Kuldeep Rai Sharma: One Chance Please!

Kuldeep Rai Sharma:

One Chance Please!

By Zubair Ahmed

Some people aspire for a political career, some drift into it and upon some it is forced.  Kuldeep Rai Sharma too had not thought of politics as a career. But it was thrust upon him. The circumstances that forced him are yet to come out into the open.

But he surprised everyone when he secured more than 20% of votes polled in 1998 contesting under his own Andaman & Nicobar Congress. The next year he teamed up with Bishnu Pada Ray and gave Manoranjan Bhakta the first taste of defeat. But it did not take long for the relation with BJP to sour.

Manoranjan Bhakta persuaded Kuldeep Rai Sharma to join Indian National Congress and succeeded. Essentially it was a move to defang Kuldeep Rai Sharma. But the cure proved worse than the disease.

Kuldeep Rai Sharma went on to become working president during 2004 election and eventually the State President. He has assiduously imbibed some of the sterling qualities of Bhakta as a politician. Shy by nature, he talks very less, keeps his council and bids his time for an opportune moment to strike. His vulnerability could be deceptive. Being an engineer by qualification, he has an analytical mind that is driven by logic and not emotion.   

In 2009, nobody had expected him to snatch the party ticket from the jaws of Manoranjan Bhakta, an eight time MP who had won the last election with one of the largest margin. But Kuldeep Rai Sharma did achieve that feat. But, he could not sustain the tempo. He reached very late on the scene and failed to achieve the bigger feat; taking the Bhakta loyalists along who would do anything to get him defeated. And they defeated him with a meager margin of 2900 votes.

His focus was never on consolidating the party structure, but gobbling up as many institutions as possible. The party at grass root level were in shambles till a couple of years back. And it took a while for the young Turk to wake up and tighten the belt.

He understood the dynamics of cooperative movement and unseated many goliaths and eventually took control of all unions and federations. He is as of now President or Chairman of as many as 10 to 15 unions or associations.

"Its a strategy of a shrewd politician. He will gradually loosen the grip on associations, federations and unions once he becomes Member of Parliament," said a senior Congressman.

The social service through Cooperative Bank seems to have done wonders for Kuldeep Rai Sharma. It is one asset even his adversary Bishnu Pada Ray does not deny. However, there is wide antipathy among the common account holders of the bank that loans have been sanctioned from the bank without any check and balance. It is also alleged that about Rs 70 crore loans were sanctioned in the last few months. But, Congressmen staunchly believe that the outreach programmes conducted by the bank will be surely translated into votes.

Elections are the time to make up with old foes. One makes foes in the open and at the fag end, finds time and reason to reconcile in secrecy. He made up with Chidambaram, once the Tamil face of Congress. He also patched up with Balakrishnan Nair, a staunch party man repelled due to favouritism by the party led by Kuldeep Rai Sharma. TSG Bhasker, President of Andaman Chamber of Commerce and Industry was his only challenger who gave him tough time. He too seems to be placated to all appearances.

This is the third time, Kuldeep Rai Sharma is going to face the electorate. Huge sympathy of the Islanders especially a group is with him. "Lets give him a chance and see," says a senior Congressman. "This is a do or die situation for Kuldeep," says another Congressman.

All internal differences had been conveniently slipped inside the carpet, and the decision of his candidature was made to look unanimous. There was wide disgruntlement among many senior Congressmen. They make you feel the 'There is No Alternative' (TINA) factor. With drooling faces they accepted his candidature, but won't let you know that.

The grapevine was that resentment among Tamils have become wider. However, Congress claims to have found inroads into the community.

Old and veteran Congressmen who once could not digest Kuldeep Rai Sharma have also started rallying behind him.

Initially BJP's indecisiveness gave Kuldeep time and space to leap ahead. And it also turned to be a windfall for him that Bishnu could not garner the support of his party for the election campaign. The visibility of Congress on the ground too gave it an edge over others.

However, the sudden over-confidence of the party might ring the death knell, if it harps on the mantra that BJP is trying to defeat BJP in the elections. With fragmented Bengali vote, and secure Nicobari vote, once again the 40% of voters in South Andaman may play a major role in the elections. Congress claims to have regained the lost ground in Ferrar Gunj Tehsil. But, how Port Blairians will vote is still an enigma.

It indeed seems to be a close fight with Kuldeep having an edge over Bishnu, but there are other dark horses like AAP and TMC, which might play spoilsport.

The Linguistic Number Game

The Linguistic Number Game

By Zubair Ahmed

In the Parliamentary constituencies on the mainland, barring a few areas, the voters are generally found to be of a homogeneous nature. But not in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands! It is not for nothing that the Islands have earned the sobriquet of mini India!

