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The Pilot Chat

No Muslim feels insecure in India

Even though he stayed for just over an hour, Rajesh Pilot appeared to be in an unusually candid mood on Tuesday night.

Mr Pilot says he is thrilled with the experience and has promised an encore soon. Perhaps when he succeeds P V Narasimha Rao at the helm of the Congress party .

Alyn (Tue Jul 23 19:42:40 1996 IST):

Has the big show begun? Is Mr Pilot here?

I want to tell Mr Pilot how much I admire him. I have never had a chance to meet him, but we hear of his achievements. Very impressive indeed. We need you as prime minister, Mr Pilot!

Alyn: Wanna start a fan club for Mr Pilot?

Hello, anyone home?

Hey, when's the balloon going up? My watch says it's eight... do I need a new watch?

Mr.PKP: what do you think,Mr.Pilot will be the next CWC president?

Mr Rajesh Pilot is ready. The Chat will begin at 2000 hours IST. Mr Pilot is at his home on Akbar Road. He has been very gracious and readily agreed to this Chat when we called him on Thursday.He is a man of great charm and considerable political savvy. There won't be a dull moment tonight.

Shail: If this chatline also had access to Karunakaran, Pawar, Rao and half a hundred others, I could do a quick poll and let you know. As it stands, no idea...:) let's ask the man himself. Where's he anyways?

PKP, the man deserves to be PM. He is the closest thing you guys have got to Abe Lincoln. And he's young. Aren;t you tired of all those old fogies?

Alyn: Ouch! Being kinda old myself, that 'fogies' bit touched a nerve :) But I know what you mean. BTW, where are you posting from?

Mr PKP: hold on ! he will be right here in ant moment ...

Shail: Ta! Waiting, with bated breath... hey, anyone know how to bate one's breath?

Tomorrow, we have a movie chat, followed by a Chat with one of the great characters of Indian journalism, the art critic Dynaeshwar Nadkarni. Monday, we have the new wonderboy of Indian cricket, Saurav Ganguly, from Calcutta. And there's a chance that we will have a Chat with Indian cricket boss Jagmohan Dalmiya when we go to Calcutta as well.

Mr.PKP: Take a long-deep breath and hold it for another five minutes and then you can release it...

How old are you, Mr PKP?

Mr Moderator: Why are the personalities on your Rediff Chat predominantly male? I thought women were supposed to be the chatty types?!

Alyn: Double ouch! All I know is, the last time I had a birthday party, the candles cost more than the cake! :)

Alyn: Mr.PKP was born with Mr. Pilot, I think...

Do let us know what you think of our Chat Show, and if there is anyone you would like to meet or talk to. We have a whole lot of interesting people coming up in August. And we promise you the kind of conversation that once sparkled at the Alonquoin Table with Dorothy Parker and Robert Benchley.

Mr Pilot is only 51, PKP sounds like he went to school with Methusaleh.

Mr.PKP: what do you think about the air around,in the congress party...

Mr Moderator, what is the basis for your selection of invited guests, could we know?

This is Rediff on the Net, beginning the on line Chat with Mr. Rajesh Pilot at his residence. Mr. Pilot, Member of Parliamnet from Dausa is in the news for demanding a change of leadership in the Congress. ambitious & dynamic, he is one of the younger generation of Congressman, poised to revify the party, which was eclipsed in the recent General Elections. So, over to Mr. Pilot... fire away your questions....

Alyn: *grin* I TAUGHT Methusaleh - and believe me, he was an honours student! *LOL*

Mr Pilot, welcome, it is nice to have you with us. Could you start off by telling us what you think will happen when Mr Rao goes to court tomorrow?

What happens now in the Congress party? Mr Pilot, do you think youu will be able to halt the decline of the party?

Good evening, Mr Pilot! Is a change of leadership imminent in the Congress party?

Mr.Pilot: what do you according to you went wrong with your party in the recent elections?

Mr Pilot, it is a pleasure having you with us. I'd like to ask you: Why is Mr Rao refusing to stand down as Congress president when everyone knows that the longer he stays, the greater the danger of the Congress party's decline?

Mr Pilot,why is that all you guys make belligerent noises outside, but become pussycats in Mr Rao's presence? Is it his age? Is it his wisdom? Or are you just frightened of what he has in his dossiers?

Mr Rajesh Pilot: Uttar Pradesh was considered to be the stronghold of Congress but in these elections you offered 300 seats to Kanshiram and only 125 seats for the Congress .WHY? Your comments please..

Alyn: thanks for the kind words. I totally share the sentimensts of the last sentence that the country certainly needs a dynamic & collective leadership.

Rajitha : The matter is pending in the court and I have just heard that High Court has exempted him from appearing in the Court tommorow. Rest law will take it's own course. We in India respect the law of the land and we believe that nobody is above the law.

From Piyush Garg : Mr. Pilot! I would like to know about your real reactions to the decision of shifting you from Home Ministry to Environment Ministry by Mr. Rao (Because you were fighting with interests of Chandraswami in Home ministry) ! tell me your 'first' reaction that time !

