ARDH SATYA

SABINA SEHGAL SAIKIA

2008-12-02T02:28:00.001+05:30

The war’s shifted from sweaty trains and crowded streets
To gilt-edged porcelain and clean, white perfumed sheets
The crimson rain has curdled the cream with its warm, sticky drizzle
Somethings changed; now even food reviewers have begun to sizzle

To Sebastian Rodrigues aka NAXAL (sic)

2008-11-05T23:14:00.000+05:30

Between his lovers Cavrem, Pissurlem and Colamb
Each, a mineralized, ravaged, toxic tomb
He seemingly flits, with neurotic delight
This amorous home grown ‘Naxalite

Another morsel of flesh

2008-11-05T23:07:00.000+05:30

Finally, in a moment random,
The boy without a condom, erred
And spurred the media to write
A story of pornographic delight

CLVII

2008-03-29T12:57:00.000+05:30

After EC officials discovered Rs 2.5 million in her hotel room in Meghalaya

Rs 2.5 million stashed in a Shillong suite

Booked by Alva and her Congress pets

Maybe we're wrong, maybe we just fret

But then, why does money always dog Margaret?

CLVI

2008-03-29T12:56:00.000+05:30

On Scarlett Keeling's mysterious death

The dead don't talkA crime is conveniently blocked

But an officer's quiet has a stated price

His depravity, raised to the power of avarice

CLV

2008-03-29T12:55:00.000+05:30

On British teenager Scarlette Keeling's suspicious death
A 15-year-old's dead
Washed ashore with a bruised head
Another rape? Another khaki sham?
It's the Goa Police, that needs a post-mortem

CLIV

2008-03-29T12:54:00.002+05:30

ON OIL-SEEPAGE INTO WELLS OF MORMUGAO
'If you dont have bread, eat cake'

Saw the France's conscience shake

It's time the State takes stock, dwells

Why has oil replaced water in our wells?

CLXIII

2008-03-29T12:54:00.001+05:30

Reading between the lines, one can rarely grasp
While chasing a languid puff of grass
Goa's always played host to a very sorry Governor creed*
But, it's good to see this zeal now, for governors on Speed**!!!

* Barring a couple of glorious exceptions
** Amphetamine sulphate, a high inducing drug

CLXII

2008-03-29T12:53:00.000+05:30

Goa presents the only cavity

In Newton's theory of gravity

While, a ripe red apple may still pop

It takes forever for a minister to drop

CLXI

2008-03-29T12:51:00.002+05:30

It's ironic, that the Cosa Nostra will meet once more

That's the Mafia which deals in land, not ore.

Who, after almost pillaging Goa, have now been called

To follow the 'natural justice' principle

CLX

2008-03-29T12:49:00.000+05:30

Fact is always stranger than fiction
Life allows no retakes, nor scripted diction
As Munnabhai, he charmed us all with his moral sway
As Sanjay, it's the same old story of lies and dismay

FINGERING

2008-01-06T19:19:00.000+05:30

Bucknor and Benson
Index fingers taut with tension
Sydney was a test of lies
These ass-holes in an umpire's guise

Bucknor-Benson effigies burnt
Umpire gaffes hurt as India tries to push for victory

Quatrain CLIX -- ESCORT SERVICE

2007-05-21T23:17:00.000+05:30

Bypass can now be tackled without
A preoperative anesthetic span
Did you not see how Escorts bypassed
A clot called Naresh Trehan

Fortis eases out Naresh Trehan from Escorts
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/India/Fortis_eases_out_Naresh_Trehan_from_Escorts/articleshow/2060592.cms

Quatrain CLVIII -- ITALY TO NEPALI

2007-03-09T23:33:00.000+05:30

Foreign, isn't always a smiling white
Often, it is
Brown
With a coarse frown

Supreme Court Gives Cong MP Six Weeks to Prove Indian Citizenship
http://www.indiadaily.org/entry/supreme-court-to-cong-mp-prove-you-are-indian-within-6-weeks/
Cong MP born 4 times at 3 places!
http://www.ibnlive.com/news/born-4-times-at-3-places-is-subba-faking-identity/35342-4.html
Is Cong MP Subba not a citizen of India?
http://www.hindustantimes.com/news/181_1946826,000600010001.htm

Quatrain CLVII -- THE HAND THAT SCRUBS THE BUM

2006-12-08T03:34:00.000+05:30

You just can’t pin the Left down
Even their toilet paper’s never brown
The only way you can tell
Is that nauseating smell

Stung by SC judgements, MPs to discuss judicial ‘over-activism'
http://www.tribuneindia.com/2006/20061208/main5.htm
Judicial activism does not augur well for system: Gurudas
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/NEWS/India/Judicial_activism_does_not_augur_well_for_system_Gurudas/articleshow/739034.cms Lok Sabha to debate on powers division between judiciary and legislature
http://www.dailyindia.com/show/90524.php/Lok-Sabha-to-debate-on-powers-division-between-judiciary-and-legislature

Quatrain CLVI -- WHEN THE LARDER REEKS

2006-12-06T00:27:00.000+05:30

A dead rat in any Cabinet
Will smell
But mice will be mice
And never tell

JMM to claim berth vacated by Soren in Cabinet
http://www.hindustantimes.com/news/181_1860049,000600010001.htm
Soren, first ex-Cabinet Minister to get life imprisonment(lead: Soren) http://www.dailyindia.com/show/89669.php/Soren-first-ex-Cabinet-Minister-to-get-life-imprisonment
No, minister
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/690403.cms

Quatrain CLV -- MOONING

2006-11-10T19:30:00.000+05:30

We are going to the moon
But is it too soon?
Remember its crust is broken, dry
Wonder why Vidharba’s farmers die?

BJP to meet Prez over farmer suicide
http://www.ibnlive.com/news/bjp-to-meet-prez-over-farmer-suicide/23637-4.html
Govindacharya lashes at govt for farmer suicides
http://www.hindustantimes.com/news/181_1839657,000900040001.htm
Destination Moon: ISRO to draw blueprint today
http://www.dnaindia.com/report.asp?NewsID=106253
ISRO Plans for Manned Space Mission - Is the Price Tag Justified ?
http://www.bloggernews.net/11896

Quatrain CLIV -- THIS BYTE IS SPONSORED BY...

2006-11-07T11:01:00.001+05:30

On matters trivial, trite
The Hero breaks his quiet
Sycophancy is certainly as Indian
As Sachin

Sachin, former cricketers slam Aussies for nudging Sharad Pawar
http://www.dnaindia.com/report.asp?NewsID=1062491
Aussies' behaviour irks Tendulkar
http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/007200611061740.htm
Who is Shobhan Mehta?
http://www.rediff.com/news/2005/jun/03spec.htm
Bookie Shobhan Mehta had links with Azhar, Jadeja, Mongia
http://www.indiaexpress.com/news/sports/cricket/20050611-2.html
Sachin felt let down by Dravid's declaration
http://cricket.indiatimes.com/articleshow/1832688.cms
Tendulkar examined by Madhavan over 1999 Ahmedabad Test
http://content-usa.cricinfo.com/india/content/story/101037.html
http://www.telegraphindia.com/1001212/sports.htm#head2
http://www.publicintegrity.org/report.aspx?aid=448

Quatrain CLIII -- 'RAM'BLING ON

2006-11-05T13:23:00.000+05:30

When an aged sage
Bursts into a rage
There’s no call for outrage or pity
Just give him a while to comprehend senility

