Statewide and National runup to 2014 General elections

krishnan · Post by **krishnan** » 03 Jan 2014 14:45

rati parker ‏@ratigirl 1h

We wanted to make a party better than the BJP. Instead we got a party worse than the Congress --Surajit Dasgupta, (ex) Founder Member of AAP

Sanku · Post by **Sanku** » 03 Jan 2014 14:48

If there could be a party better than BJP realistically possible in the current real world, BJP would have already been it. It compromises with much pain on points close to its heart for tactical reasons alone.

Vikas · Post by **Vikas** » 03 Jan 2014 15:42

Somehow the BJP folks on TV atleast seem to be cutting sorry figure. Same old stories benig peddled, no hitting hard of UPA and others.There is no fire in the belly or fresh ideas being propagated. There is too much of dependence on NaMo to somehow magically win seats for BJP across all of India.
In lot of places, BJP and congress seem to be two sides of the same coin. A lot of Dinosaurs in BJP are going to harm them as AAP seems to be a party of fresh young blood which young India has been craving for since the days of Rajiv Gandhi and Sh. MMS has made that craving into fanatic following Otherwise what is the USP of RaGa except for he is young. Even hardcore Congressmen can not find any other quality.

JohnTitor · Post by **JohnTitor** » 03 Jan 2014 16:56

Those who were "dhoti shivering" (as BR folk like to put it) of AAP should really take a look at #AAP on twatter!

How things have changed! Now many questions are being raised about non-speak of INC, corruption, getting innovas after a day of metro/auto/self driven cars and 2x 5BHK bungalows... No matter how much steroids they are given in media, it will start to backfire.. you can't survive on slogans.. This is why I was always of the opinion that they be allowed to form the govt. IF they were in opposition, they would have been a bigger threat. Now they are a threat unto themselves! People are askin why AK wants HV to provide proof when he himself said he had a 370page document before election (against dixit)

ye of little faith!

There is no need for BJP to expose AAP, they will expose themselves. Just have faith in NM if you really want him to be PM. I can guarantee you that he will be India's next PM.

krishnan · Post by **krishnan** » 03 Jan 2014 17:51

vivek.rao · Post by **vivek.rao** » 03 Jan 2014 18:07

How Kejriwal has just set back power reforms by 3-5 years

On the dimension of personal probity, there is Honest Arvind. He speaks the language of clean government and politics with the purpose of serving the people. But there is also an Arvind who seems to lack deeper honesty - an honesty that acknowledges a mistake and makes amends; an honesty which calls for telling the truth to the people, especially when this truth is not palatable or popular.

We saw Citizen Kejriwal in full flow at last evening's Delhi assembly trust vote. I doubt anyone was left unmoved by the directness and simplicity of his speech - and the TV channels were quick to contrast this Kejriwal with the Congress' and BJP's double-speak on corruption.

But even before the appearance of Citizen Kejriwal, we saw Populist Kejriwal announcing measures to give free water to the privileged, and not-yet-warranted cuts in power bills. And we even saw him justifying these actions during the trust vote when he said he saw nothing wrong in a free water scheme that may benefit only 400,000 or even 200,000 people. So what's wrong with that, he asked us, even as we were being bowled over by Citizen Kejriwal. The Aam Aadmi Party's (AAP’s) supporters in the media used these bad decisions to laud Kejriwal for keeping his promises. During a honeymoon period, even warts look like beauty spots to lovers. But should we not stop to ask: which politician does not keep his freebie promises?

This is where Kejriwal’s apparent honesty is at variance with a deeper form of honesty that all politicians lack. If you have made a rash or dubious promise, real honesty requires you to recant and apologise, not go ahead with ideas that almost the entire media has criticised.

To be sure, some media commentators have even seen virtue in giving free water or cheaper electricity (clean water can reduce water-borne diseases, and cheaper power will enable the poor to be more productive, etc). A related argument is that by capping the amount of water given free, Kejriwal is actually enabling water conservation. Neither argument holds water. These are, in fact, post-facto excuses invented to justify freebies. Giving anything free leads to wastage and corruption. If you want to conserve water, the best way to do so is to lower the threshold for free water, and have a progressive pricing system that penalises people who use more water. Thus, if you use 200 litres, the price is X, if you use 300, the price is X + 10 percent, and so on.

