Tuesday, February 10, 2015

BJP's communication disaster and Delhi Assembly Election 2015

Delhi Assembly Elections 2015
Delhi Assembly Elections 2015 were held on 7th Feb 2015 and the results were announced today (10th Feb 2015).  Aam Adhmi Party (AAP) won 67 seats in the 70 member Assembly.  The remaining 3 seats were bagged by BJP.  Congress could not get even a single seat.

Comparison between Dec 2013 and Feb 2015 elections

Delhi Assembly elections were held on 4th Dec 2013.  BJP secured 31 seats (26.04 lakh votes - 33.07% vote share), AAP secured 28 seats (23.22 lakhs - 29.5%) and Congress secured 8 seats (19.32 lakhs - 24.55%).

In the Assembly Elections held in Feb 2015,  BJP secured only 3 seats (28.91 lakhs - 32.2%), AAP secured 67 seats (48.79 lakhs - 54.3%).  Congress could not secure even a single seat though they could get 8.67 lakhs votes with 9.7% vote share.

In 2015, BJP lost around 0.8% vote share with increase of around 2.9 lakh votes.  AAP gained 24.5% vote share with increase of 25.5 lakh votes.  Congress lost around 10.7 lakh votes with reduction of 14.8% vote share.

During May 2014, BJP won all the 7 Lok Sabha seats of Delhi.

Why BJP lost heavily in the Assembly Elections at Delhi?

Amit Shah, Kiran Bedi, Narendra Modi
Though BJP with Modi and Amit Shah as lead campaigners swept the Lok Sabha Elections in May 2014 and subsequent Assembly elections in Maharashtra, J&K, Haryana, etc., they failed to impress the Delhi voters.  Practically, the so called 'Modi wave' got drowned in 'Kejri Tsunami'.  We have been closely watching the developments from the time of announcement of elections and also interacting with various media persons at Delhi, bureaucrats, party workers, party leaders at different level.  A time has come that BJP (read Modi and Amit Shah) should introspect on the 'great fall' and take corrective steps to repose confidence on the Indian public. We share our views based on our interaction and observation.

1.  During Lok Sabha Elections, Modi generated lot of positive slogans like 'aap ki bar modi sarkar', acche din, etc.  He even promised to credit a sum of Rs.15 lakhs to all the citizens out of the recovery of black money in foreign banks.  Even after 8 months, people did not get the feel of all the promises.  Though Modi might have taken initiative, which could bear results after two or three years, nothing was communicated to general public.  Modi continues with his election type of speeches.  People want only action, nothing but action. 

2.  There is a lack of communication between PMO and the Media. Earlier, Media Advisors or some experts used to manage the information flow.  Now, Prime Minister Modi himself has taken up the task upon himself and uses the social media to tweet his views. Ministers and spokes persons do not talk about the various initiatives taken up by the Government.  Every day only negatiave discussions are going on the TV channels throughout the country for one reason or other.  Even major discussions with Obama was not properly informed to the Media.  Instead of discussing the points that can project PM, the media started discussing about frivolous and trivial issues.  

3.  When Modi was the CM of Gujarat, he was known for his connectivity.  After his becoming PM, even the Ministers seem to be afraid of talking to him directly and discussing the issues of importance.  There appears to be an increasing gap between the PM and the Ministers and political leaders.  

4.  Instead of addressing the local problems of voters, the PM has spent most of his days in foreign relations.  Though, it may be strategy to develop the nation, the message has not gone well with the general public, due to lack of good communication.  Though the Government and the party is spending huge amount in advertisement, it is not generating good perception.  Even the Modi admirers are frustrated.

5.  After the announcement of elections, Modi and Amit Shah suddenly introduced Kiran Bedi, a new entrant to the party as CM candidate.  Such authoritative 'i am the boss, i dont care for others' attitude has distanced the party cadre away. It is learnt that even senior leaders got frustrated with this decision.  Though the leaders like Harsha Vardhan led the party to massive victory in Dec 2013 and again in May 2014, they were sidelined without giving proper reasons.  Even many of the senior leaders did not like this attitude of Modi + Amit Shah duo and they could not ventilate their feelings.  Right on the day of induction of Kiran Bedi, there were lot of reports about the arrogant attitude of Kiran Bedi and how she might become liability to the party.  Her media talks were also not liked by the people.  Probably Modi and Amit Shah have taken the leaders, cadre and the voters for granted.  Their own party members feel that the earlier victories in Lok Sabha and Assembly Elections have gone into their head.  

