Kejariwal's Off-Shoot Footage – Fodder for Fire

The off-shoot footage of Arvind Kejariwal engaged in an interview with Punya Prasoon Bajpayee was   posted on youtube and made it public on another social medias to let people know the collusive interview of AAP leader with AaJ Tak journalist.  Surely, this kind of off-shoot footage is deliberate attempt to show Kejariwal in bad light. At first place, to show this footage in social media by particular journalist or the concern media house is in very bad taste. It throws open the ethics of media as a whole, that too at a time when media is already in the heated debate over being polarized and heavily funded to support certain political parties in the coming election.

The intention of this footage making it public is a very well interpreted tactics and participation of the channel concern is undoubtedly to be believed what it tries to gain out of this leakage. On the wrong side, it certainly maligns the image of Arvind Kejariwal in public but on the other side, justifies his image as tall as one who is a PM contender. Otherwise, the question in the public space remains unanswered who will gain much out of this.

Not many thought this is a good news to play it on their channel and rightly so. But Rajdeep Sirdesai took interest to address this issue with utmost sincerity. He rightly understood that this kind of journalism is not defined in the media sphere and it is going to question the credibility of media. It will not bother much to those media houses which have already declared themselves to be the mouthpiece of a certain political party, but would certainly question the image of a media being independent. As discussion is already there in public space about the media being biased, Rajdeep tried to clear the air and he justified that the particular clip of interview of Kejariwal was already aired live and off-shoot footage is only a casual discussion what a common journalist does usually before and after the interview.  Even in cases when the interview has to go live journalist brief the person about the questions they are going to ask to avoid interruption during the interview.

In case of interview being aired post production after editing by newsroom, a copy of the same is given to the person whose interview is going to be aired and if there is any conflict of interest, it gets resolved and permission is sought before it is aired. I remembered once Amitabh Bachchan was interviewed by Pooja Bedi  for Amul India show and Senior Bachchan was not happy with some of its content, so asked not to air the show.

There is nothing special or unusual in this video for journalists. But to the common people its fodder for fire and an instrument to make of slandering accusation on Arvind Kejariwal and AAP. For those who are AAP basher, it’s an issue to justify collusive interview. For supporter of AAP, it’s a betrayal of media ethics and puts all media person under the lenses.

It’s difficult to understand who made this footage public – Punya Prasoon Bjpayee himself or some insiders. But its leakage definitely questions the credibility of his journalism career.

Media in a country like India is a first source of information for anything – be it print or electronic. It makes or breaks the images of individual and entities. It can aggravate and dilute an incident the way it is presented. In fact, in real sense media builds the opinion on the ground knowledge transformation to the common people. 

Therefore, media has a social responsibility to be independent and not influence the public perception by collusive news items. However, having said so, the individual journalists and media houses are divided on philosophy and polarized today.  There is also no ideological parameter to judge which media house and which journalist is independent. People in public life have been blaming media for biased reports and information and at the same time media also have never been clearing the air too. They have been silent on the charges labeled by people on them. Perhaps this is the first time any media person has taken a stand to oppose the built perception against them.

A small section of the people, in media too, feels that Punya Prasoon Bajpyee has been made scapegoat and his image as journalist has been tarnished.  Does this entire episode of this video going viral on the social network and then taking the attention on TV suggest media of being an example of crony journalism?

Is Anna Going to be Guru Dronacharya?

A special report published by DNA analyzed that Anna Hazare's move to support Mamata Bannerjee's Trinamool Congress (TMC) for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections is of an identity crisis.

The 74-year-old Gandhian became a household name in 2012 after his sustained campaign for the jan Lokpal Bill. He was supported by the likes of Kiran Bedi, Arvind Kejriwal who were part of the Indian Against Corruption movement. In August 2012, Anna brought the Congress-led UPA government to its knees over a period of 12 days before he ended his hunger strike after 288 hours.

The movement for the Jan Lokpal Bill soon frizzled out and Anna parted ways with Kejriwal over the need to enter active politics to push the bill. Difference of opinion has created a widening chasm between the two leaders since. In recent weeks however, Anna had been sending signals that he had changed his mind.

Anna sighting the reason of his letter about 17-point agenda to run the country stated that Arvind Kejariwal did not reply to his letter so there is no question of supporting him. But according to the sources AAP never received such letter from Anna.