As RK Pachauri, Director of The Energy Research Institute, noted in The Times of India today (3 January 2014): “If something is given free, it will never be used efficiently. Give the poor cash transfer subsidy to reduce their burden but give incentives to use water more efficiently. Energy, food and water are closely linked — you cannot address one without looking at the other.”

He also points out that Gujarat had a better answer, especially in agriculture, where 80 percent of our water is used. “Drip irrigation could prevent a great deal of water lost in evaporation. Gujarat CM Narendra Modi set a good example by covering canals with photovoltaic panels that double up as water savers and power generators. They free land that would otherwise have been occupied by solar panels.” As for the decision to lower power tariffs for those consuming less than 400 units a month, this single action of Kejriwal has probably set back the Indian power sector by at least another half-decade. For two reasons: it was wrong of Kejriwal to presume that Delhi’s power distribution companies (discoms) were cooking their books even while an audit was being initiated.

The right time to cut tariffs, assuming all his election-eve allegations against the discoms turn out to be true, is after the audits are in. By cutting rates on arrival in the CM's office, Kejriwal has essentially prejudged the issue. The other reason is simpler: India’s power sector is bleeding profusely. It has accumulated losses exceeding Rs 2,50,000 crore and even today its annual losses exceed Rs 25,000 crore. And this is after more than 17 discoms hiked tariffs by huge amounts in 2012. A Credit Suisse report suggests that if state electricity boards (SEBs) keep raising tariffs by 10 percent every year for the next three years, they will just about break even.

subhamoy.das · Post by **subhamoy.das** » 03 Jan 2014 18:10

BJP cannot attack AK with the negative things about him because all that was public domain information and yet PAAP got votes. So BJP has to assume that PAAP was almost a equal alternative to congress as was BJP. Now BJP's game plan will be to prove that this alternative is actually going to hurt the voters even worse than congress and to show case the BJP is the ONLY real alternative. PAAP has to work with in the established process and cannot make any meaningful change in the system in several years to come. They are also a minority govt. So in a nutshell, PAAP will not be able to deliver on its promises, no matter how much the paid media shouts that it did for TRP ratings, and as the days go by we will see BJP attacks mounting on the lines of 'failed promises" and PAAP==congress, which has just started.

It has just been 7 days that AK is a the CM. Turn off the news as it is all clutter now. Reopen the new channels in couple of months to get the real picture.

pankajs · Post by **pankajs** » 03 Jan 2014 18:15

AAP backs Manmohan Singh, says Modi will be dangerous as PM

New Delhi: The Aam Aadmi Party on Friday backed Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's remarks on BJP prime ministerial candidate and Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi saying he will be disastrous as the prime minister.

AAP leader Prashant Bhushan said, "I agree with him on one thing that Narendra Modi will be extremely dangerous for this country. Apart from being communal and a fascist, he has shown that he is equally corrupt as the Congress and these mainstream political parties."

member_20317 · Post by **member_20317** » 03 Jan 2014 18:30

Shonu wrote:Those who were "dhoti shivering" (as BR folk like to put it) of AAP should really take a look at #AAP on twatter!
<snip>
IF they were in opposition, they would have been a bigger threat. Now they are a threat unto themselves! People are askin why AK wants HV to provide proof when he himself said he had a 370page document before election (against dixit)

This has caught on big time in whatsapp also. 70% who did not vote for AAP are letting themselves known.

AAP going back on big promises/loose talk, is finding the connect.

member_25682 · Post by **member_25682** » 03 Jan 2014 19:54

ravi_g wrote:
Shonu wrote:Those who were "dhoti shivering" (as BR folk like to put it) of AAP should really take a look at #AAP on twatter!
<snip>
IF they were in opposition, they would have been a bigger threat. Now they are a threat unto themselves! People are askin why AK wants HV to provide proof when he himself said he had a 370page document before election (against dixit)
This has caught on big time in whatsapp also. 70% who did not vote for AAP are letting themselves known.

