FOCUS
MODI & Aam Aadmi Party
Manoj is a good friend. I know him for many years. He is a subscriber of ISSUES & CONCERNS and of course he reads too. I bumped into him in a restaurant. Touching many subjects, our talk was meandering into all and sundry, and suddenly he says, “In the next Focus, you must write on NA-MO”. Surprised at his abrupt suggestion, had to gather my response. “You do have a valid suggestion but not sure how to go about it. Na Mo is not a simple person that he can be described easily both in his words and actions. But he is not the same Narendra Modi of 2002. He is beginning to evolve. But will he be the solution to the myriad problems in this country of over 1200 million, diverse & kaleidoscopic population? Answer is a capital ‘NO’. Yet, in the public discourse of our contemporary India, he is the most talked about and written about. Therefore we at ISSUES & CONCERNS are certainly seized of the matter. However, what we hope to articulate may not be, exactly as you would want him portrayed. He shall be focused critically, but with some others as well and some issues of relevance with it”.
Indeed, since last over 6 months, Narendra Modi, the present Chief Minister of Gujarat and the proposed candidate of BJP for the position of Prime Minister of India, should the party be able to win enough seats and manage alliances to form its government, this controversial personality strode, on the political landscape of this country of 1.2+ billion people, as a colossus. Not a day or night has gone, when Modi has not become a staple of news across India and across media, both print and electronic.
Of course it is a very big IF, whether the principal opposition party shall ever make it to the treasury benches in the Loksabha after the next battle at the hustings?
But then, in a democratic set up, all are entitled to dream, not just BJP, even their current icon Narendra Modi, and why not?!
And fortunately for him and his party, at least in the public space, things are working well. Mind you, it is not because of him or his party. But because of the opposition. Like a columnist writes, “Thanks to his opponents, he has become the topic of the day in a way that Indira Gandhi was in 1971, 1977 and 1980.” That itself ,by any measure, a tribute to the man, like it or not.
Yes, nobody, I mean nobody, in the history of free India of 66 years, there has been a political actor, who has been written about and talked about as Narendra Modi, with such endearing verbose as well as deep seated hatred. Of course, it is difficult to agree or disagree with everything written about this Mr Modi. But one thing is becoming increasingly clear, in India, “You just cannot ignore Narendra Modi”.
While his history may not be of much relevance, in the context of the emerging political scene in India, it cannot be ignored for the sheer smallness of his origin, and the evolution of his persona into an indomitable pan Indian presence. There hasn’t been one like him in independent India.
From, a tea vender in trains, at less than 10 years of age, to be the Chief Minister of ‘vibrant’ Gujarat, and just tipped to be the Prime Minister of world’s largest democracy, should his party make it, it is indeed a saga of multiple dimension. Surely it makes him an institution of another kind.
A ‘married’ bachelor, a Master of Arts (M.A) from Gujarat University, and personally incorruptible, it is indeed very difficult to have anyone in whole of India, to match his Curriculum Vitae. Despite multiple controversies surrounding him, he is unique, because of his myriad dimension. He is one of the few politicians, who is also a writer. His book on Emergency era in Gujarat has propelled him as an intellectual. He is a visionary with a distinct stamp. According to his admirers he is the only leader who “thought of placing solar panels over the canals to prevent vaporization of the water and to generate power, although all states in India have rivers and canals”. He is a disciplinarian, due to his association with RSS. He is a tough administrator. He has been acclaimed by many as the best Chief Minister India have. Despite many 'nay' sayers, central govt of UPA has given better certificate on many counts on Gujarat under him. We have seen in the media, his detractors criticizing him at the low HDI in Gujarat, yet there are any number who are betting on this 63 year old extempore speaker from Vadnagar, some 110 kms from Ahmedabad.
Thus it is very clear that his credentials are excellent. Yet, he is unacceptable to many in the pan-Indian landscape. His record as the one who presided over the 2002 sectarian flare-up in Gujarat, where hundreds were killed, especially Muslims, still poses a big question on his communal leanings.
Hence, a very pertinent question, will he lead his party to power in 2014? is being asked all over the country.
