#AAP-Ki-Crisis: Management and Leadership Disasters in Expulsion of Yadav, Bhushan, Kumar & Jha

May I assume that you have read or heard news about or viewed live coverage of the ongoing crisis in Aap (Aam Aadmi Party; a newly launched political party in India which grabbed power in the state of Delhi recently.)? If you have not, here are some refreshing links: OneIndia; Rediff; MControl.

Let us analyze this event purely from management and leadership perspectives:

(1) First thing which struck me was that the meeting was happening at a private 'Resort' where entry was restricted to a few while 'aam aadmi' did not know what was happening inside. Bhushan's demand to video-tape the proceedings was met with great scorn and heart-burns. Then some of Yadav's supporters were denied entry. When Kejriwal had said that he would take oath as Delhi CM in a stadium, it meant something. A stadium symbolized "openness" and "equality" while a "closed door resort" symbolized "non-transparency" and "inequality".

(2) A leader is built by taking leadership during crisis. This is why Rahul Gandhi never got respect as he went absconding during every crisis. Kejriwal was the same leader who used to challenge his opponents into "open debate" in front of live cameras. He was always ready to clarify his positions. Portions of Kejriwal's speech or conversations which we have listened to recently sound like a fuming Sonia Gandhi. Kejriwal's group have hardly displayed any inspiring leadership during this crisis.

(3) A good leader has to remain 'accessible'. This is why managers who advertise "open door policy" appear so happy about it. During yesterday's meeting, we never saw Kejriwal or his select group outside the venue interacting with the party's "volunteers". We never saw Kejriwal even talking to the media, clearing his position on the scandals or about yesterday's ruckus. When leaders are inaccessible, they run the risk of adversaries taking their pole positions. We saw this happening yesterday when anti-Kejriwal Yogendra Yadav sat on Dharna in front of the "volunteers" - dharna being the most branded IP of Kejriwal. Party members may fall in love with other leaders for doing what they were earlier used to seeing Kejriwal doing.

(4) When AAP had established an 'internal Lokpal', it had sent a strong message to all. That the party was ready to walk the talk; the party stood for all the values it wanted other parties and govts to possess. But when Kejiwal's team asked their internal Lokpal Admiral Ramdas not to come to the meeting, it was as if they wanted "righteousness" and "truth" to turn a "blind eye". This decision made Kejiwal and his party appear like "hypocrites".

(5) People expect "continuity" as much from a leader as they expect "vision". This crisis and the manner in which it was handled gave a clear message how much the party had changed after gaining absolute power in a state (of Delhi). That was people's worst fear - that this party and its leaders were appearing honest until they were out of power and would also change after gaining power. The party has been successful in letting its members' worst fears come true. It has been a PR disaster. It has been a crisis mismanaged. It has been an anti-climax.

- Rahul

Kejriwal's True Face Unmasked: AAP-Ka-Drama

News channels had two main items this evening. As Vajpayee ji got Bharat Ratna today, TV channels were running his wonderful speeches for us to enjoy. And as Kejriwal ji got another Sting Ratna today, TV channels were playing the bitter abuses he was caught throwing at others. Perhaps this is why the "Two Indias theory" got so famous! 

I wonder how AAP supporters must be feeling these days - after "unmasking" of their cult leader. All through the campaign whenever someone told them that they were "blind supporters" of AAP, they pretended of not having understood what it meant. But now it must be too painful to get enlightened...

Picture courtesy: Arvind Kejriwal Jokes - Page on Facebook

After unmasking of Kejriwal - after his attempt to poach Cong MLAs to return to power; his comment on why Muslims will vote for him as compulsion; his abuses to Yadav/Bhushan/Kumar; his attempts to run down everyone who goes against his opinion; his threat to form a new party with 67 MLAs - I have only one request. Those who supported this masked man and abused those who did not support him, should correct themselves in future. Just because some people were wise enough and experienced enough to sense suspicion in Kejriwal and hence did not support him, it did not mean they were "corrupt" and "unpatriotic" - which AAP supporters were famous of accusing them with. 

Also, you can now stop abusing those AAP leaders who quit the party accusing Kejriwal. 

