ALAS....! The year 2005 is coming to a close. It is less than 72 hours from now. Certain events happened during this year will remain forever or atleast for the coming years, on the minds of sensitive people.

The worst and most shameful event is "CASH FOR QUESTIONS" which was published in all national news papers on 13th December, 2005. Let me keep the names of the 11 MLAs/MPs on record, so that we can see them and remember these great persons.

WHAT THEY TOOK:

1. NARENDRA KUMAR KUSHWAHA (BSP), MIRZPUR (UP) Rs. 55,000
2. ANNA SAHEB M.K.PATIL (BJP), ERANDOL, MAHARASHTRA Rs. 45,000
3. MANOJ KUMAR (RJD), PALAMAU, JHARKAND Rs.1, 10,000
4. SURESH CHANDEL (BJP), HAMIRPUR, HIMACHAL PRADESH Rs. 30,000
5. LAL CHANDRA (BSP), ROBERTSGANJ, UP Rs. 35,000
6. RAMSEVAK SINGH (CONGRESS), GWALIOR, MADHYA PRADESH Rs. 50,000
7. Y.G.MAHAJAN (BJP), JALGAON, MAHARASHTRA Rs. 35,000
8. PRADEEP GANDHI (BJP), RAJNANDGAON, CHATTISGARH Rs. 55,000
9. RAJA RAM PAL (BSP), BILHAUR, UP Rs 35,000
10. CHANDRA PRATAP SINGH (BJP), SIDHI, UP Rs. 35,000
11. CHHATTRAPAUL SINGH LODHA (BJP), ORISSA, RAJYA SABHA Rs. 15000

Before the dust settles down, another scam took place on 19th December,2005, involving another 7 MPs, taking cash for awarding contracts and other favors.

Close on the heels of the cash-for-questions scam, seven MPs have now been Caught taking commissions for giving out contracts under the MP Local Area Development Scheme. The sting operation, called “OPERATION CHAKRAVYUH”, was carried out by the Star News Television channel.. Once again the BJP led the list with three of its MPs, including a former Union minister and Lok Sabha MP from Madhya Pradesh. They are:

1. PHAGGAN SINGH KULESTE (BJP, LOK SABHA)
Promised contract Rs.10 Lakhs, commission sought Rs. 2 Lakhs.
Advance commission taken 2 lakhs.
2. CHANDRA PRATAP SINGH (BJP, LOK SABHA)
Promised contract Rs. 5 lakhs, commission sought 10-20 percent,
Advance commission taken 25,000.
3. RAM SWAROOP KOHLI (BJP, LOK SABHA)
Promised contract Rs. 5 lakhs, Advance commission taken by PA 25000
4. CHURCHILL ALAEMO (CONGRESS, LOK SABHA)
Promised contract 10 lakhs, commission sought 3 lakhs.
5. ISHAM SINGH (BSP, RAJYA SABHA)
Promised contract 10 lakhs.
6. SAKSHI MAHARAJ(SP, LOK SABHA)
Promised contract 10 lakhs, commission sought 20 percent.
7. PARASNATH YADAV (SP, LOK SABHA)
Promised contract 5-10 lakhs, commission sought 20 percent.

None of the 18 politicians, feel ashamed of their acts and we the public feel ashamed of their acts.
However, in the political history of India, for the first time a quick decision was taken and on 24th December, all the 11 members of the cash for questions scam were suspended and removed from the Parliament. Except BJP, the rest of the political parties rescinded their primary membership and kicked them out of the party.

The nine most terrifying words in the English language are, 'I'm from the government and I'm here to help.'
-- Ronald Reagan
I don't know whether Politicians are included in 'Government' and we have to ask Mr. Reagan.

The other notable events, where lives and property lost, thousands are injured and equal numbers are missing and heavy damage was incurred are :
Earthquake, on 8th October,2005, at 7.6 magnitude, at Kashmir, that is India and Pakistan border. Heavy loss was on the other side of our border. NATURE'S FURY.
Another nature's fury is heavy down pour in Mumbai on 26th July,2005. 400 people died, unestimated loss of property. It's havoc.
Another, this is a man made fury, Delhi blasts, in the busy market area. 55 died, 155 injured. I don't know why this should be done.
Another fury by man's carelessness. A train accident, Delta Express was derailed on 29th October at a remote station, named Veligonda, south of Hyderabad. 100 people died.
Another, due to security lapse. Maoists attacked a jail in Jehanabad, Bihar and released 300 prisoners, most of them are supporters or participants of a private army called 'Ranvir Sena' and later killed them.
And three more incidents of Nature's Fury, rains & floods in Gujarat, Tamil Nad( Nov.26th). Ramanathapuram and Tanjavur Districts are worst effected. 80 people washed out in two buses and 247 people died, besides loss of livestock and property. Due to floods, in Gujarat 65000 became homeless and Indore and Gandhinagar Shanti Express was marooned.
Another political play. On 18th December, help for the victims of rains, was extended in Tamil Nad, against obtaining a coupon, which are limited in quantity, 1000 only. In the frenzy, 42 people killed on the spot.
Poor wages for rich duty. During the year about 100 soldiers and paramilitary troopers committed suicide, because of stressfull conditions, inadequate housing, paltry salaries, few promotioal avenues, strict leave restrictions, and early retirement.

OH...! MY GOD...! CAN U SAVE US?... WILL YOU PLEASE SAVE US.
PLEAE DONOT DISAPPOINT US.

GOOD BYE 2005.