If Narendra Damodar Modi, is a phenomena, the nation cannot ignore, we have another more acceptable, may be less rhetoric and dynamic, but sincere and honest, is the emergence of Arvind Kejriwal and his bunch in the Aam Aadmi Party. There are lots of positive vibes and responses coming from across the spectrum. Mostly from general public and public spirited men and women. It is true, that after the initial euphoria and the media hype on Anna Hazare/Arvind Kejriwal combine on the Jan Lokpal bill agitation, media, for whatever reasons or compulsions, went silent. Of course, from an anti-corruption movement, jumping into main stream politics is a logical development. In democracy, only the electoral politics has the power to bring about change. But, despite the basic intelligence of such rationale, the political class and the media, both print and electronic, castigated Kejriwal and his supporters accusing them of being power hungry. Entrenched politicians and their friends in the media took a silly stand that, ‘Kejriwal who consistently took the position that he will never enter electoral politics is a chameleon and hence have changed colour’. But for a larger cause, one can and should change the position if needed, that is what Kejriwal did in the interest of the aam aadmi and therefore the country.
Having started, slowly but steadily it has grown in visibility and presence, despite media blackout. It is making its presence felt across the country. But being a political party with no money, it had to perforce take small and careful steps in the slippery Indian political space. But they were steps of courage, integrity and honesty and hence were sure steps.
Sure enough, slowly but steadily AAP grew. Media reluctantly, but perforce, had to accept the arrival of the newest political party.
Having seen and worked in and around the capital, the decision to focus on Delhi, in the immediate future, was a right move. To take part in the ensuing assembly election in Delhi is a natural development. During the last several months, AAP has made definite inroads into the pocket borough of both the major parties, the Congress and the BJP.
There is a definite unease in the camps of both these parties. Both are accusing AAP as a spoiler and are not prepared to accept the AAP and that it could be the game changer. But that is precisely what is happening. Survey after survey has confirmed the arrival of AAP with a bang. Surveys have indicated that 1/3 of votes and therefore1/3 of seats shall go to AAP, concluding that it can be a king maker if not the king himself.
For an evolving India, currently under the burden of corruption across the national spectrum, the arrival of AAP is like a breath of fresh air in a stinking political atmosphere in the country.
Emergence of Aam Aadmi Party as a political alternative shall have far reaching implications. Should it do well in Delhi, as projected, it will be a force to reckon with, all over the country. It has caught the imagination of average men and women and its pan-Indian appeal is only a matter of time. A positive vote in Delhi shall propel it to take a pot shot at Loksabha Election due in April 2014.
Here it may not be irrelevant to recount the journey of the man, Arvind Kejriwal, and his group of men and women.
He is born into a family of better-off parents. Had good school education. He belongs to the cream of Indian educated class, an IITian from the best institute of Kharagpur. These details confirm, he is an intellectual. Then he does his IRS, and kicks the job to get into public life of serving the general public. Mind you, he was a Joint commissioner of Income Tax. In a milieu, where such bureaucratic positions are money spinners, he quits to serve a larger cause. That he can be called a hero is an understatement.
While being in service itself, he got involved in societal issues of empowering ordinary people. Right to information (RTI) was one of his principal involvements, which led to his international recognition. In 2006, he was awarded with the Ramon Magsaysay Award for Emergent Leadership when he was only 38. There have been many awards that came his way. 2011 saw him joining hands with anti-corruption crusader Anna Hazare, to force government for the enactment of Janlokpal Bill. Despite the central government giving undertaking to Anna Hazare and his team on the Janlokpal Bill, nothing concrete happened.
A deeply disappointed Arvind Kejriwal, while accepting that change cannot happen without political actions decided to plunge into electoral politics. Government, which was asking Anna/Kejriwal combine enter the politics to bring about change, now changed their stance, and accused Kejriwal of chasing political power. Unfortunately Anna Hazare broke away from Kejriwal not to be part of any political party.
