There are some clear ‘dont’s’ for mature politics and statecraft. Arrogance is to be avoided. Humility is always a preferred option. Mrs.Vadra’s statement yesterday on Smriti Irani denying her existence by asking a question “who” displays arrogance at its worst?
I recollect an incident narrated to me by George Fernandes. In 1967 SK Patil, was the strong man in Mumbai’s politics. George Fernandes, then a young leader of Mumbai Taxi Union announced his candidature against SK Patil in the 1967 General Elections. Fernandes had a challenging task of changing Mumbai’s, (then Bombay) mindset. His initial slogan was – “Patil can be defeated”. This was written on the walls and stickers pasted outside each building apartment/jhoparpatti. When questioned about the prospects of his being defeated, Patil, with Mrs.Vadra’s style of smugness, announced –“Only God can defeat me”. George Fernandes immediately retorted – “God does not vote, only you do. Only you can defeat Patil.” The result was eventually declared and Patil was defeated. George entered Parliament for the first time. Mrs’Vadra’s query on Smriti Irani questioning her existence reminds me of the Patil-George confrontation.
Yesterday a leading news channel showed an opinion poll for the balance 33 U.P. seats. It gave 40% popular vote to the BJP and 4% to the Congress. This inherently makes Amethi vulnerable. Coupled with extensive campaigning done by Smriti Irani , a strong anti incumbency against Congress and the Gandhis for non-development of Amethi and the desire to puncture the arrogance of those who feel that they own Amethi, have all a potential of making Amethi challenge into a stiff one. Narendra Modi’s massive rally today does also come at the right time. People of Amethi are realizing that the country is in a mood for change and therefore for them to join in this national effort of change itself may be a natural phenomena. If Amethi goes the Smriti Irani way it will be good for Amethi and may be in the long run good news for the Congress too.