Among the regional groups, Bengalis constitute over 25%, of the population that held sway over the electoral results since 1977 when Bengali candidates took centre stage in a big way with the rise of Manoranjan Bhakta. In the general election in 1967 and 1971 both the major contestants; late KR Ganesh and late PKS Prasad were out of the fold where the Indian National Congress had scored over an independent; PKS Prasad.

However, given a choice in 1977, it is safe to assume that the Bengali electors voted tactically giving Manoranjan Bhakta a resounding victory over the ‘invincible’ KR Ganesh. Thereafter, Bhakta dominated the election scenario till 1991 when another Bengali candidate Tapan Kumar Bepari gave him a run for his money. Finally, the only defeat that Manoranjan Bhakta suffered in his distinguished career was at the hand of another Bengali candidate; Bishnu Pada Ray. A Bengali was pitted against another. However, when the picture changed in 2009, when once again, Bishnu became MP defeating a non-Bengali candidate Kuldeep Rai Sharma.

Bengalis alone cannot be accused of favouring candidates of their own class in the hustling. Whenever there was a credible Tamilian candidate, he too garnered a very good support from his people. K Kandaswamy had secured from 13% to 31% of valid votes in 1967, 1980, 1984 and 1989 polls. That it was not enough to see him through is a different matter. Tamilians constitute about 17% of population.

The scenario this time is not very different. It is widely publicised by anti-Bishnu camp inside the party as well as his opponents outside that he tried the linguistic card this time too to get the ticket.

His focus it seems to be on Bengali and Tamil vote, a bonanza indeed, if his wishes come true. However, Tamilians are keeping the cards very close to their chests not revealing their preferences.

Meanwhile, TMC scored the first goal by getting AIADMK as its alliance, a very strange coincidence. But, how much potent AIADMK is a question everybody is asking. And, how much the local Tamils are going to follow their high command based in Tamil Nadu has to be seen. TMC too seems to be on same track with focus on Bengali vote and now AIADMK getting on to the wagon.

DMK on the other hand has reserved their inclination by declaring that they will go neutral. But, it is also rumoured that the sudden shift in the decision of BJP seat towards Bishnu had changed their decision. It might be advantageous for Kuldeep.

Bishnu is banking big time on Tamil and Bengali vote, and seems to be a bit unconcerned about the local vote, which might become a dangerous move for him with more than 50% voters belonging to other regional groups.

The table would show that there are other regional groups with a strong presence in the electorate. However, such groups never asserted their position and resorted to tactical voting. It is proved from the fact that they never projected their candidates in the elections.

A few experiments like Agapit Kujur and Henry; a Santhali (Ranchi) and a Nicobari tribal had failed miserably in the past. Prakash Minj, another young Ranchi candidate has already missed the opportunity of consolidating his vote bank by dilly dallying with Aam Aadmi Party. Leoba Vovo, a reluctant Nicobari candidate both forced to stand and withdraw from the elections show the disinterest of a community in political sphere.

Hindu, Muslim and Christian form the three major religious groups of population. But the legacy of communal harmony ensures that no passion is aroused nor tolerated in the electoral game. 

The contour and character of the voters has undergone a sea change over the years. The old family loyalty towards political parties is breaking down. The ethnic and religious barriers too do not hold the youth from exercising their democratic right to vote.

The impatient and disillusioned younger generation yearns for change; change for the better. They are looking for a generational change in the political arena too.

Will Kuldeep be able to break the jinx of the Bengali factor and become another non-Bengali MP after late KR Ganesh will decide how strong the linguistic dynamics actually work.

No doubt, both are trying to keep Bengali and Tamil voters entertained, but there are other game spoilers too in the arena this time.

Sanjay Meshack and Kuldeep Rai Sharma: Two Crorepatis in the Fray

Sanjay Meshack and Kuldeep Rai Sharma:

Two Crorepatis in the Fray

By Zubair Ahmed

The total value of movable and immovable assets of the Aam Aadmi Party candidate Sanjay Meshack is Rs. 5.74 crores, which makes him the richest candidate as per the affidavit filed for the nomination of Lok Sabha elections.

Sanjay has total movable assets of Rs 17.61 lakhs and his spouse has Rs 7.36 lakhs. He has immovable asset to the tune of Rs 5.50 crores. Sanjay Meshack's annual income is Rs 17.61 lakhs.

The total assets of Kuldeep Rai Sharma, the Congress candidate including his spouse's asset is worth Rs. 3.11 crores.

He has movable assets of Rs 37.33 lakhs and his spouse Rs 30.34 lakhs. The total value of immovable assets of Kuldeep is Rs 48.44 lakhs and his spouse Rs 1.95 crores. He has declared his income as Rs 4.14 lakhs.

He has declared  himself poorer than his wife. Moreover, one of the notable point in the affidavit is that he doesn't have any deposit in A&N Coop Bank, of which he is the Vice Chairman.

