13th Year in Power or downlslide?

 

As BJP attempts an unusual but sombre attempt to celebrate 7 years of Modi government, an offensive narrative is getting created in parallel to analyse and showcase the failures of the Prime Minister.

A natural (or man-made) calamity has put the world leaders in the dock and India is no different,

especially when the population is so high and distressed, opposition finding an issue which is bigger than Rafale and media having an opportunity to get its pound of flesh for all the ignorance it has got since 2014.

With 3 years to go for the Central elections, it’s an open game and not the right time to paint a disaster on the wall for the master strategist Modi. The last 21 years have shown, how the setbacks were converted into opportunities by the Leader. This time too, the quick learner will find his way out of all the difficulties posted unless the opposition or the media can build a narrative and a leader who can take head-on in the Modi territory called as ‘People’.

Every leader has a shelf life, but when it comes to the replacement of any larger than life persona, the alternative needs to be a fresh face, who can cut across party cadre and strike a chord beyond territorial compulsions or preferences.

The downfall for Congress had started way back in the 1990s. A depleted opposition, especially the GOP could never regain its glory even though it can claim it's been out of power for the last 7 years only.

Congress and BJP have enjoyed power through North and West with coalitions across the South. However, with UP gone, it’s going to be a nearly impossible task for Congress to come back to the podium on its own.

Congress as usual is not looking beyond RaGa and the granddaughter has not grasped the pulse of the people. It looks beyond their charisma to pose any challenge to NaMo. 

Uttar Pradesh was always the route to LKM.

Akhilesh Yadav and Mayawati got full terms as Chief Ministers of UP. However, instead of growing, they have found themselves more into oblivion than the limelight. With wiped out background, they can at max dream it big to be back as the Leader of the state.

Bengal elections have given new ammunition to media and opposition parties to start a new power struggle for the Centre.

With anti-NaMo agenda and zeal to find a new narrative, only a bunch of leaders stand tall or have an aim beyond state politics.

The top amongst the lot is Naveen Patnaik. An ideal leader, who believes in a federal structure and keeps giving his relentless service to the people of Orissa. With almost 2 decades of unblemished performance and governance, he has the persona to grow beyond state politics. However his reluctance to take sides, being content in Orissa and age not getting any younger, he seems to be on his retirement path in Bhuvaneshwar, albeit till people keep him voting back to power in the State.

Arvind Kejriwal is another intelligent and ambitious politician. However, he seems to be stuck in the media glamour who prefers his paradise and still nurse ambitions for the top role. A leader has to grow beyond his state by vision, political acumen and statesmanship and not by playing to media. He does not seem to enjoy any support outside his cocoon. For sure, the other opposition parties will cut him to size even if he tries to make it big.

Mamatha is the only leader who was successful in the last 7 years to prove a point against Modi on a big landscape. Winning a state as large as Bengal has given her a tremendous head start. However, her last stint at the centre whether NDA or UPA was all about swinging moods. A nation can change its mood but not the leader. With her tantrums on a higher pitch, it will always be difficult for her to hold a coalition together. Instead of soothing down into a stateswoman, she is getting entangled in her image, temper and attitude. The attributes are bound to impact her national ambitions, except for those who build the ‘Defeat Modi’ platform.

This leaves only one leader, the Maratha Strongman Sharad Pawar to be a potential national alternative. However, with the MVA coalition, a three-party jumble will mean his party contesting only 1/3 of Maharashtra Lokasabha seats in 2024. If the parties decide to fight separately, erosion of the party base will impact him higher. With age and no substantial MPs on his side, it will take his across the party skills to fulfil life long dream of being an incumbent of LKM.

2024 looks tough for NaMo, but with the opposition not learning its lessons from history and the country not willing for 3rd Front fiasco after VP Singh, Gujral and Devegowda failures, it is bound to be a challenge for the opposition. Hopefully, there won't be any repeat of Charan Singhs and Chandrashekhar's who's ambitions stood above the cause of the nation.

It now depends to be seen how NaMo manages the damage(image) control and if the opposition can find a new national hero ready to take on iconic Modi. Time is sleeping out of hands for those in and out of power for sure.

On a lighter side, the number 13 is proving to be bête noire for the BJP once again. Vajpayee Government lasted for 13 days and then 13 months.

This is the 13th year of BJP in the power😜

Disclaimer: The article is a self-analysis of the current political situation and does not affiliate with any political party or a forum.

Image Courtesy: Internet 

Nextgen BJP ! Who’s the future?

 

She was in love with him but not sure about his future and asked, “What should  I tell my father about your future plan?”

He said, “Tell him, I will be the Chief Minister of Assam.”

This must not be an ordinary person, isn’t it? And he proved himself after 30 years to take oath as 15th CM of Assam, thy name is Himanta Biswa Sarma.

A staunch congressman, getting hurt by party for ignoring his natural claim to become the CM and feeling humiliated when the party’s top leader ignored him to play with his dog made him leave the Congress (not to look back at 10, Janpath) and landed himself at BJP headquarters. He waited patiently for 5 years before rightfully getting coronated as the new Chief Minister.

A man so focused and determined, am sure will have foresight far more than the CM chair.

After NaMo tsunami of 2014 and 2019, the second rung leaders of the BJP started establishing themselves. The future of the party looked secured in the ever dependable Amit Shah, maverick Yogi and an able administrator Fadnavis. 

Last 2 years though, have tested them to the core. Reasons known to him, Shah has been keeping a low profile. Also, he has not worked on his transformation from Chanakya to a mass leader. If he has to follow the footsteps of his guru NaMo, then he has to take lessons, how Modi traversed from an ordinary Karyakarta to a Statesman. NaMo not only worked on his communication, oratory skills, controlled aggression but also changed his personality and mass image. Shah will have to quickly adopt this change to make an imprint on the minds of people.

Yogi was a surprise choice to the post of the CM of Uttar Pradesh but has taken control of this largest state. 2022 will prove whether the leader who looked promising is ever lasting too. With SP/BSP geared up, aura of NaMo having reached saturation point, it will be Yogi who has to prove his mettle. The hurdle for Yogi is his image. Getting acceptability beyond UP will restrict his rise. With media and elite tied to secular India, it will be interesting to see how Yogi overcomes the challenge or remains content with Uttar Pradesh.

Fadnavis started with a bang, winning every nook and corner of the state to become poster boy of Maharashtra in no time. Out of the blue, The Sena dumped him and his struggles have just begun. With no visibility of MVA failing due to internal conflict, it will take the Nagpur strongman to go beyond mathematics of MVA, re-establish himself and cast himself into a mass leader. His political failure in Maharashtra will curtail his national ambitions. Historically any leader from Maharashtra has failed to rise in Delhi. Except for a short stint of late Yashwantrao Chavan who was Deputy Prime Minister in miserable Charan Singh government and been there but not crowned Sharad Pawar.

