Behind closed-door meetings

When Prime Minister Narendra Modi annulled high demonisation currency notes on November 8, the decision was received enthusiastically by Bharatiya Janata Party MPs, who were convinced with his argument that this move will root out corruption and curb the use of black money.

But the mood in the party has changed following reports of growing anger and frustration among the people who have been hit by the liquidity crunch.

Though no BJP lawmaker has voiced his or her reservations in public, MPs from poll-bound Uttar Pradesh did convey their apprehensions about the adverse fallout of demonetisation to party president Amit Shah at a closed-door meeting last week. Their objections were, however, brushed aside by the tough-talking Shah who told the MPs in no uncertain terms, “This is not a Manmohan Singh government... this is a Narendra Modi government and once he takes a decision, there’s no going back on it.” The MPs were instructed that instead of complaining, they should head back to their constituencies to convince their voters about the merits of demonetisation.

Congress Lok Sabha MP and former minister Shashi Tharoor is not particularly popular with his party colleagues. He invariably manages to annoy them with his public statements that he does not agree with the Congress strategy to block proceedings in Parliament and that the Opposition can pin down the government more effectively by allowing a debate.

Last year, the Thiruvananthapuram MP was pulled up by Congress president Sonia Gandhi for going public with details of a closed-door party meeting in which Mr Tharoor had opposed the party’s decision to derail parliamentary proceedings. Although he was suitably reprimanded, Mr Tharoor continues to stand firm on his stand that the Opposition should allow a debate in Parliament.

He recently aired his views publicly once again. Upset with him for taking a contrary position to the party line, the Congress party’s mild-mannered Lok Sabha leader Mallikarjun Kharge recently took a dig at Mr Tharoor in the presence of Mrs Gandhi and party vice-president Rahul Gandhi. Pointing out how BJP members had not allowed Opposition members to speak in Parliament, Mr Kharge told Mr Tharoor, “I hope you will have some kind words for us now.” For a change, Mr Tharoor was left speechless.

Though Punjab Congress president Capt. Amarinder Singh and campaign committee chief Ambika Soni are known to be on friendly terms, differences have cropped up between the two over the selection of candidates for next year’s Assembly polls in Punjab. While Mr Singh has been generous in accommodating former Shiromani Akali Dal members, Ms Soni has expressed her reservations about rewarding new entrants to the party with tickets. Ms Soni has argued in internal meetings that they should avoid fielding Akali Dal leaders indiscriminately, particularly those who are tainted as it weakens the Congress’ campaign on the drug menace in the state.

The large-scale entry of Akali Dal ticket seekers, she said, lends credence to the Aam Aadmi Party’s charge that this is a case of match-fixing by Mr Singh and Punjab deputy chief minister Sukhbir Singh Badal of the Akali Dal who have a secret understanding. Despite Ms Soni’s objections and protests from the party rank and file, Mr Singh is going ahead with the induction of Akali Dal members. Last week, Ms Soni was greeted by one such Akali leader who informed her that he had joined the Congress. Ms Soni was stumped as she was not informed about his entry which was unilaterally okayed by Mr Singh.

The irrepressible Samajwadi Party MP, Amar Singh, was once known for his flashy lifestyle and the lavish parties he hosted that were invariably attended by Bollywood celebrities and political bigwigs. He took particular pride in showing off his fleet of cars which included a Bentley. But Mr Singh proclaims he is a changed man after he spent a stint in the cold following his expulsion from the SP. He has become more philosophical now and, as part of his image makeover, Mr Singh said he will now desist from any vulgar display of wealth.

To begin with, he has decided to travel to the Parliament House in a Nano. He has placed an order for the low-cost car and is awaiting its delivery. Not that he has sold his expensive cars; these are being used by his wife and daughters.

Mr Singh maintains his decision to switch to a simpler lifestyle was inspired by Lord Buddha and Lord Ram as well as Jawaharlal Nehru and Subhas Chandra Bose.

He says they all belonged to affluent families but chose to forsake their riches. Mr Singh wants to emulate them, as he has now understood that people have greater respect for those who chose a frugal lifestyle despite their privileged background. Hence the decision to drive a Nano. It is a matter of small detail that driving to Parliament House in a small car makes for an excellent photo-op.