Bishnu Pada Ray, the BJP candidate has declared an asset of Rs 56.58 Lakhs in his affidavit.

His movable assets are valued at Rs 35.31 lakhs and his spouse has total assets amounting Rs 3.27 lakhs. He has immovable assets worth Rs 8.50 lakhs and his spouse Rs 9.50 lakhs The income of Bishnu Pada Ray as declared in the affidavit is Rs 6.70 lakhs.

Both Kuldeep Rai Sharma and Bishnu Pada Ray have no liabilities as per the affidavits filed by them.

Whereas, spouse of Kuldeep Rai Sharma has liabilities of Rs 50.34 lakhs including the term loan from A&N Coop Bank worth Rs 20.70 lakhs taken for construction of Hotel Sunrise and Whistling Wood.

Bishnu's wife has liability of Rs 1.75 lakhs.

Sanjay Meshack has declared his liability of Rs 38.80 lakhs and his wife Rs 2.45 lakhs.

Boat Tragedy: ANI Admn Still Digging up the Past

Boat Tragedy: ANI Admn Still Digging up the Past

By Zubair Ahmed

When people of Andaman and Nicobar Islands and tourism industry is gradually recovering and trying to forget one of the worst tragedy that shocked the country, and cope up with the loss it incurred, the Andaman and Nicobar Administration seems to be in no mood to move on.

The ghost of the tourist boat tragedy that killed 22 lives seems to be still haunting the Administration. And, to cover up the negligence on the part of the Administration as the monitoring agency, it is still trying to point fingers at media and wash away all sins it committed. The Administration is bent upon crucifying the media, which could have become its eyes and ears.

Andaman Chronicle, which of late has been on the radar of the Administration for obvious reasons, is being targeted for bringing to light stories and asking inconvenient questions on different issues.

After a series of notices, eight to be specific and another series of examinations, the latest is a three-page rejoinder from the Superintendent of Police, South Andaman District, sent on 10th March and received by Speed Post on 22 March, alleging misrepresentation of facts by Andaman Chronicle on boat capsizing incident.

The rejoinder alleges that the newspaper published several incorrect and misleading information in the news items pertaining to the timing and cause of the capsizing.

The news article published in Andaman Chronicle on the following day was based on first-hand account of the eye witnesses who were interviewed by Andaman Chronicle. The information received by the paper may be different and distinct than the information received by ANI Police during investigation because of time gap in recording of statements of witnesses.

It is further stated that the matter is under investigation and also a magisterial enquiry has been ordered to enquire into the said incident. In view of the fact that the issue is sub-judice, and the magisterial enquiry is going on, it is uncalled for on the part of the Superintendent of Police to communicate the findings of their investigation, which is neither complete nor tested by judiciary in trial. An investigation is complete only when the charge sheet is filed in the matter and after that the Court tests the evidences and witnesses during trial. By sending a rejoinder to Andaman Chronicle, it appears that the Police Dept is making an attempt to prejudice the investigation and possibly subsequent trial by the Court by establishing that the investigation carried out by Police Dept is unbiased and correct and it does not require any sanction by the Court.

Andaman Chronicle had quoted one of the survivors, Mr Tyagarajan, Kanchipuram and reported that the accident took place before 3.00 pm. It had also quoted a few witnesses who said that the accident took place at about 2.45 pm. The dispute about the timing of the boat tragedy is still debatable.

Moreover, the paper had carried preliminary reports based on eye-witness and survivor accounts. The same survivor giving a different version does not prove that the report published by Andaman Chronicle was wrong.

It seems that when the house is on fire, the bride is concerned about makeup. Primarily, it is a matter of shame rather than 'image' that 22 lives were lost in the sea, that too hardly 300 mtrs from the Port Blair shore in a time span of 20 minutes. The first rescue happened after 40 minutes of the tragedy which itself says much about the level of preparedness.

Many more questions about the timing can be raised. What were the role of the District Control Room and even State Control Room?

Andaman Chronicle had restrained itself and did not venture to report on many aspects of the Safety Audit ordered by the Administrator. It would have put the Administration in a fix, had it questioned the logic behind plying of state-run boats soon after the tragedy without compliance. But, it would have caused inconvenience to thousands of passengers.

The Administration in fact announced Safety Audit for both state-run and private-owned boats soon after the tragedy. While the private boats were all stopped to ply, the state-run boats were plying carrying thousands of passengers even without completely complying with the safety guidelines. They are still making provisions in the boats to equip with life-jackets and other life saving equipments.

 How many boats owned by the Directorate of Shipping Services have all its documentation in order?

Interestingly, the rejoinder issued by the SP, South Andaman also alleges that in the past, Andaman Chronicle has published sensational news items on the Jarawa tribe without verifying facts and such incorrect and malicious reporting has spread enormous confusion and damaged the image of the Administration.