Shivraj Singh Chouhan, seems to have lost the race and may remain content in beautiful city of Bhopal.

All these leaders need brand BJP and cult of Modi for their respective growth.

Here lies the difference of Sarma. The possessed politician not only walked out of Congress but ended up in RSS headquarters too! Having no connect with the Sangh Parivar(his brother’s education was supported by RSS though), the man single handedly established himself in the corridors of Nagpur as well as those in power in Delhi. Sarma could demand CM role even after Sonowal had fared well(Not the BJP culture). The demand comes from the confidence of credibility in NEDA. The BJP can not ignore his control over the North-East. He has the potential to walk out of the party and still fare well. But the wise man will not do so. He will first improve his grip on North-East and will test his aura in non Hindi adjoining states of the NE. The quick learner in him will ensure good administration, good books of RSS and image building. Acceptance in Delhi is a long way to go, and nothing is easy. He too will have to improve his connect outside NE and oratory skills acceptable all over India, but his path has lesser thorns than the others at least in his own kingdom.

It will be intriguing to see how these leaders hold their forte and rise beyond their own potential to make a mark in national politics and the party. The people of nation obviously will choose and have the last laugh. 

                         “ये जनता सब जानती है।”

Disclaimer: The article merely touches upon potential of future leaders of the BJP and their standing in their own party and does not intend to compare them with any other political party and its leaders. All the statements above are an expression of an avid political observer only.

 Image Courtesy: Internet Media

Historical Elections- Assembly 2021

बेगानी शादी मे अब्दुल्ला दिवाना ! 

That’s what RaGa and Congress party will be doing tonight.

मै तो रस्ते से जा रहा था.. 

BJP will claim they never expected to win Bengal and wanted to improve 2016 tally, but in reality are deeply hurt by the harsh defeat.

तेरी ऊँगली पकड़ के चला..

AIADMK will be missing Amma Jayalalithaa but might be happy with it’s performance to stop the return of Chinnamma.

साला मैं तो साहब बन गया अरे..

Pinnari Vijayan is back and that too decimating it’s long distance partner (relation) Congress in Kerala. 

रूठ के हम से कहीं जब चले जाओगे तुम

Sarbanand Sonowal shall keep hoping that Hemanta Biswa and the Party let’s him to continue him in CM seat.

जो जीता वही सिकंदर and Mamatha walked (with fractured leg but not the mandate) victorious to prove that it was all about खेला होबे.

However, We need to understand the elections of South and Bengal historically. They were always about  मां, माटी, मानुष. Unless and untill BJP brings in local stalwart, it is going to be difficult for them to penetrate the local mindset. 

Bengal for that matter has generally persisted with the incumbent government for last 40 years and it shall take charisma of a new leader to uproot Mamata from the saddle. Till then Bengal may remain happy with the grumpy leader but won’t let any outsider to rule.

TN was due for change of guard especially after the loss of Amma and it will take Kalaignar’s son Stalin to put in huge efforts to prove his potential to govern. Chinnamma shall remain content with results and wait for right moment to grab the opportunity of discontent within AIADMK.

Assam voting in predictable manner proved hold of NDA in NEDA and looks set for status quo till 2024 Central elections.

With all parties finding its pound of flesh across different states, the biggest looser is Congress and RaGa. With no introspection, they will continue its agenda of राजा का बेटा राजा..

Hopefully the EVMs are accepted across the cult of the society and we put all those discussions to rest, period.

The COVID factor also played an important role in the elections. With sheer pressure from the people, it was bound that NaMo had to take a backseat from the rallies and BJP shall feel lucky that these were not national elections.

Never to forget, it’s victory of democracy and during this pandemic, the people came out of their homes to vote for the popular government. They have taken the risk of Covid-19 for their future, now it’s turn of the political parties to improve people’s present at least !

Disclaimer: The above article is a personal observation of the electoral verdict and does not intent to comment on the DOs and DONTs of the political parties.

Image Courtesy: Times of India

State Elections: Watershed or Predictable?

With elections announced for state assemblies in Assam, Bengal and South, the election fever is bound to reach high temperatures in the summer of 2021.

The BJP which didn’t even dare to hold election rallies in these states not so long ago, is aiming to retain power in Assam and form the first right wing government in Bengal and not to forget Tamilnadu Puducherry and Kerala where they aim to make their presence felt.

For the party which let its partner Mamatha and Amma call shots in Vajpayee coalition for the state, the change is significant as one is now the biggest rival and other’s followers are looking for persona of Modi to come to rescue to retain power. 

All these states, for years since independence had silent unnamed RSS workers who relentlessly worked on the ground to make a base for the BJP. The Congress on the other hand remained in illusion of invincibility to let the power slip to Left in Bengal,accepted alternate 5 year term in Kerala and  pushed its own disciples in Assam relegating the second rung leadership to move to BJP.

The opponents, the media and the Power circles of 10, Janpath underestimated the ambitions of BJP and the ground reality of voters shifting the base to saffron party.

The shift is not a miracle. It’s something what Vajpayee predicted and Advani perceived. The duo slowly but steadily ensured to come out of the so called untouchable party tag. 

2014 to 2021 has been an amazing juggernaut of Modi ably driven by his trusted Sarthi Amit Shah. The thought process is very clear. Do whatever it takes to win. Work on your strongholds, be open to pamper turncoat ambitions, not to bog down for lack of local face and fight elections in the name of Mascot Modi. 

Mamata who single handedly mesmerised Bengal to dismantle Left is getting jitters in her own bastion .This is going to be her biggest fight for survival and probably will change the course of Bengal politics.

With Gogoi gone, Hemant Biswa on its side, Sonowal faring satisfactorily, Assam could be a safe bet for BJP.

Kerala, Puducherry is more to do with Congress than BJP. Even a small gain is significant for the future of Saffron party.

Amma’s disciples or Kalaignar offspring in Tamilnadu whosoever wins, BJP shall remain content for now to have a say in state Politics.

This is going to a tough test for the Congress. If it survives this battle,it’s partners fare better than the rest, then only the GOP has hope to remain relevant as a principal opposition party in national politics.

For the BJP, it’s all the way gains as it’s aiming the territories which were alien to them since the party’s inception.

Whatever are the results, 2nd May 2021 is going to be a watershed day in the history of Indian Politics.

Image Courtesy: The New Indian Express

Disclaimer: The article does not aim to propagate any political party and is a mere observation of an avid follower of the current state of politics.

