Rediff On The NeT: Transcript of the Najma Heptulla Chat


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The Najma Heptulla Chat

Najma Heptulla is the front-runner for the vice-presidency. The deputy chairperson of the Rajya Sabha arrived on time, accompanied by her personal organiser -- "your other guests may not have heard of the Internet, but I am very computer-savvy" -- the charm that should stand her in good stead if she is eventually elevated to higher office, and, unusually for a politician, candour. Read the transcript. It is very interesting.
(Sat May 10 19:44:22 1997 IST):

Is Dr Heptullah in?

(Sat May 10 19:47:46 1997 IST):

Hello

(Sat May 10 19:49:18 1997 IST):

Dr Heptullah in?

(Sat May 10 19:49:57 1997 IST):

nija cannady for phila pa.

(Sat May 10 19:51:18 1997 IST):

I think the names aren't coming on, so we may have to identify ourselves in the responses. What say?

(Sat May 10 19:51:42 1997 IST):

That's me, Sam Bagchi, from Chicago.

(Sat May 10 19:51:45 1997 IST):

(Sat May 10 19:52:21 1997 IST):

Hi, I am James Donald here, logging in from Cairns in Australia.

(Sat May 10 19:53:52 1997 IST):

Hi Sam I logging in from Bangladesh my name is Jamshed

(Sat May 10 19:55:21 1997 IST):

Hi, Jamshed, good to speak to you.

(Sat May 10 19:55:53 1997 IST):

Hi, folks. This is Nikhil from the Rediff office. Dr Heptullah has not arrived as yet. She is expected any moment now.

(Sat May 10 19:56:13 1997 IST):

Sorry, Jamshed, this is Sam!

(Sat May 10 19:57:11 1997 IST):

Hullo, this is Aziz Siddiqui. From Orlando.

(Sat May 10 19:58:38 1997 IST):

fds

(Sat May 10 20:02:01 1997 IST):

Welcome to the Rediff Chat, Dr Heptullah. It is an honour to have you with us this evening.

(Sat May 10 20:03:26 1997 IST):

(Sat May 10 20:03:40 1997 IST):

Dr Heptullah, Aziz Siddiqui, Madam, from Orlando. I cannot tell you how delighted I am to chat with you.

(Sat May 10 20:04:48 1997 IST):

Madam, Aziz here again, what chances are there for a Muslim to aspire to high office as in the Presidency or vice-Presidency. It has been a long time, Madam. 20 years.

(Sat May 10 20:06:02 1997 IST):

Hello..??

(Sat May 10 20:06:09 1997 IST):

Is Dr Heptullah here?

(Sat May 10 20:07:43 1997 IST):

Good evening, Dr Heptullah. I am James Donald, logging in from Cairns in Australia. I am delighted that you are a likely candidate for the vice-presidency. It is about time that we had a woman in high office. And I can think of no one better than you Madam. before I left India, I saw your handling of the Rajya Sabha. Simply magnificent! I hear there is some problem about the women's bill. Why is there so much opposition to it?

(Sat May 10 20:07:44 1997 IST):

Najma Heptullah: Good morning/evening all of you who are hooked on to your computer for this chat. Welcome.

(Sat May 10 20:07:57 1997 IST):

Sakina Khan: Dr Heptullah, it is a real pleasure talking to you. What do you think of the woman's bill in Parliament. Do you think there are any positive signs and developments that could happen?

(Sat May 10 20:08:39 1997 IST):

Is Dr Heptulla in?

(Sat May 10 20:08:59 1997 IST):

Do you aspire to be president? If so, what do you hope to do in the seat of power, considering it is a weak post in India?

(Sat May 10 20:09:32 1997 IST):

Sam Bagchi, from Chicago! Whayt is your analysis of Mrs Sonia Gandhi joining the Congress? Is it good for the Congress? You know the family well, so does this mean she will be an active politician or is as they say in Mumbai naam ke vaste?

(Sat May 10 20:10:52 1997 IST):

The women's bill is seen by some as an opportunity, by others as a sop. What say you?

(Sat May 10 20:11:20 1997 IST):

Allan Scott:Dr. Heptullah, it is nice to have you on the net.What do you think about the present political scenario of India. For how long will the present government last.

(Sat May 10 20:12:06 1997 IST):

Dr Heptulla: This is James from Chicago. Can you tell me what was the reasons for congress party not doing well in the elections, economic reforms or the corrupt Rao government?

(Sat May 10 20:12:08 1997 IST):

Dipti: dyu think the women's bill will change the condition of women in India. Even an Indira Gandhi made no difference. Do you have some plans in this regard?

(Sat May 10 20:12:16 1997 IST):

Madam, hullo. It is unusual for Rediff to schedule a chat on a weekend, but I had to come to work when I heard you were the guest. Despite my Marwari origins, I am not a BJP) man. I just want to know whether the communal situation in Bombay and the rest of India or are we still at each other's throats? How can this situation be averted in this, the 50th year of our Independence?

(Sat May 10 20:12:39 1997 IST):

Hello..??

(Sat May 10 20:12:47 1997 IST):

Dr Najma Heptulla: Dear James Donald, thank you . It would be mid evening or night in Australia and I'm happy that you are still working, the bill is pending before Parliament but the differences are among the various political parties regarding the representation of backward, schedule castes and scheduled tribe women within the reserved quota. It is also to make vacancies available to accomodate 33% women which will mean that about 200 men in the Lok Sabha will have to sacrifice. That is also causing some difficulties.

(Sat May 10 20:13:59 1997 IST):

Sakina Khan: Dr Heptullah, what is your opinion about the stability of this government. Do you think this can last?

(Sat May 10 20:14:42 1997 IST):

Hello..??

(Sat May 10 20:15:55 1997 IST):

Dr Heptullah: Thank you for your kind response. In a few weeks from now, you may be the vice-president of India In your opinion, what are the problems that confront India in these troubled times. James from Cairns. (And it is 2 in the morning!)

Continued