Manu will walk free: Jethmalani
http://www.ibnlive.com/news/manu-will-walk-free-jethmalani/25389-3.html
Manu Sharma is a Innocent boy:Ram Jethmalani
http://www.newasiatimes.com/news/reports/?report=11901
Jessica murder: Jethmalani firm on defending prime accused
http://www.newasiatimes.com/news/reports/?report=11901

Quatrain CLII -- EMBEDDED EXCLUSIVES

2006-10-27T17:51:00.000+05:30

NDTV, take a bow
For coaxing the Holy Cow
To crap,
Then broadcasting it, gift-wrapped

Sonia's exclusive interview to Vir Sanghvi on NDTV
http://www.ndtv.com/topstories/showtopstory.asp?category=National&slug=Manmohan+Singh+a+man+of+integrity%3A+Sonia&id=20598

Quatrain CLI -- BARMY ARMY

2006-10-24T12:07:00.000+05:30

Who's whipping up this fear?
Of a mole in every army tier
Why should the ISI plant spies galore, when
Defence Ministers' make-do with a couple of crore

Pranab: No decision yet to blacklist Barak
http://www.financialexpress.com/fe_full_story.php?content_id=143240
Probe on to unravel spy network in Army: Pranab
http://www.kashmirobserver.com/index.php?id=896
Two Armymen in spy net, Pak driver in it too
http://cities.expressindia.com/fullstory.php?newsid=206263
ISI trying to subvert forces, says Pranab
http://www.tribuneindia.com/2006/20061024/main1.htm
Armed forces in a tizzy over Pak moles
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/2236118.cms

Quatrain CL -- WHEN A NOOSE BECOMES A CLIMBING ROPE

2006-10-18T00:23:00.000+05:30

He’s back
Clean from crack
Now he even has a vision, whose
Root stems from Afzal's noose

Rahul Mahajan to join BJP's anti-clemency dharna
http://www.business-standard.com/common/storypage_c_online.p
hp?leftnm=11&bKeyFlag=IN&autono=16440
Rahul Mahajan wants Afzal hanged, to sit on dharna
http://www.mumbaimirror.com/nmirror/mmpaper.asp?sectid=2&a
rticleid=1016200623405157810162006234042562
Rahul Mahajan to join BJP's anti-clemency dharna
http://www.business-standard.com/common/storypage_c_online.php?leftnm=11&bKeyFlag=IN&autono=16440
Rahul Mahjan to sit on dharna to press for death sentence to Afzal
http://www.zeenews.com/znnew/articles.asp?aid=329869&sid=REG

Quatrain CXXXXIX -- DRDO... DODO

2006-10-17T01:02:00.001+05:30

A five-year old tot
Mailed Kalam, a Viagra dot
He'd heard that the missile man's gun
Took more than two decades to come

Buy or make: Can the forces bank on DRDO
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/2172733.cms
Govt. plans to close down Trishul anti-missile programme
http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/001200610162135.htm
Govt drives final nail to 'Trishul' coffin
http://www.hindustantimes.com/news/181_1822196,0008.htm\
R&D work on Trishul missile to be stopped
http://www.hindu.com/2006/10/15/stories/2006101502771000.htm

Quatrain CXXXXVIII -- FAROOQ FAR OFTEN

2006-10-16T00:50:00.001+05:30

The playboy prince of flesh
Can afford to be rash
Let India burn
And pack the ashes, in an electoral urn

Farooq trying to create communal wedge
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/2172309.cms
Hang Afzal, and some crook may kill judges
http://www.ibnlive.com/news/hang-afzal-and-some-crook-may-kill-judges/23963-3.html
India will burn if rebel hanged says Kashmiri leader
http://www.ibnlive.com/news/hang-afzal-and-some-crook-may-kill-judges/23963-3.html
If Afzal is hanged Kashmir, India will go up in flames: Farooq
http://www.greaterkashmir.com/full_story.asp?Date=15_10_2006&ItemID=26&cat=1

Quatrain CXXXXVII -- BLUE BILLION BUCKS

2006-10-13T02:13:00.000+05:30

The match-fixing sharks
Stride back into the park
Somewhere, someone’s held the door held ajar
For Kapil, Chopra, Jadeja, Mongia, Akram, Azhar

Suddenly, all those accused and prima facie fishy players in the match fixing scandal have returned and are back to playing roles, suspisciously aligned with the sport. Kapil (25 lakh to throw away a match against Pakistan) as chairman of the National Cricket Academy. Ajay Jadeja (betting on matches he was involved in and underperforming) as commentator. Nikhil Chopra (for match fixing and proximity to bookie Sanjeev Chawla) as a commentator and member of the Delhi state selection committee. Azhar (matchfixing and underperformance) is also on the verge of being embraced by the BCCI. Nayan Mongia coaches the Thailand cricket team. The BCCI has “cleared” these cricketers through its seedy “internal enquiries”. The Delhi Police have also ruled out the involvement of Indian players in the matchfixing scandal after probing Gibbs. Was match-fixing only a bad dream then?
Nayan Mongia to coach Thailand
content-usa.cricinfo.com/india/content/story/141024.html
Azhar, Ajay Sharma may be prosecuted
http://www.tribuneindia.com/2000/20001102/main1.htm
New committee fails to decide on shortlist (Nikhil Chopra)
http://cities.expressindia.com/fullstory.php?newsid=201942
Nikhil Chopra deposes before CBI
in.rediff.com/sports/2000/jun/29chopra.htm
Kapil becomes new NCA Chief
http://cricket.expressindia.com/fulleistory.php?content_id=74572
Match-fixing judge surprised at Mushtaq's (Mushtaq Ahmad) appointment
http://content-usa.cricinfo.com/australia/content/current/story/259929.html
Match-fixing judge reveals 'soft corner' for Akram
content-usa.cricinfo.com/pakvind/content/story/232548.html
BCCI to honour ex-skipper Azhar
http://www.dnaindia.com/report.asp?NewsID=1058262

Quatrain CXXXXVII -- DISPATCHED

2006-10-12T00:56:00.000+05:30

A Russian journalist’s slain
The West is confused, pained
Poor Politkovskaya wouldn’t have been killed
If she'd embedded herself, on her own will

Journalist's Murder Seen as Indictment of Putin
http://blog.washingtonpost.com/worldopinionroundup/2006/10/journalists_murder_seen_as_ind_1.html
'Independent journalism has been killed in Russia'
http://www.guardian.co.uk/russia/article/0,,1896806,00.html
Putin criticised over journalist remarks
http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/CF400CC1-71A9-4BA1-B99C-E98FE44586EE.htm
Putin decries journalist's slaying and reporting
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2003298640_russia11.html
Embedded journalist
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Embedded_journalist
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2003_invasion_of_Iraq_media_coverage#.22Embedded.22_reporters
http://www.democracynow.org/static/IMIATOW.shtml
US media acts as a cover for power, says leading reporter
http://www.ekklesia.co.uk/content/news_syndication/article_060928media.shtml
Colbert Roasts President Bush - 2006 White House Correspondents
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-869183917758574879

Quatrain CXXXXVI -- POOR VAJPAYEE... DIDN'T THEY GIVE HIM A PENNY?

