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 2019: Why the tournament needs to evolve with the changing times

Chennai Super Kings beat Rajasthan Royals in a nail-biting finish in a match which went down to the wire, giving MS Dhoni his 100th win as CSK captain. The match once again confirmed the dominance of CSK in IPL2019; the Chennai-based franchise are sitting pretty at the top of the points table with six wins out of seven matches.

The IPL is in its 12th year, and the pattern is now set with the players and franchises. In the initial years, all the teams seemed to have an equal chance of getting into the last four. But in recent years, Rajasthan Royals, Royal Challengers Bangalore and Delhi Daredevils (Capitals) have been loitering around at the bottom, with Punjab showing glimpses of their caliber every now and then.

The IPL is a grueling tournament, stretching for almost two months. The teams travel all around the country to play more than 70 matches. However, the trend suggests that CSK, MI and KKR have a monopoly over the playoff positions, with occasional changes for the fourth spot.

These three teams have split the championship between them a majority of the times, and they look set for similar glory in the 12th edition as well. The winning percentage of CSK is more than 60%, Mumbai are close behind at 57%, and KKR are at 53%, which justifies their reign at the top.

The primary reason for these franchises ruling the IPL is a combination of a strong team which has been consistent and a captain who is firmly in charge.

Having seen huge success for 12 years, it's time the IPL revisits its structure and format to keep the spectators’ interest sustained, which is crucial for success of any tournament. It has gone hugely popular over the years but there is a need for it to grow beyond the eight franchise cities.

The IPL was also graced by Rising Pune Supergiant and Gujarat Lions for two years when CSK and RR faced suspension, and they made quite an impact on the tournament. These teams were young, dynamic and gave their best in the short period they were competing. That might even have been due to their burning desire to win, knowing that their existence was going to be short-lived. 

The impact of Pune and Gujarat could well be a precursor to adopt a format which adds two different teams every year. The board could create a few more additional teams, with the previous year's bottom two teams having to fight for the last two spots in a qualification round against new entrants. A wild card entrant from overseas can also add spice to the tournament.

A fresh look at its structure will help the IPL continue its money spinning mechanism for players as well as franchises and most importantly, will help spectators still remain attracted and attached to the teams.

The IPL has been a boon to domestic players and foreign recruits. But to keep the glory afloat, a change is needed or else the story will start looking repetitive.

• Jayawant

Disclaimer: The blog is primarily written as an ardent cricket fan of IPL and does not intend to take sides of any of the franchises or players. This is personal observation of the blogger of overall IPL being played over the years.

Image courtesy : cricktracker 

Ashwin Mankading : The other side of the story

A gentleman’s game. Thy name is cricket. It’s played with all seriousness and manly etiquettes or supposed to be played that way. But every action has an opposite reaction and sometimes demons, atleast that’s what the media calls them are born out of normal beings when they go overboard and challenge the set norm.

Ramchandran Ashwin is currently undergoing such flack as he ran out over enthusiastic Jos Buttler in an IPL match. The run out divided cricket fraternity into 2 worlds, confused BCCi for their official stand and made fans getting biased as per their local team affiliations.

Sportsmanship will always give verdict against Ashwin but one needs to look into this episode beyond virtuosity and revisit few basics through which the game is played.

Over the years, the game of cricket, atleast the limited overs format has become batsman friendly and rules tilt more in favour of them rather than the bowlers. 

Gone are the days, fearsome fast bowlers had the liberty to scare batsman. The surprise element with bouncers are now under restrictions per over. The batsman then sorts out even the lethals amongst the lot.

Spectators pay to watch the batsman score and feel dejected if wickets tumble. The game is moving towards box collections which ultimately have reduced the sporting pitches and made bowlers mentally prepared to get hammered. A strike rate of under 30 and economy rate below 7 are hugely appreciated against the old standards of the game.

The field restrictions add to the woe of the bowlers all the while. Batsmen are assured with restrictions and wilfully play for the gallery as records tumble, bowlers fumble and spectators roar.

The extras, especially no-balls changed the way they behave in contemporary cricket. They have become boon to batsman with the new rules incorporated few years ago.

Not the least, DRS has taken away the X-Factor of human errors which used to add spice to the game with human umpiring and many times, the bowlers getting it their way if not always !

So where does the bowler stand in today’s cricket?

