2 weeks ago political rallies around Saddam's hanging caused communal tensions to erupt in several parts of the city. At that time I personally saw Rapid Action Force keeping watch on a growing mob at the other end of a road. It was shocking because I later heard that a bus was burnt in the same area and RAF had to use force to control the mob.
Cancelled meetings, slipped deadlines, delays in planning and decision making are occuring because people are unable to spend time in offices with their co-workers.
Last year Bangalore was rocked by a terrorist attack at the Indian Institute of Science where a IIT Delhi professor was killed. Then mobs held the city at ransom at the death of the beloved and respected film star Dr. Rajakumar. I am sure Dr. Rajkumar would have expected a more respectful farewell.
Clearly the Government of Karnataka needs to do more than distract people from real problems in Bangalore and change the name of the city to Bengalooru. This is such a lame thing to do. Bangalore needs better roads and better law and order not a lame name change.
Perhaps the city needs to become a Union Territory that gets governed by the President of India via a Governor. Only a visionary like President APJ Abdul Kalam could help bring Bangalore to its real potential as an international city in the league of NewYork, London or San Francisco.
Till then, while political parties collectively ruin the future of the city let us patiently chant Jai Hind!
