the
> city to Jabalipuram.
>
> The BJP-ruled Madhya Pradesh government is also mulling renaming Bhopal to
> Bhojpal and Indore to Indur.
> The resolution was passed in the Jabalpur Municipal Corporation meeting on
> Saturday, both by BJP and Congress members. Corporators said the city was
> being renamed after a sage in the 'Ramayana'. The resolution has been sent
> to the state government.
>
> According to some BJP members, every part of the country should be renamed
> after carrying out historical analysis and research.
>
> BJP leader Anil Dave told TOI, "Post Independence, we removed British
> statues from the country. So why can't we remove the British names of our
> cities?"
>
> "It was a demand by the people of Jabalpur to name it after 'rishi' Jabali
> who had his meditation camp here," Jabalpur mayor Sushila Singh said. "Let
> us connect our city with the history and culture of our country. Jabalpur on
> the banks of river Narmada is a sacred place of Hindu sages."
> Congress corporator Jagat Bahadur Singh said, "Sadhus gathered in my ward
> in Narsingh and proposed that the city be renamed after sage Jabali. This
> was Congress agenda, not the BJP's."
>
>
> Renaming Bhopal to Bhojpal (the city of king Bhoj) after Bhoj Deva - the
> Paramara king who ruled the region from 1010 AD to 1055 AD and was a
> soldier, builder, scholar and patron of learning - was BJP's agenda.
> Bhoj Deva's position in history matched Vikramaditya Chandragupta II who
> ruled from Ujjaini (now Ujjain).
> The first attempt to connect Bhopal to Raja Bhoj was made in 2002 when the
> name of the city's airport was changed to Raja Bhoj International Airport.
>
> --Ram
>
> On 12/17/06,* Dilip/Dil Deka* <dilipdeka at yahoo.com > wrote:
>
> Here we go again. Not being able to solve it locally, Assam has to appeal
> to Delhi to intervene.
>
> It is intriguing that we do not know who is instigating this change. The
> chief minister doesn't have the passion for the change. A large number of
> community organizations don't want it. Then who does?
>
>
>
> I am not commenting on the name itself but on the process. The lack of
> will to handle local problems locally is a symptom of a deeper complex.
>
> Dilip Deka
>
>
>
>
> *Guwahati, Sunday, December 17, 2006*
>
>  ------------------------------
>
> *'Asom' faces strong opposition
> *By A Staff Reporter
>  GUWAHATI, Dec 16 - Though the State Assembly passed a resolution
> yesterday on voice vote to replace 'Assam' with 'Asom' as per the February
> 27, 2006 decision of the State Cabinet, there prevails a strong opposition
> to the decision. Opposition members like Leader of the Opposition Brindaban
> Goswami, AGP's Anup Phukan and CPI's Drupad Bargohain were on their feet
> yesterday demanding discussion on the resolution moved by Environment and
> Forests Minister Rockybul Hussain on behalf of the State Government. But the
> Speaker silenced them saying that the stage to initiate discussion on the
> move was over.
>
>
> After the session was over, Anup Phukan told newsmen that even Chief
> Minister Gogoi was pronouncing the name of the State as 'Assam'. The Tai
> Ahom organizations are opposed to the idea of replacing 'Assam' with 'Asom'.
> The Government should have gone for a detailed discussion on the issue,
> Phukan said.
>
> Leader of the Opposition Brindaban Goswami said while speaking to this
> newspaper today, that the Opposition members tried yesterday to initiate a
> discussion on the issue. But they were denied any scope to that effect.
>
> Elaborating, Goswami said, with several organizations and scholars
> opposing the move to replace 'Assam' with 'Asom', a debate on the issue was
> on. The Government also constituted an expert committee to examine the
> issue. It was not clear as to whether the Government moved the resolution as
> per the recommendation of the expert committee or following its discussion
> with the organizations of the ethnic groups and the scholars, Goswami said.
>
> Meanwhile, the Tai Ahom National Council, the apex body of the Tai Ahom
> organizations, is preparing to move the court challenging the resolution.
> The Council has also decided to convene a meeting of the Tai Ahom
> organizations, the organizations of the ethnic groups like the
> Koch-Rajbongshis, the Morans and Motoks, the Deuris, the Sonowal Kacharis
> and the Chutiyas and the like-minded people who have been opposing the move
> to effect a change in the spelling. The meeting is planned in the city in
> the next week, said working president of the Council Dr Prabin Konwar here
> today.
>
> The Council, which has 12 Tai Ahom organizations as its affiliates,
> submitted a memorandum to the State Government drawing its attention to the
> historical documents, which suggest the existence of the name 'Assam' from
> time immemorial, Dr Konwar said.
>
> The Council also contended the argument that Bombay became Mumbai, Madras
> became Chennai, Calcutta became Kolkata, Gauhati became Guwahati and
> Sibsagar became Sivasagar recently and this should also apply to 'Assam' and
> it should be replaced with 'Asom', saying that all those changes were
> effected only to undo the wrong committed by the British colonial rulers.
>
> But in the case of 'Assam', the council argued, long before the advent of
> the British colonial rulers to this part of the country, Sihabuddin Talis,
> who accompanied Mirjumla, described the State as 'Assam'. Even Srimanta
> Sankaradeva described the State as Assam in the 14 th century AD, it argued
> in its memorandum to the State Government submitted after the February 27
> decision of the State Cabinet.
>
>
>
> Dr Konwar said that despite large-scale opposition to the Cabinet
> decision, the Government led by Tarun Gogoi stuck to the decision
> mysteriously failing to honour the sentiments of the indigenous people.
>
> The Council has also decided to send memorandums to the President, Prime
> Minister and the Ministry's concerned and all the MPs from the NE region to
> veto the State Assembly resolution, Dr Konwar said.
>
>
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>
>  ------------------------------
>
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>
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>
>
>
> --
> Manoj Kumar Das
> C 172 Gr Floor
> Sarvodaya Enclave
> New Delhi 110017
> Tel: 91 11 26533824
> Telefax: 91 11 26533829
> Hand Phone: 91 9312650558
>
>
>
> Be so unselfish that when God writes your destiny; he can be free to ask:
> What do you want?
>
>
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>
>
>
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