BJP Ignores Smriti Irani and Meenakshi Lekhi, Relies on Brand Modi to Take on AAP in Delhi Polls
Updated: 3 days ago
BJP Ignores Smriti Irani and Meenakshi Lekhi, Relies on Brand Modi to Take on AAP in Delhi Polls
Hopes Belied
Two prominent women leaders from the Bharatiya Janata Party, Smriti Irani and Meenakshi Lekhi, had hoped that the party leadership would turn to them to take on Arvind Kejriwal and the Aam Aadmi Party in the Delhi assembly polls. Their expectations were bolstered by the increasing prominence of women voters and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s emphasis on ‘naari shakti,’ along with the absence of a charismatic leader in the Delhi unit. Both former Union ministers are articulate and had reason to believe they would be given the opportunity. However, their hopes were dashed as the leadership decided to rely on Brand Modi to combat the "AAPda"—a term coined by the saffron party to describe the AAP as a disaster.
It’s important to note that while Irani lost the 2024 general elections from Amethi, Lekhi was denied renomination from the New Delhi Lok Sabha seat and replaced by Bansuri Swaraj, the daughter of the late Sushma Swaraj. Pushed to the margins, both leaders have been eager to return to the political forefront. Irani, who has built a home in Amethi to demonstrate her commitment, may have to wait until the next general elections. Meanwhile, Lekhi’s future seems uncertain. Her disappointment is evident from her X bio, which simply says, “Lawyer and social activist,” with no reference to her BJP affiliation. In contrast, Irani’s bio states, “Grassroots BJP politician, former Cabinet Minister.”
Brownie Points
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, who has faced constant scrutiny for his performance, found relief when Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam visited the state. On the first day of the visit, eight MoUs were signed. Majhi quickly addressed the media, claiming significant progress in the state under his leadership. Shanmugaratnam praised Odisha and engaged with students at the World Skill Centre, established by Majhi’s predecessor, Naveen Patnaik. Majhi, aware that he is often compared to Patnaik, is eager to prove that he can continue the state's growth. The state spared no effort in giving the president a royal welcome.
Coded Message
Amid the struggles of common people under heavy taxation, Rashtriya Janata Dal leader Tejashwi Yadav alleged that a new tax was being levied in Bihar, particularly targeting those associated with the state’s welfare and development projects. He has code-named it “DK Tax” but provided few details. Rumors suggest that Yadav is referring to a figure who enjoys favor with both Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and the Centre and is seen as the de facto leader, despite being embroiled in various controversies.
Yadav’s claim has caused a stir, prompting responses from the ruling Janata Dal (United) and the BJP, who reminded him of the numerous taxes (A, D, G, S, R, L, and M) imposed during the RJD’s rule. However, they stopped short of clarifying the code words.
Changed Tune
Makar Sankranti, traditionally a time for Biharis to enjoy dahi chura and sesame sweets, has also been a period of political shifts in the state. This year, just as it seemed there would be no political developments, RJD President Lalu Prasad attended a feast hosted by former Union Minister and Rashtriya Lok Janshakti Party (RLJP) leader Pashupati Kumar Paras, the younger brother of the late Ram Vilas Paswan. Paras has been claiming to be part of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) despite being neglected by it.
Prasad invited Paras to join the Mahagatbandhan and run in the upcoming assembly elections as part of the opposition alliance. This has sparked enthusiasm in Paras, who has stated that his options are open due to poor treatment within the NDA. It is widely believed that the RLJP will join the Mahagatbandhan for survival, as the BJP did not allocate a single Lok Sabha seat to the party in the last elections, instead favoring Paras’s nephew, Chirag Paswan, and his faction of the Lok Janshakti Party.
Reel Threat
The screening of a documentary about the harassment of AAP leaders by investigative agencies was blocked by police in the poll-bound national capital. The AAP had not sought approval from the poll authorities for the screening. Central forces were deployed outside the hall where Unbreakable was to be shown, primarily for journalists. AAP Chief Arvind Kejriwal lashed out, asking, “What is there in this film that the BJP is scared of? This film exposes the secrets behind the wrongful arrests of AAP leaders. It reveals the illegal and unconstitutional actions of the BJP government.”
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