Bose and Thackeray.. Identities personified

Is it a mere coincidence or fortune that 2 of India’s brave sons were born on the same day (not year)?

As nation celebrates, Netaji Subhashchandra Bose and Balasaheb Thackeray’s birth anniversary, similarities come to galore with their memories.

Both leaders who were supposed to be close to Congress turned out to be its biggest bête noire.

If Netaji was a typical politician and Thackeray, a cartoonist, both ditched their original professions to form their own Senas, Azad Hind and Shivsena.

Both became youth icons when they were past their prime youth. Both had the charisma to motivate and invoke nationalism amongst the youngsters.

Both changed their soft approach into hard core aggression which they believed was the way forward for democratic India. If one said attack, the other said defend and give it back.

Both were misunderstood when they went vocal with their ideologies, time proved their preachings were visionary and sustainable beyond their lifetime.

Both had liking for the cigars and were open to admit it.

If Netaji was (is) Bengal’s pride, you won’t find any Maharashtrian not speaking the tone of Balasaheb.

Bengal and Maharashtra, both the states having a rich culture, political history and vocal citizens are bound to miss the iron men of Indian politics today.

May the soul of Netaji and Balasaheb bless the nation on their birth anniversaries. 🙇‍♂️ 🙇‍♂️

Image Courtesy: Wikipedia and India Today

Disclaimer: The article is a personal observation about 2 great sons of Indian soil and does not intend to make any political statement.

‘Namaste Trump’ is the new buzzword in Ahmedabad and the city has gripped itself in a makeover to showcase its best face to welcome the POTUS Donald Trump.

Ahmedabad is by no means another city and Sabaramati river front knows how much water has flown under the bridge in last few years and then Agra will see the most powerful man visit the  monument of love ‘Taj Mahal’.

The visits of US president have historically been used to show the strength of relations between a most powerful democracy and the most populated democratic nation.

The current visit of the big man is seen by many as personal, political or by all means a way to capture the Indian voters in the forthcoming presidential elections in the United States.

As the opposition raises its voice, one should go back to history and see what recent visits of respective US presidents has achieved for India.

The Cold War era meant, India had to walk a tight rope of non-aligned countries. It was with charming icon of Ronald Reagan that an Indian Prime Minister in Rajiv Gandhi caught the glimpse of young India making its presence felt in the US of A.

The senior Bush and almost the entire tenure of Bill Clinton saw a status quo relationship with India and with no majority government and policy paralysis at the centre, India lost an opportunity to build the relation with the powerful nation.

Clinton chose Hyderabad over Bangalore and had its own share of the opposition in terms of the venue. However the visit was a perfect launch of India as an IT hub which even today generates huge revenues for the nation.

By all means, it was Manmohan Singh, who had the guts  to openly accept the relationship with the US. The junior Bush and Obama played the perfect counterparts which ultimately broke the ice between the two nations.

NaMo has taken the relationship to a new level where both partners stand tall and equal.

Keeping the Presidents away from formal relationships in the past meant, our neighbours had an opportunity to get closer to the US and getting immensely benefitted in terms of financial and defence surge.

With 1.3 billion people as a base, India stands as one of the biggest market of the globe.

The future of relationships is directly correlated to market whether its defence, jobs, technology, medical sciences or human to human connect. Modi has identified this pulse and with such a large canvas available to global players, India has the key to a better future and it does not need to run behind the superpowers. The mutual relationship will benefit the country in the long run.

The time is perfectly ripe for India to play to its advantage rather than getting engulfed in controversies and play to its full potential.

How the future course of country changes will primarily depend on how we exploit the situation to our advantage.

Image Courtesy: Dainik Bhaskar

Disclaimer: The article is a self expression looking at the visits of previous POTUS to India and does not intend to make any comment on political vision of an individual or a party.

Delhi Elections Exit Poll

The Delhi exit polls clearly favour Arvind Kejriwal, halfheartedly accept Modi-Shah duo and completely decimate RaGa politics.

The Delhi results have always produced  surprising results. If onion prices threw Sushma Swaraj out of power, sent popular Sheila Dixit into retirement, the voters made it sure to make hero out of Arvind Kejriwal, thanks to anti corruption crusader Anna Hazare.

Kejriwal has successfully nurtured an image of a non corrupt, humble, pro-poor CM who believes in free for all schemes. The image is extremely difficult to break and to his credit, Kejriwal has successfully held on that image for 5 years.

Modi-Shah duo for that matter were always interested in improving the numbers in Delhi . They seem to be succeeding in the short term goal.

If the Exit poll comes true,, it would underline few important aspects of any election approach going forward.

Kejriwal has proved to be a quick learner. The day he realised that bad mouthing the central policies and the Prime Minister, impacts negatively on him, he has managed to stay away from all the publicity and focused on Delhi. It’s a general observation that whenever one targets a popular leader, election results are impacted(Ask Devendra Fadnavis what went wrong in Maharashtra).

A local face is must for every election. Gone are the 2014 days when Modi wave won the elections for BJP. Post Madanlal Khurana, BJP could never get a local stalwart and Kiran Bedi or Manoj Tiwary are no match to Kejriwal. It’s time, some local leader stands and deliver for BJP, else the broom will wipe out the ambitions of the saffron party.

The biggest looser is RaGa and his politics. What Kejriwal understood so quickly, RaGa has failed to realise. The more he speaks, more it hampers his party. A bad mouth can generate publicity but will never convert into votes. RaGa has to remember that he is Gandhi and needs to maintain a stature so people can follow him like his predecessors of the first family of the Congress.

The media to its negative credit has ensured publicity is the key. It has successfully held topics like Shaheen Baug, CAA, communal discord and kept afloat its TRPs. One wishes, media uses its reach to the people in a constructive manner. Watching them gives a feel that nothing goes good in this country.

The biggest positive takeaway from the outcome is the maturity of voters. They seem to have voted for the development and not for the optics. However one hopes, the politicians remove the masks on their face and ask for the votes and the voters on their part have the capacity to unmask the real faces of the politicians irrespective of the political party.

Disclaimer: The views mentioned in the blog are personal and do not align or reflect views of any political party.

# Republic #ABP Live #Lokmat #NDTVKhabar.com #NDTV #Aaj Tak
Image Courtesy: Jagaran

UK Elections ! Celebration of democracy

Having lived and loved London, General Elections in UK have always evinced my curiosity and I have followed them very closely.

This year probably was more special due to Brexit and on a personal note the constituency of Uxbridge was of my keen interest due to two facts, one it being British PM Boris Johnson’s seat and secondly, as it was my workplace during my stay in London.