Mr Pilot, will you make a bid for the Congress presidency? What makes you think that you have the qualities to aspire to an office that has been occupied by the likes of Gandhi, Nehru and Bose?

Mr Pilot: Isn't there any kind of provision in your party constitution that anyone accused of criminality should step away from the party till his guilt or innocence is proved? And if there isn't, isn't it high time such a provision was added?

Sudarshan : I was of the same view, and Iam still discussing in the party that alliance is alright but should be on a respectable ratio basis. And like me many Congressmen feel that we should have a higher ratio of seat s than BSP

Alyn : I agree that this is the impression prevaling in the country and outside because what we discuss in the party forum we are not supposed to publicly air it. Somehow media sometimes does the twisting job of the whole matter. But let me assure my friend that we have been very hard on our stance to take remedial measures in overhauling party functioning so that a new team can rejenuvate the party and we can come up to the expectation of the people.

Mr. Pilot ! I am asking second time that didn't you feel bad when Rao shifted you from 'Home Ministry' ! Do you think that it was right ? Please answer !

Was Chandra Swami responsible for yourt ouster from the home ministry? The timing was a bit strange, wasn't it?

What hold has Chandra Swami over Mr Rao? Is he blackmailing the poor man?

Mr Pilot: A lot of people were amazed that you turned against Mr Rao after being one of his closest advisors. When and Why did you turn against Mr Rao? What was the occasion or issue which made you realise that this man was no good?

Piyush : It's a fact that I was not happy on the shifting from Internal Security because my heart was with the job and shifting was done at a occasion hen I had ordered the arrest of so called godman Chandraswami but like a discplined partyman and believing that it is PM's progative to allocate the dept I took it sportingly and went to Environment ministry but publicly I had to face various ques from the public on this impression that I was shifted because I ordered the arrest. Unfortunately Chandraswami did claim the shift.

Piyush S. Garg : Mr. Pilot ! I am asking again about your 'real' reactions when you were shifted from 'HOME' Dept. by Mr. Rao ? Please answer !

Mr Pilot, you once said that Chandra Swami was detrimental to the nation's security. Why did you say that?

Mr. Pilot when do you think that India will rise out of this political mess and have some clean government?? Do you think that the next generation has a decent future??

hiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii!!!!!!!!!!!!

Piyush S. Garg: I got answer ! Thanx alot. In my opinion such Godmans like Chandraswami should be punished severly by the law for all their misdeeds. I congratulate you for the 'BOLD' steps taken by you as 'Home Minister for State'. We need people like you in the govt.

gosh is there only politics going on here???wow heavy talk huh??

Piyush: you sound very bitter on the subject of godmen. Any particular reason?

Mr Pilot,why are Indian politicians so corrupt? Are you honest?

Moderator : It is a fact that I was one of the followers of Mr Rao's way of handling of politics because he was sober sound and simple. I carried on working with him. Frankly when I was shifted to Internal Security, I came in much closer interaction with him and the differences on Kashmir Punjab North east handling Internal Security matters started giving me an impression that I will not be able to move much. Ultimately it proved in Sept 95 when I oredered thae arrest of Chandraswami. And that is why we could not work that closely which we were till 1991. I have full respect for him but I differ with him on many issues and I feel that this is a healthy tradition of Cong. that you should be able to give your views in an open manner and ultimately follow the party line.

ALyn: I do not know the relationship b/w Rao and ChandrasWami but it is a fact that the impression in the country is that CS is close to many politicians and Rao is on of them

Sivakumar : Mr Pilot Do you think that What Micheal Grobachev did to Russia, Narashima Roa is doing to congress party in India?

Mr.Pilot: If elected a party president, what steps would you like to take up to rebuild the confidence among the people, which one time congress enjoyed?

No matter who rules India, whether it is ramraaj or ravanraj the common people pay the price. when if atall we are going to see an end to corruption and crime?

Mr Pilot, but why would an erudite man like Mr Rao take a shine to someone so venal as Chandra Swami?

Mr Rajesh Pilot: What do you think is the futue of the Congress with ingroup bickering and Mr Narshimha Rao being given summons??

khas I,m your man . I'll talk anything but serious stuff. How about Sex?

James sorry to intervene but i think thats the dumbest Question anyone can ever ask!!i mean i dunno if this guy is honest or not but if he isn't is he gonna come right out n tell u no i am completely dishonest n accept bribes too!!!its so dumb !!why would he want to give his dishonesty away here??so that he can be hated n known by everyone abt how dishonest he is???

Piyush: don't you feel that Psuedo-Secularsim and castiesm is more dangerous than communal feelings ? Are not these 'Laloo , Mulayam, Mayawait' are spreading more poision than BJP ? Don't you think that BJP leaders are more honest compared to them such as Vajpayeejee ?

Mr Pilot, you make your conflict with Mr Rao seem ideological, but, aren't all battles in the Congress party over power?