I also pity Delhiites for electing this 'colored wolf'. Hope they are learning their lessons.

AAP Is Like Pakistan

AAP is like Pakistan - its mercenaries are doing to it what it trained them to do with its enemies. 

I think AAP supporters were mainly of these kinds: 

(1) Some idealists who were bored with Cong rule and did not want to support Modi either; i.e. were attracted to AAP because it had completely non-political faces, 

(2) Originally Cong supporters, who when realized that their ship had sunk, chose to board the ship which belonged to the enemy of their enemy (since AAP claimed to be conspicuously anti-BJP from the beginning) 

(3) Slum-wallahs, auto-rick wallahs, illegal housing wallahs - and the likes, 

(4) Middle class who were purely in for the freebies, namely free power, free water, free wi-fi, 

(5) Muslim voters since Shri Bukhari ji asked them to support AAP. 

(6) A few weirdos and psychos who decided they wanted to dress up like that because they actually 'liked' the way their messiah dressed! 

(7) Well educated youth who never took any interest in politics in their entire lives (hence did not understand colored wolves from the sheep), but found short-cut to their salvation by supporting Kejri ji who came at the right moment in history (i.e. just when the youth had got their names in the voter lists). 

It helped that all these kinds of people were subjected to a systematic brainwashing propaganda which is typical of the 'cults' and typically the victims never realize it until it is too late. 

Now the obvious question - after this much mud-sledging and dog-fighting will a typical AAP supporter get disillusioned? Well, our another God SRK said, "never underestimate the cower of the pommon man!"

Union & Rail budget of Modi Sarkar 2015-16

My opinion on the Union & Rail budget of Modi Sarkar: 

Though I am a Modi fan, initially I was a bit disappointed. I knew people had very high hopes for Govt and the budget did not keep up to it - I would accept it since I can't be dishonest with myself. But then I thought about the true purpose of the 'budget' and why it had come down to 'give relief to public' rather than planning and scheduling of Govt's financial activities, which it should actually mean anywhere in the world. 

Govt needs money and hence it taxes those of us who are comfortable to pay. Govt needs money so that it can spend on nation building, infrastructure, universities, hospitals, roads, etc, which ultimately is for people of India. 

But what the Cong govts were doing in the past were - collect the taxes and then return some of it to 'targeted voters' like religious minorities, farmers, etc, do some development work so that budget sounds like budget, and then anywhere and everywhere do big and bigger scams and ghotalas - to fill their own coffers and also fund the dynasty's coffers. People's faith in govt was shaken. Hence the salaried class public mentality was changed to- "when you are taking away so much for yourself, at least give us something!" So occasionally (not every time) some tax reliefs were given to salaried class - because in India our tax rates are very high. People expected the same (tax reliefs) to be carried forward by Modi Sarkar. But then we wanted govt to do nation building which needs money and did not expect govt to do scams and scandals! 

So I am still happy if my money which Govt collects as taxes is not "given back to me in part" in the form of sops, freebies and tax reliefs - because I know that my money (tax collection) is in "safe hands"; my govt is "honest" (does not do scams); and it will utilize the tax collection in budgetary allocations towards national building! After all, this is what the role of Govt is supposed to be! Hence I don't mind if my govt is not being populist enough... Now we shall all wait to see how the actual work happens on the ground in the next years...

Death of a Blogger: Avijit Roy

Only history will tell if these Islamic terrorists were cowards; or if we the secularists of this world were cowardly. Avijit was a software engineer, advocate of free-speech; he ran a blog and wrote several books. He was an atheist and had written critical pieces on Islamists. His assassins slashed his head with butcher-knives; outside a book-fair.

(Pic Credit: BDNews24.com)

News like these stare at our faces - we the "internet heroes" who debate to protect secularism; fight pitted battles against Modi-Bhakts and communal Hindus. But when real demons do their act; we go silent. Because fighting RSS/BJP/Modi is easy and "safe". May God save this world; not from the terrorists (our armies are enough for them) but from our cowardice (which is difficult to cure)...