The elections came, people voted, results counted and new government will be formed soon. All happened without too many of political rallies, fanfare and mud slinging on political rivals.

The best part of British democracy is the grace with which the parliamentarians carry themselves in victory or the loss. A leader who cannot make his party win is the first one to accept the defeat and vacates his role and the one who wins is magnanimous enough to quit if his party doesn’t favour him in the long run. Few exits which are worth to remember are John Major, Tony Blair or the latest one of David Cameron for sure.

The win might have made the conservatives all bit powerful but the journey will not be an easy one in the days to come. The Brexit has proved to be more than a bigger bottleneck for Europe and UK both. With difference of opinion in Scotland for EU inclination, exit or no exit will always be delicate to handle.

The real test for Boris Johnson has just begun. How he deals with the situation and gets maximum benefits for his country will decide the future of his nation and his own legacy.

As they say, it’s not what you deserve but what you negotiate! The EU and UK are exactly on two sides of this thin line.

What does the UK elections mean for India ?
On one side is a large commercial but volatile market of Europe and UK and only time will tell how the countries realign themselves in new political situation. The other side throws good introspective lessons of democracy and conduct of the politicians.

India has inherited democracy from the UK, but may be we haven’t fully transformed it to  people. We struggle to get a leader without a political lineage , are comfortable with a person who has repeatedly failed his party but is never challenged and we are never are bothered about the change in political ideologies or stand taken by the leaders or their parties.

It is equally interesting to see the demographic and geographic size of the British constituency and compare it with Indian counterparts. India is approximately 13 times bigger in size than the UK but the number of parliament seats in UK are around 20% more than those of India. This probably means that the representation is more dense than what we have. The voice sent to the parliament belongs to smallest of the nook of the constituency and represent a variety of people rather than getting dominated by a larger chunk of population. The irony would be to know the fact that many of the winners in UK might have secured lesser number of votes than some of the candidates who probably lost their deposits in Indian elections.

Democracy in a way is a continuously evolving process. The democracy in UK is more than 5 centuries old whereas we have just began. We have yet to come out of that ruler and the follower mindset and it will probably take few quarters of century that we will be a fully governed by the people and served by the politicians.

The bottom line is that the democracy is here to stay in India and the people have accepted it wholeheartedly. The proof is more than enough that we have always been governed by, what we have chosen. Whether right or wrong would always remain an individual choice and people’s voice.The most important are the values for which we fought for freedom and hope they are sustained for years to come.

Image Courtesy: Politico
Disclaimer: The article is a mere observation of UK elections and does not discuss the policies or legacies of the political parties in India or abroad.

वाघाचं स्वप्न ! राजाची कमाल ! लग्नाचा करार ! आणि कमळाबाईची माघार !

Maharashtra Government formation was all about twists and turns. I have written a Marathi Poem based on recent daily events , which I conclude today as the new CM has taken oath. The poem is written in 3 parts.

Thanks for all your earlier reads, likes and comments on the poem 🙏🙏🙏

***********************************************
वाघाचं स्वप्न ! राजाची कमाल !  लग्नाचा करार ! आणि कमळाबाईची माघार !
***********************************************
* भाग -१
निवडणुक : कमळाबाईचा काडीमोड आणि वाघाची तडजोड ....

वाघाचं लग्न ठरलं! गंगेत घोडं न्हालं !

गावं म्हटलं कमळाबाई ! वाघ म्हटला जमत नाही!
कमळाबाई रुसली ! वाघाला सोडुन गेली !

वाघ पडला एकटा ! झाला एकदम पोरकां !
कमळाबाई काही ऐकेना ! म्हणे आता माझं पण पटेनां !

वाघ झाला सैरभैर ! आता नव्हती कुणाची खैर !
शोधु लागला वधू ! पण होता स्वत:च अधु !

वाघाची नजर भिरभिर ! झाली रोजचीच किरकिर !
नजर काही जुळेना ! वाघाचं कुठे जमेना !

आला तिकडून जंगलाचा राजा ! वाघ म्हटला विवाह कर माझा !
राजा होता मोठा चतुर ! शोधु लागला कुणी फितुर !

राजालां दिसली एक झोपडी ! परिस्थिती मात्र फारच तोकडी !
झोपडीत होती एक वधु ! वाघासारखी तीपण अधु !

राजा म्हटला वाघाला ! होतो मी मुलीचा मामा !
लग्न लावतो थाटात ! मलापण घे घरात !

वाघ म्हटला नकोती वणवण ! लग्नासाठी काहीपण !
अखेर ठरलं, वाघाचं ठरलं ! गुडघ्याला बाशिंग बांधल !

वाघाचं लग्न ठरलं ! गंगेत घोडं न्हालं !

********************************************
* भाग-२
अचानक झालेलं कमळाबाईचं लग्न ...

राजाचा शिलेदार अजित हुशार !
म्हटला मीच तुझा वारसदार !

नको तो वाघ अनं ती संधीसाधु वधु
अशा घरात मी का नांदु !

कमळाबाई कडे गावाचे लक्ष
वाघ आहेच मुळी खुप रुक्ष !

मलापण राखायचा संसाराचा गड
कमळाबाई सोबत आता माझाचं फड !

वाघाच्या स्वप्नात असंख्य विघ्न
अखेर कमळाबाईचेच लग्न !

********************************************
* भाग-३
राजाची कमाल आणि लग्नातला करार....

कमळाबाईचं लग्न औटघटकेचं !
अप्रुप फक्त काही दिवसांच !

राजाचा शिलेदार म्हटला नको तुझा व्यवहार !
माझा राजा देतोय मला पुन्हा हुंकार !

कमळाबाई बावरली , थोडी वैतागली !
कंटाळून अखेर गावी परतली !

वाघ होताच तयार लग्नमंडपात !
वधु पण होती हातात घेऊन हाथ !

राजा म्हटला होऊ द्या करार ! आणि उडवा लग्नाचा बार !
कमळाबाईनं घेतली तुर्त माघार !

अखेर लागलं , लग्न लागलं ! वाघाचं लग्न लागलं !
कमळाबाईचं मन मोडलं !

कमळाबाई म्हटली गावांला ! असचं तुमच्यावर प्रेम करीन !
मी पुन्हा येईन ! मी पुन्हा येईन ! मी पुन्हा येईन !

-जयवंत

टिप : वरील ओळीं सद्य राजकीय परिस्थतीवर विडंबन आहे , संबोधन नाही.

Image courtesy: India Today
- जयवंत

वाघाच्या स्वप्नात असंख्य विघ्न ! अखेर कमळाबाईचेच लग्न !