2006-10-11T01:24:00.001+05:30

Coffins, missiles, subs and ships
Did we just hear India’s underpants rip?
The last line of her defence, one would wonder
Must be some Swiss bank account number

Fernandes in CBI cross-hairs for Barak missile deal
http://www.financialexpress.com/fe_full_story.php?content_id=142995
Quiz Kalam, not me: Fernandes
http://www.ibnlive.com/news/quiz-kalam-not-me-fernandes/23691-3.html
George Fernandes in Israel arms deal probe
http://in.today.reuters.com/news/NewsArticle.aspx?type=topNews&storyID=
2006-10-10T221040Z_01_NOOTR_RTRJONC_0_India-271696-1.xml
CBI alleges Rs two crore bribe to Jaya Jaitley
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/2141131.cms
CBI names George Fernandes in arms scandal
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/2139787.cms

Quatrain CXXXXV -- CAST'E' IRON

2006-10-09T23:23:00.000+05:30

Kanshi Ram, V P Singh
Sinister masters of chess
Where shameless political moves
Are disguised as a caress

Kanshi Ram's family to sue Mayawati
http://www.ibnlive.com/news/kanshi-rams-family-to-sue-mayawati/23547-4.html
Master strategist, towering leader
http://www.dnaindia.com/report.asp?NewsID=1057692
Founder of India's most powerful lower caste party, Kanshi Ram, dies
http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2006/10/09/asia/AS_GEN_India_Obit_Kanshi_Ram.php
VP Singh - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/V._P._Singh

Quatrain CXXXXIV -- LETS HANG OUT TOGETHER

2006-10-08T02:20:00.000+05:30

The jury is out
Ooh, isn't Afzal is haute
That end of the rope from which he hangs
Propels the ends of Haksar and her publicity gang

PUCL for clemency for Afzal
http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/002200610071925.htm
Protests on Afzal death sentence continue
http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/002200610061840.htm
Death of Afzal Guru will not solve anything
http://www.asiantribune.com/index.php?q=node/2344
Pakistan watching Afzal case
http://www.hindu.com/2006/10/06/stories/2006100618831700.htm
Kashmir body urges EU intervention to save life of Kashmiri in India
http://www.irna.ir/en/news/view/menu-234/0610057185162914.htm

Quatrain CXXXXIII -- NEWS SENSE

2006-10-04T21:57:00.000+05:30

Two bums from two ends of Fleet-street
Finally meet.
On their face there’s a frown
A rival bum's coming from the other edge of town

HT Media signs MoU with Times of India Group
http://www.myiris.com/newsCentre/newsPopup.php?fileR=20061003113149043&dir=2006/10/03&secID=livenews
India Rivals Join to Publish a Daily
http://online.wsj.com/google_login.html?url=http%3A%2F%2Fonline.wsj.com%2Farticle%2FSB115990364283681463.html%3Fmod%3Dgooglenews_wsj
Delhi's media giants join hands to launch paper
http://news.monstersandcritics.com/india/article_1207834.php/Delhis_media_giants_join_hands_to_launch_paper
HT Media Ltd, TOI Group shake hands on 50:50 joint venture
http://www.agencyfaqs.com/news/stories/2006/10/04/16100.html
TOI, HT join hands to publish Delhi paper
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/2076288.cms
HT Media, Times Group forge JV
http://www.hindustantimes.com/news/181_1811687,00020009.htm

Quatrain CXXXXII -- SMOKING GUN

2006-10-04T00:52:00.000+05:30

Terror is in the mind
Often a mess, the state leaves behind
To fester the sore
Terror’s a militant, even a mosquito

Dengue cases in Delhi cross 500; not an epidemic yet
http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/000200610032101.htm
AIIMS ill-equipped for dengue rush
http://www.ibnlive.com/news/aiims-illequipped-for-dengue-rush/23121-3.html
Dengue situation continues to be grim
http://www.ibnlive.com/news/dengue-situation-continues-to-be-grim/23128-3.html
33 dengue cases confirmed in Haryana
http://www.hindustantimes.com/news/181_1811907,0009.htm
One more dengue case reported in Jammu and Kashmir
http://www.kashmirobserver.com/index.php?id=697

Quatrain CXXXXI -- WHO SEZ ITS A SCAM?

2006-09-29T22:34:00.000+05:30

Grubby land grabbing is past
Now corporates want land sans fuss, fast
Trust governments to be reliably sleazy
Rustling up SEZ after SEZ

Corporate India's take on SEZ
http://www.moneycontrol.com/india/news/business/sezadigodrej/corporateindiastakesez/market/stocks/article/243149
There'll be no real estate scam: Kamal Nath
http://www.hindu.com/2006/09/29/stories/2006092904111200.htm
PM to look into SEZ issue: Nath
http://www.mumbaimirror.com/nmirror/mmpaper.asp?sectid=13&articleid=92820062230192969282006222947515
Gram sabha nod must for SEZs: Medha
http://www.hindu.com/2006/09/28/stories/2006092820981400.htm

Quatrain CXXXX -- THE SURREAL CEREAL

2006-09-28T18:16:00.000+05:30

In love
Rice
In Iraq
Avarice

Rice-MacKay romantic rumours heating up
http://www.canada.com/vancouversun/news/story.html?id=2e1f8858-752e-4e1b-8741-617180e1cdf8&k=13661
Rice laughed off love report
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/2030285.cms
Rice laughs off romance rumours
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20060913.wRice13/BNStory/International/home

Quatrain CXXXIX -- TERROR SONG II

2006-09-13T19:53:00.000+05:30

Terror isn’t all about hate
There’s passion too
And a love,
For dismembering doves

Quatrain CXXXVIII -- TERROR SONG I

2006-09-11T20:58:00.000+05:30

Terror is a bard
Trying very hard
To sing...
Unrelenting

Quatrain CXXXVII -- WHAM BAM MATARAM

2006-09-08T21:20:00.000+05:30

Designer tri-colour tilaks on the head
Politics, a buttered loaf of garlic bread
Patriotism is fine refuge for scum
Why fuss over ‘One-Day Mataram’

Sporting a 'tilak' in the form of Vande Mataram written on his forehead....
BJP for Vande Mataram singing to be a fundamental duty

Quatrain CXXXVI -- KALA PATTHAR

2006-09-07T20:27:00.000+05:30

Sometimes she behaves queer
Or perhaps conceals her tear, when
she swallows poor flesh in soiled vests
And then allows 81 ogres* to rake her chest

54 coal miners feared dead in Dhanbad
http://www.dnaindia.com/report.asp?NewsID=1051611
Search on for over 50 trapped Dhanbad miners
http://www.zeenews.com/articles.asp?aid=320784&sid=NAT&ssid=
*Jharkhand MLAs want to be kings
http://www.ibnlive.com/news/jharkhand-mlas-want-to-be-kings/20826-4.html
*Munda gets a week to prove majority
http://www.indianexpress.com/story/12160.html

Quatrain CXXXV -- KKIS 'ORE' LE JAYEGI MUNDA KKO KIISMET?

2006-09-06T19:36:00.000+05:30

They’ve dug her flesh, found rich ore
She’s still young… now they want more
One gang’s done… they’ve had their swill
Now the Congress homes in with their drill

Soren demands Arjun Munda’s resignation
http://internationalreporter.com/news/read.php?id=2202
Cong trying to destabilise Munda govt, says BJP
http://www.tribuneindia.com/2006/20060906/nation.htm
Munda Govt. should go: Left
http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/001200609061503.htm
Crisis in Jharkhand, NDA garnering support
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/1960031.cms
Will Mittal Steel India's Jharkhand project take off?http://www.moneycontrol.com/india/news/business/sanakmishramittalsteelindia/willmittalsteelindiasjharkhandprojecttakeoff/market/stocks/article/234159
Jharkhand project alive: Mittal Steel
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/1886040.cms

Quatrain CXXXIV -- JINHE NAAZ HAI HIND PAR VOH KAHAN HAIN?