Like the USA presidentail term limits, would you support term limits for the elected officers of Indian Government. I think the career politicians are the base of continued corruption in the political system of India. Do you wish to comment?

Mr. Pilot who do you think actually instigated the shameful act of dissidents being bashed up?? What was your reaction??

I agree, Mr Moderator. All these guys make it out that the battle is pure and holy when it's actually about the pickings of office!

bingo bhatt shut up u brainless pig!!!who wants to talk abt such stuff here???

Lo: India has bright future. Young generation need not worry. Our's is a great nation which has lot of absorbong strength of many such problems or messes and has come out with greater strength. The common Indian is totally devoted to the national cause, whatever weakness has been wrought by the political system we shall improve upon it so that we can have a strong political character and in turn strengthen the national character.

Moderator: I still believe that CS's connection with people in higher positions could have been a security risk and that was one of the factors which made me order his arrest.

James : It is very unfortunate that we politicians do carry this reputation whether rightly or wrongly. Some of us had acted in that manner and have got such a bad reputation. Unfortunately some of us had acted in such a manner which has brought this reputaion to our clan called politicians. As far as Iam concerned I try my best to work on an honest path but ultimately it is the public which gives the judgement.

screw you khas. I thought you were the only sensible guy out there. Thu bhi bekaar nikala.

If Mr Rao steps down, what will be the compromise? Will there be a president of the party, a working president and a leader of the Congress parliamentary party?

Mr Pilot: When the last Congress government assumed power without even an absolute majority, no one gave it a year in office. And yet Mr Rao held you all together, and ran the government for the full five year term. Isn't it unjust that today, when the Congress is out of power, all of you are ganging up against him?

Hey bingo why the hell don't you get out you twit. I think you belong at bianca's shack if you want the URL I will give it to you...

Mr Rajesh pilot hi there!!seriously speaking r u enjoying talking abt politics here??i mean don't u want to free ur mind for once and just chat anything n everything??if u r enjoying it i don't mind except that i know zilch abt politics!!

Piyush: I am aking again! don't you feel that casteiest, psuedo-secularist like 'Mulayam-Laloo-Kanshiram' are spreading more poison than BJP ? Don't you think personally (not on party lines), that BJP was a better choice that time !

mr pilot, do you think you are capable of navigating the Congress to success from its present morass

Do you, Mr Pilot, see the possibility of the Congress factions coming together?

bingo bhatt go n screw urself idiot!!i am a gal not a guy!!being sensible doesn't mean u hafta talk abt sex fool!

Religious mumbo jumbo is part and parcle of India at every operating level. One Chandraswami is not the only figurehead. We have a list of every politically corrupt minister, right from Mr. Krishna Menon, Krishnammacharee, Biju Patnaik till todays Jayaklalitha and other cronies Tell me one a single one who was prosecuted to the fullest extent of law and was punished?

Mr Rajesh Pilot: How do you think can the Kashmir problem be solved???

Do you think Sharad Pawar is corrupt as the media sometimes hints?

ivan bastard! Listen I'm the administrator. I can throw you out. Behave yourself .

Mr Pilot, how is it that everytime the CWC meets, it turns out to be a damp squib? Are all you others incapable of ousting Rao? Surely we are not going to witness an Indira Gandhi-style of dictorial democracy once again by Rao

Iavn : Ours is mass based party and we have difference of opinion on many issues. Maybe our approacehs are different but objectives are the same. Pointing out faults in the system is not a dissident activity so there is no dissidence in the party except there are some different views emerging out of the Working Comittee meeting on reviving the party. And we are all working on the same goal of reviving and rejenuvating the Cong. party. My friend who seems to be a Cong. well wisher should be rest assured that we will strengthen the party.

Shahedd : We have a very good system of tree pillars of democracy, politics, judiciary and beaucracy, and constition has given them a specific role. Unfortunately accountabilty is not visible and that is why some corrupt & malpratice are emerging in the system. By appoinitng Lok pal and Lok Ayukt at Central & State level accountability could be enforced. We cannot follow any other system because prevaling system is best suited for our democratic functioning.

Please Mr. Pilot ! tell us are not 'Mulayam-Laloo-Kanshiram' (Casteist) more dangerous than BJP ? What do you think personally (not on party lines) - that BJP govt. headed by Vajpayee was a far better choice than the current stuff ?

Mr. Pilot I am tired of this bright future line have heard it all these years. Countries with 1/100 resources of india are to day on the forefront on international scene in every areana. Take a look even at Olympics, ours was the only squad that had more officials than atheletes. 70 crore people and we cannot produce one more Milkhasingh? Why our cricket team has more scores in notoriety than runs scored?

Mr: Pilot what do you think is the future of the Congess with in group bickering and Mr Rao being issued court summons

MR BHATT, COULD WE PLEASE DESIST FROM SUCH BAD LANGUAGE?

Mr. Pilot thanks for the answer but like any good politician you have evaded the question tactfully. Do you think that Mr. Bitta is representing Mr. Rao's inherent insecurity of being toppled and indulgung in violence thus tainting the principles of your party??

