Purti leak & Aloo dum

Who would have thought Arvind Kejriwal’s hit and run allegation on Purti, would lead to Nitin Gadkari’s downfall and BJP’s trouble? Or for that matter the humble aloo would figure in parliament over the hot debate on FDI retail?

BJP’s opposition leader Sushma Swaraj alleged fast food-chains don’t buy small potatoes from the farmers to make fries. When they were in power reforms were not a dirty word. Now in opposition, FDI is a hot potato? All new policies by the government are flawed?

‘I am honest, won’t resign. Will not accept media trial,’ says Gadkari. Describing himself as a honest man, a defiant Nitin Gadkari ruled out resigning from BJP chief’s post despite knowing that his term ends in December. BJP leaders Ram Jethmalani and Yeshwant Sinha have publicly demanded his resignation saying his continuance in office will compromise the party’s campaign against the government corruption. For the first time the rift between RSS and Delhi Durbar led by Sushma Swaraj, Arun Jaitley and others is out in the open. Will RSS keep a distance or will it intervene or impose its choice on BJP?

BJP’s constant plan to embarrass the government has often backfired. In fact it has rejuvenated the Congress, bought the allies closer with a new found confidence, whereas it has raised doubts in the minds of the opposition allies about BJP’s status. The self-goals by BJP leaders are putting them on back foot proving they are no match to the guile of Congress policy makers and floor managers in the house. BJP has a lot to learn. They are still seen as communal. And BJP leaders seem to be content standing behind the success of Narendra Modi in Gujarat and hope his success will help them in Delhi.

Questions are also being raised about Sushma Swaraj and Arun Jaitley’s leadership capability and policies. The old guard led by LK Advani is watching and uneasy, will surely make their presence felt sooner than later. The next test for BJP is coming this year end – will Nitin Gadkari get a next term or will he be dumped for someone else and who will be that someone else. Will he be able to carry all in the BJP?