With election around the corner, my friend Budhi Rakshasan (BR) is busy with his bundle of inside information from the political circles in Delhi.
BR: Hello Swamy! Long time!
Me: Hi. What is new BR?
BR: Despite all the Luteyans Media and the Opposition Crooks ganging up, Modi is looking comfortable, especially after him taking the wind out of the opposition with the 10% reservation for the Economically Backward, the IT exemption up to Rs 5 Lakhs, Basic Income Support for Farmers and the Interim Budget
Me: I thought Modi lost it a bit during the past one year. Especially him not taking too much interest in pursuing the corrupt opposition leaders
BR: I too felt the same way. Modi and Shah are street smart. They kept politics away till recently. Any action taken earlier would have been forgotten by the people by the election date, as voters have short memories. Ditto for IT Waiver. I am sure there will be two more major announcements this month, before the Code of Conduct kicks in.
Me: Ram Mandir?
BR: Most probably yes. It is an emotional issue. Elections are won on Emotional issues in India, and not on Developments done by the Government. Optics are important. It is why Vadra being questioned by ED, Mallya being extradited, Chidambaram Family and Sonia Gandhi Family running from Court to Court, or Mamata having to protect her Confidante Cop from CBI. Modi and Shah are slowly building momentum, and is likely to peak by the election day. Meanwhile, the opposition has already peaked, and is on a downward spiral
Me: Hmmm. You have a point. I was worried when BJP lost MP, Rajasthan.
BR: In hindsight, this is the best that could have happened to BJP. MP was a narrow loss and BJP did better than expected in Rajasthan. You need to add Karnataka too. But people already has seen the horror of a coalition government in Karnataka, the broken promises in Rajasthan and MP and are disenchanted already with Congress. The repercussion will be felt in the Loksabha elections in May 2019.
Me: How about Priyanka entry?
BR: Congress made a big mistake in exposing Priyanka. She carries the burden of Robert Vadra around her neck, and that cannot be shaken off. Also, Rahul was gaining some steam on his own at last, but now the focus is on Priyanka. The USP of Priyanka is that she looks like Indira Gandhi! And Indira died in 1984. Voters who are 35 years and below, who constitute more than 50%, have no memories of Indira, and has no connect with her. Voters 35-50 have only bad memories of Indira, and hates her. If Congress thinks that Priyanka, just because she resembles Indira, will win them seats, then they must be cuckoo. But....
Me: But.....?
BR: I am hesitant to state this. But I am afraid there could be an attempt on the life of someone from the Congress first family prior to the election. And that will be orchestrated internally. Something tells me Priyankas entry points to this. I hope not.
Me: So summing up NAMO again?
BR: Definitely NAMO again.
