Will Varanasi elect a Ronald Reagan or a Vladimir Putin ?

Varanasi, April 22. Will Varanasi elect a Ronald Reagan, committed to free market mayhem or iron fisted Vladimir Putin from " God's Own Constituency ". 

                            High priests of American think tanks and some political analysts are speculating. But Banarasis are empty headed of intellectual garbage and they have little knowledge or interest in Reagan or Putin.So, if  you will ask them about Reagan or Putin, dismissive answer will be " hoyi kehu".

                           Actually Banarasis have in hand more important leaders than Reagan or Putin. Narendra Modi and Arvind Kejriwal both in a way  are potential Banarasis. They only need some training and refinement to be fully initiated in Banarasiness. A cursory look on history of the holy city would reveal that Banarasi psyche favours both the candidates- Modi and Kejriwal. The jham was only created by these outsiders posing a dilemma for Banarasis to choose one of them. 

                          Varanasi is holiest city of Hindus and survived the barbaric assaults of foreign invaders and hostile political establishment of Delhi over the centuries. In 10th or 11th century , the city was the prime pilgrimage centre and seat of learning;a thousand years later in 20th or 21st century, it is still true. The survival  instinct and phoenix character of the city is unique. 

                        At the same time Varanasi is egalitarian in metaphysical and temporal terms. Advaitin spirit is very deep rooted in Banarasis which enabled them to overcome brahmin- chandal, rich-poor and learned-illiterate duality. Varanasi is the birthplace of public protests.

                       First characteristic favours Modi and the other Kejriwal. In a sense both characteristics favour almost equally,both the candidates.

                       Even Kejriwal might not be aware that " jhaadu Movement" took place in year1790 in city. The (anti) sanitation movement erupted in the city when British officials introduced a "novelty" of public latrines prohibiting defecation in open places. Despite all the homilies of civilized world and Vidya Balan's campaign." jahan soch hai, vahan shauchalaya hai" Banrasis still not ready to give up their right to answer call of nature in the way which ever they like, preferably across the Ganga.

                     In sanitation movement citizens launched a massive protest with total closure of bazaars. British officer Jonathan Duncan tried to impress upon the people that the step is for public health . The citizens' objection was that it is none of the business of government to decide where to defecate. Latrines might be more convenient for womenfolk but for men any prohibition was uncalled for. Later the protest was called off; perhaps a middle way was worked out that people will gradually adapt to latrines and a ban on defecation in open will not be enforced strictly.

                   Banarasis will not argue with Vidya Balan about , " jahan soch, vahan shauchalaya" philosophy but they will certainly not allow any authority to determine their way of life. They also believe that Soch is in Varanasi while elsewhere it is only Shauchalaya. A few decades later the city witness historic House Tax movement in 1810-12, almost 200 years ago before the Anna Hazare's Jantar Mantar satyagraha. It was well recorded by Gandhian historian Dharmapal as first public protest in the world.

                  Survival in hostile environment and defiance are well ingrained in the Banarasi character and psyche.In a way both Modi and Kejriwal match this character and psyche. And these two human phenomenons are far more important to Banarasis than Reagan or Putin. ( continued)

Foreign Diplomats Land in God's Own Constituency (Varanasi)

Varanasi April 21. Foreign diplomats are on diplomatic pilgrimage to Varanasi to assess the mood of the voters.It is matter of debate whether UN charter and Vienna convention are applicable to Varanasi, a city resting on trident of Lord Shiva, so de facto, not part of the earth.. And  we Banarasis simply dismiss the so called de jure notion. Nevertheless since Vatanasi is like an ever expanding universe , they are all welcome. Adi Shankar proclaimed ,"Varanasi Medini". Even counter culture prophet Kabir declared, 

" sabai  bhumi Banarsi " ( All land, under the sky, is Varanasi)

                           I found foreign diplomats of more aware of the political dynamics of India than  many of media celebrities. I just mention assessment of a diplomat of the outcome of 2014 Lok Sabha elections:

                          1- Narendra Modi +(minimum seats)          220-230

                          2- Narendra Modi +( wave figure)              250-270

                          3- Hope- not  to depend on the support of nagging political parties 

                          The figures more or less match the opinion poll surveys.

    No More Good Morning from Tulsi Ghat of Varanasi

Assi (Varanasi). April 20. I feel sorry for the parents of Arvind Kejriwal- father Shri Govind Ram Kejriwal and mother Gita Devi.No more the proud parents will hear the sound of temple bells, no more they would watch the holy Ganga in such a close proximity.

