Why Arvind Kejriwal Avoided Chanting Vande Mataram on Independence Day
Arvind Kejriwal, the crafty leader of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), has recently faced scrutiny for his decisions regarding the recitation of Vande Mataram, the national song of India, during the 74th Independence Day celebrations. This decision has sparked discussions on his strategies and the motivations behind his actions.
An Analysis of Arvind Kejriwal’s Motives
Kejriwal’s decision not to chant Vande Mataram on Independence Day is often cited as an example of his pragmatic approach to politics. By adopting a soft Hindutva stance, he aims to entice the die-hard supporters of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Delhi and Uttar Pradesh (UP) towards his party. This move is particularly relevant as UP is gearing up for assembly elections next year.
Strategic Use of Religion and Culture
Kejriwal has showcased his engagement with Hindu traditions. For instance, he has recited the Hanuman Chalisa on multiple occasions, a devotional hymn dedicated to Lord Hanuman, in television interviews and public events. This act serves to demonstrate his devotion to Hindu traditions, which can be perceived as a strategic move to gain support among the Hindu community.
By projecting himself as a figure aligned with Hindu cultural elements, he attempts to appeal to a broad section of voters, including those who might be hesitant to support him otherwise. This tactic, often referred to as "Taqiyya," involves a rule by deception, where one behaves in a manner that is not true to their core beliefs in order to achieve political goals.
Political Rhetoric and Vote Bank Politics
Another strategic move by Kejriwal is his promise of free pilgrimage for senior citizens from Delhi to the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, a move that is entirely political. He has leveraged Hindu sentiment and religious fervor to win votes, especially considering the importance of pilgrimages in Indian culture. However, this has led to criticism that he is using religion for political gains rather than genuine religious observance.
He has also faced criticism for his vote bank politics, particularly his appeasement of the Muslim vote bank. His refusal to chant Vande Mataram, a song that is deeply revered by Hindus, is seen as a deliberate attempt to avoid offending his Muslim supporters. This move is a manifestation of his political strategy to maintain a balanced stance among various communities in order to stay relevant and be electable.
Evidence of Opportunism and Pragmatism
Kejriwal’s transformation from a critic of the government to a supporter, especially during the Pulwama attack, is an example of his pragmatic approach. His decision to criticize Modi’s steps and later praise him among others indicates a willingness to adapt his political stance based on his perception of public opinion and electoral needs.
He has demonstrated a willingness to go to great lengths for votes. During the COVID-19 pandemic, his decision to reserve Delhi hospitals exclusively for local residents was met with significant backlash, leading the Lieutenant Governor to overturn his decision. While such actions may be effective for short-term gains, they often come at the expense of broader community interests.
Further evidence of his opportunistic nature includes his spending on advertisements and political campaigns, a strategy he employs to brainwash the people of Delhi. He has allocated a substantial amount of money for such endeavors, highlighting his willingness to use resources for political ends rather than the betterment of the state.
Conclusion and Analysis
The decision to avoid chanting Vande Mataram highlights Arvind Kejriwal’s strategic approach to politics. While his actions may appeal to certain segments of the population, they have also been heavily criticized for their opportunistic nature. Whether his methods will lead to long-term success remains to be seen. In the meantime, the controversy surrounding his decision to avoid chanting Vande Mataram continues to shape public opinion and discussions about his leadership and political tactics.
Keywords: Arvind Kejriwal, Vande Mataram, Political Strategy, AAP, Delhi Elections