Tags:
Journalism of Courage
Were the racing track of Indian politics topsy-turvy terrain requiring steep swerves and sudden u-turns,bet on the Samajwadi Party. Driven by Amar Singh,that consummate coalition operator,the SP can make 360-degree turns in a fraction of a second,and coast through political dirt tracks without so much as a scratch on the bonnet. It is this dexterity that helped the SP coast to power in UP,become a national political force,and provide oxygen to a Left-less UPA during the nuclear deal saga. But with general elections in UP spelling trouble for the SP,its driving skills are being tested like never before. Can the SP steer a win in this race too?
On recent track record,the answer seems no. What they might have thought a shrewd political move the consolidation of UPs OBC vote by bringing in Lodh voters through Kalyan Singh has swiftly backfired. Many in UPs Muslim communities have poured venom on the man they feel is responsible for the Babri Masjids destruction. With the Congress and the BSP angling for voters from those communities,the SP risks alienating voters that,post-Babri Masjid,catapulted it into state power and stayed loyal thereafter. Now comes the revolt of senior SP leader Azam Khan,furious at Amar Singh favourite Jayaprada being parachuted into his constituency another trademark SP manoeuvre. Azam Khan wants to see Kalyan Singh hanged. The SP car seems to have run out of fuel.
