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HomeOpinionTMC's support to Rahul Gandhi is not for free. Congress asked to...

TMC’s support to Rahul Gandhi is not for free. Congress asked to control its Bengal leaders

BJP’s Rahul Gandhi affairs cell is also hurt by his disqualification. It has nothing to do now

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There is a ‘shadow government’ made by the opposition party that decides who will keep an eye on which minister. Similarly, there is a ‘shadow spokesperson committee’ in BJP. The committee decides which spokesperson will give statements on what topics. The hottest issue was that of Rahul Gandhi. Probably the department of statements on Rahul Gandhi affairs was with a senior leader of the party, because only he used to speak on each and every matter related to Gandhi. But the department was snatched from the party leader after Gandhi was disqualified from the Parliament. Now it has been decided that if the BJP has to say something about Gandhi in the future, it won’t come from any member of Parliament. At least someone in BJP suffered a loss due to Rahul Gandhi’s disqualification.

Karnataka photo op

Home Minister Amit Shah reached Karnataka MP BS Yediyurappa’s place in Bengaluru. He was welcomes by the MP and his younger son BY Vijayendra at the reception. Just when Yediyurappa was going to offer a bouquet, Shah stopped him with a gesture. Vijayendra standing nearby was asked to present the bouquet instead. Shah then encouraged Vijayendra by patting his back. A picture of this event in the media has invited speculations. Yediyurappa, a seasoned player, must get this political photo op of Shah.


Patience and decorum

Dear motormouths, please be patient. The BJP’s senior leaders, spokespersons and authorised panelists in the media have been told to maintain decorum in their language. But the problem is with those leaders of the party who speak whatever they want in public meetings. They have been urged to speak only when the opportunity arises, and be patient for the time being.

Hopes for big changes

Last week, the BJP changed state presidents of four states. And it has created much restlessness in the party. There are speculations that similar reshuffles may take place at the central level and various other fronts of the party. Many are hoping to get important responsibilities this time. But even more people are wishing for party members at higher positions to be relieved somehow.

Aaya Ram, gaya Ram

The BJP is currently preparing for elections in Karnataka. Party officials from different parts of the country have been assigned their duties. A tentative list of who will go to which region of the state for campaigning is also ready. One more list will be prepared and the party members mentioned in it are calling it ‘ARGR’ (aaya Ram, gaya Ram) list. These officials have to travel from one airport to another. Their duty is to prepare for welcome of senior leaders of Karnataka at airports. As soon as the leaders leave the airport, these officials are called back and sent to another airport, to receive another leader.


Also read: When Modi saved 19 seconds clicking picture with school children


Support is not for free

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is supporting Rahul Gandhi. The Congress was also keen for it. Party president, Mallikarjun Kharge had asked Trinamool Congress (TMC) leaders Saugata Roy and Derek O’Brien to attend the opposition party meeting and shake hands. Through these TMC leaders, CM Banerjee got the message of her support conveyed to Rahul Gandhi. But the second part of the message asked the Congress to keep Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury and its other state-level leaders under control in exchange for TMC’s support. Chowdhury along with CPM and Muslim party, Indian Secular Front are badmouthing Banerjee and her party every day. Will this be a give and take deal between Congress and TMC?

BJP-RSS union meeting

Several prominent BJP leaders were also present at the Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha, the top decision-making body of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). These include national general secretary BL Santosh, national vice president Saudan Singh, joint general secretaries Shiv Prakash and V Satish, Tamil Nadu’s general secretary Keshav Vinayak, Jharkhand state secretary Karmveer Singh. Ajay Jamwal, who is the regional general secretary of BJP’s Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh wing and Nagendra Nath, the regional general secretary of Bihar also attended the RSS meeting. All these BJP leaders were invited not because of their party but because they have been RSS campaigners in the past. Although the party’s national president JP Nadda was also present in the meeting.

Bharat Agrawal is Executive Director, Dainik Bhaskar Group, and a columnist.

By special arrangement with Dainik Bhaskar.

(Edited by Ratan Priya)

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