He has to become more innovative and bring the variations all the while and add additional skills.

The competition for spot in 11 is extremely tough with youngsters tottering all the way.

With replacement options easily available, pressure to perform and provide results loom over the mind.

Ultimately, it’s out of box thinking and going against the tide bring wickets to the bowler.

With corporate IPL, the pressure to contribute has reached sky high and especially if you are a captain of struggling side, everything seem to be fair to win the game. That’s what precisely happened in the game between Kings XI Punjab and Rajasthan Royals. Staying within the rule books, Ashwin did what many perceived as unwarranted. 

The discussions would drag on for fair play, but the game is bound to face challenges if rules of the game are written with spectators as top priority, then batsmen and bowlers being last on the list.

Disclaimer : The blog primarily looks to bring two sides of coin when the game of cricket is looked into batsman versus bowler sport. The opinion is individual and does not not intend to be judgmental on any specific individual or team.

Image courtesy: newsd. In 

- 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

Manohar Parrikar : A soldier par excellence

A rare phenomenon in politics called honesty, simplicity and integrity made an untimely exit today. 

Manohar Parrikar, an ideal role model for younger generation of politicians, an engineer par excellence and above all, a person full of modesty and humility was needed most when the nation is undergoing a makeover to its image to call itself a resurgent India.

Parrikar came from a state known for its natural beauty, beaches, adorable people and having least impact on national politics.

A state dominated by Pratapsinh Rane, Ravi Naik and natural occupier of the CM’s post called Congress, it was Parrikar who slowly but firmly built his party BJP and created an aura for himself and his party which will be indomitable to overcome in the state of Goa for years to come.

Sincerity and integrity are said to be two most important parameters for any engineer who wants to build a platform for the future. Parrikar used these qualities par excellence to make a difference to Goa when it was more known for Casinos and mining mafias and then as obedient servant of BJP to move to Delhi as Defence Minister without even a flip in his thoughts.

Whatever the role, it was always a matter of analysis and getting into new shoes for Parrikar. A transition from Panji to Delhi with full of uncertainty in a new city, seasoned bureaucracy and no prior experience of handling the central ministry would have given jitters to any leader but not Parrikar.

As Chowkidar of defence ministry, he was part of a legacy which made two biggest contributions to the nation, one being the surgical strike on our notorious neighbour and then giving India’s depleted forces a much awaited combat aircraft in the form of Rafale 

For ages, we have learnt and read Indian forces are capable to combat but it was under Parrikar that the forces could open the fire to showcase the supremacy.

As they say, party is supreme, so said Parrikar and he left back to Goa never to return to Delhi and limelight.

It was extremely disappointing to see him being dragged in Rafale controversy when he was counting last days of his life. As part of tradition, those who were behind him will definitely pay condolences but the scar left on a man with ‘Nation First’ psyche will be difficult to accept and understand.

We will always remain indebted to him for it was he who taught us to rejuvenate and respond ‘High (Parrikar) Sir !’ when anyone pushes us to test our spirits and make us respond to “How’s the JOSH?” 

Goans have lost their son and the nation faces  an irreplaceable loss of one of its most humble brave soldier in Parrikar. 

May the soul of Manohar Parrikar rest in peace and his smiling face remain in our hearts forever. 

Disclaimer : The blog is primarily written as a mark of respect to one of the most respected and honest politicians of our times and does not extend to current politics and any political parties. 

Image Courtesy: India TV

- Jayawant

Rise of the Son in law : Robert Vadra

Moradabad is a city in Uttar Pradesh which was named after prince Murad Baksh way back in 1600s.

Literal meaning of the word ‘Murad Baksh’ somewhere correlates to fulfilment of wishes.

With elections and aims looming around, the only son-in-law of grand old party Congress(I) Robert Vadra is pondering to bring his Murad to a reality through this ancient city of Moradabad.

With the intent known, a natural leader is born and many followers automatically generated. However the words publicly uttered are now subject to legal clearance on account of morality and time will decide whether Murad is BukshED or its an end of a political career even before it is Aabad.

The ancient history across the world follows the path of handing over the reins of kingdom to the eldest son,eldest daughter, daughter in law and in exceptional cases to nephews but hardly ever any son in law was made the ruler and the congress party has followed this lineage theory over the years.