Coming to the two gentlemen that we discussed above – Narendra Modi and Arvind Kejriwal – they are two distinct personalities. There are the vast differences in their upbringing. Modi despite being from humble background is very ambitious and is after power. Whereas, Kejriwal although being from a comfortable background and very well educated, and internationally recognized for his work in public life, is not ambitious and is not after power. Both wants change, but the change that Kejriwal is looking for, is the empowerment of aam aadmi, where as Modi wants change to be in power. Fortunately for Modi, there is a party with sectarian background, not necessarily sectarian in its goal, there is an organisation with huge cadre base. Same is not the case for Kejriwal, as he got his Aam Aadmi party registered only an year ago. Everything has to be built from scratch. But commitment and sense of purpose is very much there. There appears to be an air of expectation that this AAP will make an indelible mark in the coming Delhi election.
Given a choice, an average thinking Indian would vote for AAP. BJP of Modi has history of more than 50 years including that of its earlier avatar Jan Sangh, where as AAP of Kejriwal is just an year old party and is already making waves. Between BJP and Modi, later may be better, for some positive aspects like personal incorruptibility and a no-nonsense approach. Besides, he is not driven by Mandir in Ayodhya. His comment, Shauchalay pehle aur Devaalay baadmein is distinctly different from that of his party. Even if he is an RSS man, he wants to carve out a niche which is distinct and he is distinctly coming out differently, to which his party is falling in line, rather than the other way round. Here his personality becomes more clear. “He is bigger than the party”. He reminds a Kannada quip “Adondu adamaniyawaada pravaaha, Adbhuthawaada Benki, yedurige bandaddu kochchikondu hogale beku”. Indeed, he is an irrepressible torrent, wonderful fire, whatever comes on its way will be wiped out. But, and it’s a capital BUT. There are justifiable apprehensions. He has a streak of being dictatorial. He gives an impression of being an egoist. He could have greatly improved his public image and therefore, his public stock, by apologizing for what happened in 2002 in Gujarat. He may not be directly responsible for the occurrence, but accountable all the same, being the administrative head of the state. Besides, many in the main stream, rightly or wrongly, are not comfortable in his association. Thus, will Narendra Modi bring more solutions to the myriad problems of India, or will he contribute more to its already existing Issues & Concerns, is an open question, only time will tell.
Coming to AAP, it has many positives to its credit, although yet to be tested in public life. While articulating thoughts on Mahatma Gandhi, someone remarked, in a gathering, Anna Hazare+Arvind Kejriwal=Mahatma Gandhi. And there were thoughtful approbation of the observation by some of the men in the gathering, almost instantly. It was obvious that general public have already formed a positive opinion on both Anna and Arvind as torch bearers of a positive change in the dynamic socio-political space of India. Of course, it is indeed sad that Anna is not part of the political discourse. Hope he changes his mind in time to give a morale booster to the newest political outfit. After all no change is possible without politics.
Coming to Arvind Kejriwal, it is apparent he is basically service minded with rare commitment, and he is already known positively all over the country and internationally too. Being an ex-bureaucrat, he has a ring side view of Issues & Concerns. He is an intellectual who mixes with one and all. He has been able to attract men and women of integrity and commitment. He has an ability to take people along. Following Awards that have been conferred on him amply proves his antecedents.
• 2004: Ashoka Fellow, Civic Engagement
• 2005: 'Satyendra K. Dubey Memorial Award', IIT Kanpur for his campaign for bringing transparency in Government
• 2006: Ramon Magsaysay Award for Emergent Leadership
• 2006: CNN-IBN, 'Indian of the Year' in Public Service
• 2009: Distinguished Alumnus Award, IIT Kharagpur for Eminent Leadership
• 2009: Awarded a grant and fellowship by the Association for India's Development.
• 2010: Policy Change Agent of the Year, The Economic Times Awards for Corporate Excellence along with Aruna Roy
• 2011: NDTV Indian of the Year along with Anna Hazare
Thus, clearly, between Narendra Modi and Arvind Kejriwal, the later is more acceptable for both aam aadmi and main stream political leaders. Of course, in the immediate political scene, Narendra Modi may score, since the AAP has no presence except the possibility of doing well in Delhi. However future for India lies with Aam Aadmi Party, take it or leave it.