6.  Though Delhi was in the Central Government's rule for nearly 8 months, the Central Government did not take any initiative to fulfill the promise made during the Lok Sabha Elections.  In addition, there are allegations that the Councillors of New Delhi Municipal Corporation did not do any work in their wards and they were indulging in corruption.  
7.  On one side, Modi was talking about development during election campaign.  On the other side, few leaders in the party talk controversial issues against minorities, building temple to killer of Mahatma Gandhi, etc.  Party leadership did not take any action to curb such lose talks which damaged the image of Modi and party.   Even the minorities who reposed faith on Modi started moving away. 

8.  During the Lok Sabha Elections 2014, BJP and Modi were talking about 'Development' and they did not indulge in personal attacks.  During that time, Congress campaigned with personal attacks on Modi.  People rejected the personal attacks and liked only positive campaign.  Unfortunately, in Delhi Elections 2015, BJP adopted the negative campaign against Kejriwal.  Even Modi personally targetted him.  This has brought Kejriwal to the centre stage.  Further Kejriwal seeking apology for his anarchic deeds in his earlier  term as CM brought confidence among the voters.  

9.  Arvind Kejriwal was projecting himself as an aam adhmi with his normal dress (muffler, pant shirt, etc.).  During Lok Sabha Elections, Modi projected himself as 'chaiwala' and got the dividend.  Now, Modi is seen as 'pro-rich' PM with change of dress several times in a day and wearing a suit costing 10 lakhs.  Since the media relation is very bad, they could not control the media who projects Modi as close to Ambanis and Adanis.  

10.  UPA started its 'disconnect' with the people and the party only after completion of 5 years.  This disconnect only damaged the Congress.  Now, the people feel that Modi has started his 'disconnect' within 6 months of his assuming office as PM.  This is because of the development of 'personality' cult, against the practices of BJP.  Some of the Delhi media persons say that Modi is surrounded by a few bureaucrats and their decision is only conveyed to other Ministers.  There are several MPs who are not able to meet the Prime Minister to discuss their issues.  Probably, Modi does not get the real picture from the ground.

It is time that Modi and Amit Shah introspect on the Delhi disaster and take other leaders in their party into confidence to repose faith in the minds of Indian people.  

A piece of advice to Arvind Kejriwal


Arvind Kejriwal
While we congratulate AAP team for the massive victory, we caution them not to resort to anarchy methods to resolve the problems.  They should take into confidence some of the senior political leaders from Congress and BJP and learn the intricacies of governance.  This massive victory should not go into their head. There are lot of allegations against AAP about their association with anti-national elements.  Whether they are true or false, at least from now, they should be careful about their association.  They should get associated only with people who believe in strong India and democracy.

They should treat this as another opportunity given by the people to showcase their talents with good governance.  

By K Srinivasan, Editor in Chief, PreSense  prpoint@gmail.com



Sunday, January 25, 2015

The Making of the Indian Constitution – Interesting Facts

Indian Constitution
Indian Constitution
On 26th Jan 2015, India celebrates the 66th Republic Day with joy and gaiety.  While conveying the greetings to all the readers,  we thought of sharing some interesting facts about the significance  of this day for the benefit of our young members.  

British Rule

The first Britishers entered India in 1579.  Thereafter, merchants started coming in and soon began to rule us.  In 1765, the Authority was transferred to the East India Company formally.  Then the British Parliament took over the  administration.  Indians started protesting the foreign rule even from the  18th century.  The Indian National Congress was formed in 1885 to formally fight the foreign rulers.  After the entry of Mahatma Gandhi, the freedom movement became dynamic.  Before Independence, India was governed by various Acts enacted by the British Parliament.  The Government of India Act 1858, the Government of India Act 1909, the Government of India Act 1919 and finally the Govt. of India Act 1935 framed by the British Parliament governed Indians. (These Acts became irrelevant after Independence and the adoption of Indian Constitution)

Constituent Assembly Formed

After the prolonged struggle and negotiations, as a fore-runner of Independence, a 'Constituent Assembly' was formed with members representing different regions and religions.  The first meeting of the Constituent Assembly was held on 9th December 1946.  Many great leaders  were part of this Assembly.  On the first day, 207 members participated. 

On the first day, Acharya Kriplani, one of the respected leaders, started the proceedings invoking the 'divine blessings' and proposing the name of Shri Sachchidananda Sinha (Bihar), the eldest member of the Assembly  as 'Provisional Chairman' till the Chairman was elected.  

