MODI’S ‘AAP-DA HATAO’ SLOGAN WON DELHI’S HEART AND POLL: Dr JAGDEESH CHANDRA

In the latest offering of the JC Show, Dr Jagdeesh Chandra decodes that BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s victory in Delhi marks a significant political milestone, breaking Arvind Kejriwal’s stronghold. Dr Chandra further states that with the mastermind strategies of Amit Shah, his mentor Modi’s narrative, like “AAP-Da Hatao,” resonated deeply with voters, contributing to a decisive win. He stresses that this victory is a reflection of Modi’s enduring influence, bolstered by his anti-corruption stance and the promise of a developed India by 2047, as Modi’s leadership and Shah’s effective ground-level strategy not only shattered Kejriwal’s political image but also shifted middle-class support toward the BJP. The defeat of AAP is attributed to Kejriwal’s confrontations with Modi, governance issues, and the BJP’s superior promises, ensuring a fresh political landscape in Delhi. Excerpts... (Part-1)

• Modi breaks Kejriwal’s ‘wall’... How do you see this entire sequence of events?
  Dr Jagdeesh Chandra: Prime Minister Narendra Modi must be ecstatic. During his trips to France and America, you’ll notice a special kind of victorious smile on his face. In Narendra Modi’s eyes, the victory in Delhi is his biggest triumph. For the past 11 years, since becoming PM, there has been a pain in his heart. He conquered the world but couldn’t win Delhi. This time, before the elections, he called his chief strategist and commander-in-chief, Amit Shah and told him in clear terms. The strategy will be considered successful only if we win Delhi this time. Amit Shah took his mentor Narendra Modi’s advice very seriously. Today, the result is in front of everyone. The ‘wall’ that Kejriwal had built, Modi has completely demolished it, broken it down. You could say Modi drove his bulldozer on Kejriwal’s wall. The interesting thing is that today, people remember Kejriwal’s warning. A few years ago, he had said that to defeat me, Narendra Modi would need to take birth again. Look at where Narendra Modi is today. Flying in AIR INDIA ONE at 50,000 feet and, look at Kejriwal standing in the markets of Chandni Chowk, looking up at the same sky from the ground. That’s why it’s said - MODI BREAKS Kejriwal’s ‘WALL.’
   
• What impact did Narendra Modi’s “AAPDa Hatao” slogan have in this election?
  It was a superhit narrative. Narendra Modi is blessed with Saraswati’s boon. The ability to create new narratives, craft them, and propagate them. Whatever he says, works. And this one was a superhit, both for the AAP party and for the crisis. The day this narrative was launched, well-known advertising companies said Narendra Modi could very well run a successful advertising company. Even while being Prime Minister, he creates excellent narratives. His narrative was very impressive, it resonated with people and became quite popular. I have seen many people in Jaipur and Delhi humming this narrative. It was one of the most successful narratives of Narendra Modi’s political career. He has created many narratives, but this one was one of the best.
   
• What is Narendra Modi’s new plan after riding the Ashwamedh horse of electoral victory? And what remains in his political and personal agenda?
  Narendra Modi is indeed on the Ashwamedh horse, and there’s no one, either in India or abroad, who can stop his chariot now. He is serving his third term as Prime Minister, with BJP and its allies in power in 18 states, including all four states in the NCR. His major achievements, like the Ram Mandir and Article 370, have been fulfilled. Looking ahead, it seems Modi is on a path toward becoming a significant figure in India’s future. According to astrologers, the next 10 years of his life will be the best, and he is expected to remain Prime Minister for at least that long. While the opposition may grow stronger in three years, they will still not be able to defeat him. Politically, Modi’s agenda is focused on a “Developed India by 2047.” On a personal level, he has no agenda—he lives a simple life. His focus is zero, while his official goal is to achieve a developed India. The next 10 years will reveal how he fulfils this vision, and we will take pride in being citizens of a developed nation.
   
• Is BJP’s victory in Delhi like a breath of fresh air in city’s politics?
  PM Modi himself said that the people who came to Delhi (AAP) had said they would work above politics, but they turned out to be utterly dishonest. He said politics can’t run on false promises. PM Modi also mentioned that Anna Hazare must be comforted now because his disciple turned out to be unworthy. His pain must have been eased today. There was a growing atmosphere in Delhi about corruption, pollution, dirty drains, and bad roads. People now have hope that the old desires of Delhiites will be fulfilled. The double-engine government will meet the expectations of the people.
   
• Narendra Modi mentioned corruption in AAP and said that what was taken from Delhiites must be returned. What does this mean?
  The meaning is very clear that Narendra Modi’s anti-corruption agenda will accelerate. New actions will be taken against AAP’s scandals that were overlooked before. Old cases will be pursued by government agencies. CAG’s 14 pending reports will be presented in the assembly, and action will follow. Overall, the next year will focus on Modi’s anti-corruption agenda regarding AAP. That’s why he said what has been earned must be returned to the people.
   
