Today as the INDIA bloc released its common manifesto, what caught the attention was Tejashwi Yadav’s comment calling Nitish Kumar a puppet of NDA.
The comment has multiple connotations. It says that Mr Kumar is just a face, and the real power is exercised by others in his name, or that he is a puppet whose strings are in the hands of BJP. It also suggests that Mr Kumar is not involved in the massive corruption and incompetent rut, which the government is accused of, rather that he is just a puppet used for cover.
It also implies that Mr Kumar is incapable or incapacitated by ill health or otherwise, and is now only trying to hold on to his position, albeit without any real power, and maintain the facade of his grandeur.
Meanings may be derived aplenty, but the fact that such a comment has been taken comfortably by the state is demonstrative of the fall that Mr Kumar has had.
A stalwart of the samajwadi movement, he was Mr Lalu Yadav’s prime lieutenant, who rebelled against him, in his first term itself, when his political formulation seemed invincible, it did last another 12 years. Responding to the apprehensions of his EBC constituency in face of Yadav ascendancy he exemplified political courage and conviction.
His administrative acumen earned him the nickname of ‘sushasan baby’ in a land declared lawless. His personal credibility created a loyal Muslim constituency despite his 3 decade long association with the BJP.
He dared to break away on the declaration of Mr narendra modi as the prime ministerial candidate and could hold onto his voter base, even after 3 swings of changing partners. Even Ms Mayawati could not command such loyalty.
Today’s comment by Tejashwi Yadav has exposed the facade of his charisma and it may prove to be the biggest blow for NDA. Coming from someone 40 years his junior, it has hit hard. It may also help the bjp in sidelining him after the election irrespective of the numbers.
Indian democracy is suffering a serious crisis of credibility and the fall of such a repository of credibility will hurt it further.
