Dear Reader (18th Jan 2010),

May the veteran leader’s soul rest in peace.
Regarded with respect by many across the country’s political spectrum. Possibly well deserved.

To an objective student of Indian polity, what comes to mind however, is that West Bengal long ago led the country in development. But under the regime which Jyoti Basu presided, West Bengal went into the red, literally. Communism’s choking clasp beat Congress’ corruption hollow, in how not to govern.

Even Buddhadeb, the more enlightened one, found that throwing the yoke off a legacy was no Nano matter. The ‘historic blunder’ that JB referred to, may in fact have really turned out to be one, had the CPM okayed him as PM.

The NewsTikka.com Team

Rail wagon Escorts tractors in portfolio

The Farm equipment maker, Escorts plans to get into the manufacturing of rail wagons.

Another weak run…Vikram Pandit had it…

A make or break year for Pandit: Alwaleed (The Times of India- Jan 18,2010)Saudi Price Alwaleed , a major stakeholder in Citibank feels that Vikram Pandit, the CEO needs to deliver in 2010. Citibank and Vikram can not afford another weak performance. http://www.NewsTikka.com

The Last Hurrah from Howrah !

An era ends as Jyoti Basu passes away (The Times of India, Jan 18, 2009). Jyoti Basu as a political icon was perhaps Communism’s Last Hurrah in India. No other communist leader in the current set up came close to kindling the people’s respect and following that the Bengali patriarch did. http://www.NewsTikka.com

Talk hard, in a hurry and end up ordinary

On the eve of the First test against Bangladesh, India’s stand-in Captain Virender Sehwag commented that hosts Bangladesh was an ‘ordinary’ side in Tests. But the guests must rue that remark since they were under pressure at 213 for 8 wickets at stumps on the first day. http://www.NewsTikka.com

Jyoti Was….or Could have been….

Jyoti Basu,95, passes away (The Hindu- Jan 18, 2010).The longest serving Chief Minister in India had been disappointed that his party did not let him become PM. West Bengal too would be disappointed that under him, she lost the race for development . Was this too a case of the party pulling the leader back ?