2006-08-25T19:04:00.000+05:30

From Nehru’s tryst
To Sadhu’s Yadav’s fist
Our Parliament when aroused
Shames a decadent whore-house

Lok Sabha witnesses new low in MPs' behaviour
http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/001200608241762.htm
MPs come to blows (well, almost)
http://www.mumbaimirror.com/nmirror/mmpaper.asp?sectid=4&articleid=82420062146309218242006213838625
Showdown in Lok Sabha
http://www.tribuneindia.com/2006/20060825/main1.htm
Indian MPs almost come to blows
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/5282522.stm

INFREQUENT AGAIN!

2006-08-23T08:55:00.000+05:30

Sorry people.. forgot to mention - again - been travelling for a few days and will be for a few more. Difficult to post till then.

Quatrain CXXXIII -- LEADER OF PROPOSITION

2006-08-16T13:46:00.000+05:30

Elected MPs are erect and irate
Sting journalism they berate
Advani stands; his knife honed and hot
To bobbit* the thing that stings a lot

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lorena_Bobbitt
Opposition gives clean chit to Gavit
http://www.mumbaimirror.com/nmirror/mmpaper.asp?sec
tid=4&articleid=81420062240311408142006223924750
All parties support Gavit, urge probe into sting
http://indiaenews.com/2006-08/18495-parties-gavit-urge-
probe-sting.htm
Gavit ready to face any probe
http://www.zeenews.com/znnew/articles.asp?aid=315499&sid=NAT

Quatrain CXXXII -- AIDS CHOONE SE NAHIN FAILTA

2006-08-14T18:58:00.000+05:30

HIV doesn’t spread by touch
Politicians know and don’t fret much
Or else, grabbing all that Telgi cash
Could’ve caused an epidemic of rash

CM, Bhujbal deny role in Telgi scam
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/1890917.cms
Now, Telgi tapes talk of Sangma, Bhujbal
http://www.dnaindia.com/report.asp?NewsID=1047158
Bhujbal denies having received money from Telgi
http://www.zeenews.com/znnew/articles.asp?aid=315345&sid=REG
Telgi Scam Timeline
http://www.dnaindia.com/report.asp?NewsID=1047159
Telgi admitted to hospital
http://www.dnaindia.com/report.asp?NewsID=1042329
Telgi tape: Vilasrao issued licenses
http://www.moneycontrol.com/india/news/curr
entaffairs/telgiabdulkarimtelgi/telgitapevilasrao
issuedlicenses/market/stocks/article/234305

Quatrain CXXXI -- THE FOREIGN HAND AND THE INDIGENOUS ARM

2006-08-13T17:27:00.000+05:30

A black transistor… terror tool
Liquids and gels… militants’ drool
Wonder, what comes of such a State
Where terrorists legislate?

Quatrain CXXX -- LALUA --- THE LAW

2006-08-12T19:01:00.000+05:30

Law is not an ass
For the Yadav class*
To them, law is a beast
Milked first, then butchered for a feast

I don't know Bharati's address: Yadav
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/1767658.cms
Lalu Prasad Yadav - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laloo_Prasad_Yadav
Lucknow's shame: No law in Mulayam land
http://www.rediff.com/news/2006/mar/27meher.htm
* exception allowed for

Quatrain CXXIX -- TEL MAALISH

2006-08-11T19:09:00.000+05:30

Two thieves spar
For the spoils of war
The one who's caught, hollers
The other's lipstik is on Pathak's collar

Natwar knocks at doors of Sonia, PM
http://www.financialexpress.com/fe_full_story.php?content_id=136975
Natwar's suspension bid to save Sonia: BJP
http://www.hindustantimes.com/news/181_1763963,001302050000.htm

Quatrain CXXVIII -- PESTIC(H)IDE

2006-08-10T17:23:00.000+05:30

Pepsi or Coke
Neither broke
Neither care
Go on... split your hair

Quatrain CXXVII -- HAATH KI SAFAI

2006-08-09T18:07:00.000+05:30

We all know, that the Gandhi clan
Reaches out to the common man
And holds his palm
Albeit severed at the arm

Quatrain CXXVI -- "SPY"ROCKETING BOOK-SALES

2006-08-04T18:40:00.000+05:30

Salesman or spy
Which theory do you buy?
Secrets he may have told
But ensured Jaswant's book sold

Jaswant`s book set to ride `controversy` sales
http://www.business-standard.com/common/storypage_c.php?leftnm=10&bKeyFlag=BO&autono=99565&chkFlg=

Quatrain CXXV -- A BEGINNERS GUIDE ON HOW TO SELL A BOOK

2006-08-02T21:10:00.000+05:30

Jaswant's book
Whichever way you look
Has no mole.
Neither a soul

Mole puts BJP in a hole
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/1820794.cms
Dishonourable silence
http://www.hindustantimes.com/news/181_1754491,0012.htm

Quatrain CXXIV -- 13 YEARS LATER... 200 FUNERALS

2006-07-15T19:14:00.000+05:30

In the city of dreams
Trouble begins
When someone
Rouses her up

Serial blasts rock Mumbai, 172 killed
http://www.ndtv.com/template/template.asp?template=terrorstrikes&slug=Serial+
blasts+rock+Mumbai%2C+172+killed&id=19794&callid=0&category=National

Quatrain CXXIII -- NAVEL LEAK

2006-06-24T02:27:00.000+05:30

Navymen, their quirks
Admirals, the real works
When bladders rumble deep
Time to take a war room leak

Indian Navy war room leak suspect hiding in UK
http://www.indiadaily.com/editorial/9594.asp
CBI conducts nationwide searches in Navy war room leak case
http://www.dnaindia.com/report.asp?NewsID=1037248
CBI raids army, navy officers
http://www.dnaindia.com/report.asp?NewsID=1037420

Quatrain CXXII -- LEFT HAND THRIVE

2006-06-23T00:06:00.000+05:30

In thirty years, the blunt sickle
Has severed off Bengal’s teat
For a nickel
Now the hammer's at the remaining bit

Reliance to invest $435 mln agro-retail in West Bengal
http://in.today.reuters.com/news/newsArticle.aspx?type=businessNews
&storyID=2006-06-21T200508Z_01_NOOTR_RTRJONC_0_India-255994-2.xml&archived=False
Mukesh brings Rs 4000-cr B'day gift for Left Front
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/1669572.cms
Rs 4,000 cr Reliance gift on Left`s 30th birthday
http://www.business-standard.com/common/storypage_c.php?leftnm=10
&bKeyFlag=BO&autono=95853&chkFlg=
Left creates history in WB with 30 years of rule
http://www.zeenews.com/articles.asp?aid=303859&sid=REG&ssid=

Quatrain CXXI -- THE ITALIAN JOB

2006-06-17T01:16:00.000+05:30

Monica Bellucci’s curves
Shouldn’t test Congress’ nerves
Once she enacted Magdalene*
Now it’s the other gracious virgin**

* Bellucci plays Magdalene in the Passion of the Christ
http://www.passion-movie.com/home.html
** Monica Bellucci to play Sonia Gandhi
http://www.ibnlive.com/news/monica-bellucci-to-play-sonia-gandhi/11819-8.html
** Monica Bellucci to play Sonia Gandhi
http://www.expressindia.com/fullstory.php?newsid=68418

Quatrain CXX -- THE GELDING* KNIGHT

2006-06-14T18:50:00.000+05:30

We have been dolts
To expect this turbaned colt
To win this race, when
Madam's likes geldings in men

*A castrated animal, especially a male horse
Gandhi, Singh double-act makes good theatre
http://www.financialexpress.com/latest_full_story.php?content_id=129915

Quatrain CXIX -- IN THE NAME OF THE FATHER, SON AND ALL THOSE SPIRITS

2006-06-02T20:12:00.000+05:30

Champions of Hindu chaste
Lie bared and waste
Ram for masses with hands stained
For us champagne and cocaine*

Rahul consumed champagne last night: Police
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/1606690.cms
Rahul critical, put on life support
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/1609594.cms

Quatrain CXVIII -- SO WHAT ROLE ARE YOU PLAYING TODAY?

