The debate over the possibility of the BJP replacing any of its Chief Ministers seems to be finally over. Sources say party president Amit Shah has given a safe passage to all CMs. Now it is being said that no CM will be replaced before the next lok Sabha Elections. Ever since Narendra Modi and Amit Shah took command of the BJP, only two CMs have been replaced. Anandiben Patel, who had taken charge of Gujarat after Modi, was replaced by Vijay Rupani, and Manohar Parrikar was taken on board the Central Cabinet when he was the CM of Goa, but now he is back to his post. Apart from these two, the leadership has not been changed anywhere.
Soon after Modi became the Prime Minister, there was a discussion that three veteran CMs might be replaced. Modi made changes in his Government twice, and each time there was speculation that Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Raman Singh, and Vasundhara Raje might be brought into the Central Cabinet fold. However, no changes were made.
Sources say the three kshatrapas will continue in their States and the party will go into elections under their leadership. In Jaipur, Amit Shah praised Vasundhara, and this was seen as an indication that the party will contest under her leadership only.
Apart from these three leaders, the name of Jharkhand CM Raghubar Das was also discussed a lot. Three tribal MlAs have put all their efforts to take Das’ place. A tribal MP could be promoted, keeping in mind Odisha and Chhattisgarh. Two non-tribal MlAs are also trying their best to reach the CM post. But sources say Modi and Amit Shah have immense faith in Raghubar Das, so he will continue. There is a possibility that a tribal leader might be given an important post in the party organisation. Sources say that if the BJP wins the 2019 lok Sabha Elections, only then some kshatrapas might be replaced.
FATE OF GOPAl GANDHI
The Vice-Presidential candidate of the united Opposition, Gopalkrishna Gandhi, might join active politics. He is not ready to return to oblivion even if he faces defeat in the Vice Presidential elections. Sources in the Opposition say he might be sent to the Rajya Sabha. Though it has not been decided yet from where he would be sent or which party will send him, the Opposition leaders have talked about this several times. It was the idea of the left parties to nominate Gopal Gandhi as the candidate of the Opposition for the V-P post. Earlier, the CPM had proposed his name for the President’s post, but was compelled to support Meira Kumar subsequently. later, Mamata Banerjee also gave her consent for Gandhi’s name. He had been the Governor of West Bengal and at that time he had a cordial relationship with Mamata, who was then in the Opposition.
That is why some say even Mamata can send him to the Rajya Sabha. But elections for six seats of the Rajya Sabha from West Bengal are being held right now; July 28 was the last date to file nominations. So, it is not possible to send Gandhi to the Rajya Sabha.
There is another speculation — the Presidential candidate Meira Kumar can be sent to the Rajya Sabha from West Bengal as a Congress candidate. The Congress had played the Dalit card by making Meira the Presidential candidate and that can be taken to its logical end by sending her to the Rajya Sabha.
In the same manner, some say the grandson of Mahatma Gandhi must be sent to the Rajya Sabha if he is defeated in the V-P election. But if Gandhi has to be sent from West Bengal, he will have to wait till 2019.
lIVE COVERAGE OF HOUSES
Big changes are on the cards for telecast of Rajya Sabha TV if Venkaiah Naidu becomes the Vice-President. Important decisions can also be taken regarding the live telecast of proceedings of the lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. There is speculation that live telecast of proceedings of both Houses could be banned. A decision could be taken regarding a deferred live telecast.
In fact, for the past few months, questions are being raised over live telecast of proceedings of both Houses, especially after a controversy in the ongoing Monsoon Session. These things have been happening on a regular basis for some time now. Journalists usually get late information regarding any decision of the House by which time the news already spreads through live telecast. Therefore, stopping live telecast appears to be the only way out in lieu of which a recorded programme can be put on air instead. Although, it is also true that once this happens, the possibility of editing many things would increase, on the basis of which, the Opposition can oppose the move.
I-DAY CElEBRATIONS
Every year Independence Day celebrations seem to be getting longer and longer. last year, they lasted for 10 days. This time, they promise to be even longer. Preparations have started on many levels. last year, celebrations started on August 11 and lasted till August 20. Many functions were held for several days at Rajpath, and all MPs were instructed to hold Tiranga Yatras in their constituencies.
This time, celebrations could start in the first week of August itself. This year, August 9 will mark the 75th anniversary of the Quit India Movement. Furthermore, this is the 70th year of Independence. So, the Government has decided to celebrate these two milestones with much fanfare. That is why it is being speculated that the celebrations will start even before August 9.
In Delhi, all Government buildings will be illuminated just like last year. Parliament and Delhi Assembly will also be decorated. Bharat Parv at Rajpath will be celebrated with more pomp and grandeur in comparison to last year. Artists from all over India will be showcasing their talent — right from Vijay Chowk to India Gate. There is no instruction on Tiranga Yatra yet, but sources say that all MPs will be organising the procession just like last year. The celebrations could start on August 7 and go on till August 20.
AHMED PATEl’S CHANCES
Ahmed Patel is yet again the Congress candidate for the Rajya Sabha from Gujarat. On August 18, three seats will be vacated from Gujarat; one is of Ahmed Patel and the other two belong to the BJP — one to Smriti Irani and the other to Dilipbhai Pandya. Sources in the Congress say there is no leader except Ahmed Patel who can possibly win that seat. Shankersinh Vaghela has become a rebel and left the Congress, so victory will not be easy for Ahmed Patel. It must be noted that in the Presidential election, at least nine and maximum 11 MlAs of the Congress cross-voted for Ramnath Kovind. If the same number of MlAs go for cross-voting in the Rajya Sabha election, then it will be difficult for Ahmed Patel to win. To cast his vote, Vaghela has not resigned from membership of the House.
Of the total 182 members of the Gujarat Assembly, the BJP has 121 and the Congress has 57 MlAs. The House has one JDU, two NCP MlAs, and one MlA is an Independent. To win one seat of the Rajya Sabha, 46 votes will be needed. This will only be possible if Vaghela is stopped from sabotaging the plan. The Vaghela faction claims that more than 20 MlAs are in contact with the leader, but the Congress leaders are not buying this claim. But it won’t come as a surprise if MlAs start the rebel game before the Assembly Elections.