When the stars come out to play (politics)

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“Roads Washed In Dry Bankura To Protect Moon Moon Sen” screamed the headlines when yester-year Bollywood star Moon Moon Sen (above), also a political contestant standing on a Trinamool Congress ticket, went campaigning for a seat this election.

In a perennially thirsty village, a three kilometre section of road was indeed doused just to ensure that Moon Moon Sen and her star daughters didn’t have to deal with the ‘inconvenient’ dust. 

The local government didn’t seem to mind the political party's action, even though the entire Bankura district in West Bengal suffers from an acute shortage of drinking water in summer. And despite the drain on their precious resource, huge crowds turned out to greet the celebrity entourage. Such is the power of stardust in India.

The flirtation of film stars with political power is not new – or exclusive – to India. Since the matinee movie heyday, idols like NT Ramo Rao, MG Ramachandran and Chiranjivi in south India to Amitabh Bachchan, Rajesh Khanna, Dharmendra and Govinda in north India have tried their luck in politics. Some succeeded and achieved high accolades in the world of politics, while some suffered and soon withdrew, bruised, vowing never to return.

Superstar Amitabh Bachchan (left, in the cult classic Sholay) took a brief break from his film career in 1984 to enter politics and won with a spectacular margin in Allahabad.

Bachchan shared some family connections with the Gandhi power dynasty, and was extremely close to then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and his wife Sonia Gandhi. But after a three-year stint in politics, Bachchan left mid-way through his term, when his name was dragged into two notorious corruption scandals. 

Reflecting on his decisiion to quit politics, he once wrote in his blog: “'I felt for 25 years I had tried to woo my audience to love me as an artist, as an actor. And once I had accomplished that I was now telling them to love my politics as well. Not acceptable to me. It was wrong. I was wrong. I was dividing my audience and my fans.” (Bachchan never returned to politics. But his wife, actress Jaya Bachchan, represents the Samajwadi Party in the Upper House in Parliament today.)

So why do film stars without any background in politics, social service or policy making, jump into the fray?

And in spite (often) of their obvious incompetence in these fields, how do some of them manage to survive and succeed?

For the political parties, superstar appeal and the fan following that celebrity candidates deliver is powerfully attractive, especially in an otherwise hostile constituency. They not only draw in the crowd but also their devotees attention to the key issues.

Indian film stars often come with a carefully clean image and possess a power to influence the voter. On big screens, these film stars often play Messiahs of the poor, fighting the bad on behalf of the weak and powerless, and always choosing the right, tougher road over the wrong, albeit easy, path.

They have their own personal story of struggle to share, and have been achievers in their own individual right - narratives that find great resonance with the audience.

Couple these drawcards with no political baggage, and we get a sense of why stars are such “convenient candidates” for the political parties.

For national political parties, having film stars on board gives them some glamour, snaring media attention and public interest at political rallies.

For stars, politics becomes an option for an alternative career if, or when, their screen allure is flailing or fading. Most of the film stars are likely to enter politics when they are nudging retirement or have recently bowed out from the movie business. Hema Malini, Gul Panag, Kirron Kher, Vinod Khanna, Chiranjeevi are classic examples.

With their star power still intact, the enthusiastic response from the masses to their political road shows and rallies often provides some salve to their dwindling box office value. 

It is plainly a win-win relationship. Not a single mainstream party has failed to sign up a celebrity candidate in the 2014 campaign.

Rahul Gandhi’s Indian National Congress has fielded Raj Babbar, Nagma, Ravi Kishen, Chiranjeevi and Ramya. But Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janta Party has the longest list of film stars contesting: Kirron Kher, Bappi Lahiri, Shatrunghan Sinha, Hema Malini, Babul Supriyo, Manoj Tiwari, Vinod Khanna and Paresh Rawal are all fighting elections on the BJP ticket.

Even the newly launched Aam Aadmi Party - or the Common Man's Party -  has won star power in the form of Miss India-turned-actress-turned-politician Gul Panag.

Mamta Banerjee’s Trinamool Congress has Moon Moon Sen and Joy Banerjee fighting for her while the Bengali Disco Dancer Mithoon Chakraborthy – who is also a Member of Parliament in the Upper House – is campaigning hard for her in West Bengal. 

