Narendra Modi's Masterstroke : Doing a Kejriwal
       Showdown looms large in God's Own Constituency

Varanasi, May 8 . Just 60 hours before the atrocious election campaign comes to an end in world's largest democracy, the Hero executed his masterstroke- doing a Kejriwal, his challenger in God's Own Constituency.
                            Modi will address an election rally in the evening today at the outskirt of the city in Jagatpur (Rohania), about 20 km from here. And before that starts a Dharna of his colleagues at the Simhadwar of Banaras Hindu University (BHU) in the morning  under the shadow of statue of great national leader and founder of BHU,  Mahamana Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya. Modi will not take part in Dharna but after addressing the Jagatpur election rally his helicopter will land on the airstrip of BHU. From there his motorcade will proceed to Simhadwar, on the way to BJP central election office at Sigra/ Rathyatra. It can well be imagined that hundred perhaps thousands of people will follow his motorcade upto Sigra election office about 5 km from BHU main gate. It will be repetition of April 24 Grand Road Show, that is still afresh in the minds of supporters and opponents.
            BJP leader  Arun Jaitley  said last evening that, “to protest the Election Commission’s inaction against the Varanasi Returning Officer who denied permission for Narendra Modi’s events on May 8, the BJP has decided to hold satyagraha outside the Lanka Gate of Banaras Hindu University and Nirvachan Sadan in New Delhi” He further said ..... Narendra Modi when he arrives in Varanasi city, will be going to the election office and then to the airport. He will be in his unusual motorcade.
            
                    Though Jaitley did not talk about a Road Show, usual motorcade might easily be turned into an unusual motorcade.
   As things stand one can surmise that BJP is trying a exploit the indecisiveness of District Administration in its favour to the maximum. Administration might have denied permission to organize the election rally in Benia Bagh on the basis of genuine intelligence reports, but delay on its part provided BJP the god sent opportunity to pose as a victim.And victim naturally attract sympathy.
                         Modi just doing a Krjriwal stumped Kejriwal.  The AAP leader tweeted-
  BJP wale kabhi bhi kashi walon ki problems ko lekar dharne par nahi baithe, ab rally ki permission ke liye unke topmost neta dharna karenge?
BJP ke netaon ke iss dharne ke peeche kya rajniti hai?
( BJP leaders are doing politics by staging a dharna. They never sit on dharna on issues related to citizens' problems)
Kejriwal might be right but he can vary well pat on his back ( if it is physically possible) that BJP leaders are following his footsteps. Aap Hai To Baap Bhi Hai.

Narendra Modi versus priyanka Gandhi- " Neech Fight"

Varanasi, May 6 . Narendra Modi is just hours away to hit Ground Zero- Varanasi, the God's own constituency. And the day begins with a " Neech " controversy. Modi accuses Priyanka of using a derogatory word Neech for his politics.Obviously Modi is exploiting poor language skill of Priyanka,whose Hindi knowledge is, though,  far more superior and appealing than her brother Rahul and mother Sonia but still short of an average standard of Hindi heartland. Accompanying congress worker should have corrected her to use word Ochhi Rajniti ( shallow politics)

                        On face value Neech is a very direct and unambiguous word often used in society for "low" caste people.It is equivalent to disparaging US word Nigger used for black people. I am sure that using word Neech against a " low" caste person would immediately come under purview of THE SCHEDULED CASTES AND THE SCHEDULED TRIBES  (PREVENTION OF ATROCITIES) ACT, 1989 , with harsh punishment, jail term and huge fine. And in this case Narendra Modi just belongs to a " low" caste. Everybody including Modi himself know that he is actually leading a Hindutva and upper caste upsurge in current elections.For some it is a genuine social engineering for others it a  ploy and deceiving tactics.

                     Priyanka would shiver if she reads ruling of courts from lower(!) courts to Supreme court regarding the word Neech : respondent No.2 abused the petitioner by caste, by saying 'dedh', and 'Neech', 'Kameena', 'Kutta' , Further Kutie  Neech Jati Die etc.

