In the Diwali celebration organised at the US embassy, American ambassador Eric Garcetti danced to Shah Rukh Khan’s song ‘Chaiyya Chaiyya.’ He also went to Ahmedabad to watch the India-Australia match in the World Cup final at the Narendra Modi Stadium. Garcetti made a bet with the Australian ambassador Philip Green. Garcetti insisted that India would win, while the Australian ambassador asserted Australia’s victory. They placed a bet of 2-2 drinks. In a playful remark, the Australian ambassador said, “If India wins, Australia still benefits because the next day there is a second 2+2 ministerial dialogue between India and Australia, and if India wins the match, it will be a good deal.” Now, it remains to be seen when and where Garcetti invites Green for the drinks.
Come up with new material
Congress has instructed its leaders, especially those involved in election campaigning, to say something new during the election rallies. For instance, they could mention how the BJP is nervous after witnessing its defeat in five states. The Congress leadership argues that leaders have been delivering similar statements for years, hence it’s time for them and spokespersons to choose better words and speak something new instead of relying on rehearsed statements. Now, the question is, where can they find this ‘new material’? All leaders have delegated this task, like everything else, to their personal assistants (PAs). It is yet to be known whom the assistants have assigned this duty to.
Strict on leaks
The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) is not in the mood to tolerate any kind of information leakage. This indication was recently reiterated once again. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Diwali is always spent with soldiers, and this time the initial plan was to celebrate the festival with soldiers on the Jammu-Akhnoor border. However, the plan was cancelled last minute after the information was leaked at the local level. That’s why Modi was seen with armed forces in Lepcha, Himachal Pradesh, following a last-minute reorganisation of the programme.
Son-in-law’s launching
A spokesperson from the BJP wishes to launch their son-in-law in the upcoming Lok Sabha election. A Diwali Milan programme was organised to serve as the launchpad. The plan was to introduce the young son-in-law to the media for the first time during this event. However, before the takeoff, turbulence ensued. Sources suggest that the attempt to organise a photo-op for the son-in-law did not go as planned. Moreover, attempting to secure a ticket as a BJP leader’s son-in-law automatically puts them into the negative category. What happens next remains to be seen.
Former captains’ innings
Something worth noticeable is unfolding in Karnataka as well. The BJP was defeated in the last assembly election, but losing in the Lok Sabha is not acceptable to it. Therefore, the party is making efforts to appease both influential communities in the state, Lingayats and Vokkaligas. The widely respected leader of the Lingayat community, BS Yediyurappa’s son, Vijayendra Yediyurappa, has been appointed as the party’s state president. In the assembly, the opposition leader’s position has been given to former deputy chief minister R Ashok, who belongs to the Vokkaliga community. Interestingly, the two top leaders of both these communities, Yediyurappa and HD Deve Gowda, are actively playing significant roles in politics despite being outside active politics.
Direct call to booth in-charge
After several years, the BJP organised a Diwali gathering. The Prime Minister interacted with journalists and met with others as well. This event took place on the day of the second phase of voting in Chhattisgarh and the lone phase in Madhya Pradesh. After the Diwali gathering, Home Minister Amit Shah sat at the dining table with some journalists and party leaders. Suddenly, he called a booth in-charge from Madhya Pradesh to inquire about the voting situation. The in-charge did not have the information, so in a scolding tone, the Home Minister said, ‘Tell me immediately what the situation is.’ Observing his demeanour, some party leaders made excuses and quickly left the table with their plates.
Perfect ten-point answers
Voting has concluded in Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh. Rajasthan will vote on the 25th, and Telangana on the 30th. People eager to receive feedback from party leaders are getting interesting responses. It is being said that victory is certain in Chhattisgarh. Regarding Madhya Pradesh, the claim is that we will win, and for Rajasthan, where voting has not yet taken place, it is being asserted that we have already won. As for Telangana, the prediction is that the results will be surprising. The only slogan for Mizoram is to wait for 3 December, the day of the results.
Battle of deepfakes
The Prime Minister has expressed concern about deepfakes. However, individuals managing social media handles for political parties in the election campaign considered it a better weapon. Now that the Prime Minister himself has expressed concern, what will the BJP’s social media department do? Sources suggest that since the Prime Minister himself is worried, it becomes the responsibility of the BJP’s social media department to bring extra vigilance to both the opposition parties spreading fake and deepfake content. So, will the BJP’s social media defense be defensive? The answer is a resounding no. If someone attacks, the response will be stone for stone. We won’t provoke anyone, but if someone provokes, we won’t back down – this is the guiding principle.”
Bharat Agrawal is Executive Director, Dainik Bhaskar Group, and a columnist.
By special arrangement with Dainik Bhaskar. Views are personal.