Jairam Ramesh debunks claims

Dear Friend,



I have had the chance to assess in detail some of the claims being
made by the BJP on the work done by the Congress-led UPA government on
the economy, and I think it is safe to say that there is at least one
party that adheres strongly to the belief that if you repeat a lie
often enough, people will come to start believing it.

In response to 5 big myths that the BJP is attempting to propagate, we 
have prepared a short document that lays out the facts. The full
document is available here.

The following is a brief summary:

Myth 1

The Congress has "mismanaged the economy and it is in recession"
Fact: The BJP's claim of the economy being in recession is both
technically and substantively untrue. India's average economic growth
rate during the five years of the UPA government was 8.5%, compared to
5.8% under the NDA. Even in the last year of the UPA government, when
the world economy went into recession, India's growth remains
resilient (and was higher than it was during the NDA regime).



Myth 2

The Congress led government has "hobbled both the organised
and unorganised sectors of the Indian economy"
Fact: The growth rate of the industry and services sectors increased
from 5.0% and 7.7.% under the NDA to 7.8% and 10.5% under the UPA
respectively. In addition, the UPA instituted landmark programmes for
the unorganised sector (such as the Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana for
workers) which did not exist under the NDA.



Myth 3

The Congress' "fiscal indiscipline has resulted in frittering
away the tremendous gains of the NDA years"
Fact: The UPA has actually reduced the fiscal deficit from 6.0% under
the NDA to 4.5% under the UPA. The UPA has done this even as it as
substantially increased funds for social programmes such as the SSA,
NHRM, NREGA, Bharat Nirman, etc. and has given much higher sums of
money to all State governments (Rs 544,000 crore more than the NDA).



Myth 4

The agriculture sector (is) "suffering on account of the
Congress' gross negligence"
Fact: Agriculture growth rate has actually increased significantly
under the UPA government to 3.1 % as opposed to 2.3% under the NDA.
for wheat and paddy, for example, the MSP was increased by 71% and 68%
respectively. The UPA also implemented the historic farm loan waiver
programme benefitting 3.68 crore farmer families.



Myth 5

The UPA Government has given a "step motherly treatment to
BJP ruled states" during its rule
Fact: The Congress led UPA Government has given more funds to the BJP
ruled states than the NDA government even conceived of giving. The
Congress-led UPA government increased Central Funding to the four
BJP-ruled States . Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat and Rajasthan
. by 63% (increase of Rs 73,824 crore) in its tenure, compared to the
NDA government.

As always, please feel free to share this document with others, in
order to generate informed discussion and decision-making.



Best Regards,


Jairam Ramesh

Coordinator,
Election Related Affairs,

Lok Sabha Elections 2009,
Indian National Congress

jairam@congress.org.in

"Everybody wants a young representative. It is time for a change..."

This article was written by Ms. Supriya Khandekar of the "Citizen Matters" website. It is a simple interview where Supriya has asked several important questions that most concern voters. Krishna answers characteristically in a direct, unvarnished and unadulterated manner. Read more to learn more about Krishna by clicking here.

Krishna shares a cup of coffee with the other candidates

Krishna living up to his characteristic approachale self and talking to people of the audience

Reporters ask Krishna more about his methods of bringing more transparency in the government

Krishna being interviewed by the media after the event

Mrs Sudha Murthy stands with the candidates

The candidates recieve a round of applause for their participation

Krishna is applauded for his stance on the security of the nation

Mr Ananth Kumar asked what he thinks of the acts of the Ram Sena

Prof Radhakrishna says that campaigns should be paid for by the people

Gopi asked for his views

He is asked why independent candidates are considered spoilers

Krishna talks about how he is going to use technology to bring transparency to the government

Ananth Kumar is questioned about the HAL airport

Krishna and the other candidates discuss two projects they have initiated

The audience at the Infosys debate

Krishna introduces Ananth Kumar

At the Infosys debate

The other two candidates and the moderator Mr Harish Bijoor

At the Infosys debate

All the candidates have arrived

A letter from Jairam Ramesh

Dear Friend,

I wanted to share with you a document that summarizes the Congress Party's approach to fighting terrorism - what we have done so far and what we commit to doing further to tackle it.