J.SHRIYAN
Manoj is a good friend. I know him for many years. He is a subscriber of ISSUES & CONCERNS and of course he reads too. I bumped into him in a restaurant. Touching many subjects, our talk was meandering into all and sundry, and suddenly he says, “In the next Focus, you must write on NA-MO”. Surprised at his abrupt suggestion, had to gather my response. “You do have a valid suggestion but not sure how to go about it. Na Mo is not a simple person that he can be described easily both in his words and actions. But he is not the same Narendra Modi of 2002. He is beginning to evolve. But will he be the solution to the myriad problems in this country of over 1200 million, diverse & kaleidoscopic population? Answer is a capital ‘NO’. Yet, in the public discourse of our contemporary India, he is the most talked about and written about. Therefore we at ISSUES & CONCERNS are certainly seized of the matter. However, what we hope to articulate may not be, exactly as you would want him portrayed. He shall be focused critically, but with some others as well and some issues of relevance with it”.
Indeed, since last over 6 months, Narendra Modi, the present Chief Minister of Gujarat and the proposed candidate of BJP for the position of Prime Minister of India, should the party be able to win enough seats and manage alliances to form its government, this controversial personality strode, on the political landscape of this country of 1.2+ billion people, as a colossus. Not a day or night has gone, when Modi has not become a staple of news across India and across media, both print and electronic.
Of course it is a very big IF, whether the principal opposition party shall ever make it to the treasury benches in the Loksabha after the next battle at the hustings?
But then, in a democratic set up, all are entitled to dream, not just BJP, even their current icon Narendra Modi, and why not?!
And fortunately for him and his party, at least in the public space, things are working well. Mind you, it is not because of him or his party. But because of the opposition. Like a columnist writes, “Thanks to his opponents, he has become the topic of the day in a way that Indira Gandhi was in 1971, 1977 and 1980.” That itself ,by any measure, a tribute to the man, like it or not.
Yes, nobody, I mean nobody, in the history of free India of 66 years, there has been a political actor, who has been written about and talked about as Narendra Modi, with such endearing verbose as well as deep seated hatred. Of course, it is difficult to agree or disagree with everything written about this Mr Modi. But one thing is becoming increasingly clear, in India, “You just cannot ignore Narendra Modi”.
While his history may not be of much relevance, in the context of the emerging political scene in India, it cannot be ignored for the sheer smallness of his origin, and the evolution of his persona into an indomitable pan Indian presence. There hasn’t been one like him in independent India.
From, a tea vender in trains, at less than 10 years of age, to be the Chief Minister of ‘vibrant’ Gujarat, and just tipped to be the Prime Minister of world’s largest democracy, should his party make it, it is indeed a saga of multiple dimension. Surely it makes him an institution of another kind.
A ‘married’ bachelor, a Master of Arts (M.A) from Gujarat University, and personally incorruptible, it is indeed very difficult to have anyone in whole of India, to match his Curriculum Vitae. Despite multiple controversies surrounding him, he is unique, because of his myriad dimension. He is one of the few politicians, who is also a writer. His book on Emergency era in Gujarat has propelled him as an intellectual. He is a visionary with a distinct stamp. According to his admirers he is the only leader who “thought of placing solar panels over the canals to prevent vaporization of the water and to generate power, although all states in India have rivers and canals”. He is a disciplinarian, due to his association with RSS. He is a tough administrator. He has been acclaimed by many as the best Chief Minister India have. Despite many 'nay' sayers, central govt of UPA has given better certificate on many counts on Gujarat under him. We have seen in the media, his detractors criticizing him at the low HDI in Gujarat, yet there are any number who are betting on this 63 year old extempore speaker from Vadnagar, some 110 kms from Ahmedabad.
Thus it is very clear that his credentials are excellent. Yet, he is unacceptable to many in the pan-Indian landscape. His record as the one who presided over the 2002 sectarian flare-up in Gujarat, where hundreds were killed, especially Muslims, still poses a big question on his communal leanings.
Hence, a very pertinent question, will he lead his party to power in 2014? is being asked all over the country.