Andaman Chronicle has been publishing many news items on the Jarawa tribe since its inception.  The news reports in the newspaper was and still is published based on facts and information received after proper verification and conformation. As the issue is sub-judice, it would not be prudent to comment on this issue.

However, if the Administration is still interested in the past, it will open another can of worms, very difficult to shut. As the incumbent Administrator has time and again mentioned that he is not interested in digging the past, Andaman Chronicle refrained from publishing stories based on photographic evidences from immediate past. There were instances of choreographed dances made to perform by the  Jarawas for the entertainment of a chosen few. A crime committed yesterday or today is a crime!

As a matter of fact, Andaman Chronicle does not like to tarnish the image of the Administration in any way. However, the timing of the rejoinder sent after two months of the accident raises suspicion about the intentions of the Administration.

Bishnu Pada Ray: Version 2.0 without Bugs?

Bishnu Pada Ray:

Version 2.0 without Bugs?

By Zubair Ahmed

It was the story of meteoric rise for Bishnu Pada Ray since 1991 when he, almost single-handed, sowed the seeds of BJP in the Islands and nurtured it. From a mere 4% plus votes in 1991, he kept on increasing his tally ultimately defeating the invincible Manoranjan Bhakta in 1999, and turning the table once again in 2009 defeating the young Turk, Kuldeep Rai Sharma.

In fact, in 1999, it was Kuldeep Rai Sharma's ANC, which gave him his first taste of victory and Manoranjan Bhakta, who offered on a platter another victory in 2009. Both helped him win through surreptitious ways, and in 2014, he has become a formidable force, giving nightmares to both of them.

He had been a difficult person, who could never manage power. His best supporters agree that he could not manage power in spite of all his best intentions. He turned into a crusader out to change the world in one term. In the process he ended up creating an army of opponents both outside and inside the Administration.

His defeat in 2004 was followed by extreme humiliation as he became a pariah in the very organisation he had created himself. All his protégés had turned hostile to him. He was not seen around BJP Bhavan for years together.

Under the circumstances, it was not less than a miracle that he managed the BJP nomination again in 2009 and finally came out victorious against Congress' Kuldeep Rai Sharma.

A resident of Ashoke Nagar in 24 Parganas, West Bengal, Bishnu Pada Ray came to Andamans in search of a job some time in early seventies. He worked in various capacities including as an LIC agent, in the erstwhile WIMCO Ltd and married a local lass in 1976.

In his first term as MP, he manifested all traits of an angry middle-aged man. Impetuous, hot headed and temperamental, he couldn't stand criticism or opposition even though he believed in wider consultation with various shades of opinions. Tact, diplomacy and discretion were not his high points.

But, time is the best teacher, and the second term saw a sea change in Bishnu. Despite his short honeymoon with Trinamul Congress, he kept connected with the electorate and the ground realities. Rather than people approaching him, he reached them and the bond that he could build in the last five years has become an asset for him.

From a middle aged angry man without a party behind him, he is now a toned down sensible sitting Member of Parliament with a party backing him up.

However, there are cracks and fissures, manifesting its ugly head everywhere, but Bishnu seems confident that it won’t reflect in the elections. It would have to be seen how much he can convert the goodwill that he claims to have developed over the years into votes.

His strained relationship with the State President, Vishal Jolly did push the party backwards, but Bishnu maintained his demeanor, that finally won him secure the seat, despite all misadventures.

"Vishal Jolly is my President and I am under him," he says trying to put all faith in the party and win back the space, that once he avoided.

More than outside, Bishnu might be worried how to keep the folks inside his party together and sail through the rough weather. His recent hobnobbing with the bureaucracy might also give him an edge over others, where he has been accommodated to his content.

Vishal Jolly, the President of his party seems to be in a dilemma, whether to go out and extend support to his candidate openly after all the hullaballoo about the seat. But, it’s for sure that the decision he takes in the present will decide his future political career. Or, the cost he will have to pay in case NDA comes to power will be inconceivable.

The day, Bishnu Pada Ray’s name was announced as the party candidate, it did send shivers in the opponent camp and it’s a fact everybody accepts, including Congressmen. Or, the grapevine was that it would be a cakewalk for Kuldeep Rai Sharma, if Vishal was the candidate. The scene has changed and fight ahead seems to be tough.

The 2014 election is a different ball game altogether. The major fight is between a sitting MP, who has not damaged his prospects and kept himself alive throughout the five years and Kuldeep Rai Sharma, who has the backing of one of the oldest parties who needs a term to prove his worth, and has been quite successful in activating the cooperative movement to his advantage.