वाघाचं लग्न ठरलं! गंगेत घोडं न्हालं !

गावं म्हटलं कमळाबाई ! वाघ म्हटला जमत नाही!
कमळाबाई रुसली ! वाघाला सोडुन गेली !

वाघ पडला एकटा ! झाला एकदम पोरकां !
कमळाबाई काही ऐकेना ! म्हणे आता माझं पण पटेनां !

वाघ झाला सैरभैर ! आता नव्हती कुणाची खैर !
शोधु लागला वधू ! पण होता स्वत:च अधु !

वाघाची नजर भिरभिर ! झाली रोजचीच किरकिर !
नजर काही जुळेना ! वाघाचं कुठे जमेना !

आला तिकडून जंगलाचा राजा ! वाघ म्हटला विवाह कर माझा !
राजा होता मोठा चतुर ! शोधु लागला कुणी फितुर !

राजालां दिसली एक झोपडी ! परिस्थिती मात्र फारच तोकडी !
झोपडीत होती एक वधु ! वाघासारखी तीपण अधु !

राजा म्हटला वाघाला ! होतो मी मुलीचा मामा !
लग्न लावतो थाटात ! मलापण घे घरात !

वाघ म्हटला नकोती वणवण ! लग्नासाठी काहीपण !
अखेर ठरलं, वाघाचं ठरलं ! गुडघ्याला बाशिंग बांधल !

वाघाचं लग्न ठरलं ! गंगेत घोडं न्हालं !

***********************************************

ताजी वस्तुस्थिती :

राजाचा शिलेदार अजित हुशार !
म्हटला मीच तुझा वारसदार !

नको तो वाघ अनं ती संधीसाधु वधु
अशा घरात मी का नांदु !

कमळाबाई कडे गावाचे लक्ष
वाघ आहेच मुळी खुप रुक्ष !

मलापण राखायचा संसाराचा गड
कमळाबाई सोबत आता माझाचं फड !

वाघाच्या स्वप्नात असंख्य विघ्न
अखेर झालं  कमळाबाईचेच लग्न !

-जयवंत

टिप : वरील ओळीं सद्य राजकीय परिस्थतीवर विडंबन आहे , संबोधन नाही.

Celebrating Life ! celebrating LK Advani’s Life

As power struggle between two fledging and non compromising partners Shivsena and BJP reaches its concluding phase, the Eternal Laxman of Indian Politics and former Deputy Prime Minister it India Shri Lalkrishna Advani quietly turns 92 today.

The patriarch who was once was called the second ‘Loh Purush’ of India, today finds himself isolated and out of current media focus and widely treated as a retired head of the BJP.

The BJP, which was once known as untouchable RSS face of the politics had two soldiers in Vajpayee and Advani who weathered the storm and humiliation of having only 2 MPs in Parliament and the younger of the two even struggling to find a safe Loksabha seat for himself. 

With no third option available, Advani took it on himself to dedicate the party for the cause of Ramlalla and BJP rose a Phoenix flight to land itself as an opposition party with a substance. As the party grew, so did the stature of the party and when the opportunity was there to lead the government, a true Laxman in Advani ensured that the Ram of BJP, Vajpayee was made the Prime Minister.

Sacrificing himself all his life and taking a backseat became the norm for this grand old man of Indian Politics. With his protégée NaMo taking over a center stage, the last sacrifice saw Advani leaving the reins and decisions of the party to a younger generation. Whether the back seat was on his own or party’s call will always remain a close secret with the grand old man and that’s how the real Advani was, is and will remain forever.

The journey which started from Karachi, Pakistan where Advanjee was born, to lead a life as political leader and then finding himself in jail for emergency is a life worth respecting and adoring. He might be targeted for not going to jail during freedom struggle, but there is nothing sadder than going to jail in your own independent country, for the cause of having an opinion which the people in power don’t seem to agree with.

When all the current politicians fight for their legacy, piece of power and push nepotism, here is the man who will always be remembered for his selflessness, integrity and being one of the most disciplined politicians of all times. 

May we all wish him good health and thank him for whatever he has done to make India, a better place to live .

Happy Birthday to Advanjee 🙏🙏🙏 Respect 🙏🙏🙏 🙇‍♀️ 🙇‍♂️

Political puzzle of Maharashtra

Once upon a time King Akbar asked Birbal to find 4 fools in his state.

Birbal found 2 fools soon. The first fool was celebrating a child’s birth born out of his wife’s second marriage. Second fool was riding a Buffalo with a bundle of grass on his head. The reason being, he didn’t want to overload the Buffalo with weight of the grass  and hence carried it on his head. Birbal took both of them to Akbar.

Puzzled Badshaah, told Birbal that he wanted 4 fools. Birbal politely replied,”3rd one is you Jahapanah ! who asked to bring the fools” and the 4th was Birbal himself, who was running behind 3 fools.

Akbar-Birbal story is getting repeated in Maharashtra politics.

The 2019 Vidhansabha elections gave clear verdict to a pre-poll alliance and all of a sudden one partner realised that it wants to rule the state as Baadshah. It needs 4 fools who can play along its whims and fancies so it targeted its own alliance partner and it found another two in Congress and NCP.

Unfortunately the fourth fool is not Shivsena but the people who voted in elections for their respective parties or alliance which turned out to be a vote for grand alliance government.

Maharashtra is known for its stalwarts, political standards and intellectual voters. The current scene is a complete mess and people of Maharashtra feel used by the political parties. The mathematical muscle power(whichever is the party) doesn’t augur well for politically matured Maharashtra. The rules of the democracy unfortunately allows such misuse after the voters have given their verdict.

If the compromise government comes into picture, the ramifications are bound to impact various municipal corporations, recalculations of alliances and formation of unholy governance not agreed by the people.

The verdict is very clear whether it’s BJP and Sena or Congress-NCP. Breaking the voters trust (whichever party they belong to) doesn’t augur well for future of Maharashtra.

Hopefully, the state keeps its image clean and gets its elected government soon and whatsoever promises and whichever party had given to its partners or the people are uphold for the sake of this wonderful state called ‘Maharashtra’.

Disclaimer: The article does not support any political party, however it’s of the opinion that whosoever forms the government should uphold tradition of Maharashtra and respect people’s wishes.

Image courtesy: Wikipedia

Fadnavis and Khattar make it happen again but with caveat

Campaigning over ! Elections over ! Opinion poll and Exit Polls done ! 

And results? 

Decimating the public perception and provoking a thought process for all the political parties and the voters.

