Amid name-calling in the campaign rallies, shrill television debates which go on for hours and not to mention the propaganda interviews, Kunal Kamra’s latest podcast episode comes as an antidote.
The podcast which dropped on 7 April, just days before the first phase of polling, features Congress party’s ‘young turks’ – Rajasthan Deputy Chief Minister Sachin Pilot and party president for Maharashtra Milind Deora.
“This is a propaganda episode of ‘Shut Up Ya Kunal.’ Whatever I say in the episode, somebody will say it is propaganda,” said Kamra, in his opening note.
The disclaimer followed a ‘mince-no-words’ chatter on dynastic politics to Priyanka Gandhi, Ram Mandir and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, among other things.
‘No One Has the Right to Deliver Instant Justice’
Kamra pointed that in the last four-five years, there are so many episodes of violence, mob lynching. He questioned how the newly-appointed Congress government in Rajasthan will put an end to the mob culture.
Responding to it, Pilot was quick to assert that such incidents were not restricted to just Rajasthan.
“No one has the right to deliver instant justice, there are agencies to take action. You can’t beat up people, name them and kill them in broad daylight. And sadly, walk away scot-free. That is not acceptable as far as Rajasthan is concerned and that should really be the case in all states.”Sachin Pilot, Rajasthan Deputy Chief Minister
Speaking of Religious Sentiments...
Taking a dig at the BJP then, he said one “must not seek votes and evoke emotions on non-core issues.”
“Which young Indian today does not want to have a good job, and good safety for his family and progress in life. Should he or she be listening to a television debate, for five hours, whether the Mandir is built or Masjid should be built.”Sachin Pilot, Rajasthan Deputy Chief Minister
But Wait, Mandir or Masjid?
With that answer, Pilot had led Kamra to the inevitable question – does Congress want to build a mandir or masjid at the disputed site?
While the comedian pointed that this is the first time he is even hearing someone mention the possibility of masjid being built, Deora stepped in and gave a very ‘political’ answer.
“Our party is very categorical and very clear. If the matter is in the highest court of the land, which is the SC, let it look into facts. Let them decide on the basis of legalities, based on the Constitution. Whatever the SC says, we are willing to accept.”Minilind Deora, Maharashtra Congress President
The New Gandhi on The Block & Dynasty Politics
Can you even ignore talking about dynasty politics when you have two dynasts sitting in front of you?
“So, is the Gandhi family to Congress what Ram Mandir is to BJP,” Kamra chuckled.
“Priyanka Gandhi has joined once. She can’t join again. But this issue has come up in every issue for the last 20 years. Now she has joined and the party felt that it was the right time to appoint her in a crucial state. So it is a strategic move and we make no bones about it. It is done with election in mind.”Sachin Pilot, Rajasthan Deputy Chief Minister
Incidentally, Deora is contesting the 2019 Lok Sabha elections from Mumbai South – a seat once held by his father.
“We don’t have any qualms of admitting that at 27 to become an Member of Parliament was privilege. We got our foot in the door because of the background. We do need to improve. I am not saying dynasty is bad or good. We beed to find a better way. Because it is a complicated issue.”Milind Deora, Maharashtra Congress President
So, How Does BJP Elect Their President?
Kamra then quoted the BJP to make a pointed remark.
“BJP says, for them their party is the family. But for Congress, one family is the party,” Kamra said.
The Rajasthan Deputy CM was quick to retort – “I don’t know how elections happen in the BJP? Do you have any idea how the BJP president gets elected? Is there a process? Is there voting?”
“I think criminal record is required. Cancelled a few morning walks,” Kamra claimed, and then the trio burst out laughing.
Why 2019?
While both the leaders admitted that 2019 will not be a cakewalk, they had their why not moments too.
“Narendra Modi is a decisive leader. Yes, we need decisiveness but what about the decisions? Demonetisation was decisive, by all means, but was it a good decision?”Milind Deora, Maharashtra Congress President
“This atmosphere was not there five years ago, when Dr Manmohan Singh was the prime minister. No matter what you said about the government, you did not have this big brother, spying on you. The feeling was not there that you are in some sort of cloud.”Sachin Pilot, Rajasthan Deputy Chief Minister
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