Recently, the BJP IT cell sent feedback to BJP-ruled states on how ‘bulldozer’ remained the ‘most searched word’ in the last few weeks. Many people are of the view that the word ‘bulldozer’ is rapidly turning into a new synonym for ‘polarisation’. But it is ‘Bulldozer Baba’ that appears to be a more powerful expression. However, in the BJP-ruled states going to polls next, the word ‘bulldozer’ does not hold much sway. Sources in IT Cell reveal that the swagger of ‘Bulldozer Baba’ is missing from ‘Bulldozer Mama’ or ‘Bulldozer Anna’. So, a lot of brainstorming is going on to leverage the term in Madhya Pradesh and Karnataka.
The bulldozer script
After a lot of brainstorming, two suggestions have come up vis a vis the ‘bulldozer’ idea. First is to compose and release parody songs — with the word ‘bulldozer’ featuring in them in MP and Karnataka. The idea is to ensure that the lyrics capture the imagination of the common people. A second suggestion proposes holding maximum electoral meetings of ‘Bulldozer Baba’ i.e. Yogi Adityanath in poll-bound states. The latter has paved the way for another round of ‘brainstorming’ —a large number of Yogi rallies in Gujarat would make people and experts draw all sorts of interpretations.
The iftaar politics of Bihar
The word ‘interpretation’ reminds us of our very own ‘Sushasan Babu’. Recently, Tejashwi Yadav held a grand iftaar party in Patna where the Bihar chief minister was also present. The CM arrived at the gathering with a heavy security cordon—more to interpret. Several other bigwigs of Bihar politics like Chirag Paswan, BJP’a Syed Shahnawaz Hussain and Rabri Devi were also present. Nitish and Tejashwi hugged each other. Incidentally, Lalu Yadav had secured bail in a fodder scam case on the same day. There is more significance to RJD’s iftar party. In 2017, when Nitish Kumar last appeared for an iftaar hosted by Rabri Devi, his alliance with the RJD had ended just a few days later. Now, the BJP has become the largest party in Bihar by luring VIP MLAs to its ranks. If the BJP’s graph continues to grow in the state like this, then forget RJD, even JDU will have an existential crisis. In Bihar’s political khaini, this issue is as important as chuna. The Presidential and Vice Presidential elections are another hot topic in the state.
Also read: Bulldozer justice goes against the spirit of India@75. Hurts everyone, helps none
PK’s door-to-door leader outreach
These days, PK aka Prashant Kishor is busy visiting and meeting Congress leaders at their homes. The poll strategist is also meeting the G23 leaders. He seems to be suggesting that if his and G23’s views are the same, then why not band together. Well, there is some truth in this approach after all. The G23 was also advocating similar changes in the working style of the Congress, as is being put forward by PK today. But G23 leaders were trivial in-house dissenters to the party. Weren’t they?
Congress workers and their hopes from PK
The magic of PK is speaking. In Uttar Pradesh, the Congress may just have secured a mere 2.3 per cent votes in the assembly elections, but the party’s headquarters, Nehru Bhawan, is a happy space. Thanks to the lush green grass in its lawn. If the sun doesn’t get too hot, discussions among the party’s salaried office bearers about PK’s work continues. After leaving the guest house of Sanjay Gandhi Hospital in Amethi, PK worked for the BJP in Gujarat and for many other parties.
It’s all about democracy
Prime Minister Boris Johnson is the leader of Conservative Party in Britain. He is also a ‘special friend’ of PM Modi. And Gujaratis living in England mostly support Johnson’s Conservative Party. Is this the secret of Johnson’s visit to Gujarat where he turned the spinning wheel? Was the visit purely related to Britain’s internal politics? Just like Canadian PM Justin Trudeau’s Punjab tour on his India visit? And what explains Johnson’s photo op — driving a JCB bulldozer? JCB—Joseph Cyril Bamford Excavators Limited Company – is headquartered in Staffordshire, England and is also one of the major donors of Johnson’s party.
Also read: There’s nothing new about demolition politics. Just that now it’s taken a big communal turn
In UP, teamwork and carpooling
After 37 years, Uttar Pradesh made a new record — of the ruling party and the CM making a comeback. In Yogi2.0, the focus is more on teamwork. First, the PM held a meeting with the CM and the Deputy CMs. And now, CM Yogi and Deputy CM Keshav Prasad Maurya reached for a cabinet meeting in the same car. This surprised everyone. Now, the BJP workers are touting it as a great example of harmony.
Bharat Agrawal is Executive Director, Dainik Bhaskar Group, and a columnist.
By special arrangement with Dainik Bhaskar and translated by Ram Lal Khanna from the original in Hindi.
(Edited by Anurag Chaubey)