2006-05-31T10:02:00.000+05:30

They use a mop
As a patriotic prop*
Life is a stage, where
Actors improve with age

Aamir Khan arrives as an Indian citizen
http://www.gulfnews.com/opinion/columns/world/10043547.html

Quatrain CXVII -- TABLOID TEARS

2006-05-30T01:34:00.000+05:30

Aamir Khan isn’t wrong
But his truth reeks strong.
Somewhere beneath Narmada’s torrent
Lies his murky under current

Controversy is cool for films
http://www.ibnlive.com/news/controversy-is-cool-for-films/11757-8.html
Amid protests and ban, the show goes on
http://www.hindu.com/2006/05/27/stories/2006052719511600.htm

Quatrain CXVI -- BITS AND PIECES AND OTHERS EASY DIETS

2006-05-27T03:13:00.000+05:30

Yet again, they break the bread*
Smaller the bits, more easily had
Once done, coarse political chums
Brush their sleeves off the crumbs

* Reservation bill to be passed in monsoon session
http://news.moneycontrol.com/india/news/currentaffairs/
humanresourcedevelopmentministerarjunsingh/reservationbillto
bepassedmonsoonsession/market/stocks/article/216509

Quatrain CXV -- POPE SWINGS THE BRANDING ROPE

2006-05-24T22:10:00.000+05:30

Come to the cross
Orders the mob boss
And unleashes Dias*
At whatever the price

* Refer CXIV

Quatrain CXIV -- THE FIREWATER POPE

2006-05-23T23:11:00.000+05:30

The ravenous Pope
Swings his long rope
Yells, ‘convert them all’
Bout time, a fresh haul*

* A parallel development in the Vatican, which the media appears to have missed out on, is the appointment of an Indian Cardinal Ivan Dias as head of the Congregation for the Evangelisation of Peoples, a wing in charge of conversions. Dias has his work cut out. The Congregation for the Evangelisation of Peoples, founded in 1622, is the Vatican's department entrusted with the coordination of programmes aimed at spreading the Good News of Jesus Christ in territories where Christianity is ‘young’.

Anti-conversion attempts interfere in God’s competence: Cardinal Ivan
http://www.theindiancatholic.com/news_read.asp?nid=1774
Pope asks India not to ban religious conversions
http://www.hindustantimes.com/news/181_1701967,0008.htm
Pope condemns India conversion
lawshttp://www.ndtv.com/morenews/showmorestory.asp?slug=Pope+condemns+India+
conversion+laws&id=88134&category=National
Pope condemns India's ban on religious conversion
http://www.hindustantimes.com/news/181_1701313,0005.htm
Cardinal Ivan Dias to Head Crucial Vatican Office
http://www.daijiworld.com/news/news_disp.asp?n_id=21632&n_tit=Cardinal+Ivan+Dias+
to+Head+Crucial+Vatican+Office

Quatrain CXIII -- A NICE MAN WHO FARTS IN THE CLOSET

2006-05-22T22:53:00.000+05:30

When vision
Suffers a lesion
Knowledge,*
Dulls its edge

2 knowledge panel members quit
http://www.ibnlive.com/news/two-knowledge-panel-members-quit-over-quota/11136-3.html
Quota: 2 Knowledge Commission members quit
http://www.dnaindia.com/report.asp?NewsID=1030628&CatID=2

Quatrain CXII -- FACEPACK JUSTICE II

2006-05-20T12:00:00.000+05:30

Law heeded Lal
Pricked by that elitist squall
Now Bhargava's killer is shot*
And Mattoo forgot**

* Main accused in Mehar Bhargava case shot dead
http://www.dnaindia.com/report.asp?NewsID=1030272&CatID=2
** (pls read quatrain LXV)

Quatrain CXI -- SEX AND THE VATICAN CITY III

2006-05-19T17:39:00.000+05:30

Where was Ram's birth?
What exactly was Muhommad's girth?
Did Christ biologically spawn?
Does it really matter... yawn

Quatrain CX -- SEX AND THE VATICAN CITY II

2006-05-18T15:00:00.000+05:30

Now, Goa bans the film.
Such is the power of the Church's whim
That even a priest of homosexual taint
Is a convenient secular saint*

*Thousands of Indian Catholics bid farewell to slain priest, suspects admit to crime
http://www.catholic.org/international/international_story.php?id=19139
Catholic Priest Murdered in Goa State, India
http://www.opendoorsusa.org/ArchiveDisplay.asp?ID=C4DE3B9F-F768-42C4-B553-98A608A54134&
Category=News
Murdered: Goa parish priest who spoke out against inter-faith violence
http://www.asianews.it/view.php?l=en&art=5680

Quatrain CIX -- SEX AND THE VATICAN CITY I

2006-05-17T16:28:00.000+05:30

These are signs of India going secular
From the fringe, Christianity goes regular
'Da Vinci Code' is in flight over Rome, across
But in India, it wears an albatross

Goa says no to Da Vinci Code
http://web.mid-day.com/news/nation/2006/may/137419.htm
'The Da Vinci Code' India release in trouble
http://www.newkerala.com/news2.php?action=fullnews&id=59956
I&B Minister to watch Da Vinci Code
http://www.ndtv.com/topstories/showtopstory.asp?category=National
&slug=I%26B +Minister+to+watch+Da+Vinci+Code&id=19410

Quatrain CVIII -- THE GREAT HUMAN RESOURCE ORGY

2006-05-16T18:45:00.000+05:30

The lust to be great
Young millions, bait
Arjun, who once pierced the fish in the eye**
Now simply torches the seas, for his catch*

** I do not leave things half way: Arjun Singh
http://sify.com/news/fullstory.php?id=14201517
* Mythological tales Arjun
http://www.urday.com/arjun.htm

Quatrain CVII -- 36 garh

2006-05-16T10:20:00.000+05:30

Father to a murderer son
Forgery too, he's ordered done
Jogi now jangles his balls
Sends Madam his mating call*

* Jogic postures
http://www.indianexpress.com/story/4276.html
Ajit Jogi leads 25 MPS in asking Sonia to takeover as PM
http://www.newkerala.com/news2.php?action=fullnews&id=57631
Is Manmohan to blame for poll performance?
http://sify.com/news/fullstory.php?id=14204730
Letter appeal to be PM, Sonia cool
http://www.telegraphindia.com/1060512/asp/nation/story_6213940.asp