AAP going back on big promises/loose talk, is finding the connect.

Actually didn't expect #AAP to falter this soon, something not smelling right onleee ... BTW all those #AAP converts get kick out of "No Income Tax" Proposal... BJP Walas ought to give it very serious though.... vision 2025 ! that would definitely be nail (final one) on Congi Muqti from BharatVarsh!

JohnTitor · Post by **JohnTitor** » 03 Jan 2014 20:03

^^ I'm enjoying the mud slinging. Just put up a URL on there and watch them fight it out.. you have to say nothing, just hashtag.. no harsh words, no frustrating conversations... Hopefully AAP will announce more subsidies, actually i think it will.. considering the blowback they have had. But then they can't help themselves and will become hypocrites because ultimately, power corrupts all those that have not renounced everything in life.

Also I don't subscribe to the idea that SG is transferring her baggage to AAP. AAP might have been another "startup" company which seems to have died a premature birth but she isn't "transferring" anything. Seriously? Suddenly INC doesn't look so bad now.. and to think people here were scared that this would overtake the NM wave..

Ahh how I love the smell of betrayal and the effects it has on fools.. like the moth that is lured to a flame!

pankajs · Post by **pankajs** » 03 Jan 2014 20:05

Arvind Kejriwal's Aam Aadmi ministers get Toyota Innova cars as official perks

Code: Select all

Arvind Kejriwal: We never said anything about not using cars. We said we will not use red beacon cars.

Arvind Kejriwal's Aam Aadmi Party ministers of Delhi, except Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, were today given Toyota Innova cars as official perks.

<snip>

Asked if coming by such cars was reflective of practising austerity, Kejriwal downplayed it saying the party never said it's ministers will not use official cars.

<snip>

A number of AAP Ministers and MLAs had come to Delhi Assembly using public transport like metro and auto-rickshaw in the last few days in tune with their "aam aadmi" credentials.

How long does it take an "aam aadmi" to become a "khas aadmi"?

pankajs · Post by **pankajs** » 03 Jan 2014 20:08

Very soon Farzi is going to say "We never said anything about not taking bribes. We said we will accept cheque rather than cash as bribe.

JohnTitor · Post by **JohnTitor** » 03 Jan 2014 20:11

^^ pakkaj sir,

If you are a tweeter, pls post this on there along with your link and watch the fun!

http://www.aamaadmiparty.org/page/how-are-we-different

No MLA or MP of our party will live in opulent and luxurious government housing.

This party will function with full financial transparency. Every single rupee collected by donations to run this people's party will be publicly declared on the party's website and all expenditures will also be declared on the website.

1/6 of the rules broken already... how long till the 5/6 are broken?

Is there any truth to this???

http://covertwires.com/2013/11/17/islam ... dmi-party/

pankajs · Post by **pankajs** » 03 Jan 2014 20:22

^^
saar I am not on teetar.

The question that needs to be asked to Farzi is why couldn't his MLAs do with Maruti 800 or Tata Nano as their official car? After all "aam aadmi" mode of transportation is usually cycle/2-wheelers or public transport mostly.

pankajs · Post by **pankajs** » 03 Jan 2014 20:27

Kejriwal govt under flak from auto-taxi unions post CNG hike

Aam Aadmi Party chief and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal is under the flak from the auto and taxi unions following the hike in the CNG prices.

The CNG price had been hiked by Rs.4.30 last week. The CNG prices have winessed a hike of Rs.11 during the last eight months, raising the hackles of auto and taxi unions, who had threatened to go on strike.

However, Kejriwal, who enjoys a mass following among the unions, assured to look into the issue. However, neither the CNG price has been rolled back, nor the auto fares have been hiked, with the result the unions are livid with the Delhi government.