Flashback 1967: Island 'Elects' First MP

Flashback 1967:

Island 'Elects' First MP

By Zubair Ahmed

Its forty seven years now that the Islands started sending their elected representatives to Lok Sabha. For the first 15 years after Independence, the Member of Parliament was nominated.

When the Island goes to poll on 10th April 2014, it would be thirteenth time that the Island will elect a representative.

For the first time, in 1967 the people of Andaman and Nicobar Islands exercised their right to send an elected representative to the Lok Sabha. K R Ganesh, a son of the Island, a veteran trade unionist and a political leader, who justified his election, made the Islands an effective entity on the political map of India. He rose to become Deputy Minister and later Union Minister of State for Finance in Indira Gandhi's cabinet.

The Islanders might be quite justified in questioning his loyalty to the Islands and his contribution towards its development. But his contribution to the growth of trade unions and his crusade against dictatorial bureaucracy of the time cannot be wished away. It was largely due to his efforts that these Islands are a Union Territory now.

But, he proved that as a Member of Parliament, he too can play a major role in setting the destiny of the nation, not just to be a rubber stamp, as the position has been demeaned by his successors.

Whenever he intervened in the debates, he raised questions regarding the development of the Islands. But, the scope of his parliamentary activities did not remain confined to the Islands. He spoke on internal and external policies with force and clarity. He took keen interest in the political struggle against the conservative elements both inside the Congress and outside. His writings and speeches set the tone for discussions on vital issues.

He had found the Andaman Association in 1954 which merged with the Andamans District Congress in 1958 and won the first election on Congress ticket.  K R Ganesh made his maiden speech in the first session of the third Lok Sabha pleading for the development of fisheries and rubber plantation in Andamans, for which he said there was great scope.

In his first address in the House, he said, “…as the population increases as more and more people are settled in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, it is becoming absolutely necessary that the administrative system that existed in the Islands must be transformed and further democratic reforms introduced in the Islands…”

On KR Ganesh, The Statesman wrote on 1 April 1967, “Living in the Andamans has not made Mr Ganesh insular. He made his debut in the Lok Sabha during the debate on the Budget with a speech which showed insight into the problems not only of the area he comes from but of the mainland. He wants to specialize in basic economic policies.”

To focus public attention on the problems of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, K R Ganesh asked nearly 170 questions in the Lok Sabha related to administration, development and resources, corruption and administrative lapses, agriculture and new settlement areas, transport and shipping, education, forest and industry, Nicobar and tribal issues. And, the significance of these questions can be judged from the fact that they were tabled during the first 15 months of his election to the Lok Sabha.

Many questions that KR Ganesh asked in 1967 are the same set of questions that his successors, after fifty years are still asking without any major change on the ground.

On 21 December 1967, he raised the issue of scarcity of specialists in the Island hospitals and asked about the efforts of the Government to post doctors possessing specialist qualifications in medicine in the Andaman Civil Hospital. The search for a permanent solution still continues, and maybe the move to establish a Medical College will be the answer he was seeking.

On August 5, 1968, he enquired about the possibility of oil resources in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and about schemes to conduct deep sea drilling in the Islands? On August 6, 1968 he asked about survey of the mineral resources of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. As a result a survey was carried out by the Geological Survey of India, and occurrences of limestone, chromite, asbestos, sulphur, volcanic ash, lignite, coal and clays were recorded.

On 5 July 1967, he also did ask about the result of students who had appeared for the Higher Secondary School Examination and the reason for the dismal performance. The reply was that no special study had been conducted to find out the reasons.

On 3 April 1967, he had asked about a proposal to upgrade the Port Blair Radio Station, and he was told that the equipment required for up-gradation is being arranged and will be implemented within the 4th Five Year Plan. The state of the Station today is nothing to talk about even after 12th Five Year Plan.

The issue of large scale misuse of Government labour for private domestic purposes especially Class IV employees working in the residences of officers was also raised by him in 1967.

It may be debatable whether he was a good representative or not, he did leave a mark. He did falter and he had to pay for it. The Islanders did not give him a second chance. In spite of all his public failings he was the first Islander to hoist and unfurl the national flag at Gymkhana ground on Republic and Independence days. He did make us proud at some point of time. His tenure as Minister had brought these Islands into sharp media focus.

For a contrast, if the report card of his successor, who was elected by the Islanders for about eight terms, is prepared, it would be quite a disappointing exercise.

Massive Haul of Codeine-based Cough Syrup

Massive Haul of Codeine-based Cough Syrup

Around 200 bottles of Codeine-based cough syrup were found by the villagers in a plastic bag lying abandoned near roadside today at Lambapahad, Wimberly Gunj.

The villagers found the bag filled with the bottles camouflaged with beetle nut husk lying on the roadside.  Speaking to Andaman Chronicle, Deepak Mukherjee, Incharge, Police Outpost Wimberly Gunj said that based on the information received from the public, the bottles have been seized and enquiry initiated.

