Mystery Wrapped in Enigma Called Politics

“We politicians know our business much better than you journalists” said an MP from the Congress Party during an informal chat. He was referring to the media headlines about the unraveling of the ruling United Progressive Alliance (UPA). Well, driven by the basic instinct of a communication professional who has spent nearly a decade in political journalism; I tried to bombard him with a volley of arguments.

However, later some introspection made me realize that there was some merit in his argument as well. At a time when political reporting is fast turning out to be political advisory and the line bifurcating between the editorial and the reportage getting blurred, there is a need to see our respective roles in the proper perspective as well. We must ask ourselves as to whether we have subconsciously assumed that we know the business of politics much better than even the seasoned politicians?

It is true that the access to the power corridors and some filtered inside information gives the media professionals a sense of empowerment. Over a period of time this sense of pride translates into an air of expertise, which further leads to “I know it better” syndrome. Journalists often forget the fact that the classified and confidential information which they think has given them a cutting edge, is more often than not fed to them by the vested interests from a section of the very same power corridors. It is not about media empowerment; rather it is “selective use” of journalists that the politicians are very good at.

Let’s face it. Any politician who has risen from the ranks knows his business much better than a journalist. Yes, at times media professionals show due smartness in reading what is stated between the lines. But they often fail to read it when it matters the most. For instance, when Laloo Yadav as the Chief Minister of Bihar was found guilty in fodder scam; he made the statement that he will rule the state from jail itself.

Journalists with their predominantly upper caste and urban middle class upbringing were prompt to write advisories. Many of them condemned Laloo for his ignorance about the law of the land that was all set to force him to resign. I don’t remember a single newspaper report which suggested what Laloo actually meant by that statement. But a super strategist in Laloo Yadav had his plans ready and he literally ruled the State by installing his wife as a puppet chief minister.

The media assessment of bad days ahead for the ruling UPA in the event of the Laloo Yadav’s RJD and Ram Vilas Paswan’s LJP joining hands and forcing the Congress to go solo, is yet again fraught with strategic danger. This can also be strategic part of a grand design during these elections. Laloo Yadav has any way reiterated time and again that he is very much the part of UPA. But their separation will definitely led to realignment of the voters of Bihar.

Had there been a straight fight between the UPA and the NDA, the choice was cut out for the voters. While a sizeable chunk of OBCs with caste loyalties tilted towards Nitish Kumar have gone to the NDA, the Upper Caste distaste for Laloo Yadav have also added to the fortunes of the NDA. Added to this is the fact that Nitish Kumar has of late emerged as the face of development in Bihar. Now the voters of Bihar have their options from a bouquet of parties and alliances.

While Laloo Yadav still is a major force to reckon with in the Yadav heartland, the transferable votes of Ram Vilas Paswan will be icing on the cake that seems to wok to the advantage of both. And if Congress succeeds in making a dent in the Upper Caste votes, that can be nemesis for the NDA. After all, Congress is contesting as the only party in the state which is not holding the crutches of the regional OBC satrap today.

Similarly, media may find today the UPA’s growing list of estranged allies, like the PMK,TRS, MDMK, PDP and others, but the fact remains that almost all of them have been non-committal over joining the NDA. And any other front can not survive either without the support of the Congress or the BJP. Moreover, the post poll scenario may throw an altogether different picture as none of the estranged allies have gone on record against the UPA.

Laloo-Paswan duo declares them as the real UPA, while Anbumani Ramadoss of the PMK has sent a message between the lines for the congress when he openly thanked Prime Minister and Sonia Gandhi for their constant encouragement. Going solo or without the ruling UPA can also be seen as a smart move to counter the anti-incumbency factor. Imagine a post-poll scenario where the PMK-AIADMK combine wins most of the Tamil Nadu’s 39 seats, won’t the Congress dump the loser DMK and ally with them.

Only time will tell whether the strategy will work or not and more importantly, who will have the last laugh, Congress for its strategy or the media for its prophecy. But, till then, political class, irrespective of the respective parties, will be busy in various strategy and counter-strategy. Media will be busy decoding these strategies, with more miss than hit. Politics, after all, is the game of a mystery wrapped in an enigma.