Mr Pilot: How do you think Mr Indrajit Gupta has shaped, as home minister, thus far?

Mr. Pilot lokpaal and Lok ayukta need teeth to bite. If they have no powers as is the current status I dont think much can be done. I disagree!

Piyush: Please Mr. Pilot ! Share your opinion that who is more dangerous - Castiest forces or Communal forces or psuedo-secularists like Congress ? Was not BJP was a better choice than the present government ?

Mr Pilot, who will succeed Rao as president of the Congress Party? And who do YOU THINK should succeed Rao?

Namaste Pilotji. There are people who believe the Congress has no future. Isn't it ironical that all you centrist parties must gang up against the BJp when once the other parties were ganging up against your party. I think the Congress is doomed. What could possibly save it? And we need real answers, Pilotji, not politcspeak.

Rishi : It is a wrong impression is prevaling in the party Our Cong president Mr. Rao knows our views. All working commitee members are aware that there are two school of thought are prevaling. 1. Which some of us are pursuing , the 1977 overhaul type where elections of working comittee and Cong. president were held after the defeat of Cong in 77. We want the same type of elections in AICC immediately. While some of us are of the view of maintaining the status quo. so there is no dictatorship. We are very sure that we will be avle to convince our colleagues with our point of view and hole fresh elections immediately for the posts in the party.

Sudarshan : Kashmir situation is improving from the day one as the Minister in charge of Kashmir affairs I was of the view that we have to have an open heart policy with the brothers & sisters of J&k and a strong hand handling of militancy which is working otu now and we are vey hopeful that come Sept. we will have free & faie eletions for the State assembly and we are very hopeful that when newly elected govt. takes over. situation will stabilize.

:-)

Mr. Pilot once again I disagree on your Kashmir approach. in 1947 they chose to align with India. we should have kept our terms and not give in to the so called liberating terrorists. Cariappa Maneksha were the people who should have dealt with the problem and not vote hungry politicians. We should have taken the Israel style stand.

Let us go to the Ayodhya issue. Was it not possible for the Congress party in power at the centre to have stopped the demolishing of the Babri Masjid? Was not dismissing the Uttar Pradesh govt after the demolishing a case of shutting the stable door after the horse has fled?

Mr. Pilot ! Please answer. Don't you think that Casteist forces are more guilty or not than BJP ? Was not BJP a better choice that time. Please give your personal opinion (not on party lines). Are not people like Laloo, Mulayam and Kanshiram equally dangerous or more than BJP . This is the fifth time, I am requesting to answer this question.

Mr. Pilot ! Please answer. Don't you think that Casteist forces are more guilty or not than BJP ? Was not BJP a better choice that time. Please give your personal opinion (not on party lines). Are not people like Laloo, Mulayam and Kanshiram equally dangerous or more than BJP . This is the fifth time, I am requesting to answer this question.

Mr.Pilot: what are your views about the budget.In what way this budget would have different, if congress would have been in power?

Mr Pilot, you said just now that Mr Rao knows your views. My question is, do you know his? In other words, is Mr Rao as uncommunicative as he appears in print and on television, or does he get vocal when the CWC is in session?

Mr. Pilot with the current problems in the govt. how far do you see the coalition lasting?? BJP is already getting ready for a second attempt like a divorced wife readying to woo her husband back with a typical 'I-told-you-so' attitude. What do you say

Mr Pilot What is your opinion on the UF's budget?

Mr PIlot, let us have some real answers. I admire you. I want you to be prime minister, but could we have some real responses. a

I have a feeling our moderator and Mr. Pilot do not want to face controversial issue realted questions. Thanks I wont ask any more.

Piyush : Castesim and communalism are both dangers to our national approach of secularism. Unfortunately some of the politically oppurtunistic parties like BJP have been playing on these issues. Cong is against both these approaches. We have fought these two evils of the society in the past and we will continue fighting till we achieve the same old path of secularism on which platform we fought independence struggle and we could keep the country together on a pathof devpt for so long. Cong will not compromise with any of these approach ever. On the second ques, unfortuantely BJP has been changing their stand on every issue according to their political gains. When Mr. Vajapayee became PM, he said mandir is not an issue, five days back their party in UP has again claimed that their party will fight the next election on the mandir issue. In other words again playing the communal card. So India cannot have a govt. which has a communal approach because the basic foundation of secularism is weakened and that is why we are supporting this govt from outside in spite of having many reservations with the present govt.

mr pilot, thanks for your first answer. my next question. how does the CWC plan to clean up the corruption within it. Every top leader has some case against him or the other, and most are considered corrupt even if there is no case against them. can't you guys take a firm stand and clean up the mess thoroughly, rather than just do a superficial job, as has been the case so far.

No, Mr Shaheed. Please stay. I have no say in what questions Mr Pilot will answer. I am just there to push the discussion forward. Go ahead, sock it in with those controversial questions. If you think Mr Pilot is evasive.

Thanks Rishi I asked the same question about 20 q back no response then, I dont think you will get one now.

