"Jeet ke haar ne waley ko Congress party kaheten haen" --
"The Congress party is very adept at cutting their nose to spite their face," remarked Biju Janata Dal MP Pinaki Mishra in Aug 2023.
Congress does not realise that Vande Mataram is not about a Hindu prayer glorifying Durga. It was a war cry... and song used those days against Britishers. Moreover; there is no Muslim League to pacify in 2026. Even Muslims of new century may say - this is a non issue.
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| Aug 21 - LoP "achievements" include an FIR against security forces |
Things were not at all favourable for the BJP or the Modi Govt; they were looking for windows to change the political narratives. And see, how Congress scored two mega self goals -- and indirectly offering the BJP escape route on the platter.
The two self goals are - Vande Mataram flip flop and Dimagi Naxal narratives by 'pellet gun FIR' of Aug 21. Of the two - Vande Mataram is the 'self goal' of the decade which would haunt Congress once the impact of the fallout starts showing electorally and on ground.
In fact, left to me - I would say Vande Mataram flip flop by Congress only to appeal to a section of Muslims (that also by fluke) is akin to the blunder of 2007 (Gujarat polls) - when Sonia had described Narendra Modi as the Maut Ka Saudagar (merchant of death). It boomeranged notwithstanding English newspapers, 'sickular' TV anchors hyping those and western press glorifying the Italy-born-Indian politician. If that similie is not enough - its akin to Chowkidar Chor hae slogan by Rahul and his chamchas.
For their part, PM Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah acted smart and allowed Rahul to draw media mileage for about six hours.
The short term gain was one-day 'heroism' act by the T-short-clad LoP. But the long term damage is immense. The FIR on pellet gun is against the security forces for opening the 'fire'. It was part of the minimum action by security forces.
The RAF is authorized to use pellet guns and perhaps the 'standard operation' for Delhi police does not allow this.
The Congress party already has an image of being anti-security forces. Leaders like Sandeep Dikshit have earlier used the phrase 'sadak ke goondey' for army chief. It has in the past opposed Rafale and mocked Indian forces for Surgical strike in 2016 and also for Operation Sindoor.
The 'immature' Congress team and Rajya Sabha "self style intellectual Jairam Ramesh' will never understand the long term damage of such hyped publicity. Today or tomorrow, Delhi police would have to file that FIR.
This happens with leaders who are out of touch of ground reality.
Moreover, the entire range of issues related to Jantar Mantar stir and police actions on July 20 and 21 are now under the probe of a Supreme Court appointed panel. A mere FIR on use of pellet gun cannot corner Home Minister of India - which is Rahul's political target.
Similarly, the Vande Mataram fiasco. In 1937, the move of using only two stanza from the song could be understood. It was to keep the Muslim Leage pacified because the Partition plans were still far off.
But in 2026 - on the 80th year of Indian independence and 150th year of the Vande Taram song- only an unwise team (again far from ground reality) would do things what unfolded at the Congress office.
Jairam Ramesh also needs to learn that the four letters S,T,O,P do not make (notwithstanding all spins) make the word 'chair' for Kharge. Such a poor attempt by a former RD and Environment minister whose pro-NGO and pro-Naxal tilt is well known. The big damage has been done.
Even Muslim voters and perhaps - a larger section of educated lot - are already saying Vande Mataram is not our issue.
Moreover, a law has been passed and the Congress staged a walkout while it was being passed. Now, it is saying we will not follow the rule of the land.
A former Congress leader's widow- Sharmila Tagore joining the issue makes things worse. On the silver screen and otherwise - she was hardly shy and by marrying into Pataudi family; she had nothing to do with being (or not being Tagore).
The BJP will now play up this 'cultural nationalism' issue. It has a large number of vote-base and fan-following who like these issues. 'Vande Matarm' ka insult ... would be a vote-garner tool for the BJP for next year's seven states polls - including the likes of Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh and even Punjab - where nationalism is a good political issue.
Privately or otherwise - Team Modi should thank Rahul-Sonia-Kharge (assisted by Jairam/ Jai-rahim) for two self goals.
It could not have come at a better time for the Lotus party - which is gearing up and smarting up from the Jantar Mantar flip flop.
They can even send some pizza and pastries to the Congress headquarters.
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| Blogger in Nagaland |
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