                                       For Aap leaders it might not be a big deal to be deprived of  wishing the party cadres and supporters - suprabhatam, good morning from Tulsi Ghat of Banaras, but for the  old couple, it is certainly a huge disappointment. Finding a new accommodation, even more comfortable and spacious, is not a problem in Varanasi or for that matter in any other city of the country. But the money can not buy serenity of Tulsi Ghat and the guest house of Sankar Mochan , just on the left side of holy Ganga. Only time worn steps separates the guest house and holy Ganga.

                                     This morning Aap leaders had to vacate the guest house and  shift to other place. Mahant Professor Vishwambhar Nath Mishra was all courteous but insistent to impress upon the Aap leaders that they should shift to other place.There may be some valid reasons for his action; annual Sankat Mochan functions is to begin from Friday and artists from all over India have to be accommodated in the guest house, which is located about two kilometres away from the Sankat Mochan temple.

                                   The whole episode demonstrated that Aap leaders are thoroughly novice even in social relationship, leave alone political activism.This embarrassing situation could very well be averted if they would have applied common sense.Now in this election season the happening can easily be termed as " a rebuff to Aap leaders." Actually it was not a rebuff , neither a polite request.

                                 Presence of Aap leaders and hundred odd supporters in and around guest house became a nuisance and headache for the Mahant. More over n this politically volatile Assi locality , the recurring hostility between rival workers was a genuine cause of concern for the guest hose management.

                                According to insiders, Manish Sisodia, a few month ago had requested a member of Mahant family that they need an accommodation in Varanasi. The request was promptly accepted . At that time battle lineup of Varanasi Lok sabha seat was not drawn . A few people can easily be accommodated in this huge guest house. " As days passed the number swelled from a few guests  to a baarat," a family member said..

                                Then there is an apprehension of  political rassakashi engulfing the complex. The place where Goswami Tulsidas had composed Ramcharitmanas must not be a scene of political battle.

                               

Varanasi Events

                                      Twitter related to Varanasi                                                              Battleground- 2014 Elections

                                                        Just registered on twitter as Suphal Kumar@suphalkumar 

                                                        Intend to send tweets on latest happenings in Varanasi

  Varanasi- God's Own Constituency:Dilemma of Narendra Modi's prospective proposer

Keshav Paan Ki Dukan (Varanasi). April 19. Rajendra Chaurasia is in deep dharmasankat. Every second customer, before asking for a paan inquires, " ka guru kab jaat hauaa, parcha bhare," ( when are you going to propose name of Narendra Modi as a candidate for Varanasi Lok Sabha constituency).The BJP already gathered relevant information about Rajendra, needed in the filing of nomination papers of its Prime Ministerial candidate, though the announcement in this regard is still awaited.

                                                        A day before yesterday's bawal at his paan shop has unraveled the risk involved in jumping into political arena, however symbolic it might be. Then Yesterday Aap leaders again made it a point to visit his shop ignoring the potential dangers. This time it was something sentimental. Aap leader professor Anand Kumar, who was in the group, inquired whether he was really accompanying Modi on the day A. The Professor and Rajendra were class fellows in Banaras Hindu University.In student days they were active workers of Samajvadi Yuvjan Sabha (SYS). Anand Kumar reminded him of those days,    " tum samajvadi dil,dimag ke ho, Modi ka parcha kaise bharoge ( you are a socialist by nature and conviction, how can you be a part in Modi's nomination).

                                                   And then there is  another aspect of his dilemma. Rajendra's father late Gopalji, who actually gave the fame to " Keshav Paan Bhandar" was a supporter of  Communist Party of India (CPM). Actually this had more to do with personal relations than ideological commitment. Gopalji's Paan shop was earlier located at the entrance of Vishwanath gali, the lane which terminates at the Kashi Vishwanath temple. CPM's District office is located just across the main road on the first floor. Once I attended a Press Conference of then junior party leader Prakash Karat in this  office, It was a bizarre experience. In the office room there were old framed pictures of Marx and Lenin with slogans calling for world proletariat revolution. When I looked across the wide window,  the  entrance gate of Kashi Vishwanath temple was just metres away , with barefooted devotees chanting om namah shivay  moving towards the temple.