On Mamata taking strategic advice from Anna, political commentator Urmilesh commented, "On a personal level, this is indeed an identity crisis for Anna Hazare. But more than that, it is a crisis for the country's politics that our leaders have to go to Hazare to act as an electoral prop."

"For Hazare, it is an effort to create an alternate image of simplicity against Arvind Kejriwal by allying with Mamata Banerjee. For Mamata, roping in Hazare is essentially aimed at creating a credible national political face as she is eyeing national intervention," Urmilesh added.

TMC MPs categorically said that it was Anna who approached the party, indicating that it is Anna who needs people more than anyone else. A TMC MP told DNA on condition of anonymity, "I think what has been said is very clear. Anna Hazare will campaign for us. In any case we never approached Anna. It was he who got in touch."

All this while the analyst missed a point to mention that Kiran Bedi who was all the time with Anna against Arvind Kejariwal is almost lost in the NaMo’s campaign and there is none who is in support of Anna now. Ironically, he was the one who had started the movement ‘India against corruption’.

May be he was averse with the active politics then, but now realizes that it is the requirement of the time. In any case his lieutenant Arvind Kejariwal would be more than happy to keep him on the golden throne and in limelight then why is he choosing to side with Mamata.

Anyways, if the decision of Anna to go with Mamata brigade is final then it would seem Anna is going to play the role of ‘Guru Dronacharya’ in this battle of Mahabharat fighting against his own pupil Arvind Kejariwal.

Is Anna Playing Politics for Ego?

Once again Anna Hazare has shown his displeasure for Arvind Kejariwal. He said that Arvind is eyeing for PMs Chair. Earlier he had said that he is looking for power. Perhaps he is misguided and misinformed always about AAP and Arvind Kejariwal or he is implementing hidden agenda of some political party for their gain.

Why is he so upset if AAP comes to power or Arvind Kejariwal becomes PM of India? Whom does he want to become PM— Naredra Modi, Rahul Gandhi or Mamta Banerjee? 

On Tuesday he voiced his support for Mamata Banerjee, the Chief Minister of West Bengal. "I support Mamata, not for her party, but I support her views on the society and the country. I support her values and intentions," he had said in a joint press conference with her.

Mamata’s intention and values! Perhaps Anna is getting fooled or he is trying to fool the people of India. Is he not aware about the intention of AAP? Why does he treat AAP and Arvind Kejariwal as untouchable?

Anna said that Mamata was the only Chief Minister who responded to the 17 demands sent in a letter by him to every CM. "Arvind Kejriwal didn't reply to my 17 demands, there's no question of supporting him," he said.

These statements seem to be clearly crafted as Kiran Bedi statements towards AAP and Arvind Kejariwal. It is doubtful that Anna and Arvind saw different dreams being together. Arvind Kejariwal invited Anna and Kiran Bedi to be the part of AAP movement. People cannot deny those  interviews in media even before coming to Delhi Assembly calling Anna and Kiran Bedi for greater cause.

Sadly, Anna should be proud that one of his disciples fought the election alone and moved so far. Instead of supporting him he is criticizing him and choosing one who had danced on the JP’s car when he had reached Kolkata to unite opposition against emergency in 1977. Mamata Banerjee was in youth congress then.

“She has not taken a car or house despite being a CM. As a CM, she could have led a luxurious life, like many other ministers. But she stays in a small room," Anna added. He seems to be fancied or else he has other agenda to fulfill.

Personal simplicity alone is not enough when you lead the country. Its your dream and vision that can change the fate of the people in the country. Currently, that imagination of Arvind Kejariwal and AAP has caught the attention of the people and everyone is looking towards AAP and Kejariwal.

Anna compromised on Lokpal bill passed by parliament even if it meant nothing to reduce corruption and clean public life. Arvind rejected that and introduced the Jan Lokpal Bill in the Delhi Assembly. This shows the determination and conviction of him committed for larger cause uncompromised.

It will be too early to say how Anna’s support will get Mamata Banerjee close to PM’s chair. But is it not the fact that Anna helping Mamata fulfilling her PM’s aspiration. Can someone deny Mamata Banerjee is not eyeing PM’s post?  Is it merely Anna’s ego?

If so, how relevant is Anna’s comment. Will people take this as a regular exercise of media to commit and vomit against AAP or should people take this seriously? Perhaps judgment of the people is more interesting to note in coming days.