                    Modi and his legal alter ego Arun Jaitly were pleased with the language poverty of Priyanka and in the final  and crucial leg of Lok sabha elections , and used this opportunity to play a caste card which in the past often went against their party the BJP.

                   The controversy highlights a often ignored trend most visible in current Lok Sabha elctions, the strong comeback of Vernacular elite in national politics. Hindi elite strike back in national scene and for the first time in India the entire political discourse moving around Hindi narratives. First time also a Hindi speaking Leader, whose English is as poor as of a  common American, claims an all India acceptability . We are told that Modi interacted with Ambassador Nancy Powell in Hindi  and the poor lady with her broken Hindi tried to convey her message to an unwilling listener. 

                Country is perhaps also witnessing that language based Elite war is subsiding now  to a great extent. The Hindi protagonist party the BJP formed a successful alliance with hardcore Dravidian parties.

                Now return back to " Neechness"- the etymology of word Neech provides some comfort to Priyanka. Neech is Sanskrit/ Hindi word. In Sanskrit  it is not specifically attached to caste but in Hindi the word has strong caste colouring. According to authentic Sankari dictionary Neech means-  lowly, small, dwarf, wicked, unworthy, mean minded etc. In Hindi dictionary the word moves around caste based hierarchy

               But both in Sanskrit and Hindi Neech also means -Cow yes Cow and too of high breed quality.

And a cow lover like Modi should not mind , gender apart, word Neech. 

               In fact the owner of a quality cow is called Neech-kin. Further more the top of pyramid is called Neech-ki. Modi is aspiring for Neech-ki political post of Indian democracy, then why to quarrel with the poor young lady who after all still uses Hindi.

                              Narendra Modi Versus Arvind Kejriwal                                                                                                                                 An occult war in Varanasi ?

Varanasi, May 6 . A disclaimer is needed before treading a dangerous and uncertain path- Banarasis don't believe in Occult. Not that Occult does not exist. Not only it does exist,  sometime it proves to be decisive in lives of humans and nations. Till someone sees a serpent in a rope, it is serpent, anyway. But ultimately all this mumbo jumbo is futile.  As Advaitins, Banarasis believe that one should not create Maya within Maya.
                           Narendra Modi and his challenger in God's Own Constituency are using such messianic language which was not heard in any election in post independent India. Earlier we were cautioned against omnipresent Foreign Hand, bent upon to destabilize the country, Those were the days of cold war in international arena and Left- Right animosity on domestic front. Foreign Hand theory  ultimately died as terrorist with open hands played havoc with the country. Modi and Kejriwal now talking about " Hand of God" . And it is as much cause of curiosity as concern for the countrymen.
                           Rise of Modi and Kejriwal can not be explained fully by the simple "cause and effect" dimensions. Is there any third Dimension in the form of  " Hand of God" -some positive or negative influence. Since the main actors are themselves using messianic language, it is not irrelevant to discuss the matter.
                           Modi said the other day,"God chooses certain people to do the difficult work. I believe god has chosen me for this work. Now I only need your blessings,"  So the main actor feels that he is the chosen one. And why he came to Varanasi the explanation is-"I don't think anyone has sent me here, or I have come here. I feel Mother Ganga has called me to Varanasi."
                           It is as if we are hearing words of Annie Besant who sailed to Varanasi from London ,  121 years ago, in 1893. According to Theosophical  reports Mrs. Besant was determined to go to India, stating “I am ordered to go” . She claimed to have received a message from the Master. She told the people that she was and is a Hindu, — that in her prior incarnation she was an Indian pandit, and she is now visiting her own land after a sojourn in the West, where she was re-incarnated to know the nature of the materialistic civilisation of those regions.
                           Kejriwal was as God driven as Modi. In his swearing in ceremony In New Delhi he declared," Aam Aadmi Party is Kudrat Ka karishma (God's magic)". And it was not a spontaneous, sentimental statement. In electioneering in the holy city he expanded The Kudrat Ka Karishma theory. He is saying, God has a plan to cleanse the rot. " Bhagwan Jhadu chala raha hai, hamen bhi jhadu chalani hai "(god is sweeping with Jhadu, we should also take jhadu in our hands and clean the dirty system ) In Indian mythology jhadu or marjani is related to folk Goddesses- Shitala and Dhumavati. Ojhas in Indian villages use a jahdu like  fly whisk to ward off evil influence on a person.
                   Then, there a distinct similarity between speeches of Modi and Kejriwal. Their voices are not sweet or melodious, their narratives often lack substance. But their speeches cast a spell over audiences in such a way that they respond like hypnotized lot, kathputlis, moving with thread of the masters.Are we witnessing beginning of an era of cult leaders and cult followers? How can one explain the cap vulgarity which engulfed the country in recent months ?
                   Attentiveness and frenzy of crowd are unbelievable.Sometimes It appears that both the  speakers and listeners are possessed. "Possessed" is not necessarily a negative term.

