Battleground Delhi

WHETHER DELHI CHIEF Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s incarceration will generate any ‘sympathy’ for AAP is being hotly debated within the opposition I.N.D.I.A. bloc and several commentators are seeing the development as an assault on democracy and denial of a level playing field. The Delhi BJP unit is, however, convinced the AAP leader being sent to jail for the liquor policy scam is its best opportunity to turn the tables on a formidable adversary. The state BJP displayed some of the smarts it was once known for by organising a counter-demonstration against a day-long fast by AAP leaders in support of Kejriwal. BJP leaders pitched tent in central Delhi and displayed a model of the chief minister’s residence labelled ‘Sheesh Mahal’ (glass palace) to demonstrate the opulence of his home and the apparent dichotomy between AAP’s common man (aam aadmi) pitch and the lifestyle of its leaders. The residence is subject to an official inquiry in light of large amounts of money spent on its refurbishment. Leaked videos of the residence have been fodder for social media and recent photographs featuring political visitors apparently expressing sympathy for the AAP leader’s cause have served to refresh memories. The view in BJP is that the lack of any public participation in AAP’s events and people’s disinterest in accepting pro-Kejriwal t-shirts being handed out by volunteers indicate that there is no outpouring of support for the chief minister. However, the fight on the ground remains challenging as AAP has a well-developed network of volunteers and is banking on its electoral alliance with Congress to consolidate anti-BJP votes. The saffron camp is working hard to counter the claim of AAP leaders that the case against Kejriwal and other top leaders is primarily based on statements of approvers who have turned against their former partners. The list of evidence presented by ED to the Supreme Court includes statements by individuals who were involved in running the AAP campaign for the Goa Assembly election in 2022, where a part of the liquor scam money was allegedly spent. ED has also provided WhatsApp chat details and call data records that show links between the various accused, which BJP argues shows that the case against AAP leaders is far from flimsy or based on mere allegations.

Ladakh Stir in Cold Storage

The decision of climate activist Sonam Wangchuck and the Leh Apex Body (LAB) to call off a proposed protest march to the border with China marks the end of attempts to raise the political heat over the various demands that include Sixth Schedule status for the Union territory ahead of the Lok Sabha polls. The political moves have been simmering over the last six months with former MP Thupstan Chhewang, who has won on BJP as well as Congress tickets in the past, bringing together some of the factions associated with the Ladakh Buddhist Association. The call for increased autonomy or even statehood finds resonance with local sentiment given apprehensions that the Himalayan region’s fragile ecology and living spaces might come under pressure from new businesses and migrants. Union Home Minister Amit Shah has assured adequate safeguards that help retain the area’s unique cultural and demographic profile but the demand for bringing Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule has not found favour. It has been opposed on grounds that it offers no solutions for the region. The schedule, meant for parts of the Northeast, may well mean Ladakh becomes an isolated cocoon—a result that defeats the purpose of its separation from Jammu & Kashmir. The Ladakh administration’s stern measures to prevent any march to the border—as well as the acknowledgement within LAB that this could be counter-productive—convinced the group to defer its plans.

Exit Nirupam

Departures from Congress continue with Mumbai leader Sanjay Nirupam expelled while party spokesperson Gourav Vallabh has quit and joined BJP. Nirupam’s rebellion is troubling for the party since he has not lost any time in attacking the leadership and MVA candidates in Mumbai. Known for his combative style, the former Shiv Sainik has lashed out at what he calls the five power centres in the party (three associated with the Gandhis), claiming it is beyond most Congress cadres to access any of them. He has now accused Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut of being the lynchpin of alleged irregularities in the distribution of khichdi to migrant workers during the Covid pandemic. His allegations came on a day ED questioned the Shiv Sena (UBT) nominee for the Mumbai North West seat. It is evident that Nirupam is giving vent to his angst about Congress’ alliance with Uddhav Thackeray’s Sena that has led to seats being shared in Mumbai. Nirupam seems to have a destination in mind after his expulsion, and indicated he would make an announcement after the Navratras. Shiv Sena has defended Raut and other leaders, saying Nirupam has levelled baseless allegations. Vallabh, meanwhile, has added to Congress’ woes by repeating the damaging charge that the party has become “anti-Sanatana Dharma,” a view echoed by more than one leader who has left the party.

The Church’s Kerala Story

The screening of the film The Kerala Story by the Idukki diocese for catechism students of classes 10, 11 and 12 to highlight the threat of ‘love jihad’ has set the cat among the pigeons. CPM and Congress had criticised the telecast of the film on Doordarshan and were discomfited by the diocese’s decision. The problem was that the Church could not be assailed as a Hindutva organisation with an interest in propagating anti-minority views. The Church for its part remained unabashed, noting that the film was screened to develop ‘awareness’ among students. The Church insisted it was not referring to the controversial aspects of love jihad but said there was a scheme to lure young people, which is actually pretty much the same thing. The incident highlights concerns about the activities of extremist groups and the adverse fallout on social harmony. BJP state president K Surendra supported the Church’s decision. BJP has tried to make inroads into the Christian community but without much success. The community favoured Congress in national elections in 2019, seeing Rahul Gandhi as a prime ministerial prospect. This time round, BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi are the clear frontrunners and it remains to be seen if even a small section of Christians will support the party.

Election Fever Abroad

Election fever has not left overseas Indian communities untouched. From Sydney to San Francisco, meetings and parades have been organised in support for Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Many of these events have been arranged by the overseas wing of BJP but the participation has been spontaneous, reflecting the strong support Modi enjoys among Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs). Though most of those attending the rallies do not have a vote in India, their enthusiasm is infectious and feeds into the BJP campaign that India’s standing in the international arena has improved, which in turn has infused PIOs with a sense of pride.

2024 ElectionsArvind KejriwalBJPpoliticsSanjay NirupamSonam WangchuckThe Kerala Story