Accommodation Politics
A regular column on the essential buzz
Accommodation Politics
Power may wither but it’s hard to let go of the perks. The political battlefield of Bihar is littered with ‘sarkari’ bungalows. Recently allotted a top-bracket bungalow in Lutyens’ Delhi, CM Nitish Kumar now has three government houses. While detractors say the Delhi house is a reward for rejoining the NDA, others point out that several CMs have been given Delhi bungalows for security reasons. His former deputy (and current Opposition leader) Tejashwi Yadav is fuming. “Unfair,” he says, refusing to vacate the bungalow he got as deputy CM, although as a first-time MLA he’s only entitled to a smaller sarkari house.
Queens Of Controversy
Protests over historical movies are giving a new lease of life to many little-known politicians and some long-forgotten ones. A movie based on the life of Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi is at the centre of the latest controversy. Suspended BJP MP Kirti Azad has decided that his ‘Brahmin’ pride will be hurt if the Rani is portrayed in a bad light. “After #Padmavati now #RaniJhansi controversy. According to reports the #Movie #Manikarnika to showcase her love affair with a British Soldier and negate her character as a freedom Fighter in 1857. This is atrocious. Not acceptable. She is pride of the nation and Brahmans,” Azad tweeted. He had all hashtags in place, hoping for some traction on social media. He hasn’t yet made it to TV debates.
Byline Blues
Ahead of next year’s general election, leaders of the national parties have suddenly become accessible to the media. A Cabinet minister known for being media-unfriendly has opened the doors following an urgent “message from above” to woo editors and senior journalists. There are reports from the other side that Rahul Gandhi is also meeting journalists—targetting known right-wing sympathisers—to send the message that Congress’ prospects are on the ascent. It’s amusing that some of these right-wing journalists are not taking bylines—which identify them—for RG-friendly stories.
Overheard After POT, another acronym from Modi—HIRA for Highways, I-ways, Railways and Airways. “After his book Exam Warriors, he should write one on acronyms,” joked a BJP leader.