                  Not to compare Modi and Kejriwal to any other world orator but just to deal the issue in the perspective of social psychology, let us look into  personality and oratory skill of Hitler. One eyewitness describes the magic of Hitler and his speech-"When, at the climax, he sways from one side to the other his listeners sway with him; when he leans forward they also lean forward and when he concludes they either are awed and silent or on their feet in a frenzy"

   

                 Occult scholars tell us that Demi gods or inferior entities ( not the God) often interfere in human domain. British Prime Minster Benjamin Disraeli said  long ago, "Governments do not govern, but merely control the machinery of government, being themselves controlled by the hidden hand.....For you see, the world is governed by very different personages from what is imagined by those who are not behind the scenes."

                 Who is behind scene ? God or Kudrat ? 

                Modi and Kejriwal should explain to the people - God's Hand and Kudrat ka Karishma theory.

And they should not declare themselves that they were chosen ones. God is very selective in this matter-
 “Many are called, but few are chosen” Matthew 22:14 
               At best Modi and Kejriwal are called ones and firstly Banarasis will judge them and later hand them over to God for final calling.

   Narendra Modi To Retain Varanasi Seat: Hinted Alter Ego 

Varanasi May 5. March of India into 21st century will begin from Varanasi, thus spake Amit Shah, alter ego of Narendra Modi. 

                          Shah, addressing representatives of the business community said here, Varanasi would become most modern city of the world after Narendra Modi assuming Prime Ministership. There was enough indications from Shah that Modi would retain Varanasi seat, in case of winning the both Varanasi and Vadodara seat. And win is almost a forgone conclusion.

                        It is not clear what Shah meant by most modern city, in Indian sense of time , most modern is equal to most ancient. Moreover,  in Shiva's abode time cease to exist .

               Narendra Modi a rallying point for all NGOs:

           Maha Kumbh of NGOs in God's Own Constituency 

 Varanasi May 5 . Indian NGOs are strange entities, just like Indian caste system. Every caste resist the 'upper' one and tries to subdue 'lower' one . There is most backwards among backwards and maha dalits among dalits. The rallying point of their activism is unjust caste system and remedy of all injustices is reservations in the government jobs.

                        In these days the holy city is witnessing Maha Kumbh of NGOs as hundreds of volunteers engaged in social work in different parts of the country are camping here to ensure defeat of Narendra Modi. And they say, Modi should and can be defeated in this Hidutva bastion.Their confidence is all apparent and they claim that tide is slowly but surely, turning against Modi.

