Round The States

New Delhi, 17 September 2016

UP Soap Opera

YADAV CLAN PLOT FOR POLLS?

By Insaf

Uttar Pradesh family soap opera featuring chacha-bhatija has sent political pundits and rival parties into a spin. With elections around the corner, the plot thickens. The week-long feud between Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav and uncle Shivpal Yadav, brother of SP supremo Mulayam Singh, has now chacha sending a shocker by resigning Cabinet and all posts in party. However, both father and son refuse to accept it. So far, the twists and turns -- of Akhilesh being replaced by Shivpal as party unit chief and the former taking away ministerial posts from him et al, is now passé. Initially, the family theatrics were seen as orchestrated by father to help Akhilesh come out a winner for the polls. Not just within the party but among the electorate, who would view the tough posturing as finally asserting his authority and focusing on his development mantra. Now, the ball seems to be in Shivpal’s court, who may still be aspiring for the CM Chair but refuses to divulge his plans. He has had wife and son too give up their posts. Netaji, who has the last word, may be worried as while son runs the government, brother is considered the key organisational man in the party. The SP cannot afford to lose him. However, rival parties, BSP and BJP discount the shenanigans as ‘political drama’ to divert people’s attention. Of course, how the drama impacts vote bank is being calculated nevertheless. With the Yadavs changing and chopping script, guess the climax turnout to be a blockbuster.  

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Punjab’s Unprecedented Low

Punjab must hang its head in shame. The rivalry between the Congress and ruling SAD-BJP government has made the State Assembly witness the people’s representatives’ behaviour nose diving to an unprecedented low. Not only have 20-odd Congress MLAs laid siege inside the House by staying put 24/7 since Monday last but a Congress MLA having the gumption to hurl a shoe at Revenue Minister Majithia during proceedings! Speaker Atwal too was not spared. Congress MLAs threw paper balls and copies of various reports tabled in the Assembly at him. However, he was covered by the marshals. The Congress has been protesting against its demand for a no-confidence motion being rejected through a voice vote without a debate and wants the Speaker to yield. But the Chair, matched the belligerent mood, and Atwal did away with the question and zero hour and Calling Attention motions, moving to legislative business straightaway. Ministers then hurriedly read out proposals of bills, 21 in all, and got these passed by voice vote. Sadly, the legislative proceedings have been reduced a mockery. And, worse unsavoury drama is bound to follow with elections in a couple of months. What other level the Punjab netas will stoop to is anybody’s guess.  

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Delhi’s Health Crisis

Delhi’s bitter political battle has now thrown the country’s Capital into a health crisis. Viral diseases, Chikungunya and dengue have claimed lives in double digit so far since the past three weeks. Hospitals, both government and private are bursting at the seams with hundreds of patients needing treatment. Enough is enough, is finally dawning on the warring teams of Chief Minister Kejriwal and Lt Governor Jung. ‘No matter what, various agencies and political parties will need to work together’, Kejriwal has admitted. Jung too has appealed that all “rise above politics,” and “fight the menace unitedly.” Union Health Minister Nadda has stepped in and assured “whatever help and support is needed will be given”. Meetings of various of departments and officials are being called and joint efforts being worked out. The big question, however, is Citizens, how long will this ‘coming together’ last? Kejriwal’s next tweet or Jung’s next order, shall provide the answer.  

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SC Raps TN, Karnataka

Mindless violence in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu has compelled the Supreme Court to give a hard knock to both Governments. Sadly, after its order asking Karnataka to release Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu, political parties and even the media whipped up emotions to portray it’s a battle between people of one State against another. In the backdrop of the mayhem which erupted, with public property worth crores being destroyed and bandhs called in either State, the apex court rapped Siddaramaiah and Jayalalitha administrations for allowing the agitation to challenge its order. “We expect the governments to maintain their dignity and respect for rule of law,” it stated. And, issued a warning that neither bandhs nor agitations can take place after it passes an order, “which must be complied with.”  Further, the court noted that in case of violence, the police should file a report with the State government, which should hand it over to the High Court or even the Supreme Court for suo motu cognisance. Not just these two States, but others too must make a note of the lesson on their duties i.e. to see no stir or destruction or damage takes place. Better safe than sorry. 

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Bihar Strung-Up

All may not be well for the JD(U)-RJD government in Bihar. While Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and RJD chief Lalu Yadav are putting up a brave front that there are no cracks in the gathbandhan (tie-up), many would take it with a pinch of salt. The release of controversial RJD leader Moh Shahabuddin from Bhagalpur prison after 11 years following the Patna High Court granting him bail has triggered the uncertainty. Finding himself in an awkward position, Nitish is contemplating moving the Supreme Court against the bail order. But will Lalu play ball? He says law should take its own course, obviously indicating that the government must not rush into action. But Nitish embarrassment doesn’t end here. A photograph of Shahabuddin’s close aide and sharp shooter Mohd Kaif flanked with Lalu’s son Health Minister Tej Pratap Yadav has gone viral. In addition, Kaif is seen in a video of the rousing welcome Shahabuddin got after his release. Is it a mere coincidence or is there more than meets the eye? Nitish knocking on the apex court’s door will clear the air. But compulsions of coalition politics may stop him short. Coming days need a close watch.   

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Arunachal Warning

The sacking of Arunachal Pradesh Governor Jyoti Prasad Rajkhowa on Monday last, should sound alarm bells in other Raj Bhavans too. Recall that Rajkhowa, following his retirement as Assam Chief Secretary, was the first gubernatorial appointee of the Modi government in May 2015. Sixteen months later, the same government asked President Mukherjee to remove him as it had “lost trust” in him! Was he made a scapegoat? A close look at events, since January suggest that Rajkhowa may have got over-enthusiastic to please his mentor, (help the BJP dislodge an elected Government), and give his constitutional duties a go-by. At the end of the 6-month drama, the Supreme Court restored the Congress government and revoked President rule. The Centre had egg on its face but passed the blame to Raj Bhavan. It got a perfect opening and took refuge in the Supreme Court censuring the Governor for “humiliating the elected government of the day”. Pity Rajkhowa forgot the saying: You reap what you sow!--INFA 

(Copyright, India News and Feature Alliance)