                                            In Varanasi, the city of contrasts and assimilation,  the CPM candidate Satya Narayan Singh won the 1967 Lok Sabha Elections. In latter days of life he used to sit   near the stairs of the building,watching movement of devotees..Both the Communist parties lost much of their support base in recent decades and the city is now considered a saffron stronghold, a safe seat for BJP.

                                           On my last visit home, during Holi festival in March, I found Rajendra very vocal and aggressive Modi Supporter. He openly chided anti Modi customers.His thousands of pieces of paan actually spread the Modi wave around the city.This time around he is much more cautious. His does not express his political preference openly.. Moreover, Arvind Kejriwal's persona impressed him a lot .He said to me, " bahut sidhe sadhe aadmi Hain". When kejriwal and Manish Sisodia visited his shop, he welcomed them and offered paan, he did not take money, " Aap hamare mehmaan hain". And when Modi supporters' seize detained Aap leaders for more than an hour, he again offered paan to them, without any asking.

                                      As a regular paan sitter, I feel Rajendra will vote and canvass for Modi, besides proposing his name. And  repeating a Modi phrase he would say, Yeh kashi ke samman aur asmita ka sawal hai", ( It is matter of honour and spirit of the holy city)

                                         

                                          

 Varanasi a danger zone of Indian democracy?  Kejriwal faced hostile Modi supporters :

Clash averted: Under police protection kejriwal left the scene: One youth injured, Another detained

Keshav Paan ki Dukan (Varanasi), April 17. This evening also, I was in the right place at the right time.It was an eye witness reporting opportunity, though with potential dangers. Almost about one hour, just behind the Aap leadership and in front of angry crowd I was watching the dance of Indian democracy. Fortunately it was not turned into a Tandava dance of Lord Shiva., in his  capital city -Varanasi.

Amid slogans and counter slogans for about one hour, Kejriwal was escorted safely to his SUV, with a few workers mounted on the either side of the vehicle , Aap leaders left the area. Police used mild force to clear the way and in ensuing stampede one youth sustained head injuries .Another youth was detained and was taken to police thana just 50 metres away from the scene of trouble. My News Agency samsakara did not permit me to use sensational words like Kejriwal rescued, though it was just that for any newspapermen.

Yesterday I was at the Pappu chai ki Dukan, where Arvind Kejriwal, along with his comrades Manish Sisodia and Sanjai Singh interacted with local people. The Dukan is a Modi stronghold, though the Modi supporters vacated the place in time to enable the guests to examine nerve of Banarasis. Today was quite different. When I reached at Keshav Paan ki Dukan, Rajendra , after offering a paan to me said, " Kejriwal is about to visit the spot." This world famous paan shop is an essential learning spot for any outsider. And , though belatedly , Kejriwal was expected to arrive here, and, yes I was there to do eyewitness reporting, a self professed charity for national and international media.

About half an hour later, around 8.30 PM, Kejriwal caravan was sighted . Through Sant Ravidas Gate, a group of about 100 Aap workers slowly approached us. I was sitting on the elevated shop just behind Rajendra ,who was busy m along with his brother and workers,  applying kathha and chuna on betel leaves . " Lo aa Gaya, Rajendra announced.

Instead of directly coming to shop he along with his supporters , climb down in the basement, where Jagadish Paan ki Dukan, Yadav Chai ki Dukan and Cafe at Home were located.. Rajendra was disappointed, though he knew that his shop can not be ignored. And if they ignore his shop , that will their own peril.

Moments later  we saw  a crowd of young students shouting some slogans. What is it? , who were they? we are just wondering, Lo Modi Brigade bhi aa gayi ( see Modi supporters also arrived, Rajendra said with amusement.

As Kejriwal was moving through basement corridors with his supporters, the crowd on the adjacent road swelled. There a deafening shout of Modi Modi. The protest is not a new thing for Kejriwal and his supporters, they actually enjoy it. Modi Modi shouts were retaliated with Kejriwal, Kejriwal. Just when heat was up Kejriwal came us to Kashav shop. There was a two feet wide corridor between Rajendra's paan chowki and railing. Rajendra welcomed Kejriwal and Manish Sidodia with folded hand. Kejriwal asked for a meetha paan and Manish added, " your shop is of world fame. Where ever in the world you go, people will mention paan of your shop. Rajendra was too worried about  the bawal just in front of his shop to acknowledge the compliments. Both Aap leaders recognized me, yesterday we met at the Pappu chai ki Dukan. In fact I was also present at Rail Bhavan venue, where Kejriwal sat on dharna, in the biting Delhi cold, just few day before the Republic Day, to press for his demand of removing some errant Delhi police officers..