Shri C. Rajagopalachari (Rajaji) was the first member to present the credentials and sign the register to become the member of the Constituent Assembly.  

On the third day, Dr Rajendra Prasad was elected as Chairman of the Constituent Assembly. The designation 'Chairman' was subsequently replaced as 'President of the Constituent Assembly'.  

India attained freedom and Independence on 15th August 1947 and this Constituent Assembly took the Governance of India from the British Parliament.  Lord Mountbatten was requested by the Constituent Assembly to continue as Governor General for some time.  Shri C. Rajagopalachari (Rajaji) took over as the Governor General on 21st June 1948 and he continued till 26th Jan 1950. Rajaji was the first Indian Governor General of India.  After 26th Jan 1950, the Governor General post was made as President of India.  Dr. Rajendra Prasad become the first President of India. 
Framing Draft Constitution for India.

Dr B R Ambedkar
After the Indian Independence, the Constituent Assembly wanted to frame the Constitution for India. They constituted a 'Committee to draft the constitution' on 29th August 1947 with the Chairmanship of Dr B. R. Ambedkar.  Shri Alladi Krishnaswamy Ayyar, Shri N. Gopalaswami Ayyangar, Shri K. M. Mushi, Shri Saiyid Mohd Saadulla, Shri B L Mitter and Shri D. P. Khaitan were included as other members  of this Committee.

These eminent people drafted the Indian Constitution and presented to the Constituent Assembly on 4th November 1947.

Discussion in the Constituent Assembly
Jawaharlal Nehru moving the resolution for and Independent Sverign Republic in Constituent Assembly

The Constituent Assembly discussed this Draft Constitution in 114 sittings, spread over 2 years 11 months and 17 days thoroughly. The final Constitution was adopted by the Constituent Assembly on 26th November 1949.  This day is also known as National Law Day.  

Constitution Document Signed

On 24th January 1950, 284 members of the Constituent Assembly signed the document and presented the official Constitution to the nation.  Two hand-written copies of our Constitution (one in English and the other in Hindi), illuminated by artists and one print copy of English Version were signed by the members.  

After putting their signatures, all the members including Dr. Rajendra Prasad (President of India Elect) and other members sang Vandemataram and Jana Gana Mana in chorus, symbolising a great achievement of the Sovereign Independent Republic of India, after a struggle of nearly three centuries.  
Rajaji declaring India as a Republic

If you want to read the proceedings of the Constitutent Assembly verbatim, please click the link http://164.100.47.132/lssnew/constituent/vol12p1.html 

This Constitution came into force on 26th Jan 1950.  From that day, India is a Sovereign Independent Republic.  

When the new Constitution was signed by the members on 24th Jan 1950, it was drizzling outside the Parliament at Delhi.  It was considered by them as a good omen.  

This Constitutent Assembly was made a 'Provisional Indian Parliament' from 26th Jan 1950.  The first General Election was held in 1952 and the 1st Lok Sabha was constituted. 
 

This cartoon was published by Hindustan Times on 24th January 1950, two days before the first Indian Republic Day.  This cartoon was drawn by the popular cartoonist Enver Ahmed.  In this cartoon, Mother India gives birth to a baby called 'The Republic of India' and the DOCTOR Ambedkar holds the baby in his hands and gives a gentle touch.  Congress Party is depicted as Nurse.  The people of India, Jawaharlal Nehru, Dr Rajendra Prasad and Sardar Vallabhai Patel are looking at the new born baby with great anxiety.   
    
Indian Constitution - Some interesting facts

The Indian Constitution, drafted by great visionaries, continues to be one of the best constitutions in the world. Many global legal experts have praised our constitution.  The Indian Constitution contains 22 parts, 395 articles, 12 schedules and 2 appendices. Over a period of 66 years, the Constitution has undergone 99 amendments.  The last amendment being the formation of National Judicial appointments Commission

We are publishing the finer details for the benefit of all the youngsters.  The freedom and soverignity we enjoy did not come on a single day.  Our elders have struggled and lost their lives in the freedom movement spread over nearly 300 years.  The great visionary leaders have also provided us a great Constitution.  None of these leaders, who had signed the constitution is alive today.  
It is the responsiblity of every one of us to salute our great leaders and freedom fighters on this day and live upto their vision.

By K Srinivasan, Editor in Chief, PreSense
(Further updated and edited on 27 Jan 2016) 

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