Quatrain CVI -- PHATA POSTER NIKLA HERO

2006-05-14T00:07:00.000+05:30

The media pees in pleasure
Watches the slimy womb fissure
Momma…she’s ready with political candy
Even as India litters yet another Gandhi*

* Rahul Gandhi may come up as General Secretary
http://internationalreporter.com/news/read.php?id=1416
Coming soon: Rahul Gandhi as gen secy
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/1528041.cms
Rahul Gandhi an `upcoming star`: Jaiswal
http://www.zeenews.com/znnew/articles.asp?aid=294762&sid=NAT
Mother's win pushes Rahul closer to Gandhi throne
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2006/05/
13/wgandhi13.xml&sSheet=/news/2006/05/13/ixnews.html
‘Was it just Rahul?’
http://www.mumbaimirror.com/nmirror/mmpaper.asp?sectid=4&articleid=
512200622447437512200622432687
'Upcoming star Rahul Gandhi a ray of hope'
http://www.expressindia.com/fullstory.php?newsid=67586

Quatrain CV -- YOU WANT LAW...? SORRY, SHE'S BEING LAID III

2006-05-13T01:53:00.000+05:30

Parliamentarians make law
The way dogs romp in heat
Rubbings their noses and drooling jaws
Against some rich bitch’s seat

Office-of-profit: Govt ready with Bill
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/1522938.cms
Politicians save self in office of profit controversy
http://www.financialexpress.com/latest_full_story.php?content_id=126580
Office of profit: Govt approves amendment
http://www.ndtv.com/template/template.asp?fromtimeline=true&id=19360&callid=0&template=profitbill
Bill to halt Delhi demolition drive
http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2006/05/13/stories/2006051303520100.htm
Bill on Delhi demolitions passed
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/4765277.stm
LS passes bill to halt Delhi demolition
http://web.mid-day.com/news/nation/2006/may/137146.htm
Broken structures or political foundations?
http://www.ibnlive.com/news/broken-structures-or-political-foundations/10284-3.html
Both Congress, BJP join hands to stop bulldozer in the Capital
http://www.newkerala.com/news2.php?action=fullnews&id=58224
Parliament halts demolition drive
http://www.dnaindia.com/report.asp?NewsID=1029057&CatID=2

Quatrain CIV -- GUNS AND DEAD ROSES

2006-05-12T02:28:00.000+05:30

The gun and now, sex*
Must have Kashmiris vexed
As both militants and the state each by turn
Get a load off their gun

* Sex racket rocks Srinagar
http://in.rediff.com/news/2006/apr/29sex.htm
Sex scandal cripples Valley
http://www.greaterkashmir.com/full_story.asp?Date=6_5_2006&ItemID=31&cat=1
Sex scandal: ‘patronage strong, rot deeper’
http://www.greaterkashmir.com/full_story.asp?Date=5_5_2006&ItemID=16&cat=1
Are the guilty being shielded in J&K?
http://www.dnaindia.com/report.asp?NewsID=1028281&CatID=2
‘Statements tampered, names of many accused dropped’, No homework before inviting CBI to probe
http://www.greaterkashmir.com/full_story.asp?Date=7_5_2006&ItemID=28&cat=1
Reports of politicans involved in sex scandal 'exaggerated'
http://www.newkerala.com/news2.php?action=fullnews&id=51432
Protests over Kashmir sex racket continue
http://www.ndtv.com/morenews/showmorestory.asp?category=National&slug=Protests+over+Kashmir+sex+racket+continue&id=87806

Quatrain CIII -- TO HAVE AND TO HAVE MORE

2006-05-11T01:30:00.000+05:30

Once we have, how can we have not?
See how we wriggled out of this tight spot
We will make a buck as we see fit
You see… we are in office, to profit*

Bill reflects will to profit from office
http://www.hindustantimes.com/news/5922_1694719,0015002500000000.htm
To save MPs, office-of-profit list to be expanded
http://www.indianexpress.com/story/4127.html
Centre sweats to save MPs
http://www.telegraphindia.com/1060510/asp/frontpage/story_6205343.asp
India to amend law on MPs' posts
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/4757295.stm
An exercise of mutual profit
http://www.dnaindia.com/report.asp?NewsID=1028717&catid=19

Quatrain C II -- 'A'SARDAR?*

2006-05-09T21:14:00.002+05:30

This will tell
Whether our PM** has balls or an old brass bell
Once the Sardar Sarovar scales higher and sits pretty ***
You'll see Manmohan's conscience dump him and perform sati

* Asardar -- Effective
** PM -- Prime MInister
*** SC okays construction on Narmada dam
http://www.mumbaimirror.com/nmirror/mmpaper.asp?sectid=4&
articleid=582006224447312582006224445562
SC lets dam work go on, says wait for PM on rehab
http://www.indianexpress.com/story/4065.html
Dam displaced at mercy of two Ms
http://www.telegraphindia.com/1060509/asp/nation/story_6200871.asp
Patkar, Arundhati protest SC Narmada verdict
http://sify.com/news/fullstory.php?id=14201234

Quatrain CI -- RUN - STUN - DONE

2006-05-09T02:32:00.000+05:30

When Budhia does run
Is he a mother’s dutiful son?
A coach’s guinea pig?
Or is there more to his jig?*

* Several facets of reportage which followed Budhia's run, which has thrown up some of the most outlandish reactions in a country starved for heroes in some parts and for food in most others. Links for more.

Marathon kid Budhia creates world record
http://www.khaleejtimes.com/DisplayArticle.asp?xfile=data/subcontinent/2006/May/
subcontinent_May79.xml§ion=subcontinent&col=
Budhia taken for medical check-up
http://www.ibnlive.com/news/nhrc-issues-notice-on-budhia-case/9555-3.html
Budhia, stop!
http://www.mumbaimirror.com/nmirror/
mmpaper.asp?sectid=4&articleid=582006224339625582006224221703
Budhia's story goes unheard
http://www.ibnlive.com/news/budhias-story-goes-unheard/9786-3.html
Orissa govt considering stopping Budhia from running marathons
http://www.hindustantimes.com/news/181_1693517,000900030010.htm
Orissa stops Budhia's runs
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/1521423.cms
Budhia may jog into Hollywood
http://www.hindustantimes.com/news/5922_1693955,0015002500000000.htm

Quatrain C -- SAB TEL HAI

2006-05-07T12:39:00.000+05:30

The Indian Express wants the Iran oil
NDTV too wants the pipeline’s greasy spoils
Reliance has successfully sunk its shaft
Deep down their sticky holes

Quatrain LXXXXIX -- CIA'O'

2006-05-06T23:44:00.000+05:30

All that hue and cry
Over one fallen spy?
After decades of deposing ideologies and rulers pagan
Rejoice… finally there's a regime-change at the Pentagon*

Goss: CIA resignation 'one of those mysteries'
http://www.cnn.com/2006/POLITICS/05/06/goss.resignation
CIA Chief Goss Resigns
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-goss6may06,0,1856063.story?coll=la-home-headlines
C.I.A. Director Goss Resigns
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/05/05/washington/05cnd-cia.html?ex=1146974400&en=843e1fe644ce27af&ei=5087%0A

LXXXXVIII -- SPIN AND THE RIOT QUEEN

2006-05-06T05:36:00.000+05:30

What is it with Barkha* and a riot
What stays hidden, what comes to light
Sure there’s panic, fear, gore and fright
But when drama comes in, truth takes flight