"The Congress Party's Pledge: Protecting India from Terror"
English: www.aicc.org.in/new/TERROR_final.pdf
Hindi: www.aicc.org.in/new/hindi/TERROR_HINDI.pdf

The Congress led UPA government has instituted a number of measures to protect India from terror, many of which have been drowned under the din of opposition rhetoric. Some of these include:

• Setting up a functional National Investigation Agency
• Establishing and activating a Multi Agency Centre (MAC) to ensure inter-agency collaboration
• Enacting a stronger Anti-Terrorism Law
• Setting up 20 Counter Insurgency and Anti-Terrorism Schools
• Establishing a network of NSG Hubs across the country
• Phased Implementation of a Multi-Purpose National Identity Card (MNIC) for all Indian citizens

In addition, we will institute a number of addition initiatives if we are voted to power:

• Launching a Citizens Campaign against terror
• Undertaking a comprehensive Review of VIP/VVIP Security
• Setting up a permanent Crisis Management "War Room" to manage national security threats
• A Judicial Task Force on Fast-track Trials

Fighting terror is a long haul, and a number of high-impact measures that we have instituted will begin to bear fruit in the coming months and years.

Nevertheless, we cannot waste even a day - the Congress Party is alive to this challenge, and is committed to providing strong and decisive leadership to meet it. This is our pledge to the people of India.

We believe that it is only the Indian National Congress that can deal with the scourge of terrorism squarely and decisively but without weakening the delicate strands that have, together, bound our society for centuries.

Please feel free to share this document with others, in order to generate informed discussion and decision making.

I welcome the opportunity to receive your thoughts.

Best Regards,
Jairam Ramesh
Coordinator, Election Related Affairs,
Lok Sabha Elections 2009, Indian National Congress
jairam@congress.org.in

On the campaign trail

A very large garland was used to honour Krishna

On the campaign trail

A packed auditorium full of people of the area.

On the campaign trail

The entrance was absolutely packed and people got involved in pushing each other just to see Krishna

On the campaign trail

A pooja to welcome Krishna

On the campaign trail

Traditional drums and Nagaswaram welcome Krishna to the hall

On the campaign trail

An AMAZING reception!

On the campaign trail

An AMAZING reception

On the campaign trail

An AMAZING reception at the Panchamukhi marriage hall

On the campaign trail

The people of hoskere halli organise themselves to listen to Krishna

On the campaign trail

Krishna addresses the needs of the people of Hoskere halli

On the campaign trail

It is 1:00 and Krishna is still going strong, but of course, he is 36!

On the campaign trail

Women listen in while Krishna talks to them about their rights

On the campaign trail

Krishna addresses another gathering in Chikkalasandara and talks to them about womens safety

On the campaign trail

Father and son stand to show support to Krishna in Chikkalasandara

On the campaign trail

The entourage following the campaign vehicle

On the campaign trail

People along the trail stand and listen to Krishna speak

On the campaign trail

The people of Kadaran halli listening to Krishna

On the campaign trail

Krishna talks to the people of Kadaran halli about womens safety

On the campaign trail

People of Kadarana halli garland Krishna

On the campaign trail

Ms Nagamma joins on the campaign vehicle

On the campaign trail

The people of Kumarswamy layout listen to Krishna

On the campaign trail

Krishna addresses another gathering in Kumarswamy layout

On the campaign trail

Krishna having a quick chat on the campaign vehicle

On the campaign trail

Its a hot day and workers are thirsty

On the campaign trail

Krishna addresses a crowd at Kumarswamy layout

On the campaign trail

Police provide support for the campaigning work

On the campaign trail

Supporters with Krishna

On the campaign trail

Kids follow the vehicle and try to get close to Krishna

On the campaign trail

Followers behind the campaign vehicle

On the campaign trail

Krishna having breakfast at SLV

On the campaign trail

Anand waiting for Krishna

Personal Security: Non-negotiable

I am a working mother with two young daughters. My husband and I, like all parents hope that our children will be able to achieve whatever they set their minds to and will grow up in a fair and progressive environment. I have had a good education and never felt growing up that there were any limitations to what I could achieve.

We take for granted our secular, tolerant and open society. However, recent events in Karnataka have troubled me, as they have many other women of my generation. The issue is not whether women should go to pubs, but that violence against common people has become commonplace. When violence is tolerated and the perpetrators not immediately punished, the message is clear – women need to change their behavior or face the consequences.

You have a choice in this election. Vote for a committed, broad-minded and progressive individual, Krishna Byre Gowda who understands the hopes and fears we have for our children. Personal security and freedom of expression in a vibrant democracy like ours are non-negotiable – let’s take this chance to ensure that it remains so.

‘WOMEN WALK TO SAFETY WITH KRISHNA’
Join us on Sunday, April 12th at 5:00 pm at Madhavan Park, Jayanagar, Bangalore to express your commitment to security for women. Event details are posted on Facebook.