One one side, it was an iron grip of Manoharlal Khattar over Haryana and the other had a blue eyed boy of Maharashtra politics Devendra Fadnavis. Both newcomers to the role of Chief Ministers and perception clearly indicating their top notch performance with defeat written on the walls for the opposition.

With punching LokSabha wins, article 370 and depleted opposition, BJP was all set to return with thumping majority.

Where did the two young (Role-wise) CMs go wrong while coming back to power(almost)? that the celebrations remain subdued and their party pretending all to be Hunky-Dory 😊

First of all, it was overestimation of self and under estimation of the rivals. To add to it, Congress was more than willing to loose with their top boss RaGa preferring to stay away instead of fighting a lost cause. It was left to old soldiers to fight their own battles and if they went wrong, punishing the culprits and scapegoats was a foregone reality.

Let’s look at Haryana first. As they say, fear of failures make one perform better and the scapegoats of Haryana realised it soon. Khattar might be an able administrator but it was Hooda who proved to have the pulse of politics. Assimilating caste equations, decimating the goodwill of the Chief Minister, eroding the internal party rivals and emotionally overcoming people sentiments on 370 by virtually going against party line was the key to Hooda’s rise from oblivion. A straightforward politician like Khattar was caught off guard without realising the ground below his feet had moved away from ‘अबकी बार ७५ पार’ to ‘४० पर खुश रहो इस बार’.

In Maharashtra, 2014 saw a young Devendra Fadnavis take over reins of Maharashtra and the leader didn’t disappoint for 5 years working seamlessly during the tenure. Enough issues were posed by his friends in government and rivals didn’t leave any opportunity to make him sweat. Governance is not the key to form the Government and BJP lost the plot somewhere during these high pitch elections. “मी पुन्हा येईन” and Fadnavis came back but with a crumpled mandate.

Headless congress accepted the defeat without fight but what happened in Haryana was repeated in Maharashtra. The grand old Maratha politician in Sharad Pawar gauged the pulse at right time. Urbanisation is the key to BJP and Pawar took the exact opposite route to roar back in contention, but bit late. The defiance in rains proved the master stroke for the heavy weight politician. It brought all his drifted supporters back to him. Had the elections were conducted in phases in Maharashtra, the outcome would have been different than what was declared yesterday.

Next 5 years are bound to be crucial for all the political parties. 

If BJP model of development has to sustain, it has to repenetrate in western Maharashtra, look beyond urban culture and start banking on state level results rather than national achievements.It also needs to handle a tougher coalition than last time without impacting its agenda and ambitions.

NCP is Sharad Pawar but the party looks vulnerable if he takes a back seat. Unless, it works on its broader agenda and brings in inclusive politics, the success of 2019 will be temporary and volatile.

Congress on the other hand, doesn’t seem interested in its own reincarnation and probably it will remain so till its national level calculations are sorted out and those look remotely impossible in current party hierarchy.

MNS, VBA as usual played the musical cards expecting miracles in their favour without a clear vision and alliances. They were systematically used or misused and unless they make themselves come out of the shadow of compulsions, the political obituary is in the offing.

The elections were an absolute eye opener and it’s a beginning of political battle which will have its ramifications for 2024 elections. Hope the younger generation takes a side of those political parties which take them to future rather than moving them backwards.

Image Courtesy: Amar Ujala

Disclaimer: The blog is a mere observation of the elections for state and does not justify or propagate any political ideology.

An enigma called Sharad Pawar!

Once upon a time, there lived a man who was young, dynamic, had a political mind and the political pundits along with aam janta of the state soon realized that it had found a protégé, enough to be called as future of progressive Maharashtra.

Maharashtra till then, was known for its leaders being tied to their ideologies, principles and bound to the election mandate.  It soon found that the young man had big political ambitions and he overturned the political platform to become the youngest Chief Minister of Maharashtra at the age of 39.

The  protégé turned into a Political Wizard. An ideal example of an able administrator, a leader who ensured his followers are taken care off and an institute was born, which became an inspiration to young aspiring leaders across political differences or ideologies.

The young leader went on to rule Maharashtra for at least 3 tenures and was central minister for a long time.

A simple equation was realized, Power is permanent ! And the leader had the key to make it work.

As the leadership grew, so did the followers. The loyalist were staunch and they never deserted. That became an example, how a leader keeps his stalk together. However, intentionally or either, the flock became vulnerable to power and political kingdoms were born.

It took 40 years to convert a simple equation into a complex one for his opposition. Once a young leader and now a grand old patriarch Sharad Pawar has found himself in a situation where he is left only with family members and close confidants and even few among them are deserting his ship leaving the Titan and Titanic in oblivion.

Reality Check ?

The most important lesson is to sustain without power. Those who stay with you in your bad times, make wonders when your time is on the upswing. That situation was never presented to the followers. Even in 2014, BJP-NCP government was almost a reality.

The basic principles for which NCP was formed opposing Sonia Gandhi took a backseat as soon as Congress led government was a reality. Alas ! An opportunity was lost to sit in the opposition on principles and power continued for followers.

If Narendra Modi was Gujarat then Sharad Pawar was Maharashtra. But that was not to be. Changing the sides all too often, proved a big bottleneck for the inspirational leader. The people in Maharashtra could never rally behind him as 'One State' on the lines of Gujarat being with Modi.

Some journeys are inspirational and so is Sharad Pawar's, albeit the road-map went haywire as it was not planned from long term gain. If Modi went by the rule-book of his party, Pawar changed the book whenever an opportunity knocked to keep his followers happy. The intentions might be to provide power to the flock but once they were out of power, they  found a new ship and what they call as 'Mega Bharti' became norm of the day.

Maharashtra, after a long wait of years is presented by another young visionary in the current CM Devendra Fadnavis and may be we might have many Maharashtrian aspirations fulfilled by him in the future.

A key thumb rule, hopefully is not forgotten! Ideologies and parties can not be built by inorganic growth and additions would be subtractions if they are not managed based on ethics and values. One must not forget Ataljee's wait of 35 years which made 2 in 1984 to Modi's 303 in 2019 just through perseverance, commitment and belief in self ideologies and people.

Whatsoever ! Sharad Pawar will always remain an enigma of Maharashtra and National Politics and a thought will always remain, had his political trajectory taken a different path, then what would have changed for Maharashtra? 🙇‍♂️

Disclaimer: The blog is a mere observation on the current political situation of Maharashtra and does not comment and evaluate the policies or functioning of any political party.

Image Courtesy : India Today

Arun Jaitley: Final adieu to the leader

Two obituaries in two weeks of stalwarts of BJP and even in death, both of them ensuring to choose the same month for their exit as that of Atalji.

Sounds like, true disciples following the master even in death.