Both Kejriwal and Manish somehow managed  to put kattha filled paan into their mouths safely. Kejriwal offered money, Rajendra politely refused, saying you are our guest.Then Aap leaders used the corridor as if it were manch of a public meeting, with their hands resting on the railing they waited to protest die down. As time passed the crowd only increased, the traffic on the road was halted. Police party accompanying Kejriwal were making frantic calls for reinforcement. No body came. Modi crowd became more hostile with Vapas Jao Vapas Jao ( go back, go back). Interestingly there was no way out for Aap leaders to leave the spot. Their way was blocked by slogan shouting protesters. Kejriwal remained composed though it was much more serious situation than a sudden slap or a few drops of ink.

As news spread TV warriors reached the scene; and as they focus cameras on crowd the slogans became more loud and threatening. Good clipping and good sound bite.Then innovative Aap mind worked and supporters brought some garlands. Kejriwal and Manish started throwing garlands, then flowers then pallets on the crowd. Nobody was ready to appreciate this gesture. It was like "pulgendava na maar, lagat karejava par chot. Flower pelting remained continued for a few minutes.In the meantime Rajendra again offered Paan to Kejriwal and Manish. Atypical Banarasi gesture.

A few more policemen arrived at the scene; Rajendra stood up with intention of downing the shutter. I stopped him, don't panic , nothing will happen. Actually was I was standing just behind his chowki, taking support of the shutter upside. It was a vantage position.

Kejriwal was not moving from his manch; waving hands towards crowd, throwing flying kisses. Really? Flying kisses? There was some silver lining too, when ever there was slogan of Bharat Mata Ki Jai or Vande Matram or Har Har Mahadev both sides join the roar, making it twice of decibel.

Then there was some activity on Police's part, A vehicle was brought. Police made a cordon around Kejriwal, pushed Modi supporter back and the hero was led to the vehicle. Road was blocked by protesters so, police made threatening posture, violently pushing people, using hands and batons, beat a few protesters. Amid stampede vehicle moved forward slowly.

When all was over I looked for my sandals which I removed for standing up inside the shop. No trace of sandals. Perhaps somebody used them in bawal . Barefooted I took a rickshaw, reached home and announced,my sandals came in the service of  the great Indian democracy.

How to capture Pappu Tea Shop (PTS) : An uphill Task for Arvind Kejriwal

Pappu chai ki Dukan ( Varanasi), April 17. Impossible fighter Arvind Kejriwal has an uphill task at hand- how to capture Pappu Tea Shop at the Assi crossing , a few hundred yards away from holy Ganga and his temporary camp in the guest house of Sankat Mochan Temple's Mahant.

Pappu Tea Shop is not an ordinary shop, it is as historic as the tea shop near Mehsana Railway station, where Bal Narendra served tea to customers. Famous Hindi novelist Kashi Nath Singh in his " Kashi Ka Assi"  immotalised Pappu Tea Shop where wide range of Banarasis , from professors to commoners, from enlightened ones to sheer lunatics spend hours and hours over a cup of tea, sometimes using civilized language.

