THE OTHER SIDE
Paritosh Kimothi
The potential of social media and the narrative was used to good effect to capitalise on the frustration and aspirations of the public by the Bharatiya Janata Party to make Narendra Modi the Prime Minister of Bharat in 2014. At least in Uttarakhand, this fact appears to be ignored due to complacency or plain conceit. The result is that despite what the party and its leaders state in the land where gods and goddesses are living entities- not just images, it seems to be repeatedly losing the narrative. At times this is more so due to the actions and attitude of the machinery and its ‘batti dharis’.
There are multiple cases of the social media being used in recent months to influence or inflame temperament-with some citing valid reasons in some cases- to which the BJP responded with the usual statements. As the BJP may have done before 2014, the social media was used to inflame public sentiment in some issues to which the ruling party might not have responded as efficiently as it should have.
In the Agastyamuni case on the national highway to Kedarnath and various other issues, the ruling party could have responded more effectively. However, there are times when studied silence too is effective. Meanwhile, wannabe netas are making the most of issues that crop up from time to time in order to build their political presence. The public and the administration both have points to justify their issues and this is where the ruling party appears to have dithered by giving the opposition and other known wannabe netas material to rake up public sentiment.
At a time when the Centre is also focusing on a comprehensive narrative strategy in national interest, the party organisation in Uttarakhand could do better. However, narratives also need actions to back them. Instead of focusing mainly on UCC and its action on land Jihad- both of which are welcome measures- it would be actually great to know that the BJP government has ensured zero waste in the Char Dham along with purity of the sacred rivers, unplanned urbanisation and many other issues which affect the public. The condition of Dehradun with its rising traffic congestion, pollution and state of its rivers fuel sentiments which don’t always favour the establishment. Years ago, the State government had started work on transforming the Rispana on the lines of the Sabarmati river in Ahmedabad. However, visiting the river especially in the suburban area will present a very depressing view of dirty water in a channel strewn with vast quantities of garbage.
With its organisational skills and the support the BJP enjoys, it needs to really focus on doing better because that is what the public expects. Though Prime Minister Narendra Modi is believed to have played a major role in ensuring the electoral victories of the BJP in the State, the organisation will have to do better instead of becoming complacent considering the opposition to be weak. Considering PM Modi’s stance against VIP culture, the State government could also act in this direction. When the vehicle of a position holder or public servant blows the hooter as citizens remain stuck in traffic congestion, the resulting questions and sentiments are rarely positive. Chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami repeatedly interacts with locals during his tours to various parts of the State. However, the actions of the establishment too need to bridge the gap between itself and the people. It is not as if nothing is being done and the government and BJP cannot be blamed for doing nothing. However, the aspirations of the public need the ruling party and the government to do much more, not just with a focus on ensuring another electoral win. The responsibility of the public in achieving what it desires- better facilities, clean environment and other positive aspects- must also be enhanced as the government alone is not responsible for making it all happen. It may not be possible to fulfil all expectations but there is nothing stopping one from attempting to do better.