                       They are all united against Modi but differ on who to support. AAP leader Arvind kejriwal has potential to emerge main challenger to Modi but all NGOs are not ready to support him. On Sunday, Kabir Math was the venue where all NGOs gathered to chalk out their strategy. Concerned citizens belonging to different ideologies- Ghandhians, liberals, secularists, left, ultra left, post modern left ( sorry if some one still left) expressed their willingness to work together to ensure defeat of Modi.
                        The gathering was under the the banner "legacy of Kabir" and participants were encouraged by the response of the local people. But whom to support against Modi. everybody has his or her own idea. Enemy is clear but challenger is still unknown.
                         Had it not been for Modi, these NGOs might be fighting among themselves. And on the issue of supporting Kejriwal, mainstream Communist Party comrades are very reluctant. The Communist Party of India (Marxist) has fielded a candidate in the elections and not ready to withdraw it. For some comrades   Kejriwal is a Ford Foundation funded agent provocateur if not saboteur.

                       

                Narendra Modi Must Retain Varanasi Seat

                       Deciphering the Varanasi Mandate

Varanasi May 4. It is not jumping the EVMs to suggest Narendra Modi that he must retain Varanasi Lok Sabha Seat. Actually, there is no need to suggest (request is out of question) Modi that he should vacate Vadodara seat in favour of Varanasi. Apart from Grand Road Show, Banarasis done a great favour to Modi by overwhelmingly supporting him. So, let us begin with that Modi won the Varanasi seat by margin of 1 (one) vote.

                          Now it is also appropriate time to decipher the mandate of Varanasi. It is pertinent as after the election results are announced, no body would talk about Varanasi, whom political pundits are presently forced to acknowledge as a great city, microcosm of India, eternal city, spiritual capital of India  and what not.

                          From personal experience , Banarasis know well, that Varanasi gradually lost its pivotal position in national affairs. Actually the great city disappeared from national radar and so-called national media scene. While heading Varanasi Bureau of a National News Agency I was a witness to the eclipse of   "city of light". Can one imagine that in Vatican and Kabaa of India, National News Agencies don't have a regular office and correspondent. While in Delhi I noticed that Varanasi found space in National newspapers only when there was a terrorist strike in a temple or on Ganga Ghat. After the Death of Bismillah Khan , cultural czars of Delhi lost all interest in Varanasi.

                          Advent of Narendra Modi and Kejriwal renewed some interest in Varanasi, though cultural and spiritual ignorance about Kashi's past or present is all pervasive- little you know about cities like Varanasi, greater would be your stature.

                          So now it is time to decipher mandate of Varanasi and Narendra Modi should ponder over  it here and now.First of all he should bow before people of Varanasi that they gave him  honour to represent the city; Modi is  chosen as successor of Annie Besant, Mahamana Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya, Dr Bhagwan Das, Sampurnanand , Pandit Kamlapati Tripathi and Raj Narayan.

                        It is mirage to expect from a member of Parliament or even a Prime Minister, that he would revive or restore the spiritual, intellectual, cultural and social status of Varanasi. To begin with , Modi should announce, after swearing in , a time bound programme for cleansing of Ganga and improving the infrastructure of the city. He should not make a folly of thinking in term of creating a London, a Hon Kong, a Singapore on the left bank of Ganga . The financial resources which are being dumped in the desert city like Delhi should be invested in the city of god.

                     Varanasi is crucial for the survival of mankind ; Modi can be a Nimitta in this Yagna.

                      And he should remember that ultimately it is Linga of Shiva who will decide the fate of this great city not any Prime Minister or President.    (continued)

                           

                        Varanasi holy city of all religions ?

Varanasi, May 3. Aam Adami Party (AAP) has taken lead by bringing out its manifesto for the holy city of Varanasi. The manifesto says that Varanasi would be declared " Sarv Dharma Pavitra Nagari " holy/sacred city of all religions. The document mentions religious/ cultural tradition of Varanasi enriched by Kabir, Raidas and Tulsidas. Sarva Dharma Pavitra Nagri term echos the national policy of secularism - Sarva Dharma Sambhava.

                         Surprisingly, Narendra Modi, the Hindutva mascot of Bharatiya Janata Party, a few days ago talked about Ganga Jamuni Tehzib of Varanasi. It was a departure from the Sangh Parivar's insistence on Hindu identity of India.