Recognising the Indian mindset – people are loyal to their favourite stars and prove their devotion by voting for them – it would be safe to expect that half of these names will installed as new Members of Parliament by next month. They will join a long list of film stars already present in the Upper House. 

Then the hard part begins. It's worth observing that with very few exceptions, most of the filmstars who have won elections in the past never stood for a second term. While scandal allegations proved to be the fatal hurdle in Bachchan’s political career, Govinda gave up politics when he realised that ‘it wasn’t his cup of tea’. Govinda, the dancing super star, failed miserably as an MP who represented the North Mumbai constituency. 

But these failures haven’t deterred the next generation of celebrities from exiting stage right to the political arena. National Award winning actor Paresh Rawal, a BJP candidate fighting his first electoral battle from Ahmedabad, says: “I don't intend to make a political career, my entrance is cause-specific. I want Narendera Modi to be the prime minister.”

On the other side Gul Panag, the AAP contestant from Chandigarh, wants “an atmosphere of clean politics”, and hopes her candidacy will encourage others to become part of the anti-corruption movement. 

Whatever their reasons, film stars, by virtue of their status, have always succeeded in their central obligation – garnering attention – and political parties aren’t complaining. One also hopes that once they are elected, these bombastic stars do not forget that this is more than a popularity contest, and there are promises to keep.

First Published: http://electionwatch.edu.au/india-2014/when-stars-come-out-play-politics

THE SNOOPING SCANDAL - A BLESSING IN DISGUISE FOR CONGRESS?

The Snooping Scandal, an expose which basically contained taped conversations between Gujarat’s notorious ex Minister for Home – Amit Shah and a suspended, disgraced and now-a-whistleblower IPS officer GL Singhal.

The conversation was about keeping tabs on the movements and whereabouts of a woman. The reason why it is serious, is, that it was being done at the behest of ‘saheb’ as Amit Shah referred to in the conversation. And it has been safely presumed that the ‘saheb’ is none other than Narendra Modi.

Being a journalist in Ahmedabad, I have had several opportunities to meet Amit Shah. Have met Singhal too on a couple of occasions and it was therefore easy to recognise their voice. I, therefore, have no doubts about the genuineness of the CD. But that’s not what I want to talk about today.

In days to follow, more stories flowed in. A reputed and a senior editor from Ahmedabad with ‘close’ connection to a Congress leader, utilised the position and the power, to reveal how “Modi was in a close relationship” with the woman who was under surveillance. Stories followed. About how Miss M was not only close to Modi but was “an extremely good friend” of Pradeep Sharma too. Stories on How Modi was obsessed about this girl and his possessiveness led to vindictiveness and that’s what led Gujarat Police to act against Pradeep Sharma in the corruption complaints levelled against him.

Miss M’s family denies that Modi did any wrong. Miss M is nowhere to be found for any clarification or an explanation.

More stories emerge. Congress laps it up as an opportunity to disgrace Modi. Last few weeks have been hard on Congress following Modi’s jam-packed rallies across the poll-bound states. Within their own camp, there is gloom with videos of Sheila Dikshit going viral on social media, urging people at her rally, to stay back to “atleast listen to Rahul Gandhi’.

This snooping scandal couldn’t have arrived at a better time.

This is perhaps what Congress was desperately praying for. A god sent opportunity to counter Modi’s rise. A ready-made scoop which can be raised as an assault on Modi. So the Party not only parades its top-most leaders – Kapil Sibal, P Chidambaram to question Modi on the snooping remarks, but also gets their women leaders to hold pressers to keep the momentum going. Another leader from Gujarat, trying desperately to impress the bosses, comes up with a scoop in form of RTI response on how Miss M’s family has benefited from the Modi government and jumps to conclusion that because Modi government gave a huge contract to the Soni family, there’s no doubt that Modi was in a close relationship with Miss M. 

A day after, Pradeep Sharma, the IAS officer, gives interviews to all channels saying that he was persecuted by the Modi government because Modi feared he had some doctored CD. He goes and files an affidavit in the Supreme Court to add some credibility to his claims and increase the threat factor for Modi.