In fact I have never been member of Assi nonsense club though occasionally  I visit the place to know something of vital importance.This evening I  happen to be there when I noticed a  crowd of  about hundred people jostling to move ahead where three gentlemen were sitting on a bench. Arvind Kejriwal flanked by Manish Sisodia and Sanjai Singh were answering queries of the curious people hailing from different classes , from doctors to professors of Banaras Hindu Univerity, IITians and regular Bhangedis.
 Curious to witness first hand interaction between Banarasis and Delhi heroes I somehow  managed to move ahead, negotiating the crowd and sat near the trimurti of AAP, Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia and Sanjai Singh.
 Then, many by many Banarasis are hurling questions on Kejriwal , mostly about his Delhi misadventure, fight against corruption and his tirade against Modi. Kejriwal was trying to explain the circumstances leading to his departure from Delhi government and his future plans including his Varanasi campaign. Suddenly a Banarasi moved ahead and started verbal pathrav( stone pelting ) - Your decision to quit the government was wrong and mindless act . Before the leader could say something Banarasi said,-" aapke salahkar moorkha hain"     ( your advisers are fools). Flanked by two advisers Kejriwal was taken aback and before he could manage his composure the Banarasi shouted- "aapke salahkar maha moorkha hain ( your advisers are  idiots). Kejriwal murmured few words,apparently saying -you may be right, it is your opinion, what can I say.
And soon it became clear that Banarasis are more trained in plain speaking than Kejriwal himself. Banarasi said, " aapko Middle School ka principal banaya gaya aur bajay iske ki aap yeh jimmedari nibhate aap bole mujhe university ka vice chancellor bana do " (you were appointed as a principal of a middle school and instead of performing your job you insisted that you should be appointed as Vice Chancellor of a university). A stumped Kejriwal was relieved when next person came forward. A student of BHU IT asked about his rational behind taking on formidable Narendra Modi in Varanasi and putting Kumar Vishwas against Rahul Gandhi in Amethi. Kejriwal has a  ready made answer. Rahul and Modi are glue which keeps Congress and BJP remain cohesive. " Rahul haar gaya to Congress das tukade men bant jayegi, Congress khatm ho jayegi, ( If Rahul  was defeated the Congress party will be torn into ten pieces, party will be finished.). He continued, " agar Modi haar gaya to BJP ka bhi yahi Haal hoga. Modi ke baad kaun sanmbhal payega BJP ko- Rajnath? Sushma? Jaitley? ( A Modi defeat  in the same way will be fatal for BJP. Who would be able to manage the party- Rajnath? Sushma? Jaitley?)
On corruption, he said that there must be systemic changes to ensure that corrupt people  be booked immediately . If we have a pro people and efficient system then , " jo bharishtachar karega voh jail jayega salaa," It was comforting to hear word salaa from former Chief Minister of National capital state. And this Banarasi flavour offers some hope that he might be able to establish a rapport with native people. Kejriwal told young IITians that his brother was an alumni of BHU IT.
 Amid dhakkamukki, the dialogue ended followed by  cheers and slogan shouting by enthusiastic supporters, many of them from outside Varanasi; " Jo do seaton se ladata hai , voh kejriwal se darta hai", ( he who contests from two seats, is afraid of Kejriwal- an apprant reference to Modi's election bid from Vadodara and Varanasi) " Bhrishtachar ka ek hi kaal, Kejriwal, Kejriwal" (Kejriwal is a death messenger for corruption)
Then there is a deafening roar of Har Har Mahadev, with every one, including Kejriwal joining with raising their hands up in the sky - " Haraa  Haraa mahaadeeeeeeeeeeeeeva", "Haraa Haraa Mahaadeeeeeeeeeeva" ( peculiar Banrasi style of rendering the national slogan of the holy land.
 Kejriwal then entered the tea shop and was introduced to Pappu chaiwala. Perhaps chaiwala conveyed his good wishes.
 When I  return to my own Adda at Lanka's Keshav Paan Shop, I met one of the original Addewajs of Pappu Tea Shop, Dr Kaushal Kishre Mishra, Professor of Political Science at Banaras Hindu University (BHU). He  along with some other professors, teachers, students, bhangedis and lunatics spends his evening at PTS discussing metaphysical and materiel issues and , of course , latest rumour in the the town or manufacturing a new rumour for the next day.
Professor Mishra was my junior in the BHU and during my long journalistic stint in Varanasi he was a useful news source. Actually he proved to be the real nemesis for film producer Deepa Mehta, when her ambitious film Water was buried deep into the holy water of Ganga by Dr Mishra and his Vanar Sena. Water fiasco was a rare incident when local protest forced a resourceful celebrity to abandon her controversial project. And for detractors of Modi a precursor of coming events in Varanasi.
 Mishra said, " Kejriwal is trying to capture PTS as he was told that to win Varanasi, it is of strategic importance to capture this outpost. His chamachas ware hovering around PTS and trying to provoke us. Kejriwal was actually  disappointed that despite of his being in the holy city for more than 72 hours nobody slapped him or threw inks on him." " This time we would simply ignore him lest he get sanjivini of publicity, we deliberately left the shop for the guests ", he said.
He said that his group was there when  he was introduced to Kejriwal,   as Professor of Political Science in BHU. " I said no no, not a professor I am a chaparasi in the department."
Will Kejriwal capture PTS outpost? " NO chance, No chance"  Dr Mishra was confident. " Actually PTS's Pappu will be one of proposers when Modi files his nomination papers. Another potential proposers Keshav or Rajendra were busy in applying kattha and chuna on paans at their shop Keshav Paan Bhandaar , a few meters away from road, when one of the them cast a glance on us and shouted, Guru aawaa paan kha la. ( Guru have a Paan).