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Tag: Abhishek Manu Singhvi

  • Even as the quality of discourse has dropped dramatically, Shailesh Kapoor finds five who make sense

    Top 5 Voices Of Sanity in Political Debates

     

    By Shailesh Kapoor

     

    The General Elections are finally here. Even as the nation goes to polls, the quality of political debate has hit an all-time low. From Rahul Gandhi’s imbecile answers to vitriolic personal attacks by stray politicians (including one who said he will chop Narendra Modi to pieces) to using the Indian Army to polarise votes, I thought I had seen it all. And then yesterday, Mulayam Singh Yadav decided to make light of gangrape by calling it as a “mistake” young boys could make.

     

    Expecting a bit of courtesy, intelligence and maturity in political discourse is perhaps asking for too much. Even Narendra Modi’s language comes across as uncouth at times; language that’s certainly not befitting a potential Prime Minister. But if one’s benchmark is a Prime Minister who hardly communicated for 10 years, one should not be too demanding.

     

    In the midst of this class-less and even dangerous pitch, some politicians stand out as being the odd ones. Here’s my pick of five politicians who have brought some sanity to the degenerating political debate:

     

    5. Abhishek Manu Singhvi: It is difficult to pick a Congress talking head who makes sense these days, but Singhvi comes across as the most articulate and well-mannered of the lot. He is no political heavyweight himself, unlike some others on this list. But he communicates well, even in the midst of what are turning out to be by far the roughest elections for his party.

     

    4. Rajnath Singh: Even as Modi plays to the gallery via the lowbrow route, BJP chief Rajnath Singh has maintained dignity and composure throughout this campaign. He is evidently the back-end man here, keeping the pieces together, while leaving the talking to others. But when he speaks, he makes an impression alright, especially with his clarity of thought. Is there a chance he may be the compromise choice for the top position if NDA falls short by a small margin and other parties give support under the condition that Modi should not be the PM? Let’s wait for May 16.

     

    3. Derek O’Brien: The quizmaster turned Trinamool Congress leader has the unenviable task of defending the indefensible at times. His party chief Mamata Banerjee suffers from occasional bouts of the foot-in-mouth disease, but O’Brien is now well experienced in handling the mess. He has gift of the gab, and can even be cheekily entertaining at times. I have a feeling we will hear a lot more of him after May 16, as TMC may end up playing a crucial role at the Centre.

     

    2. Jay Panda: I find the BJD leader by far the most affable face in Indian politics today. He is always soft-spoken and dignified, and never short of deep knowledge and a clear view on the subject matter. Read his Wiki page to know what a model Member of Parliament could be!

     

    1. Smriti Irani: Throw the ‘actors can’t become serious politicians’ argument out of the window right away. Smriti Irani means business. Having struggled her way up the ranks in BJP, she has now got the exposure and the confidence that will catapult her in to top league soon. Irani is super entertaining too. Her sarcasm can be scathing at times, yet never unreasonably personal. In the true sense, she combines the qualities of a good politician and a good actor. Watch her recent Aap Ki Adalat episode with Rajat Sharma or her chat with Barkha Dutt earlier this week and you are sure to root for her. She is all set to stretch Rahul Gandhi in Amethi. More power to Smriti Irani and her commitment to a political career.

     

  • If it gets established that the man compromised his powerful position, Singhvi ought to be sent to jail, no less. Only then must he become a topic of chat shows

    Anil Thakraney: Singhvi’s colourful CD

    By Anil Thakraney

     

    Ok, so the TV studios are yet again buzzing with excited chats on how to censor the social media. The same issues are being gassed upon. Law, freedom of expression, ethics, morality, blah blah. The trigger this time is that horny CD of Congressman Abhishek Manu Singhvi in action, which has gone viral on the net. Singhvi, of course, says the CD is fabricated, but then that’s what they all claim when naughty folks are caught with their pants down.

     

    I watched the video (carefully, hehe) and here are my observations on it, as well as on the television chats.

     

    The English television anchors appear very keen that Singhvi is quickly proved innocent and is re-instated as the Congress spokesman. They aren’t saying so directly, but their arguments and concern for the man is easy to see. This is what happens when you bond with the politicians… you get attached to them. And this sends objectivity for a toss. TV journos based inDelhisimply HAVE to find a way to remain detached and dispassionate.

     

    Yes, a ‘sting operation’ conducted by a disgruntled driver cannot be trusted. Therefore, all speculative discussions on the mass media must immediately end. And we must wait till the forensics guys give us their verdict. This is the fair thing to do.

     

    However, let’s get one thing clear: The chatter on the social media will go on for a bit, one cannot control it; there is no chance of the law finding a way to beat new technology. So instead of frothing over it, it’s best to let it be. Very soon the restless Twitterites will get bored of Singhvi, and will find a new bakra.

     

    Next, the CD itself. Because the audio isn’t clear, as a lay viewer, one cannot ascertain whether Singhvi compromised professionally with the lady lawyer. And if it’s later proved that he did not, and was simply having fun in his office, then the sex romp becomes his wife’s problem, not ours. In which case he should be left alone to sort out his domestic mess. And I say this despite the fact that the man works for a political party. Every individual has the right to his/her personal life. All the more reason the TV debates are being unwittingly unfair to him.

     

    On the other hand, if it gets established that the man compromised his powerful position, Singhvi ought to be sent to jail, no less. Only then must he become a topic of chat shows.

     

    On a lighter note, I have to say Singhvi finally found a way to entertain us. For years he’s been plugging his stained leaders on TV, and boring us to death with his desperately unconvincing arguments. So, a big thank you is in order.

     

    Lastly, wish the driver had done a stint with Tehelka before he decided to trap his boss. No, I have no issues with the poor quality of the video, that’s fine. But the camera angle is ridiculous, it conceals the significant parts. 🙂

     

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