Meanwhile, BJP turns out utterly lazy in defending its Prime Ministerial candidate. Their fire—fighting is so lame that no one is ready to buy their story that it was the father who requested the government ‘to keep an eye’ on his own daughter. And what is even more damning is asking the masses to believe that Modi is foolish enough to accept such a frivolous request.

If nothing, BJP was caught off-guard. Coming up with father’s letter before media and getting it hand delivered to National Commission for Women’s office in Delhi only points out their culpability, if not their compliancy.

And the best part about this entire scandal is how the top-most leaders fighting it out for 2014 – NaMo and RaGa, are tight lipped about it. Modi’s silence can be understood. But I wonder what is stopping Rahul Gandhi, or for that matter, his mother – Sonia Gandhi, from raking this issue.

Instead the mother-son duo has left it on the other ‘lesser mortals’ within their party to continue their tirade against Modi. And as far as Modi is concerned, knowing him, till it comes from Sonia Gandhi or Rahul Gandhi, he will not bother himself with any explanation, clarification or even a mention about this.

But Modi would be mistaken if he thinks that this snooping saga will have no effect on his PM Campaigning. For a person, who has marketed himself, as someone who has no family, and is devoted to working for the nation 24x7; these allegations of being ‘close to a young woman’, ‘sending her silly smses’, ‘spending time with her clandestinely’, ‘using the state machinery to follow a woman who betrayed him’ is bound to set tongues wagging, women thinking and the young electorate doubting his credentials as a clean man.

No wonder, that though late, the Gujarat Government ordered an inquiry into the scandal. Whether it will serve any purpose to find the truth behind this is secondary, for the time being, the BJP has atleast managed to hush the decibel levels of Congress.

First published on: http://namovsraga.com/blog/the-snooping-scandal-a-blessing-in-disguise-for-congress

Kudos to Democracy!!!

The black tip on my forefinger of the left hand makes me proud today. Indian citizens like me have shown how a collective effort can put people in their right place. I am indeed delighted that Indian citizens, only known for their poor manners and bad traffic sense, have proved to the politicians and the world at large that they have the brains to choose a government at the centre.

All the political pundits were crying hoarse about how its going to result in a hung parliament. The scouting for allies resembled like finding grooms for your daughter in Bihar. Anybody and everybody will do. It was shameful, dirty and cheap to say the least. But while Congress and BJP did all in their means and tried every trick in the book, the one who emerged the smartest was the Indian voter. The smart Indian voter knew that India cannot afford elections regularly. That India needs a stable government that can make changes over their full term. The same Indian voter also knew that giving a majority to a single political party would be the only thing that would end this dirty game of give and take that the coalition polictics is made up of.

I bow down to this Indian Voter. Its unbelievable the way Congress emerged as the single largest party with 206 seats. And the UPA alliance at 262 proved it, in just a matter of hours on May 16th, that Manmohan Singh will be the next Prime Minister. Good news. Though i am inno awe of Manmohan Singh. I feel he hardly talks. India is on its way to become one of the strongest economies and a power hub in years to come. We need a more vocal leader. And a person, who's personality strikes down not just allies but also your enemies. A Prime Minister, should be someone, who is not only witty like Winston Churchill but also a suave smart guy like Barack Obama. A Prime Minister should have a voice that is affirmative and assuring. Someone who can tell us, 'I am there for all of you'. Not a meek looking guy who's always watching his back. I find Sonia Gandhi more powerful than Manmohan Singh. Her body language shows that she's incharge. Her mannerisms prove her confidence and her concern. She doesnt look here and there everytime she's about to say something important. And believe it or not, her vocal chords too are stronger than that of Manmohan Singh. Looks like Sonia is the boss and Manmohan is her closest and the most powerful secretary.

I have nothing against the Congress party or the UPA. I am just putting my analysis of the guy who's India's Prime Minister. He lacks the machoism, good looks and a confident body language. I guess my favourite phrase 'there's nothing like an ideal man' holds true here. Only if the Prime Minister was a woman.... she would be all of it. But i dont want to turn this into a gender fight.