Thank you Mr. Moderator, I appreciate!

Mr. Pilot! Please reply question as your personal Opinion. If BJP is wrong, communal in saying that undo all the things in Babar regime (Ayodhaya temple issue) , than MUlayam-Kanshi are wrong or not by saying that 'Take revenge from uppercastes for their misdeeds in past'. Are not Casteist forces guilty, if you think that BJP is Guilty ? I don't understand that why are you avoiding this question ?

Mr.Pilot: what are your views about the budget.In what way this budget would have different, if congress would have been in power?

Good evening Mr. Pilot, Why did congress decide to support UF? Werent you bound by peoples view and desire to have a BJP government? Since, they got the maximum number of votes (both as % of electorate and number of seats.

Mr Pilot: How do you think should the Pakistani based terrorist infiltrating problem be solved?

Why muslim feel insecure in this country? This is a particularly felt after the Babri Masjid incident?

Shaheed: Friend, I think Mr Pilot is keying in his own responses. Give him a break, it takes time to take each question as it comes up, far as I can see the rule for chat is patience brings its own rewards. Or at least, answers... :)

Mr Pilot,which poses the greatest danger to India? I think it is Islamic fundamentalism which you pseudo secuklar politicians are oblivious to.

mr shaheed?

Mr Pilot, if you continue to evade questions, I am coming to Dausa to campaign against you.

I am impressed by the participation. Pardon me if I sound impatient. I have always had a high opinion about Mr. Pilot.

Ivan : It depends on UF govt policies and the implementaion of their policies. Cong. would continue to support till such time that they do not drift on two issues i.e on path of secularism and path of overall devpt of the nation. We will continue to extend out support, but the moment they drift from any of these paths Cong woukd have to reconsider it's descion of support Like divorced wife does not get the true love back BJP govt cannot also have the govt. back.

Ram : Budget of UF govt. is a good effort towards rural devpt. help to the farmer community, avoiding burden on common man, and in overall following the last Cong. govt approach towards liberalisation policies.

:-(:-( No answer yet or oh gosh I may be going deaf :-o HELP ME SOME :-):-)

Mr. Pilot! So you are supporting 'Castiest' forces to fight with BJP ? Your president is announcing alliance with 'KanshiRam' ? Will Tomorrow , Congress will join hands with 'Communal Forces' to fight with 'Casteist Forces'.

When you came to Bombay two years ago, you promised as minister of state for internal security that you will release all the innocent bomb blast victims but so far no concrete step has been taken?

Mr Pilot, many people feel the problem of the Congress party is the problem of charisma. When people look around, your party has no one to match the charisma of Vajpayee. How will you overcome that handicap? How would you react to a member of the late Rajiv Gandhi's family entering politics to save the Congress party? Which means you can bid aideu to your ambitions.

Thnak you, Mr Pilot. How would the Congress budget have been different from that of the UF, if your party had come into power?

Mr Pilot, there seem to be a lot of Congressmen floating around, at the heads of various small parties. In Kerala alone we have Kerala Congress A, B, C, D... through Z. Then the TMC, and so on and so forth. Do you see all these Congressmen re-uniting, at any time in the foreseeable future?

Pilotji Rao hatao, Congress bachao aur desh ko bachao, Jai Hind!!!!

As a technocrat let me ask this question, India Opened up its market to new international ventures in all areas. Fine, look again everyone seems to be mired in controversy of ethics, Enron, Cogentrix, most AP ventures, why? If we are a market driven economy why do we have to please the government, the so called secretaries and their ilk?

Mr Pilot,what set of cicumstances will put you in line as head of the Congress Party?

Any one for some coffee....and cheese cake :))?

Mr. Pilot! So you are supporting 'Castiest' forces to fight with BJP ? Your president is announcing alliance with 'KanshiRam' ? Will Tomorrow , Congress will join hands with 'Communal Forces' to fight with 'Casteist Forces'. Please answer! Why Congress who fought with britishers is compelled to join hands with any of the such forces ? Why can't they fight alone ? Are not they also power hungry ? How such forces became so powerful? Is not congress responsible for rise of such forces during last 50 years which is mainly ruled by your party.

Please answer (Ms?) Bharti's question.Which is the greatest danger India faces in the next century?

Whiskey: A name like yours, and you offer coffee? Are you a misnomer, pal? :-)

Mr Pilot, HURRY UP!

I need a coffee break.

Mr. Pilot! Please answer ! So you are supporting 'Castiest' forces to fight with BJP ? Your president is announcing alliance with 'KanshiRam' ? Will Tomorrow , Congress will join hands with 'Communal Forces' to fight with 'Casteist Forces'. Please answer! Why Congress who fought with britishers is compelled to join hands with any of the such forces ? Why can't they fight alone ? Are not they also power hungry ? How such forces became so powerful? Is not congress responsible for rise of such forces during last 50 years which is mainly ruled by your party.