A look back into congress history going before partition had Motilal Nehru being the President of Congress.He had 2 daughters namely Vijayalakshmi and Krishna and son Jawahar. However when it mattered to handover the party reins, it was the son who was chosen over daughters and the baton did not go to any of the daughters and son in laws thereof. The handover of President’s post to son is said to be one of the most emotional moments for the father.

Few years down the line, Jawaharlal Nehru had a competent daughter and firebrand son-in-law in Feroze Gandhi. When it came to passing on the baton, daughter scored over Feroze Gandhi and he lead a life in oblivion. 2nd time son in law lost the race.

History beckoned to handover reins of party to Rajiv Gandhi and then power accumulated with the daughter in law Sonya Gandhi, making her one of the most powerful ladies in the country.

With Congress getting a beating across the country and the first family needing unity, it was quite pragmatic for the daughter Priyanka Gandhi to step in for the mother and support brother Rahul Gandhi. The followers were in a hooray mood with Priyanka arrival and then came the news of Vadra’s keenness to join the bandwagon.

It would be quite interesting to see how far the political career of Robert Vadra goes. Whether it will follow the tradition of hundred years of sidelining the son-in-law or will he be instated in a major role?

Whatsoever, the grand family will have to prove its mettle going forward as emotions won’t assure the public popularity. The times have changed and only a real leader who can make a difference to people’s lives will cut the edge and legacy (or no-legacy) will not make anyone an acceptable leader.

Interesting and crucial times ahead for the grand old party and testing times for the voters. Real time for voters to conclude “Janta Sab Janti Hai” (जनता सब जानती है )

Image courtsey : NDTV

Disclaimer : The view published in the blog is a personal opinion of the author and does not intend to make any comment or judgment on the grand old Congress Party.

- Jayawant

Political Marriages : By ideology or for convenience

They say, marriages are made in heaven and you get a partner you deserve.The tradition said, you choose your partner as per your compatibility, beliefs and dreams with family blessings. 

Indian politicians and their alliances are just like those marriages but are made on earth. Every 5 years, they rejuvenate themselves and start searching for a partner to get into relations which sometimes are more complex than any normal couple.

We have seen so many political marriages in recent years which were sometimes blessed but mostly were for the sake of convenience . 

Few interesting marriages are enlisted here of 

1) Shivsena-BJP :

A couple in a love-hate relationship with very high egos and on the verge of seperation.

As moment of parting ways comes closer,they realise and reignite their eternal love for each other and decide to keep their marriage intact to live happily ever after.

Example of qualified married couple.

2) JDU-BJP-RJD-BJP

After 17 years of successful marriage, one of the partners figure out personality issues in marriage to fall in love with an old foe turned friend.

Second marriage and divorce cost huge alimony and ultimately culminated in marrying the first partner again.

Example of confused couple.

3) Cong-SP :

After failed relations and broken hearts, two people come together and instantly realise they are made for each other and new Live-In relation blossoms only to falter in few days of togetherness.

Example of failed Live-In couple.

4) SP - BSP :

An estranged couple not even bothered to see each other for years realise marrying again is a better option than spending life in oldage homes and in wilderness.

Example of a couple who never knew they were made for each other.

5) TMC with Congress and Communists :

Hate triangle makes them poles apart and they don’t realise the worth of family members (Aam Janta) who have always supported them. Family gets tired of their hypocrisy and plan to ditch them.

As soon as the reality of loneliness dawns, the couple starts showing affection towards each other.

Example of couple who shows love for each other in public and hate each other in private.

6) AAP with Gathbandhan :

An unmarried man/woman with high confidence and no commitment realise that there are more smarter brides and grooms. 

Fear of getting dumped makes them ready for compromise and willing to marry anyone.

Example of bride/groom who overestimate self potential and end up getting married to anyone who is willing to enter a nuptial knot.

Last but not the least,

7) Congress with Gathbandhan/Mahagatgbandhan :

An over enthusiast who has the habit of proposing anyone and everyone but always gets rejected or is kept waiting without answer.

There is no couple here, only an eternal bachelor who can not get married.

Disclaimer: The blog is a satire on the current political tie ups and coalitions. It does not propagate any party or alliance. Neither does it comment on the policies of political parties and should be read as a farcical situation only.

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 this material provided that complete and clear credit is given to the author and with clear directions to the original content.

Image courtsey from pinterest 

- Jayawant