Silly pranks!

The demonetization has brought about a cash crunch for all the parties, and novel ways of quid pro quo instruments are in vogue. In Tamil Nadu, instead of cash, coupons are given to the voters, and monies paid in exchange for the coupons only by the winners. Earlier, despite the upfront payment of cash to the TN voters, forfeiture of deposits has been frequent. Hence the issuance of coupons, much like the promissory notes in the grey markets.

There was a furore of the BJP party distributing Rs.1000 coupons to the voters for attending a Modi meeting last week. A few hyper-active leaders swung into action and soon caused a hullabaloo with the media and the election commission. I disbelieved that the voters could accept a coupon instead of cash, knowing the volatile elections and the uncertain outcome trends. I dug further, and my take on this is as follows:

Modi’s rally at Joynagar was held on 1st April 2021, for which a sum of ‘Taka’ 1000 was offered by way of a coupon. It depicted the BJP party’s name, the lotus symbol and a picture of Modi with a shorter beard. It bore the words’ Authorized signature’ at the bottom, which was blank.  A few opponents, State sleuths, could also have grabbed the coupons in the crowded rally and exposed the malpractice immediately. The matter, however, came to light only a week later, drawing the attention of the Election Commission and the media. Nowhere is there any address on the coupon or a whisper about where to collect the sum of ‘Taka 1000.’

The silly exercise seems futile and another example of political parties indulging in hitting below the belt too often. My take would have been no different had Mamata’s pic and TMC logo was used in any coupon similar.

The second other despicable trend is targeting and tarnishing the Central Security forces’ image by the West Bengal CM, from which she must refrain. The large posse of policemen itself is a blot on the democratic values and West Bengal. She and her government cannot shirk away from the responsibility.

TMC must try to win back voters’ confidence by addressing two burning issues: industry and jobs, and two, her controversial nephew. Making thousands of silly complaints to the EC while trying to cover up the deficiencies with unending gimmicks will lead the TMC and Mamata nowhere. We have not reached the middle of the eight-phased election, and the TMC already seems to run out of gas.

I am waiting with bated breath for the next stunt from the poll strategist, who also seems to have run out of bright ideas, even as the BJP Juggernaut is gathering steam. BTW, if I was astonished at the discard of the leg plaster in 24 hours, I am seriously concerned at the crepe bandage that seems to have permanently stuck to the CM’s legs. Will a responsible medical bulletin enable me to get a sound sleep?

Surely, West Bengal could have offered a better quality ‘khela hobe.’

Sampath Kumar

Intrépide Voix