Desh ka neta kaisa ho, Rajesh Pilot Jaisa ho, Please comment :-):-)

after the babri demolition, the riots in december and january, the arrest of thousands of innocents and the mildly-guilty (not the big fish), can Muslims in India feel secure about their future? Mr Pilot, as someone who might one day be PM, please answer.

Bharati : I totally agree. Fundamentalism is the root cause of weakining the secular path and it is the duty of all of us to fight against it. Cong ideology is that, but in case there has been any wavering or weakning seen by the public we shall improve upon because Cong is for secularism and Cong is not Mahatma Gandhis' Cong without secularism.

XX: It is wrong. no muslim feels insecure in India. Their citizens of this nation and they are citizens by their choice. It is theri motherland. It is a fact that by action of some communal forces on 6 Dec 1992 it has shocked every responsible citizen of this country and has made us to think to fight more strongly against the communal forces in the coming days. 6 Dec 1992 was the day when secularism was attacked by communal forces. It was not a ques of Bari Masjid or Ram Mandir but an attack on secularism and am so happy that the people of this country answered in a political manner by defeating communal forces in the Assembly elections even in UP where the incident took place.

Mr Pilot, are you there? We have some very interesting people participating in the discussion tonight, and we should be able to get a lot of questions in.

Mr. Pilot! This is the third time I am asking. Please answer. So you are supporting 'Castiest' forces to fight with BJP ? Your president is announcing alliance with 'KanshiRam' ? Will Tomorrow , Congress will join hands with 'Communal Forces' to fight with 'Casteist Forces'. Please answer! Why Congress who fought with britishers is compelled to join hands with any of the such forces ? Why can't they fight alone ? Are not they also power hungry ? How such forces became so powerful? Is not congress responsible for rise of such forces during last 50 years which is mainly ruled by your party.

Thank you Mr. Moderator, Mr. Pilot for having given me the opportunity to speak my mind. As the British would say the taste of pudding is. If I live another 10 years let me see if India lives up to its promises or we go down the tube the "Rusky"style. Thanks again.

Hey boy Jack Daniels for Rajitha :)

I think you are under the impression that this is a public rally. Mr Pilot, this is the world wide community and we want to know why we should feel secure with politicians like your ilk? Most of you carry a hoot for the millions you profess to care about. Give us a break, Mr P.

Mr Shahedd, is there need for such despondence? Sir, while we await Mr Pilot's responses, could we have your point of view?

Whiskey: Easy on the ice, please...

Mr Pilot, why is the Congress increasingly looking like a party of old men? The younger ones - P Chidambaram, Madhavrao Scindia and such - seem to be leaving by the dozen. Why is this?

Diwan : It was very unfortunate that communal riots took place in Dec92 and Jan93 and we are all ashamed of it. And we are very confident that it will never reoccur in our country and that is why we all secular minded people should work together to curb the communal forces at the earliest. But let me assure my friend the day secularism is weakened the nation is weakned. This country cannot remain together without secular foundation

What, Mr Pilot, would you do, and we need some hard answers here, to eliminate corruption and communalism?

How long do you think the UF govt will last? More important, when will you pull the rug?

Mr. Pilot Please answer! This is the Fourth time, I am raising this question.So you are supporting 'Castiest' forces to fight with BJP ? Your president is announcing alliance with 'KanshiRam' ? Will Tomorrow , Congress will join hands with 'Communal Forces' to fight with 'Casteist Forces'. Please answer! Why Congress who fought with britishers is compelled to join hands with any of the such forces ? Why can't they fight alone ? Are not they also power hungry ? How such forces became so powerful? Is not congress responsible for rise of such forces during last 50 years which is mainly ruled by your party.

sir, in your opinion, does Rao have the moral right to stay your leader any longer? and do you personally consider him your leader. (congress men are famour for their sycophancy, so let us hear from you)

Mr pilot it is wrong to say that People have given their verdict in UP assembly elections. Majority of Hindus still feel BJP as the alternative force. As they have secured the maximum seats. And if this government falls, I'm sure they will form the government. Mr Pilot do something so that muslims and Dalits gain confidence in Congress party. that is why I repeat my slogan, Rao hatao, congress bachao aur desh bachao, jai hind!!!

Mr Pilot Please answer my last question, about why your party went against our (people) wishes of having a BJP government. Wasnt it obvious that that is what we wanted, since we gave BJP the most number of seats and max. votes (as % of electorate)? Why mr Pilot, why? Arent you supposed to respect the verdict of the people?

xx: just curious, do you think that if Mr Rao goes, the Muslims in India will feel more secure? It's like the Indian cricket team, if it loses, sack Azharuddin!

Mr. Moderator let the figures speak for themselves. in 1950 we were considered as a model for democracy an alternate to communism and so on. Our leaders were high in international scence. Where are we today? Yes we have color TV and other gimmicks, but in absolute terms is India on the fore front? We hear more about our all levels corruption. We hear more about our bogged down industrialization program, We lead the world in AIDS cases, we make headlines by bride burning. List one single major Humanistic achievemnt.