The cough syrup, Coditoz, manufactured by Zota Pharmacy Ltd, Surat costs Rs 75 for each bottle of 100 ml, which is sold to the addicts for more than Rs 150/-.

"Its alarming that this drug, which is abused by children as well as adults is still in circulation in large number," said Abdul Manaf, who informed the police.

A couple of months back, three persons were arrested with large quantity of cough syrup in Port Blair.

"Abuse of such over the counter drug is rampant in the Islands. However, no distributor dares to keep codeine based syrups nowadays," said a Pharmacist.

"This is a generic drug and might have been sourced directly from mainland," he said.

One of the constituents of these cough syrups is the habit forming drug Codeine Phosphate I.P. that falls under the narcotic drugs category, which belongs to the class of opium alkaloids and derivatives.

Individually it falls under the narcotics category but if manufactured with other ingredients as cough syrup it falls under the prescription drugs category. Though, these drugs are preparations of manufactured drugs, their possession, trade and consumption are subject to NDPS Rules. Violation of these rules would attract punishment under Section 21 of the Act.

  

Lok Sabha Polls Update: BJP Candidature for Islands Hang in Balance

Lok Sabha Polls Update:

BJP Candidature for Islands Hang in Balance

The Bharatiya Janta Party released the fourth list of candidates yesterday, but there is no mention of the candidate for Andaman and Nicobar Islands creating confusion and despair among the party workers. Bishnu Pada Ray, the sitting MP and Vishal Jolly, State President, BJP are in the race for the seat.

It was earlier expected that the name of the candidate will be announced on 13th March after discussion by the Selection Committee. However, the name of the candidate from the Islands was kept on hold.

Both Vishal Jolly and Bishnu Pada Ray were camping in Delhi, but Vishal flew back to the Islands on 9th March sending a message that the seat might be given to Bishnu Pada Ray. However, his hopes for the seat is revived after release of two lists by the party in which A&N Islands was not mentioned.

Bishnu Pada Ray, who is still in Delhi and was hoping a decision in his favour seems to be disappointed after release of the fourth list.

 There are strong rumours doing the rounds that the seat may go to Vishal Jolly. However, there is no official confirmation.

"I have strongly presented my case and am very hopeful that I will get the seat," Vishal Jolly said. "I have to be here in the Islands to make preparations for the elections," he had told.

"Hopefully, a decision in my favour might come in a day or two," he said.

Bishnu Pada Ray had said that his name is already there in the list, but he cannot go public with the news as the announcement has to come from the party.

"The party cadre has become impatient as precious time is lost in finalisation of the candidate," a senior party functionary said.

"It seems Bishnu's misadventure of launching and supporting Trinamul Congress in the Islands is going against him now," he said.

"We have already lost a Sunday, which could have been used for campaigning, and the party is yet to put in place various committees and incharges for the ensuing elections," he added.

The next list of candidates will be released by the party on 19th March and the suspense might continue till then.

Stray Thoughts on Elections

Stray Thoughts on Elections 

By Zubair Ahmed

Andaman and Nicobar Islands is one constituency among the 543 Lok Sabha constituencies of India. One of the hardest and toughest constituency spread over 700 kms from the Southern tip Campbell Bay to the Northern tip Diglipur, is a nightmare for any candidate to cover and make their presence felt.

Every political party - national and regional have a miniscule presence in the Islands. But, how much the national parties care about the Islands is quite obvious from the way list of candidates are announced.

Elections in the Islands is slated for 10th April and there is less than a month left and one of the major political parties, BJP is yet to announce its candidate. In the last elections, Congress had the same fate.

People residing in Andaman and Nicobar Islands might be eager to know whether Aam Aadmi Party, the party that represents new politics is keen in contesting elections from the Islands. But, there is no news from Delhi.

Why should political parties care about a single seat, when they conveniently ignore states like Manipur, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh with more than 2-3 seats.

Moreover, how significant is an MP for the Islands, when he doesn't have any say in the policy decisions. On what basis can one assess performance of an MP from the Islands - the no. of questions he asked in the Parliament or the amount he spent from MPLAD? Do we need an MP for these? A RTI application can get answer to any question and Rs 5 crores in five years can be made available to the Deputy Commissioner for equal and even distribution without any discrimination.

Why is there no anti-incumbency factor in the case of the sitting MP? How can one gauge him when he cannot be held responsible for anything that happened in the last five years? If the same question be poised for the bureaucrats or Lieutenant Governors, there can be a big list of achievements and failures. And, unfortunately we do not have a say in their selection.

If the reason is that he is a public representative and part of the democratic system, he needs to be empowered and placed above the bureaucracy, so that decisions are routed through him, where he has the power to vet them. 

