AIADMK’s Smart Move

The AIADMK campaign has not caught much attention even as its leader Edappadi K Palaniswami (EPS) has covered a lot of ground in Tamil Nadu. AIADMK has latched onto the defeat of the Women’s Reservation Bill in Lok Sabha as evidence that the ruling DMK’s claims of being pro-women are no more than lip-service. AIADMK claimed that DMK and Chief Minister MK Stalin are unwilling to provide real empowerment for women, and this amounts to a disregard of thai kul, an expression representing the mother and her household. AIADMK leaders have said that the women’s Bill was an opportunity to give something concrete to women and point out that both the main parties in Andhra Pradesh—TDP and YSRCP—supported the reservation and the accompanying proposal for delimitation. Tamil Nadu, they said, was actually a gainer and there would have been more seats for both women and “general” candidates. The party’s decision to amp up the issue is a bold response to Stalin projecting the legislation as a ‘war’ between New Delhi and the state. His warning that the state would be brought to a standstill and his public burning of the Bills were seen by some as an indication that DMK wants to distract attention from issues such as corruption and law and order. AIADMK had the option of side-stepping DMK’s drumbeating over having ‘burnt’ the legislation but chose to join the issue. Although the party lacks a charismatic leader or even one like Stalin who can claim the legacy and heritage of M Karunanidhi, AIADMK has run a smart campaign.

Power Behind the Man

Senior BJP MP Jagdambika Pal often presides over proceedings in Lok Sabha as a member of the panel of chairpersons. His patient but firm approach works well and is possibly a reason he is asked to chair proceedings during important discussions. He also has a sense of humour, which he turned on fellow BJP MP Ravi Kishan, a celebrated actor. When Kishan was speaking on the virtues of women’s reservation, Pal pointed out that the MP’s wife was a very effective campaigner and contributed a lot to his electoral success. Kishan was flummoxed for a moment, but recovered to aver that this was why he did not hesitate to touch his wife’s feet even when she was asleep.

Jairam’s Gambit

At a time when the government and the I.N.D.I.A. bloc parties are slugging it out over women’s reservation, Congress communications incharge Jairam Ramesh struck a more conciliatory tone, suggesting an all-party meeting be called after the current round of elections to discuss the quota, linked by the government to delimitationl. It is unclear whether Ramesh jumped the gun, as no one else in Congress has echoed his views so far. Or it might be the case that he was testing the waters on an issue where it would not be wise to be caught on the wrong side.

Setback for Kejriwal

Delhi High Court judge Swarana Kanta Sharma’s decision to reject former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s demand that she recuse herself from his case because he apprehends she is biased is a setback to the AAP leader. The judge has held that she will not be deterred by insinuations that lack evidence, and she will proceed with hearing the liquor policy case. The attempt to browbeat the judge having failed, the order may set the tone for cases where politicians look to put the judiciary on the back foot by claiming to be victims of political bias and hiring high-profile lawyers to represent them.

Being Civil

On April 21, Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted officials on the occasion of Civil Services Day, praising their contribution from the grassroots to the highest levels of policymaking. Modi’s interactions with officials were polite and measured, even as he expects a high level of proficiency. Officials who work with the prime minister are prepared for long hours and point out that Modi carefully absorbs presentations and does not intervene often. When he does, the questions are pointed and cut to the heart of the matter under discussion.

Rule By Committee

The discussion over women’s reservation and delimitation saw MPs animatedly consider the implications of a Lok Sabha with a possible 850 members instead of the current 543. At present, a joint committee of Parliament (JPC) comprising members from both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha has a strength of 31. In an expanded Lok Sabha, a JPC will have 80-90 members, an MP said, adding that many more department-related committees will need to be set up as well. Though such committees might appear unwieldy, they may offer more opportunities to MPs. Even as things stand, the standing committees witness a more thorough discussion on the Budget proposals than House proceedings.

Justice for Kaddu

The Delhi airport is under fire for attempting to relocate a long-term resident community dog, Kaddu, for allegedly injuring passengers. The airport management has failed to produce any evidence to support its claim, while photographs of a cruelly bound Kaddu enraged dog lovers and many ordinary citizens. The dogs at the airport have been mostly neutered and have been well looked after so far. They were often spotted sleeping peacefully, and volunteers provided them with coats during the winter too. Delhi airport lost immense goodwill for its bid to malign Kaddu.