** Maoists **

Extremists (Maoists - Naxals - call whatever the name u would prefer to) - have taken custody of a huge region in West Bengal and the security forces are fighting a tough battle to weed them out. At the time of writing this blog, the security forces have captured a majority of the area and the Maoists are now calling for ceasefire !! All these terror groups do adopt this "ceasefire" technique when they are cornered and down on their knees. Govt should not pay any heed to such silly requests. "Corner them and weed them out" - should be the goal. The Central Govt took the right decision to ban the Maoists group!! I was only surprised when the West Bengal's ruling CPI(M) party did not support the ban and is of the view that the ban does not serve any purpose and they want a political solution !! (If you thought that any 'political solution' is in the hands of the ruling State Govt - please take the back seat !! ) !! Naxalism is taking a monstrous proportion in our nation and it is high time that the Govt acts.

Secodly, for all those who were till now claiming that "West Bengal" is the model state under the principles of "Communism" - this "Lalgarh" episode should serve as an eye opener. "Communism" is a FAILED principle - be it, Russia -or- our own West Bengal !! Communist party is, unfortunately, a party with so many "right" people pursing "failed" principles !! It was good to hear their Gen Secy say that they would take a re-look at their Industrial policy !! If "Communism" is the stumbling block for so many good people, it is high time that they review their entire policy than just the "Industrial policy" !! Our nation needs "good" people pursuing "right" principles.

** Speaker Meira Kumar !! **

Mrs Meira Kumar, daughter of Late Jaga Jeevan Ram, has been elected as the Parliament Speaker. Right from the beginning, I never liked this lady. Previously, she has been Minister twice or thrice. But for the "Dalit" Label, I dont know whether this lady has any other qualification. Earlier we have seen this label having been used to elect certain top most positions in our country. Now, this lady's election as Speaker is only a testimony to the nasty 'caste' politics in India. But - there is a blessing in disguise - she was nominated as a Minister of State earlier before few days. She has to resign that post and now has taken charge as Speaker. Well, atleast one of our Ministries has escaped her "governance"!! In fact, electing a talented person as Speaker is only wasting a talented individual, very few talents we have as such as MPs. Dr Manmohan Singh, in that way, has been wise not to waste one talented person as the Parliament Speaker. :)

** Spelling Bee **

Last week I happened to watch the telecast of "US Spelling Bee" contest. Out of the three kids who reached the final stages - two were Indian kids (girls). The way the kids handled the toughest of the words with ease was fascinating to watch. I have not even heard about 99% (100%?) of the words that the kids were made to spell. Finally, Kavya Shivashankar, an Indian girl won it. I was thrilled. With a lot of my friends having settled in US, I wish, one day, I will be able to see one of my friend's son or daughter win this championship (do they entertain Indians to participate?? .... and .... If not for this championship, I would be happy to settle for a Wimbeldon championship by anyone of my friend's kids. ;) )