A Member of Parliament cannot be relegated to a petition writer placing demands which can be accepted or rejected without any reason. More than respect, the Member of Parliament deserves authority and power to act. Or else, the whole exercise of people electing their representative does not make any sense. When people repose faith on an individual and elect him, they expect him to perform. Or the best option would be to nominate or appoint an MP like the bureaucrats and the Administrator.

Unfortunately, bureaucrats and the Administrator are more powerful than the Member of Parliament elected by the citizens of this territory.

Aam Aadmi Party and Andamans: Who Fits the Cap?

Aam Aadmi Party and Andamans

Who Fits the Cap?

By Zubair Ahmed

There is a long line of candidates for an officially non-existent party in the Islands. As usual, all eyes and ears are on Delhi, waiting for the call announcing the messiah, who will resurrect the Islands. But, the internecine warfare and bickering among the groups does not send any positive vibes about Aam Aadmi Party, the new sensation of India!

Aam Aadmi Party led by Arvind Kejriwal gave rise to a new wave of hope among the common man throughout the country. Conquering Delhi further jacked up expectations from the party. There was a mad rush for candidature of the party for the ensuing Lok Sabha elections. Though  Andaman and Nicobar Islands did not find space in the scheme of things, there are self-proclaimed leaders wooing for candidature of the party.

The public fed up with the two majors - BJP and Congress - are however skeptical about the credentials about those who are trying to impose themselves as messiahs donning the cap of Aam Aadmi Party. The eerie silence of the national echelons of the party is further deafening and creating more chaos and in the meanwhile undermining credibility of the party in the Islands. The cockfight between different groups and aspiring candidates are all in the open for everyone to watch.

Prakash Minj, a leader from Ranchi Community who had launched his own party - Jankranti Party (JKP) after breaking away from Congress and Bishnu Pada Ray jumped into the fray soon after Aam Aadmi Party was launched. He even announced merger of his own party with AAP. His office and vehicle started donning the name of AAP. One Mr Chattopadhyay, who claimed to be a pioneer of the party in the Islands became the Convenor. Ram Babu, a party-hopper finally landed at the doors of JKP which declared itself to be the AAP of the Islands.

Sanjay Meshack, a Congress PRI member, Up-Pramukh, Prothroepur Zilla Samithi could not resist the opportunity and resigned from the Congress party and opted to reap the benefits of the new party. This created an uproar among Prakash Minj supporters. However, they suppressed their desire and attended meetings called by Sanjay Meshack supporters. But when his name was proposed by his supporters for the candidature of AAP, heartburn started among Prakash Minj and his supporters. They walked out of the meeting.

"The seat will declared in a day or two and I am hopeful that I will get the seat," said Sanjay Meshack. "Nobody can vouch for anyone in the Islands and we will have to wait and see," he said. "I will support anyone else if they get the ticket," he answered when asked if he doesn't get the ticket.

"I am waiting for the good news from Delhi and I have no issues with any other group," Prakash said. When asked if someone else gets the seat, Prakash said that he will have to consult his supporters before taking a decision.

There has been a series of reconciliation meetings among various groups, but everyone is craving for the seat which seems not coming from Delhi.

No sooner, another well wisher of AAP, Col. Cherian came to the picture and tried to bring sanity among the warring groups, but he too had to finally  form a committee declaring all others null and void. "We are nobody to decide the candidature, and as of today, the national committee seems to be not willing to field any candidate from the Islands," said Col Cherian, Convenor of the newly formed Committee. "In fact in the General Body meeting held on 7th March 2014 at Hotel ACC, we had passed a resolution and asked the National Committee not to contest elections from the Islands this year and wait for next elections," he said.

Col. Cherian is also the Secretary of Rajya Sainik Board.

"We have objections about a group headed by Prakash Minj collecting funds in the name of AAP, and we had warned them not to do so, and finally we had to file a NC-FIR against the group," said Col. Cherian.

When asked if any other person is announced as the candidate for the Islands, whether the committee will support, Col Cherian said that he will support. He had issued a public notice declaring all other committees invalid.

Nelson Prasad, another politician from Congress camp who had been a PRI member for a long time also found AAP enticing and started canvassing to form a group.

"I have nothing to do whatever is happening now with AAP in the Islands," Nelson Prasad said. "The committee formed by Col. Cherian is bogus, but there are a few good people in the group, who are misled," he said.

Nelson Prasad claims that he have been given the responsibility by Delhi to organize the party here, and whoever contacts Delhi office has been asked to meet him.

He nurtures a soft corner towards Prakash Minj, as he feels that they have worked hard to establish the party here and he also vouches for Chattopadhyay, but feels that they erred by collecting funds in the name of party.

However, Col. Cherian feels that as Sanjay Meshack is related to Nelson Prasad, he might support him.

