Let the Pav Wow begin!

Those of you who can’t remember what’s on 1st May, let me remind you all that it is Maharashtra day – the day in 1960 when our state attained recognition. Celebrated for 50 years now, this day holds a special place in every Maharashtrian’s heart. The state of Bombay was divided into Gujarat and Maharashtra and since then Maharashtra has trudged along to scale new heights in every prospect. Be it economic upscale, population burst or political thresholds, the state has acquired glory.

But this time around, 1st May won’t just induce a sense of patriotic pride for the state. It will also induce a sense of gastronomy. Yes, Bombay Times is organizing the ‘Pav Wow’ Contest in Mumbai. Various joints and eateries across Mumbai will compete for the title of ‘Best Vada Pav’ and ‘Best Pav Bhaji’ awards. The contest has caught the eye of many famous joints such as Swati Snacks and Sardar Pav Bhaji in Tardeo, Canon Restaurant in CST and the likes when we talk about Pav Bhaji. The best Vada Pav award has many takers, some vying for the top place are Ladoo Samrat, Jumbo King, etc.

The Vada Pav has grown from being just the poor man’s food to a breakfast and quick eat item that features on the menus in New York and Canada. The seemingly simple snack has a delicious bite to it. Hell, people swear by it simply because it’s worth it! The soft potato Vada encased between two sides of a freshly baked pav, a generous dollop of chutney and chilies inside makes your head spin in amazement. Don’t make the mistake of underestimating the ‘Pav’er of the Vada Pav!

Let’s move on from the celebrated Vada Pav to the Pav Bhaji now. Pav Bhaji is all but a simple dish. The Bhajji in essence is made of potatoes and tomatoes mashed together with a whole lot of masalas and spices. Served with a couple of butter-laden, well toasted Pavs, this dish quickly fills up any hungry stomach. Just a light sprinkle of chopped onions and a nice squeeze of a lemon from top, the Pav Bhaji makes taste buds tingle with excitement. You must have experienced it yourself – just walk past a restaurant making Pav Bhaji and you will feel the pangs of hunger over take you. It so happen with me that I cant resist the wonderful smell of a piping hot Pav Bhaji. I just have to land my hands on a plate, whether or not my stomach is empty.

The Pav Wow contest winners will be decided by a jury of chefs, celebrities and others who hold these two dishes in high regard. Awards will be handed over to winners on 1st May, 2010 in R-Mall, Mulund. This is going to be one battle wherein everyone comes out smiling, rubbing their hands over full-stomachs. Our taste buds are in for treat! Yippee!

Please dont go, Mr. Chidambaram!

The carnage at Dantewada on 6th April, 2010 was a shocker for Operation Green Hunt. Naxals ambushed the army jawans with a 350 odd troop strength and slaughtered 76 out of the 80 jawans. Reportedly, the CRPF soldiers fought till their bullets ran out. It was a siege-like situation where the jawans were surrounded on all sides, their bodies riddled with bullet holes. The red-army dealt the most horrific blow ever to the Government in all these years of rebellion. It is a sorry sight for our leaders.

Home minister P. Chidambaram spoke at a function in New Delhi organised by the CRPF marking 'Shaurya Divas' (Day of valour). He confirmed that he had written to the Prime Minister saying, "I accept full responsibility for what happened." Though PC was tight-lipped when asked whether he had offered to submit his resignation letter, a PMO spokesperson confirmed the claims. According to him, the Home minister did, in fact, put in his papers, but the Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh rejected it.

"I have been asked directly or indirectly where the buck stops after the attack," said PC at the function. "I have no hesitation in saying that the buck stops at my desk." He has instructed his officers to chalk out various plans to strengthen the operational capabilities of CRPF. But there are indications that the Naxal attack has damaged the political stronghold of P Chidambaram. He has been the roadblock the Naxals repeatedly hit, but now thy seem to have managed to unearth chinks in the Home ministers defence.

Speaking to reporters, opposition party BJP's spokesperson Rajiv Pratap Rudy said, "The BJP does not want Chidambaram to resign at this stage. His resignation at this stage would mean victory for the Naxalites. He should not show his back because as the home minister of the country he is entrusted with the nation's security and can't whimper like an injured soldier on the backfoot." The Maoists have managed to pull of the worst ever ambush on the central forces and it isn't the time to pass the buck around, haggling with each other (and certainly not time to earn publicity and score political brownie-points) and for that everyone needs to unite.

The populace of this country is surprised to learn that Home minister P Chidambaram had offered to resign from his post. For one, it is heartening to hear that someone in this entire Political system has come forward and put his hand up saying, "Yes, I am responsible." But the sad part is Chidambaram is not entirely responsible for the loss of the CRPF jawans. There is no need or reason to offer to leave his post in the midst of such turmoil. Instead it would be more appropriate to offer consoling words and strengthen the forces. It would be appreciated if the Union Government actively works towards reinforcing Operation Green Hunt. Such actions are rather uncalled for.

It was joyous to see the then Finance Minister step up and handle the country after the 26/11 attack on Mumbai. He netted the Home Ministry and played a responsible role, playing an instrumental role in setting up committees and panels for anti-naxal operations. The Maoists have been troubled by this dynamic personality and have finally managed to level the fighting grounds between the Government and themselves. At this point in time, if P Chidambaram were to resign, he would have soured political relations and would have had to face stiff opposition from the people. Instead, he should abandon thoughts of fleeing and hit back with devastating force. It is time the Naxals are stopped in their tracks.

Now, Chidambaram will face the test of courage and intelligence. Let's hope he emerges tops...