On the other hand, LK Advani, too wasnt a favourable choice. Infact, i liked the BJP manifesto much better than the UPA manifesto. I am not from the minority community, neither i am a farmer nor am i unemployed. So i am of no importance to the UPA. The BJP manifesto, on the other hand, had something for me. I am an educated, middle class, employed girl who dreams big and would like to see foreigners scout for Indian visas one day. BJP Manifesto promised that the tax exemption limit will be raised to 3 lakhs for women... and i loved that proposal. Another feature i liked was the Ladli Laxmi Yojna where a new born girl child is promised 1 lakh rupees by the time she turns 18. I really liked that. These were the real concrete measures to empower my gender. But unfortunately, LK Advani didnt look as a likeable Prime Minister either. He was too old. Today's youth hardly listen to their parents... forget grand parents. They want someone who belongs to their generation to make policies for them. Why would people chose LK Advani? So BJP, smart enough, to expose their second rung leaders... quickly came up with Narendra Modi's name. Now who would in their best senses talk about a megalomaniac, arrogant and eccentric Narendra Modi, who has been accused of butchering muslims in Gujarat? But BJP did. And i guess thats what can be attributed as the second best reason for NDA's loss. They thought people have forgotten Godhra and the riots that followed in Gujarat. Who can forget post godhra riots? Not us guys. We are too young to forget things that happened just 7 years ago.

Fortunately, NDA lost. Modi's hopes shattered of taking over from Advani. But i must say, Advani, even at 81, was extremely gracious enough to accept his defeat. He not only sent a message through Arun Jaitley that he congratulates Sonia Gandhi and Manmohan Singh, but also graciously offered to step down as the Leader of Opposition and morally took the responsibility of NDA's loss. That was in his most parliamentarian style. I appreciate that. On the other hand, there was Narendra Modi. Used to victories, Modi exposed how badly he handles losses. He remained cocooned in his bungalow. Gave strict instructions to security personnel that no one was to be allowed inside. Even media didnt get a chance to meet him and take his reaction. Perhaps Modi was too dumbfounded. And his ego didnt allow him to accept defeat graciously. So he took full 24 hours to recover and finally on his way to Delhi claimed 'there are no full stops in politics'. Right. Thank You Mr. Modi. Perhaps, Modi doesnt know how to be calm and gracious in defeat. He made an extraordinary attempt to give a broad smile as if nothing had happened. He behaved like everything was fine and he was on his way to congratulate UPA for their victory. Mr. Modi, its alrt to lose. Its alrt to accept your defeat. And its alrt to show how upset you are at NDA's loss. That would have seemed genuine. Your broad smile and arrogant optimism only turned off your sympathizers.

And i feel UPA would be smiling coyly in a corner after seeing Modi so hapless. They are on their way to form the next government and what seems from the news, is that more young faces will be inducted in the cabinet. That would really be a relief. I guess the biggest relief is not having Arjun Singh as part of the cabinet. He and his reservation politics have done no good either to the backward classes nor to the country. I hope some young guy like Sachin Pilot or Jyotiraditya Scindia is made the HRD minister. That would be nice. And Rahul Gandhi, true to his blood, is not likely to take up any post in the cabinet. When he knows he can be the Prime Minister, why would he be in a hurry to be part of the cabinet. He doesnt want to spoil his image or rather expose his working style by being a colleague when he knows that he can directly become their boss, in a few years. And not forgetting that even without a cabinet post, after Congress's stupendous success in these polls, Rahul Gandhi can wield enough power to have things his way in any department he wants.

So while Congress is on its way to form the next government, BJP is still thinking how to gather itself. I guess the reason why BJP lost and Congress won was because of the colour psychology. In the scorching heat, the saffron only hit your eyes and brains so badly that Congress's light blue was calm, refreshing change. Maybe they should look at colours the next time. But even as 2009 elections have drawn to close... the battle and preparations for 2014 have already begun. Rahul is aiming for the top most job next time around and BJP is determined to fight back and collect its reins to pull it off the next time.

I, at the end of all this tamasha, only hope that India's top political parties, keep in mind that the indian voter, is much smarter than they can think of. Kudos to Democracy!!!