Stars bright for Indian economy in 2005
Monday, 27 December 2004, 20:30 IST
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NEW DELHI: Stars are looking bright and prophecies are upbeat about an economically stronger India in 2005, with a host of propitious factors fostering peace with neighbours and fresh impetus to industry. This is no mumbo jumbo, but this feel-good picture of shining India is for real, insists S.R. Krishnamurti, a leading astrologer who prefers calling himself a mystic. "At this point, planets Saturn and Mars appear to be favouring the nation. There will be major gas findings in the first quarter of the year that will add to the country's prosperity to a large extent. At this point, Saturn and Mars appear to be favouring the nation," he predicts. A Ph.D. in philosophy, Krishnamurti has in the past successfully predicted the India-Pakistan war in 1971, the Gulf War and the election of three US presidents - Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton and George W. Bush. The Great Middle Class can count itself specially blessed with major relief on the way. "Petrol prices will come down by 7-10 rupees a litre and prices of other consumer commodities will reduce to such a level that next year will prove not only a 'feel good' but 'see good' one," added Krishnamurti, who also predicts a more consumer-friendly budget in 2005 with hefty FDI pumping the country's economic growth. And, yes, there will be peace without which continued prosperity is sure to get derailed. "Relations with other nations, particularly with the US, will improve. Talks with neighbouring Pakistan will be done in a conducive and cordial atmosphere," said Krishnamurti, the winner of the Indira Priyadarshini Award in 1992. But a vibrant economy will not necessarily ensure political stability. There is going to be a radical recast of the powers-that-be at the centre in 2005, with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's stars deserting him after a spell of exceptional good luck this year, say some astrologers. "Mid-term polls will be conducted by June 2005, with chances of United Progressive Alliance (UPA) coming back to power -- under a new prime minister," says Krishnamurti. "I definitely sense a drastic change in the Indian political scene. New equations will emerge at the Centre as well as in many politically-sensitive states, like Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu," he says. The astrologer also foresees internal dissentions swamping the Congress. In case Manmohan goes out, he will be replaced by Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee, "whose planetary configurations are falling in place in such a way that it will help him reach the zenith of his career by October or November", predicts Krishnamurthy. But he, too, wouldn't last long. He predicts the fall of the UPA government by mid-2006. Pandit Uma Shankar Shukla is, however, full of gloom-and-doom predictions. "And being the second and fifth Lord, we should be prepared for some violent events in the second half of 2005, particularly from August to November, with possibly September seeing some climax of it all." "Inflation rate will not be under control, especially after June 2005," predicts Shukla. Noted astrologer Lachhman Das Madan, known as Jyotish Samrat (king of astrologers), whose predictions - some 40,000 at the last count -- are now case studies for astrology students across the world, is not particularly enthusiastic about planetary movement for the Indian economy next year. "Prices are likely to rise. Despite occasional fluctuations till August 2005, the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) 30-share sensitive index will see a fall of at least 1,000 points," he cautions. Krishnamurti has one warning though. "The period from August till September should be watched for the possibility of an earthquake-like calamity."
Source: IANS
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