* Barkha Dutt

Quatrain LXXXXVII -- SEX, SONIA AND THE SECULAR VOTE

2006-05-05T21:05:00.000+05:30

Gandhi dynasty and mass
Congress' moral morass
Rae Bareilly knows Sonia's show is a royal bore
So they spruce it up, with a dancing whore

Rahul seeks to play down dance by girls at Cong rally
http://www.outlookindia.com/pti_news.asp?id=382664
Ribald show starts off Sonia rally
http://sify.com/news/fullstory.php?id=14198203

Quatrain LXXXXVI -- PRAMOD MAHAJAN JI TUM AAGE BADHO YAM* TUMHARE SAATH HAI

2006-05-04T16:00:00.000+05:30

Yeh desh hai dalalon ka
Bofors, hawala daron ka
Dekhi nari, turant zhapta
Mara, to tirange mein lipta**

* God of Death
** Who who deserves a state funeral more? The 22 odd shepherds from Doda in Kashmir, who were killed to send a harsh signal to the Indian state against peace talks? Or a man who was killed by a kin over the most flimsy and suspiscious motive ever conjured by the cops? Someone who has been in the eye of controversy after controversy, scandal after scandal for facilitating deals and even murder.

State funeral for BJP politician
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/4971410.stm
Mahajan gets state funeral in Mumbai
http://www.ndtv.com/template/template.asp?template=mahajandead&slug=
Mahajan+gets+state+funeral+in+Mumbai&id=19323&callid=0&category=National

Quatrain LXXXXV -- RETURN TO SENDER

2006-05-03T23:55:00.000+05:30

Perhaps it was Pandit Jasraj’s voice*
Left Life with the only choice
To step out of that putrid form
And leave Mahajan a little less warm

Pandit Jasraj prays for Mahajan's well-being

http://www.ibnlive.com/news/pt-jasraj-sings-for-mahajans-wellbeing/9261-4.html

Quatrain LXXXXIV -- MARA HAI TO BEHTAR HAI

2006-05-02T18:09:00.000+05:30

Clamouring over the dead
Is a quintessential political fad
While Sonia's 'pain' over Muslims slain is in perfect order*
22 dead Hindus in Doda isn't enough electoral fodder**

*Sonia ‘pained’ to hear of Baroda killings
http://www.expressindia.com/fullstory.php?newsid=66983
**22 gunned down in Doda village
http://www.ibnlive.com/news/22-gunned-down-in-doda-village/9152-3.html

Quatrain LXXXXIII -- MOH PURUSH***

2006-05-02T02:14:00.000+05:30

Advaniji, rather than sit and rue
Recount all the things that you didn't do
"At Kandahar* and Babri** it wasnt me!!!"
Perhaps the 'Loh Purush' had stepped out to pee

* I opposed release of Kandahar terrorists, says Advani
http://www.financialexpress.com/fe_full_story.php?content_id=123467
** Advani discharged; Joshi, 6 others to face trial
http://www.deccanherald.com/deccanherald/sep20/i1.asp
*** Moh = Greed
'Loh Purush' -- 'Iron Man' a title bestowed upon Advani by former party president Venkaiah Naidu.

Quatrain LXXXXII -- MEDIA DONS THE EMPEROR’S NEW CLOTHES

2006-04-30T16:43:00.000+05:30

Media bigwigs have dropped their cloak
And boast of their intimacy to this fixer ‘bloke’
‘My friend’, ‘my close friend’, ‘Mahajanji, get well soon’*
Shivani’s** dead, but there's others who sing her mercenary tune

*
-- Get well soon, Mr Mahajan -- KARAN THAPAR
http://hindustantimes.com/news/181_1686715,00300002.htm
-- ‘Pramod, get out of the ICU. Let’s go home’ -- By Malavika Sangghvi (Editor - DNA)
http://www.dnaindia.com/report.asp?NewsID=1026356
-- My Friend, Mr Mahajan -- Rajdeep Sardessai's blog
http://www.ibnlive.com/blogs/rajdeepsardesai/1/8986/my-friend-mr-mahajan.html
-- The Pramod Mahajan I know -- Neeta Kolhatkar - special correspondent DNA
http://www.dnaindia.com/report.asp?NewsID=1025559
-- thehoot.org (fourth observation)
http://www.thehoot.org/story.asp?storyid=Web5917630252Hoot72646%20PM2084&pn=1

** Shivani Bhatnagar, an Indian Express journalist who was murdered in her New Delhi home in 1999. The controversy that followed her murder, roped into the spotlight Pramod Mahajan, who managed to skip the shit and IPS officer R K Sharma, who landed in it.

Quatrain LXXXXI -- DESH AUR DHANDA

2006-04-29T15:51:00.000+05:30

In the Arcelor-Mittal* fight
The Indian state shouldered Mittal's might
'I am proud to be Indian', is a fine patriotic docket**
Especially, with the trade & commerce ministry in your pocket

**I am proud to be Indian: L N Mittal
http://in.rediff.com/money/2006/apr/28mittal.htm
*Why is Kamal Nath dragging the nation into a European steel battle?
http://outlookindia.com/full.asp?fodname=20060227&fname=Col+Prem+(F)&sid=1
*Should India be involved in Mittal's Arcelor bid?
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/1428966.cms
*PM takes up Mittal's Arcelor bid with Chirac
http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2006/02/21/stories/2006022103340100.htm

Quatrain LXXXX -- INK SMUDGE

2006-04-27T17:32:00.000+05:30

Some names need 'special' care
Labels stuck on larders bare
Yet, Kaavya*... with a name like this
Must've been tough, being a plagiarist**

* A classical style of Sanskrit poetry/'Kaavya Vishwanathan' author of "How Opal Mehta Got Kissed, Got Wild, and Got a Life"
** I'm no copycat, Harvard writer cries to Katie
http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/story/412419p-348782c.html
KaavyaGate -- The Independent's continuing coverage of the Kaavya Viswanathan scandal.
http://harvardindependent.com/ViewArticle.aspx?ArticleID=9940
Kaavya Viswanathan takes a break from Harvard
http://in.rediff.com/news/2006/apr/27ajp.htm

Quatrain LXXXIX -- WHEN A CONDOM WON'T HELP

2006-04-26T10:47:00.000+05:30

Pravin Mahajan has put to test
BJP rath yatra's quest
'Bharat suraksha'* is populist fodder
Advaniji, first put your house in order

*Advani cuts short his 'Bharat suraksha' yatra to call on Pramod Mahajan after the latter's kin shot him thrice. Instead of exorcising the ghosts by tramping across the countryside, the Bharatiya Janata Party should perhaps consider securing the ghosts within their new found affluent homes and selves.
http://www.tribuneindia.com/2006/20060423/main1.htm

Quatrain LXXXVIII -- AGAR MARA DALAL, TO PHENKO GULAL - III

2006-04-25T14:59:00.000+05:30

Raktbeej* was difficult to kill
At every stab, a thousands demons spilled
But here, an army of samaritans wilfully bleed**
To wish a dying ogre godspeed

* A mythological demon, who was tough to slay because every drop of blood which spilled from his body birthed
another demon.
** Pramod Mahajan shot at by brother, in critical condition
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/1499849.cms

Quatrain LXXXVIII -- HOME TRUTHS

2006-04-24T16:32:00.000+05:30

Pravin Mahajan has put to test
The core of Advani’s rath quest
‘Bharat suraksha’ is mere populist rouse
Advaniji, first secure your house

Quatrain LXXXVII -- GHULAM?