                          It is a contentious issue that Varanasi be called a holy city of all religions. The heavy police presence and watch towers in Gnanvapi Mosque- Kashi Vishwanth Temple complex and locked doors of Alamgir Mosque built over the ruins of Bindu Madhav Temple remind that communal harmony is not as perfect in Varanasi as one wishes to be.

                         The complexity of the issue can better be understood in the light of a controversy erupted in Sarnath, a distinctive Buddhist pilgrimage centre where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon. Near the Dhameka Srupa, is a Jaina temple, devoted to 11th Tirthankar    Shreyansnath. Devotees brought a statue of Tirthanker to be installed in the temple, which was resisted by the Archaeological  Survey of India (ASI). The installation remained blocked for months. The ASI's argument was that identity of Sarnath as a Buddhist pilgrim centre should not be undermined. Then, just outside the Dhameka Stupa- Mahabodhi Temple  complex there is a Mazar which was restored and expanded in recent years. ASI was also resentful over the construction which is allegedly done encroaching the main road.

                       About 500 meters from Mahabodhi temple and Dhameka Stupa there is famous temple of Shiva, Sarangdeva. Locals believe that word Sarnath has its genesis in Sarangadeva. During Rainy season  in Sharavan months thousands of devotees offer jalabhisheka in the temple. While Mahabodhi temple and Dhameka Stupa attracts devotees from all over the world ( and not locals), the Sarangdeva temple is place of worship for locals.

                      Now just see the complexity of the issue- Should Sarnath be declared as holy city of all relgions- Sarva Dharma Pavitra Nagari. Buddhist countries actually demand greater say in maintenance of Sarnath and an international status to the city. No denying that there are holy places of all religions in Sarnath or for that matter in any city/ town of the country owing to demographical factors but the character of a city should be determined by the overwhelming image of the place.

                     I attended a Hindu-Buddhist religious leaders' press conference in Sarnath ,almost a decade ago, where Shankaracharya of Kanchi Kamkoti Peetham  Swami Jayendra Saraswati issued a decree rejecting the centuries old Hindu belief that Lord Buddha is 9th Avatara of Lord Vishnu. When I asked Shankarcharya how he can issue a decree when millions of Hindus in every religious rituals recite the sankalp confirming that the current era belongs to 9th Avatara (Buddha), Acharya said that it was not an ancient belief it is a later period distortion. Later I came to know that some Buddhist scholars specially Vipassana teacher Satya Narayan Goenka , persuaded the Acharya to issue such decree. Buddhist scholars put a strange argument that  calling Buddha as 9th Avatara hurts their sentiments! Aap leader Arvind Kejriwal is said to be a practitioner of Vipassana.

                   Fortunately in every Hindu household and in pilgrim centres the sankalpa invoking Lord Buddha is still recited. While in  Delhi, in the press gallery of Lok Sabha I could not understand the the merit of objections raised by Sikh MPs who were  resenting inclusion of Skhs as hindus in Article of  the Indian constitution. Sikh Mps' objection was that clubbing them in word Hindu hurts their religious sentiments!

                  It will be far better if Varanasi is declared a spiritual city. Only on spiritual plains contradiction of religious beliefs and conflicting sense of history can be sublimated. Then, What is wrong with declaring Sarnath as a Buddhist holy city where all religions find their due presence. And what is wrong with declaring Varanasi as Kaaba of Hindus as described by Allama Iqbal and Ghalib.Muslim can experience Kaaba and Christians New Jarusalem in Kashi :

"Then he showed me a river of the water of life, clear as crystal, coming from the throne of God and of the Lamb, in the middle of its street. On either side of the river was the tree of life, bearing twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit every month; and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.…Come! Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life."(Revelation of john)

               " go vaan nahiin pah vaan ke nikaale hue to hain

                  kaabe se in buton ko bhii nisbat hai duur ki"

                ( though they are not there, still that is where they were expelled from

                   these idols too have a distant kinship with the ka’bah )

                                                        Ghalib ( Chiragh i Dair- an eulogy of Banaras)