Arun Jaitley and Sushma Swaraj, two sides of young brigade of BJP had so many similarities. The media put them as rivals in Delhi. Both were almost same age, contrasting oratory skills complimented each other, both ran equally powerful ministries with iron but seasoned hands, had similar ailments, similar treatment, quit active politics at the same time and bid final adieu within days of each other. True pillars for the  party and losing them is a jolt to BJP as well the nation. No two individuals could have lived lives so parallel to each other.

Arun Jaitley, one of the most suave politicians of all times, connected with intellectuals and downtrodden through his speeches, hard work, policies, governance and always came across as man of all seasons for his party, the BJP.

Though not a mass leader, master strategist in Jaitley ensured the pulse of people is known to the party. As one of the most trusted lieutenant of Modi Government, Jaitley ensured Rafale fly in the sky and one country one tax GST became a reality.

Whenever one heard Jaitely, it had a convincing impact on the audience. His legal skills matched his witty comments blunted the opposition to get his agenda through for the cause of the nation.

Leading a life in opposition for most of the career and when the opportunity came for long stint in the Government, the stalwart is gone.

RIP Jaitley Saab !! 🙇‍♂️

Image courtesy: Gulf News

Disclaimer: The blog is personal homage to a leader who came across as one of the most seasoned politicians of all times. It doesn’t comment on political parties and their policies.

Sushma Swaraj !!

In many walks of life, we come across people who are leaders, mentors or are one amongst the most respected lot and yet they do not get coronated to the coveted positions. 

However their contribution, dedication and the place they earn in people’s hearts is remembered for years across generations. 

Such stalwarts are rare and Sushma Swaraj probably will always be there at the top for her  ‘Rashtrabhakti’ and affability towards the people of this great nation, ‘India’.

Democracies are not built by independence but by the people who leave the lure of power and remain part of an ideology till the ultimate goal is achieved. An orator at par and friends across all parties would have easily made Sushma remain in power all through her life, albeit she chose to be in opposition for most of her career and that’s what differentiates her with others who switch parties and make headlines especially during any election fever.

One of the youngest minister in Haryana Government to India’s most beloved Foreign Minister, Sushma made mark in all the roles she performed.

Sushma chose the eternal journey so soon after her successor in Delhi, Shiela Dixit left for heavenly abode but the sequence reversed. I still remember Sheila Dixit sitting next to Sushma, the day later became the Chief Minister of Delhi and beaming with joy for her friend Sushma. That was the camaraderie she shared with Dixit and leaders of opposition parties though being poles apart in their ideologies.

Irony of democracy made Sushma lose the power to Sheila and not because of the policies or politics. It were those costly onions who tilted the favour against Sushma and Delhi might have lost one of the most deserving Chief Ministers ever to rule.

Nonetheless, Sushma being as Swaraj as name, was always one of those outspoken and real trouble shooters for the party. Those who heard her speeches in Parliament especially during the fall of that 13 days Government of Ataljee would agree for them being a BJP supporter due to ‘Sushmavachan’. 

Her functioning as minister in the successive BJP governments of Vajpayee and Narendra Modi made people come across an ideal minister whom they always missed in any government.

A firebrand leader who took on Soniya Gandhi in Bellary to one of the most affable leaders of all times, also faced few unwarranted controversies especially during LalitGate and one must say, we as people or the politicians must be responsible enough to get to the root of any issue and then make a statement.

Her health and her troubles with mobility made her sit out of 2019 Modi Sarkar but Sushma being Sushma probably chose to leave for ever rather than leading a retired life.

Article 370, which was close to many people and always top of her Party’s agenda was the day she chose to leave us but not before patting the current government and celebrating the victory of democracy till her last breath.

Sushma Swaraj will always be remembered as an all time great and one who made a difference to India so we can be ready to usher a new era in ‘New India’.

RIP Sushma Swaraj 🙇‍♂️ 🙇‍♂️ 🙇‍♀️ 🙇‍♀️ 

Image courtesy: NDTV

Disclaimer: The article is a mark of respect and does not talk about political opinions and being on either side of the government or the opposition. This is a personal blog and opinion.

A New India ! A Shining India

Elections come and go. Representatives make a place for themselves or are forgotten but very rarely are the elections which make a footprint to stay long on the people’s minds.

The elections have been part and parcel of our democracy and if 1984 was sympathy election, 2014 was wave for change , for the first time ever, we have witnessed an election in 2019 which was fought for a government of the people, by the people and for the people putting trust in tallest leaders of our times Narendra Modi.

The 2019 elections were more of our leader, our nation and our future overshadowing the normal psyche of my leader, my state and my community’s future. 

If they say it was Modi wave, one must not forget that if the wave has to reach the shore, it must be supported by an able wind, strong high tide and consistent weather conditions. The wave became a reality with people like  Fadnavis in Maharashtra, Shivaraj in MP, Yogi in UP and many BJP and NDA local administrations slogging for people welfare to ensure that Modi can bank on the good governance they offered.

The elections were about young India, aspiring youth and clarity amongst the people what they want for future. It did not hinder between caste, creed or religion. Modi was the first to understand this undercurrent and played his cards well rather than lingering on personal bickering and ignoring the media created tussle.

The undisputed dynasties were comfortably beaten by the ballet whether it was Yadavs, Gowdas, Pawars or eternal Gandhis and they paved the way for common people to enter the central hall of the parliament. Time has come for political parties to run on corporate lines and perform else the family business would perish to crumble in no time.

It’s ironic that even after 70 years of independence, toilets, LPG, homes, bank accounts and Clean India are relevant to people and can win an election in India. It shows the apathy of our political leaders for all these years in taking their own people for granted.

Globalisation and digitalisation has played a huge impact on the people and imprints of social media are here to stay. It became an important tool for the politicians to reach the last electoral voter, make a point and let the people decide what they felt was wiser for them to choose.

The globe is changing, mood is swinging and one who leads the race has an opportunity to make a difference to the society and global population. 

Modi has been bestowed with such a challenge, mandate and opportunity and only time will tell what he has sown in his first term will bear the kind of fruits, the nation is expecting in the second instalment.

The public is impatient for growth and it is bound to be a tough journey for the new government. An undisputed leader was need of the hour and people of the country have rightfully chosen a leader who can match the pace with their aspirations.

Time and Tide wait for no man and so does the electorate. Let’s hope the the next five years bring in peace, prosperity and growth for the country and nevertheless build an opposition which doesn’t entangle in dynasties, money power and hold the country going beyond vested interests to make a New India, a shining India.

Disclaimer: The blog is a mere observation and opinion of an Indian voter and does not comment on the functioning of political parties.

