Darbari Politics: Arvind Kejriwal Resigns And The Untouchables!

He made absolute fools of all in this wonderfully rule-breaking country of ours including this writer. This writer, inspired so foolishly at the prospect of an ‘honest’ government coming to rule the capital, called upon him not to go overboard. But enough political knowledge was necessary to understand the reality that he wanted to go overboard all the time so that he could blissfully avoid governance, go back to the streets and start anew his blame-game kind of  ‘darbari’ politics. Arvind Kejriwal, the 48-day old Chief Minister of Delhi, resigned tonight because it had been his game plan to climax his departure with the Jan Lokpal Bill (Peoples’ Ombudsman Bill against corruption which is stronger than the Lokpal Bill already passed by the Indian Parliament). Alas! Thanks to all his drama and brinkmanship he proved himself to be as good and shrewd a politician like others we are always used to. Like the others he too holds the common man in a fittingly unhealthy contempt with the ‘common’ attributes: That common people have their brains not at the right places; that they have short-term memory; that they are very emotional and eternally vulnerable; that they can be fooled again, again and again and that a use and throw policy is the perfect choice to deal with the common man. His supporters gathered at the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Headquarters tonight in Delhi looked like an unholy pack of zombies unseeing, shouting and following blindly.

Arvind Kejriwal first tried the Janata Darbarsmeaning public courts. He got scared in the very first and gave up the idea fearing for his dear life. Then he shielded his openly guilty minister, Somnath Bharati, passing on the blame to the central Home ministry and lamenting the fact that he did not have control over the Delhi Police. He created anarchy in the capital leading his supporters in the streets and even spending a full night with them in the streets. He got very ill, so he got scared again and called a truce having some understanding with the Lieutenant Governor (LG) of Delhi. About that time he started talking about his ultimate weapon of populism that is Jan Lokpal Bill and made it clear that he would resign if the Bill is not passed by the Delhi Assembly. In the meantime he protested against a natural gas price hike and lodged FIRs against two Government of India ministers and a business tycoon. He wanted to introduce the Jan Lokpal Bill in Delhi Assembly today totally disregarding the law and the constitution and despite LG advising him that since there is already a central legislation on that issue certain rules had to be followed or else the Bill could not be introduced. Kejriwal also wanted to have his Assembly session in the open stadium to which the LG said a clear no. Luckily he did not resign then and there. He could have waited a few more days to challenge the said laws in courts or could have followed the rules to properly introduce the Bill. And he resigned not even bothering about the much touted FIRs or his other promises to common people.

He proves another point that this writer has mentioned in these pages often. Anybody fighting corruption suddenly becomes the noblest soul, totally self-insulated, in this country and if someone complains against him/her it is a conspiracy naturally involving the rival political parties. From Baba Ramdev to a bureaucrat or policeman or lawyer or anyone attains this status of the Untouchable the moment s/he joins the fight against corruption. This is more similar to a dip in holy Ganga and cleansing yourself of all sins instantly.  Therefore, presently in our wonderfully rule-breaking country you can, immaterial if you are corrupt or not, just join the fight against corruption and attain the status of The Untouchable instantly. 

Now, the great AAP leader would start campaigning for the General Elections in his beloved streets and would continue blaming the Congress or BJP or any other rival party. Tonight he already started by putting the blame squarely on Congress and BJP for not supporting the Jan Lokpal Bill. For once these two national parties tonight are shouting rather righteously that they do always support the Jan Lokpal Bill, but did not support the way it was brought on the floor.

Arvind Kejriwal, being a ‘common’ man himself, must never underestimate the power of the common man! The common man is not always a fool and s/he can bounce back totally overturning the AAP cart. Amen!

Politics: Corruption And Punishment!

Even as the worst crisis for the ruling UPA-2 coalition government continued to gain momentum every day this week witnessed two huge days for the media fraternity—Wednesday, the 8^th of May 2013, and Friday the 10^thof May 2013. That momentous Wednesday was a picture of ecstasy and agony—a political study in contrasts. And, on Friday yesterday heads rolled as expected and anticipated on a daily basis.

The main national opposition BJP has been chasing the Congress led UPA-2 Government relentlessly, tirelessly and also ambitiously on the issue of corruption for the last at least two years. In its obsessed aim of cornering the Government the BJP, basically a political party that ruled India earlier, even did not bother joining hands with the anti-corruption activists—at times with Anna Hazare and with Baba Ramdev at other. But, the BJP was routed in the Assembly Elections of the southern state of Karnataka the counting for which was taken up on Wednesday for running a corrupt and non-performing government there. The root cause being BS Yeddyurappa, a veritable symbol of corruption, defecting from BJP and forming a separate political entity thus splitting the votes as well as creating a somewhat anti-corruption wave in the state.  