Why BJP and Congress are Worried with AAP?

The pathetic performance for last 10 years in power of Cong led government is quite obvious to the people and to the congressmen themselves. Its all known what scams happened in Congress regime and writing here again will be waste of time of the readers and simply repeating the same. Although Congress could have lost power in last Lok Sabha election itself but they came in power again due to the leadership problem and complacency of BJP. BJP was sure to win that election under the leadership Mr. L.K. Advani but couldn’t manage their campaign and they were divided lot also on the several other issues.

Five years later, now once again BJP sees very strong anti-incumbency factor and eyes a strong chance to come to the power. This time they did not want any nonsense. Therefore, they got their homework done very calculative. They got a new president of the party who is known to be great strategist. They got a popular face for the prime-ministerial candidate as Narendra Modi. Their marketing team did a good job initiating campaign in social media making Modi a very acceptable face and savior of new India. All the other leaders of BJP also supported this move because they had tasted the debacle in last election. They do not want to repeat it again. After all, they cannot be away from power too long. The result was, they won 4 states election out of 5 and were largest party in Delhi Assembly.

However, the emergence of a new party, the Aam Adami Party (AAP) did not go unnoticed by them. Arvind Kejariwal, the Anna movement leader with AAP surfaced in late 2012 and started making its presence felt in 2013. Arvind Kejariwal and AAP continued their anti-corruption agitation against corrupt leaders and parties. It was 2013 that Arvind Kejariwal suddenly started stealing media attention and being heard and talked largely in media and outside the political circle. The murmur of he being in politics did not go well with Congress or BJP either. If you look at the earlier videos of different debates and talk shows hosted on youtube, it clearly shows the political hatred of BJP and Cong towards him. However, the people wanted to hear him more and ask his vision and dreams to eliminate corruption. His conviction to bring changes slowly earned him laurels in the hearts of people.

By the end of 2013, AAP had presence felt in Delhi and they decided to go into the election in Delhi Assembly. Rest is history now.  After 48 days of Delhi government experiment AAP looks to be well motivated and politically little experienced party which can overpower the gimmicks of Cong and BJP and give them reply which can make them smell dust. They have emerged champion and have outsmarted both BJP and Cong in Delhi Assembly. The decision and the work they carried out during 48 days of government will loudly challenge any of the current and previous state government for a logical comparison. Though not prepared they thoroughly crafted their move and burnt night lamp oil to achieve these in spite of daily chorus of Cong and BJP comments in media.

Hysterically BJP and Cong leaders made lots of joke and questioned their experience in politics. Yet, they were the worried lot of AAP bringing JanLokpal bill in Assembly challenging the authority of central govt. and autonomy of Delhi state.  Lets not forget we did not know anything about Delhi state and center affairs and Delhi police’s jurisdiction at large. The double standard of politics in center and state of Delhi was well know by BJP and Cong. General public started to know these details only when AAP brought these into the day light. Both these parties worried by the emergence of AAP as new political option to the people of the nation, wanted it to be remained restricted to Delhi and rule in Delhi until Lok Sabha election without fulfilling any major promises of their manifesto. But AAP slowly implemented almost all their major agenda except Janlokpal. To expose BJP and Cong combine inclination to help Reliance,  AAP in Delhi  filed an FIR against Mukesh Ambani.

With Mukesh Ambani coming in legal battle would certainly spell many names in power and opposition that led the BJP and Cong seek AAP to resign and brought it down. Now, Anti-AAP campaign and paid media influence against them is making BJP and Cong even more exposed and doubting their own credentials. Their power monger behaviours are truly on display in public. Whereas, no lust for power of AAP is openly visible.  

Moreover, people are interestingly watching everyday events.  In the frustration to makeover the image what they have lost in Delhi they are committing mistakes after mistakes.  They questioned AAP government even for sitting and getting up, now ignoring the bigger questions. AAP is again smart, putting lots of other questions to them which matters directly for people of the country. Among them, corruption, loot, dynasty rule and communalism are the bigger questions. Cong and BJP are both caught red handed.

On the other hand, AAP which was busy battling Delhi government everyday is now free to make their vision and policy clear in different forum for national agenda. In a limited appearance AAP leaders have proved they have great and better vision and action plan of clean and corruption free India than the Havard educated political stalwarts in Cong and BJP.