• As the capital of the country and an international capital with Embassies, international media, and the international community, what message does BJP’s victory in Delhi send to all these groups?
  This victory goes beyond the boundaries of New Delhi. Embassies, international media, and international agencies send messages and assessments to their respective nations. The message they are sending is clear and simple: India now has a very strong Prime Minister, one who can win anything, one who can defeat anybody. This sends a strong message about Narendra Modi’s aura, about India’s leadership, and it’s a strong message that has gone across the country and to foreign nations.
   
• How effective was Amit Shah’s political strategy in the Delhi elections? And how did he help fulfil Narendra Modi’s dream of bringing a BJP government to Delhi?
  Amit Shah made a significant contribution to the Delhi elections. Under Narendra Modi’s supervision, he was the “man of the match.” Modi set the challenge, gave him the target, and entrusted him with the responsibility, which Amit Shah accepted and executed with full force. His strength lies in completing whatever responsibility he takes on. He emphasized the importance of delivery in life, and at the end of the day, Amit Shah is a big “delivery man” in the country. His strategy focused more on ground-level work rather than just narratives. He focused on man-toman and house-to-house outreach, utilizing the party’s organisational experience and focusing on workers. This strategy has shown results today.
   
• Some people say that in the last few months, Amit Shah has been adding flexibility to his tough ruler image. How do you see this change?
  That’s a brilliant observation, and it’s true. This change in Amit Shah’s personality is quite evident. Earlier, his expressions made him seem always angry, and people wondered if they could even talk to him. But now, his personality shows more flexibility. The media is also happy with him; he sits, converses, and engages in normal dialogues. The most important thing is that his personality is evolving from a tough administrator to a statesman. Recently, when he went to Prayagraj for a Ganga bath, his pictures showed an increasing acceptability towards him. After Narendra Modi, Amit Shah’s popularity and acceptance are rising. Being a tough administrator is one thing, but gaining public acceptability is another. I think he’s learning tips from his mentor, Narendra Modi, which is why we are seeing this new version of him.
   
• Who will be the new Chief Minister of Delhi? Will there be a Deputy CM? Could a Dalit leader be appointed as CM or Deputy CM?
  Firstly, the BJP today is different from the one during Atal Bihari Vajpayee or Advani’s time, where caste played a role in choosing leaders like Madan Lal Khurana or Sushma Swaraj. This is Modi, Shah, and Nadda’s BJP, where decisions are made differently. Choosing a Chief Minister is like choosing a mini Prime Minister. There have been meetings between JP Nadda and Amit Shah and probably informal discussions with the PM. Various models are being studied. It is being said that the new CM should not be highprofile or a ‘power centre’ but someone who can represent the future of politics. Factors like caste, religion, efficiency, and political strategy influence the decision. The selection of Delhi’s CM is a significant exercise, and the oath is expected around February 14-15 after PM Modi’s return. The natural name being discussed is Parvesh, who defeated Kejriwal. However, he has been behaving like a CM recently, and the high command has advised him not to present himself as one yet. Names like Vijender and Rekha Gupta are also being discussed. But with Modi and Shah’s secrecy, a surprising face could emerge. One thing is clear: the CM will be a legislator; no one will be parachuted in. The BJP will likely appoint a Dy CM based on caste, region, experience, and strategy. A Dalit CM is possible, but the top candidate lost the election, and another Dalit who joined from Congress might face questions. While possible, predicting Modi or Shah’s decision is difficult. The final choice will depend on political calculations and remains uncertain.
   
• What were the main reasons behind Kejriwal’s downfall and BJP’s return to power after 27 years in Delhi?
  The biggest reason for Kejriwal’s downfall was his direct confrontation with Narendra Modi. This election was Modi vs Kejriwal, and Kejriwal was destined to lose. Modi showed immense moral courage, led from the front, and campaigned by asking for votes as the CM. On the other hand, Modi destroyed Kejriwal’s image and personality, once known for his honesty, with scandals like the liquor scam. Kejriwal couldn’t stand up to Modi. The biggest reason was the battle between Modi and Kejriwal, with Kejriwal bound to lose. Another factor was Kejriwal’s failure to ally with Congress, which could have changed the situation. The middle-class shift from AAP to BJP, anti-incumbency, and governance issues like poor water supply, roads, drainage, & pollution also played a role. BJP introduced better freebies than AAP, like Rs 2,500 for women and Rs 10 lakh health coverage. Kejriwal’s neglect of AAP workers, who felt ignored, contributed as well. Ultimately, it was Modi’s strategy against Kejriwal’s fate, leading to his downfall.

TO BE CONTINUED...

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