The great game of Democracy

Democracy is such a virtue that it has been so tactfully and artfully constructed by our forefathers by creating the balances and counter balances in such way that no one pillar of democracy usurps the powers bestowed on it to create or position itself at a supreme level over the others.

Look at the recent example of banning the convicted legisltors from further participation in the legislatures in a true interpretaion of the Peoples Representation act, by the Supreme Court. As if stung by a deadly cobra, the parties reacted in such a quick haste to bring an amendment and tried to build a consensus among political parties to 'save the legislators who might have been falsely implicated in criminal cases'. This is a case of parties shedding crocadile tears in the name of 'some MPs and MLAs', but in reality to save a large number of them including leaders of different parties from the embarrasement. 

The arguement that 'falsely implicated' cannot hold water because, the ban is on those who are convicted after filing of FIR, charge sheet, court hearings and protracted length of court hearings.  Following the amendment that has been referred to a select committee, the Govt, choose to issue an ordinance and sent to the  President for signature. The legislature tried to usurp their power of supremacy over others.

It is a welcome sign that the President has listened to the saner counsels and referred the ordinance back to the Govt, seeking the justification for the ordinance (27/09/2013). President acting as a counter check, so far. Let us wait for the developments.

Meanwhile, a googly by the SC by pronouncing the verdict on 'Right to Vote' by providing an option to choose 'None of the above' in the EVMs. So 'Mr. None of the above' is the first candidate who files his nomination, though he may not win and form any Govt., but prevents fielding people with dark background. 

Already the first voice of dissent from politicians has emerged. 'Right to vote' is the right bestowed on the citizens, 'not to vote' is not a right given under the constitution, argues one leading politician. 

SC now called 'Check', but is it a 'and mate' or our willy-nilly politicians will find ways and means to have the game scratched!

Fake encounter and Terrorisam

This is not about deaths in encounters and terroist activities. Its all about today's war of words between Congress and BJP.

Modi claiming the growth rate was 8.4% during NDA regime was countered by PC "fake encounter of facts" by Modi. Yashwant joins the debate to say NDA's handling of infaltion was "Terrorism on inflation".

The interaction between the two leading national parties is touching a new low everyday as even the leaders like PC, showing intolerance and engaging in personal and weiled attacks.

Toppled or Tumbled ?

The one point agenda of proclaiming NaMo as the PM Candidate of the BJP parliamentary party was a pretty brief affair when compared with the lobbying that went throughout the day to bring on board all the leaders. 

The sulking of LKA is obviously due to the 'grand parenting' effect. Having been the proposer of leadership changes, or the decisive voice on crucial issues, he could not reconcile himself to the fact that the power is changing hands within BJP. The decision of NaMo being a PM candidate (ever since the pre-run to the Gujarat election) was more an information to him rather than a consultation with him.

The drama of resignation with a long letter to the BJP president during the Goa meet and now staying away from the New Delhi meet with a letter to the party president, shows clearly his inability to come to terms with the changing mood of the party cadre and people.

He should compare this projection of NaMo with his 1990 Rath yathra  when he was projected as the face and rejuvenated image of the party. He did sideline many leaders like Kalyan Singh and cornered most of the glory to himself. He did not feel 'anguished' or 'depressed' the way in which he stole the show nor did he complain about the change in behaviour of the leadership. When he is at the receiving end he is unable to digest. By his actions of disassociating himself yesterday, he only tumbled on his way.

What LKA should realise is that he could not carry the momentum of NDA's achievements to poll victory in 2004 and there he lost the race. Much waters have flown down the bridge since then and we need strong willed leaders to tackle the challenges facing India. NaMo may or may not deliver that. But it is worth the gamble.

We need a change.....

The 'NaMo' Day?

Today is going to be a very important day for the BJP and possibly for the nation.  Modi is likely to be anointed as the PM candidate and what effect this will have on BJP, Congress and National Politics?

For the BJP, it is not going to be a smooth one as the dissent, especially from leaders like Advani is not a good sign. It is not that LKA can change the course of the fortune,  but it will be a fodder for the opposition parties to target BJP. LKA probably grousing on the lost opportunity for him and that his dream of occupying the PM's post can never materialise. He will end up being a senior leader of the party. Opposition from others like Sushma etc., is immaterial as they were never really a contenders. They had no charisma of their own and cannot draw crowds and votes like the way NaMo can do.

But for Congress this is a big booster, in many ways. First, it will rally around all the senior members together to pitch against BJP and NaMo in a single voice, since all of them are Modi bashers. Secondly, the NDA will be split further, thus the votes might get fragmented and in that process Congress will gain. Thirdly, they can now project Rahul as the PM's choice and make the BJP camp to concentrate on him rather than on poll issues.

On the National politics, this might be a watershed moment since, if BJP loose with NaMo in the lead, it is a doom for them and Congress will gain enormous strength, even if they win with slender margin. The regional parties will play a greater role and possibly a weak coalition will form the government which will perform worse than the UPA2.

But for sure, one segment that will definitely have a dog's day would be the the media, since never before, an election was fought the PM's candidates announced so much in advance, even though it was obvious. Arnabs, Rajdeeps and Burkas will have the field unto themselves for another 7 months.