Comer · Post by **Comer** » 03 Jan 2014 20:29

Shonu, came to post the (expected) going back on all those high faluting promises, you have summed up nicely.
I think it is net good for BJP if AAP shows its true colours after coming to power. If they were in opposition they will still be regarded as pristine pure. Now after not even one week in office, they are getting attracted to trappings in power. I don't grudge them good housing and transport but if you are coming to power after grandstanding, expect people to do the same thing to you.
Good show onlee!

pankajs · Post by **pankajs** » 03 Jan 2014 20:36

Arvind Kejriwal in 'free water' row as housing societies cry foul

People living in areas under the New Delhi Municipal Council and the Delhi Cantonment Board are, however, not included in the free-water scheme as the water utility provides water in bulk in these areas. The hundreds of group housing societies in Delhi, which are also provided water in bulk, have also been excluded.

Residents of housing societies in Dwarka, Rohini and Mayur Vihar accused the new government of bias for keeping them out of the schemes. Residents of Vasundhara Enclave in East Delhi, which has 45 group housing societies and approximately 5,000 households, have demanded that the housing societies be treated as a cluster if the residents do not have individual meters.

JohnTitor · Post by **JohnTitor** » 03 Jan 2014 20:46

See the best part of all of this is that there won't be a fall in govt in 6 months as people here are expecting.. think about it. They have been revealed as hypocrites within a few days. Now if they are forced into a re-election, they will lose all their MLAs, so they will ensure INCs supports them, by hook or crook .. mostly cash me thinks. They are now caught in a loop:

to stay in power --> they have to be corrupt* --> if they are corrupt, they will lose votes --> if they lose votes they can't be in power --> if they aren't in power they will become an "aam admi" (pun intended) --> so they have to stay in power

*corrupt = wide definition ... includes bribes to be paid to supporters (subsidies), other parties for support, MNCs for funds etc

The more they claim they are aam admi, the more people will expect them to act like one, but the harder it is when you are in power.. with the ability to have anything you desire... consequently, even the slightest deviation from that will cause blowback. So this is brilliant news. Well done BJP.. now all that needs to be done to bring AAP's downfall will be done by AAP themselves

IndraD · Post by **IndraD** » 03 Jan 2014 21:01

AAP Ministers accept Innova, Kejriwal moves into 10 bedroom double duplex house
http://www.deccanchronicle.com/140103/n ... ota-innova

Kumar bakwas is defending 10 bedroom house saying that one duplex will be converted into office, since his parents and wife also are coming hence AK has got only 2 rooms for himself, this is golden moment in history!

krisna · Post by **krisna** » 03 Jan 2014 21:04

Just for some reality facts--

It is BJP which is acting like real aam aadmi-
consider this-

1) Jagadish Shettar former BJP cm in karnataka used public transport like railways with out much hue and cry for security. AK took metro but 3 metros had to be delayed or stopped to faciliatte his passage aas a aam aadmi.
2) Dr Raman Singh for the last 7-8 years has not been using red beacon lights at all in Chhatisgarh which is a maoist infected area. No hue and cry.Here AK is shouting from roof tops about red beacon non use.
3) Manohar Parikkar uses his own expenses includng calling his son from abroad(london). Uses his friends or own help/expenses for non official work- even mingles with Goan crowd at various places in public. he has minimal security. This is sort of like switzerland where public figures are in public literally.
4) NaMo ensures peace and security in all of Gujarat- takes personal responsibilty- attends answers public grievances thru officlias or himself personally. Best example- Immediatley post Godhra riots personally undertook tour of Jagannath procession route which works its way thru muslim localities in Amdavad. This is a brave leader despite heavily marked esp in the aftermath of riots and negative publicity. remember the threat of muslim and congis goondas/rowdies was not neutralsied then in 2002-3 period still.
5) Vasundhara Raje Scindia in Rajasthan takes 2-3 hours everyweek to meet public , mingles with them with minimum fuss.

All of them do not make paid media news nor do they shout from rooftops in SM or thru official gtate govt channels.