If Narendra Damodar Modi, is a phenomena, the nation cannot ignore, we have another more acceptable, may be less rhetoric and dynamic, but sincere and honest, is the emergence of Arvind Kejriwal and his bunch in the Aam Aadmi Party. There are lots of positive vibes and responses coming from across the spectrum. Mostly from general public and public spirited men and women. It is true, that after the initial euphoria and the media hype on Anna Hazare/Arvind Kejriwal combine on the Jan Lokpal bill agitation, media, for whatever reasons or compulsions, went silent. Of course, from an anti-corruption movement, jumping into main stream politics is a logical development. In democracy, only the electoral politics has the power to bring about change. But, despite the basic intelligence of such rationale, the political class and the media, both print and electronic, castigated Kejriwal and his supporters accusing them of being power hungry. Entrenched politicians and their friends in the media took a silly stand that, ‘Kejriwal who consistently took the position that he will never enter electoral politics is a chameleon and hence have changed colour’. But for a larger cause, one can and should change the position if needed, that is what Kejriwal did in the interest of the aam aadmi and therefore the country.
Having started, slowly but steadily it has grown in visibility and presence, despite media blackout. It is making its presence felt across the country. But being a political party with no money, it had to perforce take small and careful steps in the slippery Indian political space. But they were steps of courage, integrity and honesty and hence were sure steps.
Sure enough, slowly but steadily AAP grew. Media reluctantly, but perforce, had to accept the arrival of the newest political party.
Having seen and worked in and around the capital, the decision to focus on Delhi, in the immediate future, was a right move. To take part in the ensuing assembly election in Delhi is a natural development. During the last several months, AAP has made definite inroads into the pocket borough of both the major parties, the Congress and the BJP.
There is a definite unease in the camps of both these parties. Both are accusing AAP as a spoiler and are not prepared to accept the AAP and that it could be the game changer. But that is precisely what is happening. Survey after survey has confirmed the arrival of AAP with a bang. Surveys have indicated that 1/3 of votes and therefore1/3 of seats shall go to AAP, concluding that it can be a king maker if not the king himself.
For an evolving India, currently under the burden of corruption across the national spectrum, the arrival of AAP is like a breath of fresh air in a stinking political atmosphere in the country.
Emergence of Aam Aadmi Party as a political alternative shall have far reaching implications. Should it do well in Delhi, as projected, it will be a force to reckon with, all over the country. It has caught the imagination of average men and women and its pan-Indian appeal is only a matter of time. A positive vote in Delhi shall propel it to take a pot shot at Loksabha Election due in April 2014.
Here it may not be irrelevant to recount the journey of the man, Arvind Kejriwal, and his group of men and women.
He is born into a family of better-off parents. Had good school education. He belongs to the cream of Indian educated class, an IITian from the best institute of Kharagpur. These details confirm, he is an intellectual. Then he does his IRS, and kicks the job to get into public life of serving the general public. Mind you, he was a Joint commissioner of Income Tax. In a milieu, where such bureaucratic positions are money spinners, he quits to serve a larger cause. That he can be called a hero is an understatement.
While being in service itself, he got involved in societal issues of empowering ordinary people. Right to information (RTI) was one of his principal involvements, which led to his international recognition. In 2006, he was awarded with the Ramon Magsaysay Award for Emergent Leadership when he was only 38. There have been many awards that came his way. 2011 saw him joining hands with anti-corruption crusader Anna Hazare, to force government for the enactment of Janlokpal Bill. Despite the central government giving undertaking to Anna Hazare and his team on the Janlokpal Bill, nothing concrete happened.
A deeply disappointed Arvind Kejriwal, while accepting that change cannot happen without political actions decided to plunge into electoral politics. Government, which was asking Anna/Kejriwal combine enter the politics to bring about change, now changed their stance, and accused Kejriwal of chasing political power. Unfortunately Anna Hazare broke away from Kejriwal not to be part of any political party.
