Modi’s Rhetoric Forces People to Walk Away?

Ramleela Maidan in Delhi is only partly filled on the evening of May 8. People are being frisked to ensure no suspicious material goes through. A few saffron-clad men are distributing water packets. Elaborate arrangements are in place to ensure everything proceeds without any hassle.

But, as one communicates with the people attending this rally, it becomes apparent that the people are not satisfied with the performance of the members of parliament of their constituencies. However, they hope that PM Narendra Modi can still do something about their issues. 

Tejpal Pihal is the founder of MCD Safai Mazdoor Vikas Parishad. He told NewsClick, "I want Prime Minister Narendra Modi to get re-elected but he should form a coalition government.” When asked about this strange wish, Pihal emphasises that it will ensure that he does not act as an autocrat.

He, however, goes on to say that the Centre has failed in protecting the lives of sanitation workers who have been only dying in drains. As per a report by Safai Karamchari Andolan, at least five manual scavengers die per day while working.

Meanwhile, PM Modi comes on the stage and greets the senior party leaders. Soon, he starts his speech. Scores of people think he will say something about their issues. But the PM plans to touch upon a different subject. His criticism of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi is one step ahead. He says, "Ever imagined that a premier warship of the Indian armed forces could be used as a taxi for a personal holiday? One dynasty did it,” referring to Rajiv Gandhi.

He adds, “INS Viraat was insulted as it was used as a personal taxi. This happened when Rajiv Gandhi and his family were out on a 10-day vacation. INS Viraat was deployed for securing our maritime boundary. But it was diverted to take Gandhi family, which was out for a vacation.”

In the middle of this speech, many listeners get up to leave. When we ask one Harish Chandra, he explains “We have heard about this enough.”

Chandra is a factory worker, who had come to the rally from Samaypur Badli. “We have absolutely no benefits like ESI or PF. I get a salary of Rs 12,000. Our situation is pretty bad,” he says.

As Modi continues his speech along the same line, the number of listeners departing increases. One may construe that this walkout is significant ahead of the elections to be held on May 12 in the national capital.  

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