General Elections 2014: Day 31

Strong allegations from various political parties against each other
Strong allegations from various political parties against each other

General Elections 2014 Diary - Day 31

The United Progressive Alliance (UPA) is a disaster, screamed BJP in a ‘charge-sheet’ that they had prepared on its 10 year rule. Congress President Sonia Gandhi and Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi are equally responsible for the string of alleged financial scandals that took place during the two terms led by the Congress, the party claimed. It also went on to say that the government is a failure on all fronts and will be remembered as the most corrupt government in independent India.

Wow! That is some strong allegation from the BJP. Imagine the research and discussion that would have gone in to come up with such an allegation. Wish they had spent as much time on drafting their manifesto instead. The BJP is yet to release the manifesto and is expected to do so only on Monday.

Meanwhile, Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi attacked BJP Prime Ministerial candidate Narendra Modi saying that he has ruined the farmers of Gujarat. He alleged that land was acquired from 3000 farmers for the Nano car project by the Gujarat government and only 2000 of them have managed to get jobs till now. This certainly is not development, he added.

The way each political leader is tearing the other down, a common man can but think that political leaders are synonymous with corruption and it is futile to expect any kind of development from them.

A spy in the making? Congress wonders about Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) Chief Lalu Prasad Yadav. They allege that he is up to some mischief. Congress has allied with RJD for the upcoming elections amid severe criticism as Lalu fights the corruption charges against him. Now the news is that Lalu openly criticizes Modi, but behind the scene he is secretly supporting the BJP. Hmmm…a secret admirer, is he? Congress also believes that the seats that have been given to them by the RJD have no chances of winning. Looks like the alliance will hold good only till this election.

RJD leader Ali Ashraf Fatmi has a different style of campaigning. He makes girls dance on tractor trolley. Well, he has attracted the wrath of the Election Commission and has been held for violating the Model Code of Conduct.

“Nobody kicks a dead dog.” This is a famous quote which implies that if you are worth nothing, people don’t bother about you. And if you are worth it, the competitors will not stop short of kicking, abusing and even beating you up.

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief Arvind Kejriwal was punched today while campaigning in Delhi. This actually proves the discomfort few people may be experiencing as they watch Kejriwal’s rising popularity. The attacker was trashed by AAP supporters, even as Kejriwal requested people to maintain peace and resort to non-violence.

Syed Ahmed Bukhari, the Shahi Imam of the Jama Masjid today pledged support for the Congress. In the past few days, there has been a speculation that the meeting with Sonia Gandhi few days ago would be leading to this outcome. She had met the Imam and asked him to ensure that the minority vote in India is not split. Since the speculation has now come true, the Opposition is crying hoarse. Meanwhile, the Imam accused the Samajwadi Party government in Uttar Pradesh for not having protected Muslims. He was indicating the Muzaffarnagar riots. Reacting to this, SP said that Imam has a record of switching allegiances. The party also added that Imam’s influence over Muslim voters is an exaggeration. If that was the case, then, why was BJP agitated when the meeting took place between Sonia and Imam?

In all these tu-tu-me-me, UK based newspaper – The Economist – has come down heavily on BJP Prime Ministerial candidate Narendra Modi saying, “He will probably become India’s next prime minister. That does not mean he should be.” The article portrayed him as a supporter of communal violence and recommended Congress to be a “less disturbing option.”

The Twitteratti reacted. While some said the article was biased, others said no one could stop Narendra Modi, while some others applauded the newspaper’s views. Reacting to this, BJP leader Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said, “Let them write what they want to. They don’t know the ground realities.”

Well, looks like Sonia Gandhi supports the article. Speaking at a rally, she made an indirect mention about Modi saying, “Is someone who makes tall claims and speaks lies fit for the Prime Minister’s post?” She also praised Prime Minister Manmohan Singh for the numerous development steps and programmes that have been undertaken to strengthen infrastructure. She also appealed to the Maoists to give up arms and said violence can be a big impediment towards the progress and development of the country.

The BJP and the Telegu Desam Party have been trying to iron out their difference in the past few days. The issue apparently has been about seat sharing, especially the Vijayawada and Vishakhapatnam seats. However they are expected to reach a decision soon.

“Cobrapost is actually Congress Post,” says BJP. Cobrapost has posted on its investigative website a sting operation that claims that the Babri Masjid demolition was pre-planned. It has also alleged that the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), an affiliate of the BJP’s ideological mentor Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), and the Shiv Sena trained their cadre for the demolition. Rubbishing the allegations, BJP said that the post is a conspiracy to vitiate the atmosphere ahead of polls.

What other actions will vitiate the election atmosphere? There will be many more. Just stay tuned with us as we cover the daily developments.

Related Information

Elections

Lok Sabha Election

Election Results

Indian Politics

Gujarat Election

Gujarat Election Results

Visakhapatnam Election

UP Election

UP Election Results