2006-04-23T13:11:00.001+05:30

Aamir conscience must have spilled
After kissing a Coca Cola chilled
For even as he hollers the Narmada cry
Coca Cola has already bled the Plachimada* dry

* Aati Kya Plachimada?
http://www.outlookindia.com/full.asp?fodname=20060501&fname=Narmada+(F)&sid=5
NGOs challenge Coca-Cola at shareholders meeting
http://southasia.oneworld.net/article/view/131278/1/
Enter: Aamir the activist
http://www.telegraphindia.com/1060415/asp/frontpage/story_6102578.asp

Quatrain LXXXVI -- MEDIA AND HER MAN

2006-04-22T22:42:00.000+05:30

The voluble mistress
Is in palpable distress
If Mahajan's dead
It's one less, to warm her bed*

* Very few politicians handled the media with the sort of elan Pramod Mahajan posseses. Amar Singh may bluster and bluff his way with editors and media house proprietors, but Mahajan's a class apart. How he weaved his way out of the Shivani Bhatnagar scandal was an exercise in media manipulation. Even the Reliance shares issue was so deftly tackled by him.

Quatrain LXXXV -- AGAR MARA DALAL TO PHENKO GULAL - II

2006-04-22T21:21:00.000+05:30

After chewing off your monies like cud
Now, Pramod Mahajan needs your blood*
And if at all, you feel inclined to help him
Ask him for some of the Reliance shares he skimmed**

Pramod Mahajan's condition 'critical', put on ventilator
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/1500023.cms

Reliance Info hits House -- Nirupam query on shares
www.telegraphindia.com/1050316/asp/frontpage/story_4499111.asp

Quatrain LXXXIV -- AGAR MARA DALAL, TO PHENKO GULAL

2006-04-22T12:30:00.001+05:30

Pramod Mahajan shouldn’t worry
In power, Mahajanji stoked pots of corporate curry
And for the ‘Hindu’ there’s always the after-life option
Perhaps even rebirth as Mukesh Ambani’s* grandson

* Perhaps the most refined face of today’s broker-politician Pramod Mahajan is on his deathbed. The last sentence is pun, but one sincerely believes, if Dhirubhai Ambani had lived on, he would have seriously contemplated considering Pramod Mahajan as his third son for all the help rendered by him in furthering the family’s business interests in double quick time.

INFREQUENT

2006-04-19T08:02:00.000+05:30

Sorry people.. forgot to mention - travelling for another 2-3 days.
Difficult to post till then.

Quatrain LXXXIII -- NACH MERI BULBUL

2006-04-15T01:28:00.000+05:30

Dance is no longer bar
They 'healed' it first and then scraped the scar
After a 'right to living' was robbed*
To grant it back, someone somewhere's gotten a blowjob

*Congress stabs Patil, welcomes dance bar order
http://www.dnaindia.com/report.asp?NewsID=1024278

Manjit Sethi gets 90 days in jail for ‘inciting anarchy’ (MUST READ)
http://cities.expressindia.com/fullstory.php?newsid=177798

Quatrain LXXXII -- TROPHY JOURNALISM

2006-04-13T19:41:00.000+05:30

Imitating Pulitzer's glory
Indian Express drummed up its Ramnath Goenka award story*
The trophy was a large brass nib, topped with chrome
And in proper bania spirit, the booty was first shared at home

* Undoubtedly, The Indian Express is the finest ‘national’ newspaper published in these times, despite its modest circulation. Its failing… constant tom-tomming and breast beating of it achievements (at times suspects) that it noisily indulges in. The Ramnath Goenka awards is further confirmation of such dubiousness. Out of the 16 awards for ‘excellence in journalism’ which were up for grabs, two awards went to journalists attached to The Indian Express and five other trophies were bagged by journos from NDTV 24X7, a channel which has a strategic alliance with The Indian Express. (Why Shekhar Gupta walks all over NDTV 24X7, is one sample illustration). If, from the announced 16 categories, one deducts three categories -- dealing with freelance and regional reportage that these two media establishment cannot lay claim to) -- then effectively the combine of NDTV 24X7 and The Indian Express literally account for 7 out of 13 available awards for 'excellence in journalism' all over the country.
Interestingly, no TV channel/newspaper, which is a rival to The Indian Express of NDTV 24X7 have won the Ramnath Goenka awards in its maiden year.
http://www.expressindia.com/rngf/awards/index.html

Quatrain LXXXI -- DIS'COUNT'

2006-04-12T01:13:00.000+05:30

It’s so easy to count the dead
Amidst calm rows of mute head after head
Then, is it to save the extra yard of shroud
That Mulayam has devised a head-count fraud?

* Are the Meerut fire casualties being fudged? Read link http://in.rediff.com/news/2006/apr/11meerut3.htm

Quatrain LXXX -- 'BRAND INDIA'... SEARING HOT

2006-04-11T13:40:00.000+05:30

Meerut's bonfire* is an exercise in symbolism
No doubt, India as a brand commands exposition
With its global stock soaring in flight
'Brand India' is burning bright

* 50 killed at a trade fair in Meerut organised by the Brand India Consumer's forum and sponsored by Dainik Jagran. http://www/rediff.com/news/2006/apr/10onk.htm

Quatrain LXXIX -- MADAM… YOUR SLIP IS GLOWING

2006-04-09T22:01:00.000+05:30

Vis a vis the revelations of your fact-finding commission*
Ms Nandita Haksar, with your kind permission
I take this opportunity to humbly mention, that
Some of your facts are characteristic of ‘pseudo-secularist’ innovation

*According to ‘Broken Peace’ – a fact-finding report on the first communal riot in Goa’s modern history has predictably stuck to the staple pseudo-secular riot formula i.e.
‘The Militant Hindu’ + ‘Rapacious Intent’ + ‘Innocent babe in the woods Muslim’ = Slaughter.
The fact-finding committee led by Nandita Haksar was spurred into action by the radical All India Milli Council, an outfit with reported links with the militant All India Jihad Committee. In common rational parlance, this is as equivalent and as shady as Praveen Togadia of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) requesting advocate Arun Jaitely to probe into harassment of Hindu’s during the Mumbai riots.

Quatrain LXXVIII -- EMPOWERING INEQUALITY

2006-04-08T17:22:00.000+05:30

Now, even if you score better
Perhaps, it won't even matter
Either money should do the trick
Or getting borned of a rich 21st century Dalit prick

Quatrain LXXVII -- THE KNIFE ISN’T OUT YET, BUT IS THAT THE BLADE GLINTING?

2006-04-07T00:51:00.000+05:30

Congress’ chronic instinct of self-preservation
Strategically irrigates this volatile orchard of Reservation
It’s true… all that history we learnt in school
To run a country, first divide it and then rule

* Minister for Human Resource Development Arjun Singh is perhaps the most misguided Arjun, since his namesake from the Mahabharat. The latter was perhaps a shade better… At least one could see his arrows coming. http://www.ibnlive.com/article.php?id=7870&section_id=3

Quatrain -- LXXVI -- PRANAB PICKS UP WHERE GEORGE LEFT

2006-04-06T18:19:00.000+05:30

All hell has seems to have broken loose
By the time Pranab apparently woke up from his snooze
And ordered an investigation into the war-room leak*
After carefully washing his hands off, so to speak

*http://www.ibnlive.com/article.php?id=7853&section_id=3