The Bangalore Mirror Article on April 10th

Just read today's Bangalore Mirror and am feeling quite thrilled to have Krishna as a candidate. Page 11 in the Mirror talked about who the candidates are and what their manifesto is.

Krishna Byre Gowda's top 5 concerns:

1. I will introduce Compressed Natural Gas in the city to reduce pollution.
2. Speed up Metro work across the City and minimise traffic congestion.
3. Bring more investment in power sector to improve electricity generation.
4. Make Bangalore City an attractive business destination for companies.
5. Build more houses for those who cannot afford them.

In my opinion, Krishna's concerns are real, are achievable, within the purview of the functions of an MP and assumes an intelligent reader. And if you want to really find out how good a choice he is, go ahead and compare his answers to the others'.

What do you think?

"Krishna's the Obama of Bengaluru"

There are several claims made by people in the real world and online, that Krishna is the Obama of Bengaluru. Though these may be tall claims made by fanatical supporters, I wanted to see if there's truth behind the claim. I aim to observe parallels in this article. Read on and make up your own mind.

Krishna has energised the youth and made the apathetic participate

People under 35 comprise more than 70% of India's population. This group was largely under-represented in the government. Many were already cynical and hopeless about their ineffectiveness in the formation of governments.

By highlighting the size of the group to the youth, addressing their specific needs as the President of the Youth Congress, Krishna is making youth aware about how powerful this group can be if they act and participate. Obama did the same thing with the youngsters in America.

Krishna was the first to the use the online media to reach out on social networks

In continuing with the effort to reach out to the youth, Krishna was amongst the first to use the social networks which youngsters like himself frequent. He has made himself available in these forums and actively answers questions and concerns of people.

Krishna's uniting all community groups

The best way to describe Krishna's politics is with the word "inclusive". Krishna has made specific attempts to reach out to all the communities across Bengaluru. Just as Obama made specific attempts to not represent himself as the "black candidate", I have personally been witness to Krishna reaching out to all community groups alike. Some of these photos are posted on his website here.

Krishna's campaign is focussed on gaining grassroots support

It's not all about mass marketing for Krishna. Check out his twitter feed, he has gone out to each of the areas within his constituency, walked the road and met people one at a time. It's the best example of Retail Politics, something Obama did quite a bit himself.

Krishna does not do negative politics

Krishna's given specific directives to his people to not engage in negative politics. He is simply focussed on what he is doing and how much better he can be. Obama also steered away from making negative statements against his opponents throughout his campaign.

So here are just five points that bring Krishna and Obama that much closer to each other. So what do you think? Are there more reasons? Let me know.

Top 5 reasons to elect Krishna Byre Gowda

If you're wondering why Krishna Byre Gowda deserves your vote, here are five reasons why you should:

Krishna is from South Bangalore and shares your values
As a student of National College, Krishna was a citizen of Jayanagar. He knows the ins and outs of South Bangalore and it's people's problems.

Krishna practices progressive and inclusive politics and is responsive to everyone's concerns
It's important to Krishna that the voice of the few is not drowned in the desires of the many. He does not use divisive politics to pitch one community or group against another.

Krishna will defend your freedom of expression
Amongst his top priorities is to defend the freedom of expression of each and every one in the city.

As a three term legislator, Krishna brings tremendous experience at just 36 years of age
Krishna was elected twice from Vemegal and once from Byatarayanapura and he is only 36 years of age. In other words, he has the best combination of energy and experience to represent you in the Parliament!

Krishna will bring the voice of youth to the government
India has one of the highest percentages of youth in a country, close to 70%! That's a huge percentage of people to not be represented in the Parliament. As the president of the Youth Congress, he has already done a great deal to advance the concerns of the youth. Make sure your voice is heard in the Parliament by electing Krishna.

Hello,

My Name is Krishna and I am the Congress Party Candidate for the Bangalore South Constituency.

Although I am currently the Youth Congress President for Karnataka, I do not think I am what some people consider to be the typical politician. Like many of you, I want to serve my country and city. Holding elected office is the way I have chosen to pursue this calling.

Like many of you, I have a post-graduate degree. Mine is in International Relations from the American University. My wife also has a post-graduate degree in engineering.

For the past several years, I have been serving my mostly rural constituency in Byatrayanapura. Now my party has called upon me to serve Bangalore South, which I do with great happiness.

You can see my profile on my website www.krishnabyregowda.in. Please use this site to learn more about me and my candidacy, and to let me know of your concerns. But, whoever you vote for, please do not forget to vote. Every vote counts!