All the above cases are more aam aadmi than AK and his nautankis.

member_28352 · Post by **member_28352** » 03 Jan 2014 21:05

Expect Fordiwal to make a grand statement "giving up" his 10 bedroom house and moving into smaller digs. Fordiwal's chameleon like moves would make the aya rams and gaya rams of indian politics blush.

member_28352 · Post by **member_28352** » 03 Jan 2014 21:08

For that matter even Maunmohan Singh and Pranab Mukherjee are aam-admi politicians without them ever making a virtue out of it. Other politicians like left chief ministers, Mamata, Naveen Patnaik are Nitish Kumar are also aam admi without making a huge song and dance about it.

krisna · Post by **krisna** » 03 Jan 2014 21:09

IndraD wrote:AAP Ministers accept Innova, Kejriwal moves into 10 bedroom double duplex house
http://www.deccanchronicle.com/140103/n ... ota-innova

He already has 4 bedroom apartment in Delhi. now he will move into 5 bedroom apartment x2.
what an aam aadmi.

doing rounds in teetar.

rohiths · Post by **rohiths** » 03 Jan 2014 22:28

Created a meme on the chosen messiah
http://imgur.com/gallery/dogzj

IndraD · Post by **IndraD** » 03 Jan 2014 22:57

a comment from TOI forum

AAP is a FUNNY PARTY ........GOVERNMENT CARS ~ OK . Lal Bathis ~ NOT. ...... PORSCHE DUPLEX HOUSE ~ OK .......Bungalow~ NOT .............................CONGRESS is ~OK .... Corruption is ~NOT. .......... Politics are OK .. Politicians are NOT .............. Giving away Tax payers money for free is OK . STEALING is NOT.

RajeshA · Post by **RajeshA** » 04 Jan 2014 00:53

BSR Congress eager to join BJP: Deccan Herald

BSR Congress

In another development, former minister and BSR Congress president B Sriramulu is said to be making hectic efforts to merge his party with the BJP.

It is said that except for former chief minister Jagadish Shettar other BJP state leaders are not showing the same interest in Sriramulu as they did with regard to the homecoming of Yeddyuruppa. They have left it to the party central leadership to take a final call. Senior leader Sushma Swaraj , who fell out with the Reddy brothers and Sriramulu, is said to be against the merger. The BSR Congress has four MLAs.

Muppalla · Post by **Muppalla** » 04 Jan 2014 01:01

good that BJP is now complete.

RajeshA · Post by **RajeshA** » 04 Jan 2014 04:33

Published on Dec 26, 2013
JVMP and JD(U) will work together to fulfill common goals: Babulal Marandi: IBN Live

Shanmukh · Post by **Shanmukh** » 04 Jan 2014 04:39

BJP making inroads in Bengal

http://www.deccanherald.com/content/378 ... seats.html

Muppalla · Post by **Muppalla** » 04 Jan 2014 04:57

RajeshA wrote:Published on Dec 26, 2013
JVMP and JD(U) will work together to fulfill common goals: Babulal Marandi: IBN Live

Babulal Marandi is not that important for BJP. The tribals are two divisions (1) Santhals and (2) chota nagpuris (spelling?). The Santhals vote for JMM and Congress. All chota nagpuris vote for BJP. It is competitive between these groups. Marandi cannot bring any extra votes especially when Madhu Khoda is not merged to congress. No need to get into this useless split. Instead a BJP forwards caste+chota nagpuris + OBC(Modi factor) will defeat all other combinations.

It is all about polarize your vote and bring to booths as far as JHK is concerned.

RajeshA · Post by **RajeshA** » 04 Jan 2014 05:03

As per IBTL survey
BJP vote shares jump drastically in South
TN - 9%
AP - 11%
Kerala - 15%
Kar - 32%

Shanmukh · Post by **Shanmukh** » 04 Jan 2014 05:07

RajeshA wrote:As per IBTL survey
BJP vote shares jump drastically in South
TN - 9%
AP - 11%
Kerala - 15%
Kar - 32%

That was done prior to the return of Yeddy. With the return of Yeddy, BJP votes will go up another 5% in Karnataka. Also, Yeddy's votes are concentrated in about 4-5 seats, so it can be a real game changer.

As for BSR Congress, it is extremely powerful in 1 seat, and has significant influence in another. But it brings with it a lot of painful baggage, so I would say - avoid the guy.