Silence of the Gentlemen is the reason why Terrorism happens in this world...

http://www.latimes.com/world/asia/la-fg-bangladesh-blogger-slain-20150227-story.html

http://bdnews24.com/bangladesh/2015/02/28/us-says-avijit-murder-a-cowardly-assault-on-bangladeshs-principles

AAP Govt Report Card - 2015

Why Kejriwal holding party chief post after becoming Delhi CM: AAP’s lokpal

01-Mar-2015

The internal lokpal appointed by the AAP, Admiral Ramdas has raised concerns over party’s functioning, asking some uncomfortable questions to the leadership. In a letter, shot off to the national executive on February 26, he asked should party chief Arvind Kejriwal be allowed to continue on party position after becoming the Chief Minister of Delhi?

He also raised concerns over rising factionalism within party ranks.“During the past six to eight months there has been an abject breakdown in communications and mutual trust amongst the topmost leadership of the party. This has in my view led to the growth of two camps within the party and loose talk about conspiracies,” he wrote. He also stressed on the proportionate representation of women in the party.

He said he was surprised at the manner in which some decisions were taken in June 2014 and that important decisions need far more rigorous processes and methods.

AAP members Yadav, Bhushan may resign as rift widens

28-Feb-2015

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) founding members Prashant Bhushan and Yogendra Yadav are likely to either resign from the party or assume non-active roles, sources said. The differences between Kejriwal and Bhushan and Yadav have been out in the open for quite some time now. While Yadav tried to quit the PAC after the AAP’s Lok Sabha elections debacle, Bhushan had differences with Kejriwal over candidate selection.

In a letter written to Kejriwal in June, which was leaked to the media, Yadav had flayed Kejriwal’s dictatorial attitude. The party and Kejriwal had convinced Yadav to stay on at that time.

AAP's Promise of free wi-fi to take "at least" one year!

21-Feb-2015

Chief minister Arvind Kejriwal's vision to provide free Wi-Fi across Delhi will take at least a year to materialize. He said even his children are keen to use free Wi-Fi but setting up the system is not easy. "It will take at least one year for the government to provide free Wi-Fi," he said.

While modalities for providing Wi-Fi are being worked out, sources say it will not be an unlimited free service. AAP members say free Wi-Fi may be provided to each user for, perhaps, half an hour in a day with restrictions on downloading.

Analysis: AAP's Promise of free water: No such thing as free water

Written by Surjit S Bhalla , Prasanthi Ramakrishnan | February 18, 2015

http://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/no-such-thing-as-free-water/

Delhi Govt Bans Media entry into Secretariat without prior appointments

20-Feb-2015

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is always abuzz with controversy, and they did it again by denying entry to journalists into Delhi Secretariat on the first working day of their government. And in retaliation, national media boycotted the press conference of Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia.

But the moot point about the incident are the reasons why the AAP, who likes to be in limelight through media and social media when they were out of power, restrict journalists to enter Secretariat. The action contradicts the AAP which was craving to have transparency in government's working and policies, promised of installation of 10 lakh CCTV cameras in City in its election manifesto.

Modi Sarkar Report Card - Feb 2015

Acche Din: Economic Survey pegs 2015-16 GDP at 8.1-8.5%

27-Feb-2015

The survey added that the high growth rate can be expected because of the reforms taken forward, like deregulation of diesel prices, taxing energy products, replacing cooking gas subsidy by direct transfer, etc, by the new NDA government at the Centre led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

15% Salary hike to Govt Bank Employees; avoids strike

24-Feb-2015

The proposed four-day bank strike that was to begin on Wednesday has been called off after a memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between nine bank unions and the Indian Bank Association (IBA). A 15 per cent hike on pay slip components was agreed upon. The total annual wage rise will work out to be Rs 4,725 crore, a release issued by IBA said.

Top-level corruption's down in Modi govt, fingers crossed: India Inc

22-Feb-2015

Most businessmen that TOI correspondents have spoken to over the past few months - including a few who do not necessarily agree with everything that the government has done - say there's been a conscious effort to curb corruption, at least in the upper reaches of government.

"I can speak of at least the economic ministries, and I've heard this about defence too — ministers and top bureaucrats don't ask for anything when you go to meet them. There isn't even a hint of any expectation of an under-the-table quid pro quo," a prominent businessman told this paper recently during an informal chat.

