Round The States

New Delhi, 13 March 2014                

Chhattisgarh Ambush

YET ANOTHER WAKE UP CALL

By Insaf

New Delhi and Chhattisgarh need to step out of rhetoric and get down to solemn business. The recent Maoist deadly attack in Baastar’s Sukma district, which left 15 security personnel dead, is yet another warning that complacency shall always spell disaster and more disaster. And, to suggest that it is known that the Maoists action is to disrupt the electoral process is no explanation. Further, its time both the State and the Centre stop passing the buck about intelligence failure or that the other did not act on the information provided. The stark fact is that if 300 armed Maoists could descend on Sukma on their target, after last May’s ambush on a Congress convoy which left 27 people dead, there is something drastically wrong about the Centre’s much touted counter-insurgency strategy, which it claims has brought down insurgency. Undeniably, there is a critical need to have effective plans in place to counter the Maoists, which will be further encouraged by their recent success. This apart, while the State government should be given additional forces to step up security measures, it must also rethink strategy how to outmanoeuvre the Maoists. Remember the adage-- a stitch in time will save nine.

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TMC, AAP Hiccups

Election campaigning outside of the home State is not easy, rather risky as it could even boomerang. Two firebrand leaders, TMC leader and West Bengal’s Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Delhi’s AAP former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal may have just realised that, sans admission. Mamata’s foray into Delhi turned out to be disaster, to say the least. Not only was she let down by social activist Anna Hazare but so also the crowds. The rally at the Ram Lila grounds was a clear disaster, with barely 2000 people occupying the seats. While Mamata side claimed that Anna was unwell, his side was learnt to be peeved by how Hazare’s name was being flaunted by her for votes, which was not the understanding. Whatever may be the truth, didi who would have sought to use the Delhi platform to make forays on to the national stage, will need to rethink strategy. On the other hand, Kejriwal’s road show in Mumbai got the crowds, who wanted a glimpse of the ‘anarchist’. His taking an autorickshaw from the airport and getting on to a suburban train was his usual aam admi style, but it led to major chaos and inconvenienced none other than the aam admi. Besides, he broke rules too as he took no permission for the road shows. Reason enough for the voter to be peeved. Will the two change tack?   

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Punjab Congress Gamble 

Punjab is turning out to be a jigsaw puzzle for the Congress. Smarting under intra-party rivalry and rebels as seen in the last Assembly elections, its new tie-up has now upset its allies, the Left parties. Gasping to make a comeback, the party on Tuesday last, announced a “long-term” alliance with the People’s Party of Punjab, party floated three years ago by Manpreet Singh Badal, former finance minister and estranged nephew of Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal. The Congress has decided to contest 12 seats and left Bhatinda to him, to take on sitting MP and CM’s daughter-in-law Harsimrat Badal. At the same time, while it has offered the party symbol to Manpreet, though he has the kite, it is also willing to give Faridkot seat to the CPI, once it decides. The CPM, however, has already opted out, thus leaving SAD (Longowal), to take a call. For the better or worse.

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Bihar’s ‘Historic’ Break-Up

Bihar has put its stamp on the famous quote: In Politics there are no permanent friends or enemies, only permanent interests!  The political churnings in the State after the JD(U)-BJP breakup last year, go pale in comparison to the falling apart of over three decade-old friendship, between RJD’s Ram Kirpal Yadav and his guru Lalu Prasad Yadav. The former chose to or should one say forced to call it a day with his mentor, when Lalu gave Patliputra ticket to daughter Misa. But was apparently the proverbial last straw as Kirpal has been peeved by Lalu’s elder son Tej Pratap’s growing influence in the party. Hurt and angry by the young lad’s conduct, Kirpal has indeed hit back below the belt. He joined rival BJP, which is pleased by its prized catch. And, while RJD supremo may scoff at the betrayal, there is no denying that the breakup could cost his already tethering party heavy. For not only has Kirpal weaned away a large number of party workers but has given the BJP this election, the missing Yadav mascot. Will Kirpal deliver to his new party or will Lalu have the last laugh, is certainly worth a watch.

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J&K Surprise For BJP?

Jammu & Kashmir may spring a pleasant surprise for the BJP. Reports emanating from the State seem to suggest that Modi and his campaign have got a section of the Hurriyat and the Opposition PDP thinking on unusual lines—that he could be a better bet than the Congress. The two are seeing the BJP as a party which may be able to resolve the conflict, both within and with neighbour Pakistan. They recall the bold steps that Atal Behari Vajpayee had taken and that there was some movement forward. And, Modi is known to be tough. To add to the BJP’s advantage, the people are getting wary of the Congress-NC alliance, which itself is on a shaky wicket. In fact, there is talk of the two going separate ways and the Abdullah’s may even consider getting back into the NDA fold, when the opportune time comes. But it’s a bit too early to place one’s bets. The BJP will need to keep its fingers crossed.         

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Tamil Nadu’s Filmi Outreach

Trust Tamil Nadu to come up with a novel style of electioneering. Posters of Chief Minister Jayalalitha (in her younger days) and her mentor MGR have been splashed across Coimbatore. No these are not party posters, but ones put up by Dhivya Films which is advertising the release of the restored and digital version of the popular film of the 60’s “Aayirathil Oruvan.” Unfortunately, the timing has caught the fancy of the Election Commission, which has ordered the removal of all such posters. It says that while it cannot stop the release of the film scheduled in three States, including Kerala and Karnataka on March 14, film posters of public figures in public places are clearly a no-go. These violate the model code of conduct and have to be removed. However, AIADMK will nevertheless be pleased, for MGR films still connect with the people. According to a distributor, one movie show can have the impact of a score of public meetings! Will film stars in the fray take a cue?---INFA

(Copyright, India News and Feature Alliance)