Congress party of the scam and corruption infested UPA-2 got a landslide victory and was in a position to form the government on its own. This was the ecstasy for the beleaguered national party—the highlights being the prevention of further corruption through possible horse trading on a hung verdict and the marginalization of Yeddyurappa who naturally wanted to be a kingmaker. However, almost simultaneously that Wednesday the agony came in the form of the Supreme Court of India slamming UPA-2 for meddling with the Coalgate report of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to the apex court and making the premier investigating agency of the country a ‘caged parrot’. The position of the Law Minister became untenable after those scathing observations and the Railway Minister was already in the dock for Railgate. Pressure mounted on UPA-2  to punish the indicted ministers. The ministers’ alleged closeness to the Prime Minister made it all the trickier for the ruling coalition. The stock responses like ‘Let investigations take the due course’ or ‘The matter is sub-judice’ failed to convince anyone. 

Mounting media and public pressure forced the Government to take the much awaited action. Two top cabinet ministers were sacked within just one hour last evening, the Friday we mentioned. Now, this move can very well be interpreted as taking cue from the so-called anti-corruption wave of Karnataka Poll and punishing the corrupt, and if it is so things are not to be merrier for the BJP. Because, to try coming back to power in its only southern bastion, Karnataka, the BJP still wants Yeddyurappa badly. If it does take him  back it will be criticized as welcoming back corruption for political ends. Therefore, the citizens of this hapless country stand to benefit by default if the issue of anti-corruption becomes the main plank for 2014 General Elections.

However, politics is politics. For the latest the BJP and the Left parties are now, as expected, after the Prime Minister of India demanding his resignation.

Fight Against Corruption: Baba Ramdev New Savior?

The righteous minded hates corruption and wants this evil eradicated from India or possibly form planet Earth. Therefore, when Anna Hazare launched a movement in April, 2011 he immediately enjoyed unprecedented mass support and captured the national stage. Inspired by Anna’s achievement the immensely rich yoga guru Baba Ramdev jumped in the fray too with a movement against a related factor of black money. History was created.

As the internal contradictions within Team Anna grew mass support for the movement began to wane. The Mumbai fast in December, 2011 was a terrible flop and the situation further worsened with Anna Hazare falling sick frequently and going on a silence vow. Team Anna was plunged into severe introspection. 

Maybe inspired by Baba Ramdev’s star power, this time Anna Hazare decided to join hands and the two cult figures celebrated their union with a one-day token fast in Delhi in June, 2012. Sometime later both of them held a joint press conference and announced two major movement programs. Anna would start an indefinite fast from July 25 for a strong anti-corruption Bill and Baba Ramdev would launch an indefinite movement against black money. The venue was the national capital, New Delhi.

Team Anna sat into a fast with Anna to join later if necessary. It became inevitable after a pathetic lack of support. The Baba attended the fast on the third day and infused crowds into it, but the supporters stayed there as long as he was there. Lot of people criticized the Baba for trying to highjack the movement.

With no surging crowd and a disinterested government Anna Hazare turned political on 3^rd of August. Three days later he disbanded Team Anna saying the team had outlived its objectives and they would no longer negotiate with the government for a strong anti-corruption Bill. There will be a political party instead to enter into Parliament and change the system from within.

As planned, Baba Ramdev started his movement from today in Delhi. The crowds surged to nearly 20,000 people thanks to the Baba’s star power, but it was a far cry from the 900,000 he boasted of bringing in.

Now, the most significant development. The Baba announced a three day fast first and then the next program if the government did not relent by that time. And, it was not only a fight against black money, but also for a strong anti-corruption Bill with the basic elements demanded by Anna Hazare. He expressed his vow to always support Anna’s cause, but unlike Team Anna he had no political agenda and he would never attack or target any political party or politicians.

While the righteous wants corruption removed the very fight against the evil is becoming utterly complex and replete with question marks. The government sticking to its wait and watch policy and therefore the main opposition party, BJP, naturally is openly extending support to Baba Ramdev.

The movement is also becoming charmingly open for both corrupt and non-corrupt to jump in. For many corrupt souls it provides the platform to show off; in fact, it provides retirement benefit bonanza too. Many retired persons who dedicated their lives to greed and corruption and made a dirty lot of money can join in for a ‘safe’ social service. There is hardly any surprise in the poster incident today when Baba Ramdev’s aide Balkrishna who is in jail for a forgery case was shown along with the greatest freedom fighters of India including Mahatma Gandhi!

The politics of corruption goes on unabated!

Anna Hazare And Baba Ramdev Partner Joint Fast Company!

The anti-corruption crusader Anna Hazare has finally decided to sit together with Baba Ramdev on a one-day fast in Delhi today. There had been a lot speculation and anticipation on this for quite some time. Why Anna had to do this?

After taking India by a hurricane wave with his two huge bouts of fasting in April and in August of 2011 Anna Hazare started facing the music from within his Team Anna as his members became too powerful and ambitious. The cascading trouble ranged from corruption charges against the members themselves and election politics to basic differences of views and opinions. To make matters worse Anna fell sick quite frequently and his 'strong' Lokpal Bill (anti-corruption Ombudsman Bill ) failed to make any headway in Parliament. Anna had to do something to carry on the anti-corruption movement.