Pilot, thanks. The BJP constantly blows hot and cold on the Mathura and the Varanasi mosques, which the VHP has threatened to break down. How does the Congress plan to ensure this NEVER happens? Will it crack down on Hindu fundamentalists, even if it may mean a loss of votes?

Sometime back, I asked if the problem of the Congress was one of charisma, of its lack of leaders who could set the hustings on fire. Do you think a member of the late Rajiv Gandhi's family should enter politics and save the Congress party?

Mr. Pilot! This is my last question. Please answer it. This is the fifth time I am repeating. So you are supporting 'Castiest' forces to fight with BJP ? Your president is announcing alliance with 'KanshiRam' ? Will Tomorrow , Congress will join hands with 'Communal Forces' to fight with 'Casteist Forces'. Please answer! Why Congress who fought with britishers is compelled to join hands with any of the such forces ? Why can't they fight alone ? Are not they also power hungry ? How such forces became so powerful? Is not congress responsible for rise of such forces during last 50 years which is mainly ruled by your party.

Mr Pilot, this is why I vote for the BJP. Those guys know their mind. I am leaving. Bye rediff.

Shaheed: You mentioned 1950. Isn't it achievement enough that despite all that we have gone through, the nation still survives with its basic character intact?

Mr Pilot: What kind of Prime minister do YOU think would Sonia Gandhi make? Isn't it high time that the Congress party stopped rushing to the Gandhi household everytime they have a problem. Comment pls!!

Alyn : When I was in govt, I had started a lot of strong steps thru' Home ministry against corruption and one of the operation we started was Operation Third Eye. It means every minute you are watched by a third eye. On political front we in Cong party are of the view that till such time three C's corruption, communalism criminilisation are not checked, the future of the democracy is in danger and that is why in Parliament and outside we are pursuing steps to achieve this.

Hey Ms Bharti, I am sure Mr Pilot will answer your questions. Please stay.

Sudarshna : She has not shown any interest in politics why involve her name.

Close your eyes Rajitha, dont let your mouth water lest you dilute the scotch :))

Mr. Pilot! This is my last question. Please answer it. This is the fifth time I am repeating. So you are supporting 'Castiest' forces to fight with BJP ? Your president is announcing alliance with 'KanshiRam' ? Will Tomorrow , Congress will join hands with 'Communal Forces' to fight with 'Casteist Forces'. Please answer! Why Congress who fought with britishers is compelled to join hands with any of the such forces ? Why can't they fight alone ? Are not they also power hungry ? How such forces became so powerful? Is not congress responsible for rise of such forces during last 50 years which is mainly ruled by your party.

A country of 80 crore aabadee and we have one Gandhi family for charisma? I dont think we need Charisma, we need character, ethics, pride and courage to take tough stand. Discipline to practice what we preach. There is no point in Hanging pictures of Nehru and Gandhi when what we have is outright unadultered corruption, both moral and social.

Mr Pliot: If an infallible Third Eye existed when you were in government, was it ever turned against the Prime Minister himself? The ongoing court case is why I am asking... how come the Third Eye missed all these doings?

Hullo. Mr Pilot, Namaskar. How long will Mr Rao survive as leader? And has any Indian party had such a treacherous leader at the helm?

Mr. Pilot just curious to know why there was a bomb blast in your constituency Dausa, did you try to find out?

Mr Pilot:But what about the Congess atitude of rushing to the Gandhi household to make one of their family member join Congress in a bid to get votes. What is your opinion about this particular attitude?

Whiskey: How does closing my eyes keep my Scotch from getting watered? *puzzled look* Tell me the other one...

Shiv: Sir, Do you think What Grobechev did to Soviet Union, Mr Rao is doing to congress party in India?

Rajitha even cats and dogs on street survive, what we need is excel. Sorry My standards might be little loftier.

Mr. Pilot! This is my last question. Please answer it. This is the seventh time I am repeating. So you are supporting 'Castiest' forces to fight with BJP ? Your president is announcing alliance with 'KanshiRam' ? Will Tomorrow , Congress will join hands with 'Communal Forces' to fight with 'Casteist Forces'. Please answer! Why Congress who fought with britishers is compelled to join hands with any of the such forces ? Why can't they fight alone ? Are not they also power hungry ? How such forces became so powerful? Is not congress responsible for rise of such forces during last 50 years which is mainly ruled by your party.

mr pilot, do you think the Congress party should join the present government to strengthen, as you said, the fight against communalism. And if not, how long do you intend to suppor the present coalition. after all, how do you expect to ever come back to power by supporting another party?

Mr Pilot, I wonder if the Congress has not been marginalised by the casteist parties. The kanshi Rams and the Mulayam Sinhs have walked away with your vote bank.

Can you name any three of your favourite leaders? Dead as well as alive?

I thank all friends who have taken part in this chat. I have tried to answer the questions to the best of my knowledge,if i am not able to satisfy some of them I will try to do better next time. Wishing you all the very best of luck......