Image : NDTV

- Jayawant 

Modi and Undercurrent of 2019 elections

Undercurrent, Hype and Wave are three primary components which decide the fate of any election and Indians are no exception to this thumb rule.

The most dicey or uncertain factor is undercurrent which no Political Pundit, Established media or common man can predict and usually ends up biting the ballet.

US elections decimated dreams of a potential President when an undercurrent overpowered the hype to bring in a President, whom even his own party had not envisioned to crown the glory in historic Presidential battle for the 45th President.

Recent Ukraine elections handed over the mantle of leading the nation to a comedian whose only political experience was an on-screen role of President to win in an election which could be termed as landslide victory.

We need to look into past few elections (post Indira Gandhi) to understand how we have brought in Governments in last 30 years to make us realize the impact of verdict we prefer and have produced.

Rajeev Gandhi rode a wave of sympathy in 1984 to make opposition parties sit in corner of the parliament. It was a complete one man (rather woman-Indira Gandhi) show for the novice politician making many opponents go into oblivion.

Elections of 1999 made Ataljee, premier of the nation riding on the wave of Kargil war victory and kind of good governance he offered during his 13 month tenure in 1996. The vote was also against antiestablishment of previous miniature governments and the scandals of corruption which had marred the Congress Party.

The miniature governments of VP Singh, Devegowda, IK Gujral were more of mathematical ellipse rather than governance with none of these leaders in sync with sentiments of aam admi and ultimately paved way for Ataljee rule.

1999 to 2004 witnessed corruption free government and NDA was  banking on the good image of the coveted leader and socio-economic initiatives of the Prime Minister. The goodwill generated forced the NDA government to advance Loksabha elections and face the electorate with ‘India Shining’ slogan. The bubble of the hype went haywire against the undercurrent of anti establishment that saw MMS rule the nation for next 10 years.

2014 was a real political wave of a leader and strong undercurrent against the MMS Government. The youth found an icon in 60+ Modi and after years of political turbulence, India voted for one party majority. The next five years have seen Modi extending his appeal beyond Hindi belt to establish himself as a Pan-India leader.

Modi’s persona has brought in all single/double digit (number of seats) worth relevant leaders to come mathematically together to pose a battle. With grand old party trying to make inroads after 2014 debacle, the media is neither able to dismiss nor create any hype for them. 

Undercurrent usually tends to be against the establishment to puncture the bubble of invincibility. However for the first time in many years, the government seems to be inching with an undercurrent in favour of them. 

The undercurrent cannot be created or estimated by media on the lines of wave or a hype. The undercurrent doesn’t come from Lutyens Delhi. It doesn’t come when a big Industrial house endorses a particular candidate. It cannot be established in television debates. But it comes from the people on the street. When a common rickshawala is happy with the condition of roads and tells you his income has improved as he covers more distance than before. Your Istriwala (iron) doesn’t like to watch movies of the superheroes on pretext of them not uttering a word when Pulwama happened or when you hear an unknown entity in the crowd talking about improved way of life on account of digitalization.

The common man has already gone past of hardships (if any) of Demonetization, GST and is looking forward for improved India.

The political campaign this time is making a narrative of nationalism on one side and combination of caste, religion, dynasty and mathematics of coalition on other side.

One thing is for sure, the elections of 2019 will not be decided by any hype or wave but it is that underestimated undercurrent in favor of Government or against it, will decide the fate of 21st century New India. 

Disclaimer: The opinion shared on the blog is personal view of the author and does not reflect upon any political ideology in favor or against any political outfit.

All posts on this blog are the works of Jayawant and any unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without the express and written permission of the author is strictly not allowed. You may use excerpts and links or repost of this material provided that complete and clear credit is given to author and with clear directions to the original content.

Image Courtesy: esakal

- Jayawant 

IPL: Cricket and Political League

IPL, Indian Premier League and Indian Political League, the two big extravaganzas are getting kickstarted almost at the same time and we will know the winner for both of them in May 2019.

Both IPLs follow the schedule of multiple phases and each phase provides ups and downs to keep the followers excited on their toes all the while.

As the grand bonanza approaches, typical flow of players (or politicians) shifting teams for better opportunities is natural and we saw a lot of movement politically as well as in cricket franchises in recent times.

The captain and the coach are primary driving force for any team. Both of them, form core to build a team to take on any opposition. Howsoever good are the coaches or captains, the teams need to be potentially talented and own enough responsibility to bring victory. 

That’s what is required in cricket as well as politics. 

The Cricket League 2019 will revolve around few greats like Dhonis, Kohlis whereas political league will have Modis, Gandhis and Bannerjees hogging the limelight.

The political league is virtually split into 3 major teams NDA, UPA and Third Front. The captains are in saddle for NDA and UPA whereas the third front has kept it as an open question to sort it out at appropriate time. 

The NDA is led by NaMo backed by super proactive coach Amit Shah. They know their strengths and weakness and have pulled strong leaders from other parties to improve winnability. Both of them are experts in playing the mind games and invoke emotions in self as well as opposition which will make any cricket captain proud of the shrewdness.

The UPA is undergoing a phase where they have a captain who himself has not been able to rise to occasion. With the constraint of not being allowed to change the captain, the coaches are securing their careers rather than mentoring and overruling the struggling captain. Remember Ponting and Gambhir left their roles when coaches told them in past IPLs. Unless and until, such strong message is passed by the coach, the UPA will continue to remain under illusion of winability for 2019.

The third front is like those teams who tend to believe in match fixing rather than putting a spirited fight. The coach, the captain and team members are focused on self gain rather than strategy to defeat the top teams. However, such teams are bound to extract their pound of flesh and create bottlenecks for the progress for rest of the teams whether in cricket or politics.

No bonanza is successful if not backed by the followers whether as spectators or as voters. Supporting your team is a must to make them through in next two months.

The winner in cricket league may give few heartburns but won’t impact our lives, but the political league is way far different. It will decide the future of the country and its citizens. 

We need to be alert, aware and pragmatic enough to choose the right team, captain and the coach when the opportunity is presented and at the of the day, we normally get what we deserve.

Till May 2019, time to enjoy the league and may the best team whether cricket or political, win.

• Jayawant 

Disclaimer: The comparison between cricket and politics is mere imagination of the blogger and only highlight the similarities of super emotions they invoke.

All posts  on this blog are the works of Jayawant and any unauthorised use and/or duplication of this material without the express and written permission of the author is strictly not allowed. You may use excerpts and links or repost of this material provided that complete and clear credit is given to author and with clear directions to the original content.

Image courtesy: ‘ ipl20. com’ & statesman. com