Coming to the two gentlemen that we discussed above – Narendra Modi and Arvind Kejriwal – they are two distinct personalities. There are the vast differences in their upbringing. Modi despite being from humble background is very ambitious and is after power. Whereas, Kejriwal although being from a comfortable background and very well educated, and internationally recognized for his work in public life, is not ambitious and is not after power. Both wants change, but the change that Kejriwal is looking for, is the empowerment of aam aadmi, where as Modi wants change to be in power. Fortunately for Modi, there is a party with sectarian background, not necessarily sectarian in its goal, there is an organisation with huge cadre base. Same is not the case for Kejriwal, as he got his Aam Aadmi party registered only an year ago. Everything has to be built from scratch. But commitment and sense of purpose is very much there. There appears to be an air of expectation that this AAP will make an indelible mark in the coming Delhi election.
Given a choice, an average thinking Indian would vote for AAP. BJP of Modi has history of more than 50 years including that of its earlier avatar Jan Sangh, where as AAP of Kejriwal is just an year old party and is already making waves. Between BJP and Modi, later may be better, for some positive aspects like personal incorruptibility and a no-nonsense approach. Besides, he is not driven by Mandir in Ayodhya. His comment, Shauchalay pehle aur Devaalay baadmein is distinctly different from that of his party. Even if he is an RSS man, he wants to carve out a niche which is distinct and he is distinctly coming out differently, to which his party is falling in line, rather than the other way round. Here his personality becomes more clear. “He is bigger than the party”. He reminds a Kannada quip “Adondu adamaniyawaada pravaaha, Adbhuthawaada Benki, yedurige bandaddu kochchikondu hogale beku”. Indeed, he is an irrepressible torrent, wonderful fire, whatever comes on its way will be wiped out. But, and it’s a capital BUT. There are justifiable apprehensions. He has a streak of being dictatorial. He gives an impression of being an egoist. He could have greatly improved his public image and therefore, his public stock, by apologizing for what happened in 2002 in Gujarat. He may not be directly responsible for the occurrence, but accountable all the same, being the administrative head of the state. Besides, many in the main stream, rightly or wrongly, are not comfortable in his association. Thus, will Narendra Modi bring more solutions to the myriad problems of India, or will he contribute more to its already existing Issues & Concerns, is an open question, only time will tell.
Coming to AAP, it has many positives to its credit, although yet to be tested in public life. While articulating thoughts on Mahatma Gandhi, someone remarked, in a gathering, Anna Hazare+Arvind Kejriwal=Mahatma Gandhi. And there were thoughtful approbation of the observation by some of the men in the gathering, almost instantly. It was obvious that general public have already formed a positive opinion on both Anna and Arvind as torch bearers of a positive change in the dynamic socio-political space of India. Of course, it is indeed sad that Anna is not part of the political discourse. Hope he changes his mind in time to give a morale booster to the newest political outfit. After all no change is possible without politics.
Coming to Arvind Kejriwal, it is apparent he is basically service minded with rare commitment, and he is already known positively all over the country and internationally too. Being an ex-bureaucrat, he has a ring side view of Issues & Concerns. He is an intellectual who mixes with one and all. He has been able to attract men and women of integrity and commitment. He has an ability to take people along. Following Awards that have been conferred on him amply proves his antecedents.
• 2004: Ashoka Fellow, Civic Engagement
• 2005: 'Satyendra K. Dubey Memorial Award', IIT Kanpur for his campaign for bringing transparency in Government
• 2006: Ramon Magsaysay Award for Emergent Leadership
• 2006: CNN-IBN, 'Indian of the Year' in Public Service
• 2009: Distinguished Alumnus Award, IIT Kharagpur for Eminent Leadership
• 2009: Awarded a grant and fellowship by the Association for India's Development.
• 2010: Policy Change Agent of the Year, The Economic Times Awards for Corporate Excellence along with Aruna Roy
• 2011: NDTV Indian of the Year along with Anna Hazare
Thus, clearly, between Narendra Modi and Arvind Kejriwal, the later is more acceptable for both aam aadmi and main stream political leaders. Of course, in the immediate political scene, Narendra Modi may score, since the AAP has no presence except the possibility of doing well in Delhi. However future for India lies with Aam Aadmi Party, take it or leave it.
J.SHRIYAN
Comments