So he launched a fast in Mumbai in December, 2011 purportedly to pressurise the upcoming Parliamentary debate on the Lokpal Bill. The masses did not turn up in large numbers this time and with Anna getting unwell again the program was a terrible flop. As differences grew within and out Anna decided to remain 'silent' for nearly a month afterwards. He desperately needed a strong partner now.

Baba Ramdev, basically a yoga guru earning millions through his camps and medicine outlets worldwide, saw Anna Hazare become a national leader in an instant and so he too set about amassing some political clout. He launched a similar fast in Delhi against a related cause of black money and all right-wing elements and forces of the country started descending on his fasting grounds, Ramleela. A concerned goverment swooped on the gathering at midnight and ousted the Baba unceremoniously. Instead of showing true leadership qualities in controlling his startled supporters the 'brave' Baba decided to flee dressed up as a woman. The consequent confusion led to the death of a woman. Anna and his team naturally opposed the goverment's ruthless action though Anna always defended his 'distance' from right-wing fundamentalists. Today is the first anniversary of the Baba ouster.

And, hopelessly running out of options Anna Hazare sits together with Ramdev on a fast today in Delhi. Voices of dissent continue though on the newly framed charges against the Prime Minister and on that the reportedly 'fraud' Baba himself is facing serious corruption charges.

The anti-corruption mocktail looks set to mock the very evil it is trying to erradicate.

The Mystery of The Black Ink!

Article first published as The Mystery Of The Black Ink! on Technorati.

Someone threw black ink on the face of the Indian Yoga Guru Ramdev Baba at a press conference held in the national capital Delhi recently. The famous up-market guru was speaking about his future moves on corruption and black money when the black incident happened.

The thrower was immediately caught and given a strong beating by the Baba supporters. Then the police came and arrested the offender thereby rescuing him from further beating of the third degree.

Ramdev Baba was magnanimous in dismissing the incident as mere nothing, but later on he alleged the involvement of the ruling Congress party in the incident. No surprise in that. Because, he could hardly forget his unceremonious midnight ousting from the fasting ground in Delhi by the government of India in June, 2011.

Ramdev Baba saw the showering of media and mass attention on Anna Hazare during the peak of the movement against corruption. Therefore he too decided to join the anti-corruption bandwagon to have a share and launched a fast against the menace of black money. But due to a conglomeration of right-wing elements in his audience the government came down heavily and ended the fast hard and quick.

Political parties condemned the black incident as it had to be, but there was an underlay of charges and counter charges for possible involvement of rivals. As a natural corollary to this a group of Ramdev supporters threw black ink on an election poster of the Congress President at the Congress headquarters in the national capital just a day after. And this time the throwers were given a sound beating by the party workers.

And the mystery only deepens further...

Read more:

Movement Against Corruption: Leadership Slots Still Open!

Basically, the politicians of India have failed miserably to deliver on curbing the menace of corruption and black money. Huge and huger scams kept on surfacing making the masses disillusioned. So, social activists, saints, god-men and the like have come to occupy the center stage starting a movement against corruption. Anna Hazare, who was relatively unknown outside Maharashtra, sat on fast in the national capital in April, 2011 and became a national hero eliciting unprecedented mass support. Many political parties and leaders wanted to be a part of this, but Anna was firm keeping the movement non-political.

Ramdev Baba, the Yoga-guru who made his billions all over the world running two television channels and stigmatized by the alleged murder of his own guru, saw this and thought why not have some political power and clout. He picked up black money issue which is only the other side of a larger issue of corruption. He started his fast unto death at Ramleela Ground, New Delhi yesterday, the June 4th. Some frustrated political parties with right-wing leaning joined him at the platform. Incredible things happened yesterday, the ambiance, the huge crowd, Ramdev's loud and punching speeches beating his normally calm Yoga preachings, the live press conferences, the Government of India coming now and then for the continuing talks for ending the fast and so on.. Live on most news channels all over India that electrifying show would have put Bollywood blockbusters to shame.

When things were marching towards an exciting end with the Government agreeing to most of the demands, the Baba thought otherwise maybe unwilling to leave the 'live' platform. So, the Government's indignation led to the midnight mayhem with New Delhi police uprooting Baba and his supporters from the venue with tear gas shells, lathi charge and maybe firing of bullets in air. Well, the Government would hardly tolerate the apparently right-wing political drama happening right in front of their courtyard in spite of their genuine efforts, but the tactics they adopted were indeed undemocratic almost reminding of British atrocities in the pre-independence era. Now, they have given an extended lease of life to desperate political parties for taking forward their opposition drives almost on everyday basis from now onwards.Worse, Anna Hazare had to condemn this too and now his movement against corruption is on uncertain grounds.

When Anna Hazare along with his civil society members in the Lokpal (Ombudsmen) committee against corruption were carrying on the fight effectively where was the need for another movement? But as we have said political leaders were desperate for being a part of it and now the Ramdev Baba episode have thrown open an unending stream of slots for leadership for which the bids must have started already.

But what about the issue of corruption? Well, I already told you to be personally honest and enjoy!