Mohammed Younus, a staunch supporter of AAP in Andamans,  seen at all venues of late is a little demoralized by the developments. "If the party doesn't declare a candidate from the Islands, NOTA is the best option," he said.

Although, everyone projects to be a well wisher of the other, the fissures and heartburn are quite visible. Maybe the fifth or sixth list of candidates might feature the Islands as wished by the three or four candidates who have applied from the Islands, but the question is whether they will be able to win the hearts of the Islanders?

Unfortunately, the waves of change that AAP promises seems to be not touching the shores of the Islands as of now. 

Havelock: Forsaken Paradise - 2 | Dangerous Cargo

Havelock: Forsaken Paradise - 2

Dangerous Cargo

By Zubair Ahmed

Havelock is a proverbial hen that lays golden eggs, but keeping it alive, it seems is nobody's concern. Hardly two hours away from Port Blair, unlike Kamorta and Campbell Bay, the show is going on. How the Island is surviving without cargo services is a question nobody wants to answer.

There are hundreds of two-wheelers and four wheelers used by locals as well as tourists, apart from speed boats and jet-skis. The resorts rely on gensets for their power requirements. Daily consumption of fuel - Diesel and Petrol - is approximately 2200 ltrs.

The Island doesn't have a petrol pump, but all the fuel requirements are met, apparently through illegal channels. There are three fuel bunks licensed to sell 300 ltrs each. But, the required quantity of fuel is much higher and always available, but for a premium. How the bunks get their fuel from Port Blair is another uncomfortable question.

"MV Malar, a DSS cargo vessel brings fuel for the Electricity Dept run power house, and no other cargo ships come to Havelock," said a resort owner. Large quantity of fuel - the dangerous cargo - is transported in fishing Dinghies, and it operates right under the nose of the Administration.

"There is no way but to overlook this illegal and dangerous activity," said a police officer on anonymity. "Maybe after a disaster, we might think about it," he added.

'The Administration is in the process of starting a petrol pump at Havelock," said P Vishwakannan, Director, Tourism. "The land has been identified and ANIIDCO is looking for a consultant now, to complete all licensing formalities," he added.

It might take another year or two for the petrol pump to come up, and till then the Administration might turn blind towards this necessary evil.

No cargo ships transport vehicles to Havelock, but one can see hundreds of vehicles on road. When asked how the vehicles are transported, Ajay Gharami, a resort owner said, "Everything from car to bike to eatables, are transported on Dinghies from Port Blair."

"Most of them are motorized country boats, which carries the cargo to Havelock, and I cannot comment on their legalities," said Veeraiah, Deputy Director, Shipping.

When asked whether the Dinghies comply with the safety guidelines or they come under any Act, he said that they are registered as fishing dinghies by Fisheries Dept.

"Its illegal and the Dinghies with fishing license are not supposed to carry cargo, and if they do, their licenses can be cancelled," said Chandrashekhar, Director, Fisheries Dept. When asked about the issue in Havelock, he said, "The ferries are not taking cargo, and people are forced to use the Dinghies, but I have issued directions to check violations of the license provision," he added.

Speaking to Andaman Chronicle, Cdr V K Trivedi, Harbour Master said that he is not aware if any DSS cargo vessels are plying between Havelock and Port Blair. When it was pointed out that the Dinghies load goods even from Phoenix Bay Jetty and Junglighat Jetty, he said that he will look into it.

"Why can't the Directorate of Shipping Services ply one cargo vessel to Havelock daily?" Samit Sawhny, Barefoot Holidays asks. "The Dinghies if stopped without alternative will be disastrous, as life will come to standstill in the Island," he said.

"DSS vessels are taking cargo, and if those who want to avail the service needs to make the booking two-days in advance so that we can also make proper arrangements, but we don't know why people are reluctant to avail the service," replied Veeraiah, Deputy Director, Shipping. "In fact we had informed a delegation from Havelock about the arrangement," he added.

"We cannot rely on a chartered cargo vessels, which takes its own time to sail, and most of the perishable food items by the time it reaches Havelock goes waste," said another resort owner. "Moreover, there are practical difficulties as most of the DSS ships leave early in the morning, and we cannot load the cargo in the evening due to its perishable nature," he added.

Earlier, there were boats like M.V.Ramanujam , vessel of choice of the tourists and the local people alike for its cheaper tickets and openness. For the local people, it was cheaper and could carry all kinds of cargo like basketsful of crabs, fowls; goats, vegetables and tonnes of banana.

With the recent boat tragedy, the focus of the Administration has turned towards safety on sea, but if such blatant abuse of laws are being allowed due to complacency or lack of alternatives, its high time, the goal post is shifted. Havelock should be a classic example of how tourism is facilitated and allowed to run.

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