Rajive Singh's Blog: Over 200 seats for BJP means support for Modi: Vinod Mehta

A congregation of social activists, school children, scribes and eminent citizens of Doon had a rare stimulating intellectual interaction on Sunday with celebrated editor Vinod Mehta as he delivered a candid talk on his understanding of the current political scene in the country.

Hosted by Garhwal Post at St. Joseph’s Academy, the tête-à-tête was informal, simple and to the point - no ifs and buts.

Though an ardent supporter of Congress, Mehta feels that the winds of political change have been blowing in the country for many months now and the people of India made up their minds long ago to vote Congress party out of power in the 2014 general elections. People are angry with the incumbent government and the extent of the people’s wrath will be reflected in the final tally of seats.

As he has been saying for the past few months now, Mehta feels that BJP’s Narendra Modi is set to assume office as the country’s Prime Minister next month. If the BJP gets less than 200 seats, it will mean that the vote is for the party while anything over that would mean that people have voted for Modi. He, however, has doubts on Modi’s ability to carry with him all the religious minorities of the country. Mehta also disclosed that he has two ongoing cases in courts against Modi.

BJP, he said, was flush with funds as was evident in its aggressive advertisement blitz. Congress, on the other hand, seemed to be heading for its worst ever performance, with a strong possibility of failing to reach even the three figure mark. There also seemed to be voices within the Congress to give a larger role to Priyanka as Rahul appeared to be not only a reluctant leader but also not fit for the grind of Indian politics.

Mehta was also critical of the hate campaign speech by Congress candidate from Saharanpur in UP Imran Masood wherein he said that he would cut Narendra Modi to pieces if he attempted to turn UP into Gujarat. He also blamed the media, particularly television, for showing the objectionable clip repeatedly thereby making the situation graver.

The interactive session that followed was lively too.

Renu D. Singh, eminent lawyer and social worker, asked whether women-specific issues and participation of women in politics will get a boost should Narendra Modi become the Prime Minister, Mehta said though he did not foresee anything dramatic happening, yet things could change for the better if a dynamic person like Sushma Swaraj heads the ministry for Women and Child Development.

Several school children wanted to know what he thought of Arvind Kejriwal and his ill-fated government in Delhi, to which he said Kejriwal was a good protester but did not have a clue to governance and hence could not run his government. Mehta answered several other queries from the audience amid cheering and applause.

All in all it was an absorbing and fruitful session.

Eminent citizen Dr. S. Farooq welcomed Vinod Mehta with a bouquet of flowers.

Satish Sharma was the master of ceremonies.