Shaheed: Sure, so are mine. I was merely listing one achievement, as you asked. I mean, in the same 40-50 year span we are talking of, look at the number of nations caught up in war, the countries that have collapsed, the cultures that have died.. I look at that and can't help feeling a shade proud... :)

Mr Pilot, Please answer Piyush Garg's, Bharti's and my questions??

Ooops, Mr Pilot ran out on us... any of you wanna continue?

Mr Pilot, pls answer at least the questions asked earlier, if not the later ones

Mr Pilot, why don't you stay for 20 minutes more and answer five questions? I may add that Mr Advani stayed for two and a half hours.

I think we are bogged downed in party politics and the Nation be damned stance. Thnaks guys. Thank you Rajitha, I do agree with your observation. But why compare with losers? Why not compare with the winners?

Whiskey: Sorry but it looks like when Mr Pilot says 20-00 hours to 21-00 hours, he means EXACTLY that.

LET US STAY ON. WITHOUT POLITICIANS, WE CAN PILOT THE NATION BETTER

hey friends,I think he has to go for CWC meeting .....what do you all think????

Mr. Moderator, I think Mr. Pilot needs to skirt the real issues, He has yet to face another election soon.

Shaheed: Right, that is what I was trying to do, compare with the winners. Far as I can see, the winners in the second half of the 21st century are the ones who have survived. I mean, which nation can really claim to have progressed, in anything but a merely materialistic sense, in this period?

Mr PilotPLEASE COME BACK FOR ATLEAST 30 MORE MINUTES. Everyone let us continue the debate and see If we can come up with answers

Rajitha that is fine I would keep the score by how many questions did he answer. I can lay here dead for 24 hours who cares?

WELL SAID RISHI! LET US GET GOWDA NEXT TIME. GOWDA WON'T DOWDA I AM SURE.

WELL SAID RISHI! LET US GET GOWDA NEXT TIME. GOWDA WON'T DOWDA I AM SURE.

Mr Pilot, do stay on. the conversations are just getting interesting, though, i may add, your answers have not matched up

Well seems like Mr Pilot *bhag gaye* :) I know the answer to my question...and I am sure you, whose questions he ignored also do so. Three cheers for REDIFF

Shaheed: About the number of questions, I guess the problem is that they are not used to typing fast. Maybe Rediff could think of providing a steno for their guests, we'll make the suggestion anyways...

Whiskey: I'll *hic* drink to that!

Mr. Pilot! This is my last question. Please answer it. This is the fifth time I am repeating. So you are supporting 'Castiest' forces to fight with BJP ? Your president is announcing alliance with 'KanshiRam' ? Will Tomorrow , Congress will join hands with 'Communal Forces' to fight with 'Casteist Forces'. Please answer! Why Congress who fought with britishers is compelled to join hands with any of the such forces ? Why can't they fight alone ? Are not they also power hungry ? How such forces became so powerful? Is not congress responsible for rise of such forces during last 50 years which is mainly ruled by your party.

Rajitha, if your mouth waters, the scotch gets diluted :)

Too sad Pilot Bhagg gaya what say ABBU?

Well friends, a very good day from U.S.A. nice sharing you thoughts and good luck.

Hi Shaeed stick around

Piyush: CAn I answer for Mr Pilot? The answers are yes, yes, yes, no way to win on one's own, yes and who isn't, what else do you expect?, and last question, of course the Congress is responsible. As are all the rest of us... :)

Let us vote WHO SHOULD BE THE NEXT PRIME MINISTER?

Whiskey, I figured that out all on my lonesome, what I wanted to know was why you keep telling me to shut my EYES! Hey, Shaheed, nice to meet you, will I see you here again?

Mr. Pilot! avoided many questions. This is the real face of 'Politicians' today!. We can manage without them. Build a great INDIA.

Piyush: Right on! BTW, where are you posting from?

I'm GOING TO THE SMALL SMOKE FILLED CAFE ANYONE CARE FOR A SMOKE?

Well tell you guys what.........lets all ditch congress together. If they have leaders like Pilot (geez-louise)... need I say anythin else. Lets ask Seshan to start a political party... though it seems he might join the BJP.... Well in any case BJP is better than most We have to take charge, cant leave anything on these politicians..

B Box: Any Virginia Slims in that box of yours?

Whiskey: America-based, by your expressions? Tell me, are things so much better than, politics-wise?

My e-mail is v.dam.ak@ocf.compuserve.com or v.garg.ps@ocf.compuserve.com

Mr Pilot, we hear from Rediff staff in Delhi, has retired for the day. He was thrilled with the experience. I hope we will see you tomorrow when Mr Dinesh Raheja and Mr Jitendra kothari arrive to take questions on the MOVIES. That's showbiz folks. Take care and Good Night.

Mr Pilot, we hear from Rediff staff in Delhi, has retired for the day. He was thrilled with the experience. I hope we will see you tomorrow when Mr Dinesh Raheja and Mr Jitendra kothari arrive to take questions on the MOVIES. That's showbiz folks. Take care and Good Night.

Rajesh Pilot & family with Rediff On The NeT staffer Subhashree Krishnaswamy.