The hidden message of bypolls
With the recently concluded by-elections, the whole nation was focused on Kairana in Uttar Pradesh; and in the state, people keenly awaited the Rajarajeshwari Nagar results. If a bypoll result can be considered a verdict for any party to rid itself of any allegations of electoral misconduct, then Munirathna has just been declared a clean man. Congress has earned itself a good reputation and a massive sigh of relief with the victory of their candidate. This constituency was somewhat a primary litmus test for the coalition government in the state. Hence it was necessary for either Congress or a JD(S) candidate to clinch this constituency since the coalition partners went into this bypoll with their own candidates, and not a mutually agreeable single candidate who could have been staged here. On one hand there were allegations against Munirathna and on the other there was polarization of votes that could have worked against him. But Munirathna won with a thumping margin, a much needed relief to him and his party too.
At the same time, BJP has suffered major drubbing in Kairana, Uttar Pradesh a seat that was most prestigious for the party since they had won with a massive margin last time. Political analysts had said the Kairana results could be an indicator of mood for the 2019 general elections. Kairana was the last opportunity for UP CM Yogi Adityanath to rectify the loss of face he suffered with losses in Gorakhpur and Phulpur. The MLA seat turned vacant with the death of BJP MP Hukum Singh. BJP was successful in fanning communal fires in this constituency last time. Party members had spread rumours stating Hindus were migrating from Kairana owing to a large section muslim population and the troubles they have been creating for the Hindus. The fear created by this was so massive that communal clashes broke out and this had helped consolidate Jat votes for the party in the general elections. Even if one put SP, BSP and Congress votes, it was impossible to measure up to the votes BJP was polled.
But this time around, a Muslim lady Tabassum has won the by elections in Kairana. This is a tight slap served to the misadministration of CM Yogi Adityanath’s administration. This response from the consolidation of secular forces is a strong one considering BJP had refused to stage even a single muslim candidate. And at the same time, this is also a message to SP, BSP and Congress to come together put up a united front. The attempts of saffronisation by Yogi has been rejected flatly. The coming together of secular forces will surely defeat Modi and his agenda in the coming days. This message has been conveyed loud and clear from Kairana. Similarly, the NCPU and Congress supported candidate has won from Bhandara Gondiya seat which was again under BJP last time.
In the past, during the ‘undefeatable’ Indira Gandhi’s time all opposition parties had come together to serve her a defeat. She ate a humble pie. People had come to accept this coalition because they were reeling under the ill effects of emergency. Indira Gandhi enjoyed the support of the poorest of the poor who adored her. Narendra Modi does not command the kind of support as she did. He stands on the fake foundation of lies. It won’t take too long for this bubble to burst since he has failed to deliver an administration that would help people’s lives get better. Today we have undeclared emergency in the country. People are suffering owing to hike in petrol prices. If the secular forces can come together, Modi’s dream run can end soon enough. This is the message by polls have conveyed to the people.
Now, the anti-BJP parties should not stop their battle against EVMs. BSP had spoken pretty strongly against EVMs in the past. Today, only Shiv Sena is speaking about this. This discourse has to continue till things change for 2019 elections to ensure the 2014 results do not repeat. A movement against EVMs is needed for free and fair elections to be held in 2019. Only then we can expect some miracles to happen
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Hemant Karkare killed by RSS-linked cop, not Kasab: Maharashtra LoP Vijay Wadettiwar
BJP writes to ECI for action against Cong leader Wadettiwar for 'defaming' Ujjwal Nikam
Mumbai, May 5: The BJP has written to the Election Commission of India seeking action against Congress and the opposition leader, Vijay Wadettiwar, for allegedly peddling lies and defaming its Mumbai North Central nominee and ex-26/11 prosecution lawyer Ujjwal Nikam.
Wadettiwar, the leader of the opposition in the Maharashtra legislative assembly, purportedly called Nikam an "anti-national" and accused him of hiding the information that then Maharashtra ATS chief Hemant Karkare wasn't killed by Kasab's bullet during the 26/11 terror attack, but fell to a bullet of a policeman affiliated to RSS.
His allegations were based on the book "Who Killed Karkare" written by retired police officer SM Mushriff.
"As a responsible leader, the opposition leader should desist from making such comments that can help the enemy nation," Nikam said.
Terming Wadettiwar's statements as "false and not based on facts", Mumbai BJP president Ashish Shekar claimed they were aimed at defaming Ujjwal Nikam and inciting emotions.
"We have written to the Election Commission of India seeking action against Wadettiwar who is a star campaigner (of Congress) and also against the Congress party for peddling lies," he added.
Shelar further said (Ajmal) Kasab was sentenced to death for killing innocent people after following a due process of law.
Kasab was the lone terrorist who was captured alive by Mumbai Police during the 26/11 terror attack by Pakistani terrorists in which at least 166 people were killed and several others were injured.
Shelar wondered whether Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray supported the statement made by the Congress leader.
A former special public prosecutor, Nikam had represented the state in high-profile cases like the Mumbai serial bomb blasts and the 2008 Mumbai terror attack.
He is making his political foray from Mumbai North Central seat on a BJP ticket and is pitted against city Congress chief Varsha Gaikwad.