The best thing about AAP is the humility of its leaders and volunteers and commitment to learn and give back to the society. Their consideration of themselves being the part of this society itself emotionally attach people so much that they feel them very much of their own.  AAP and its Leaders know what they want to do. BJP and Cong just want to win the election – this is the major difference between AAP and them. And this is also the great reason to worry for BJP and Cong.

Emergence of AAP for A Purpose

Never in the history of Indian polity has the birth of any political party been with a purpose. Aam Adami Party (AAP) is the reaction of oppressed, depressed and crushed aspiration of common man that culminated into a corruption free agitation and later turned into a political idea to root-out corruption from the government and political system. 

The Anna movement for strong Lokpal in the country did not see the light of the day in true sense as was intended. Politician made garbage out of it and passed the bill in both the houses of parliament just to pacify Anna and his team. A section of the team felt jubilant who sold their soul in due course of time to the compromised politicians in lieu of some expected gain. Others felt cheated not only once but time and again. This section’s pain and agony literally cried out to bid an attempt to kill corruption being in the system.  Thus the birth of Aam Adami Party came into being.

Some detractors of Anna movement chose their way to ally with established political party for strong India. Their understanding that they cannot provide strong politics and they need to align with the current political party yet again turned out to be an intellectual dilemma of doubting their own ability. They stuck to their way and today they are the bitterest critics of AAP and so called its inexperienced team.

 

For the fact that those moved away, do not matter now because they lost their way by misguided politicians. They lost their confidence in themselves because they started believing on others. They accepted the rules of the game decided by others and never attempted to find their ways even under limited boundary.  This also made people evident that how traditionally politicians cow down those who attempts to invade their kingdom. The kingdom of corrupt, goons, educated and misguided, lusted, self interest vested politicians who proclaim to be the custodian of Indian Constitution and loot peoples’ money and bestow suffering on them. The rules and laws are most misused under the name of constitution for their own favour. However, the detractors failed to understand all these before making their mind to take side with the established party.

The established political classes have made language of politics so complex that the common man feels that they cannot fit into the system. The use of idiomatic foreign language creates doubts in the common mind that can they understand the complex politics of India.  It always looked only Havard educated and learned people can be in the politics. In all this the common man even forgets to question the qualifications of Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi to be in the politics. The common man even forgets to ask the presence of illiterate and goons in the parliament. If this is the face of the current political class, there is definitely a game plan to keep good and honest people away coming into the politics. Well, it was and it is!  The question haunted— can you break the corrupt wall of the Indian politics and challenge these politicians in open?

Arvind Kejariwal – the one man dared to do so! He wrote the complex rules of politics into simple language and made people understand what these politicians are doing and where our country is heading. He made people realize how the millions’ dream is shattered by these handful politicians. He displayed the evidence that how they have amassed peoples’ money into their coffins. He re-kindle the hope into the peoples’ mind and put confidence into them that they can overthrow these people who are ruining their life.  And the birth of AAP happened to challenge the established political system and their decision on the people. AAP dared to say that until now what has been happening is no longer going to happen. AAP is daring to ask and fix the responsibility on the politicians. AAP is daring to change the system if it is not for the people.

AAP is writing a new history to rediscover the Indian Democracy where people will be the master and leaders will be professionals to obey them. The fight now is system centric politics vs people centric politics.  Arvind rightly said in one of the interviews, “If laws and rules are not people friendly change them. After all, laws are for the people, people are not for the laws.”  Perhaps in 65 years of history this is the first time anyone has questioned our seasoned corrupt politicians and asked them what they have done to the country and to the people.

And the result is in open. The established political classes including all parties are hell bent to put down AAP. They are trying to derail them as they had tried to derail Anna movement too.  They are using media and all possible means to stop AAP for moving ahead.  But it looks, they are failing miserably and getting exposed more to the public.

We all know, 80% of Indian media is biased because it is owned by some or the other politicians. Thankfully, social media is not owned by these corrupt leaders.  The applause and support of the people on social media sends a very strong signal what the young India wants. One can really visualize, how today, every young Indian wants to be Arvind Kejariwal.

AAP is growing leaps and bounds. The lone battle has turned into a great movement and its different because young India is fighting this movement. Not to forget this time we have 65% young voters to caste their votes. The change is inevitable. One who stops this change and create hurdles on the way, will perish away.