Government finally bans party drug meow meow

21-Feb-2015

After a series of reports published highlighting the devastating effects of addiction to meow meow, the Centre has finally taken serious cognisance of the issue and made the drug illegal. A finance ministry notification has declared the drug as a psychotropic substance under the Narcotics, Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985, deeming it illegal.

Oil Paper Leak: Top executives from 5 firms, 2 consultants arrested

21-Feb-2015

Executives from five leading energy companies, a former journalist and an energy consultant were arrested Friday, taking to 12 the number of arrests made so far in connection with the alleged leak of official documents from the Petroleum Ministry. Police sources said two senior officials from the ministry were also under the scanner.

Modi auctions 454 gift items including suit for charity

20-Feb-2015

A memorable suit worn just one time by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi — with pinstripes that spell out his name in tiny letters — has sold for 43.1 million rupees ($693,234) at a charity auction.

The two-piece suit was put up for auction on Wednesday along with 454 items given to Mr. Modi as gifts since he took office in May. This isn’t the first time Mr. Modi has auctioned off gifts he has received. As chief minister of the state of Gujarat for more than a decade, Mr. Modi held regular auctions of gifts, donating up to 950 million rupees to charities that work to educate girls. The proceeds from this auction will go to the “Namami Gange Fund,”  a project to clean the Ganges river.

Modi visit helped, Nepal wants more

20-Feb-2015

Experts and policymakers feel Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Nepal last year has strengthened relations between the two countries and cleared several roadblocks for bilateral ties. At the first-ever Indo-Nepal Border Summit, organised by the Consulate General of India, India reiterated Modi’s thrust on the “neighbourhood first” policy and said that “integrated customs will be ready by year-end”.

Former Nepal minister of state for home affairs Rizwan Ansari said, “We were greatly impressed with Narendra Modi when he said India cannot sleep well if its neighbour feels uneasy. Islam says as much about neighbours. His visit did boost people’s morale and now both sides have to work together to sort out bilateral issues.”

Govt approves highway projects worth Rs 8,600 crore

19-Feb-2015

The government today approved over Rs 8,600 crore of highway projects in Uttar Pradesh, Odisha and Chhattisgarh. "The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has given its approval for the six laning of the Chakeri-Allahabad section of National Highway in Uttar Pradesh," an official statement said. The total cost of this project is estimated to be Rs 1999.85 crore and total length of the road will be approximately 145 kms.

PM Modi: Will ensure complete freedom of faith

17-Feb-2015

"Everyone has the undeniable right to retain or adopt the religion of his or her choice without coercion or undue influence. My government will not allow any religious group, belonging to majority or minority to incite hatred against others overtly or covertly," he told the gathering where Delhi Archbishop Anil Couto was also present.

Govt stops Greenpeace activist Priya Pillai from travelling to London

“There are indications that the UK parliament’s APPG report on tribal peoples will use Priya Parameswaran Pillai’s testimony to rate India at a low level, leaving Indian open to a potential sanction regime… Unlike at the United Nations, these reports by US, UK and EP do not provide opportunity to the Government of India or the local Embassy/High Commission to record their opinion and are heavily biased against the targeted country,” stated the MHA affidavit filed through an Under Secretary of the Foreigners Division (FCRA Wing).

Lankan president Sirisena gets the red carpet with deals on defence, nuclear safety

17-Feb-2015

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the visiting Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena on Monday decided to expand bilateral defence and security cooperation. New Delhi also signed a pact with Colombo to assuage their concerns on Indian nuclear facilities coming up on the southern coast, which may have an impact on Sri Lanka.

Inflation dips to five-and-a-half-year low in January 2015

16-Feb-2015

Inflation declined to a five-and-a-half-year low of (-)0.39 per cent in January on falling prices of manufactured and fuel items.

Modi Cabinet to cut paper trail, go Kindle

16-Feb-2015

Union Cabinet meetings will soon go paperless. The government is finalising a plan to put all Cabinet notes on Kindle devices, which ministers will use at meetings and return to the Cabinet Secretariat immediately after.

The government’s technology arm, the National Informatics Centre (NIC), has been instructed to implement this within six months.