RajeshA · Post by **RajeshA** » 04 Jan 2014 05:24

nageshks wrote:As for BSR Congress, it is extremely powerful in 1 seat, and has significant influence in another. But it brings with it a lot of painful baggage, so I would say - avoid the guy.

Tactical understanding for the two seats would then suffice.

RajeshA · Post by **RajeshA** » 04 Jan 2014 05:37

Published on Dec 24 2013
By Ravish Tiwari
AAP on mind, BJP may re-draw poll strategy in Haryana: Indian Express

But another party leader said, "Different permutations and combinations are possible. Chautala may be seen in a poor light in Delhi, but in Haryana, people still have sympathy for him. The outcome of his appeal, set to be heard in the high court in January, will be crucial for us".

SriKumar · Post by **SriKumar** » 04 Jan 2014 06:23

^^^ I vaguely recall a Chautala being accused of a serious crime in Meham, Haryana, ages ago. Is he the same Chautala? (plus this person went to jail for some scam)? It is a wonder why there is local support for him....I am sure there are good reasons!

Shanmukh · Post by **Shanmukh** » 04 Jan 2014 06:35

SriKumar wrote:^^^ I vaguely recall a Chautala being accused of a serious crime in Meham, Haryana, ages ago. Is he the same Chautala? (plus this person went to jail for some scam)? It is a wonder why there is local support for him....I am sure there are good reasons!

Yes, this is the same Chauthala. There is one and only one inimitable Om Prakash Chauthala. Scams are not new to him, or to his dear (departed) daddy, Chaudhary Devi Lal. They belong to a bygone era.

Shanmukh · Post by **Shanmukh** » 04 Jan 2014 06:44

Kejriwal defends his twin 5 bedroom apartments.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city ... 348797.cms

They take cars, but not red lights. They take government housing, because it is all for the good of the people.

Is it just me or is Arvind Kejriwal beginning to sound like the Squealer of Animal Farm (The animals had sworn never to sleep in a bed, in the manifesto. But when the pigs started sleeping in beds, Squaler defended saying they the did not sleep in beds, but in between sheets

. The pigs also ate apples and drank milk for the good of the other animals - to serve the other animals, of course.)

In the epic words of B Chi (a Kannada author), ಸತ್ತ ಸಾಚ ಸಾಹೇಬ (The lord of righteousness is dead!)

krishnan · Post by **krishnan** » 04 Jan 2014 08:54

India - Behind The Lens
Please help in this survey

Any AAP Trolls who were supporting AAP vehemently but are now disillusioned with AAP after the following

1 Their Alliance with Congress
2 Continuous abuse of Narendra Modi
3 Saying we will not take action against corrupt bureaucrats
4 Giving Clean chit to Sheila Dikshit
5 Purchasing votes, by bribing voters on subsidizing free water and electricity

Is there any AAP Troll who was an AAP supporter but changed his stance after any of the above mentioned things happened?.

Please just comment CHG. Those who still support AAP, comment FIRM

FB post, there are 66 comments, all are now AAP haters , they voted and liked him before , but now see him as being someone who is hand in hand with congres

madhu · Post by **madhu** » 04 Jan 2014 09:10

krishnan wrote:
India - Behind The Lens
Please help in this survey

Any AAP Trolls who were supporting AAP vehemently but are now disillusioned with AAP after the following

1 Their Alliance with Congress
2 Continuous abuse of Narendra Modi
3 Saying we will not take action against corrupt bureaucrats
4 Giving Clean chit to Sheila Dikshit
5 Purchasing votes, by bribing voters on subsidizing free water and electricity

Is there any AAP Troll who was an AAP supporter but changed his stance after any of the above mentioned things happened?.

Please just comment CHG. Those who still support AAP, comment FIRM
FB post, there are 66 comments, all are now AAP haters , they voted and liked him before , but now see him as being someone who is hand in hand with congres

these people are very few. majority think him as Maseeha of corruption.. media will showcase him as the most simplest person.. better than Modi.. and create a bandwagon towards him to keep Modi at check.