Book Review #69: 2014 The Election That Changed India By Rajdeep Sardesai

Title: 2014: The Election That Changed India

Author: Rajdeep Sardesai

Publishers: Penguin India

Genre: Non-Fiction

Pages: 370+

Source: Personal Copy

2002 Gujarat Riots, Narendra Modi, BJP, Congress, Hinduism, RSS, VHP, Minorities, Moral Compass, etc... These are the main highlights of a book that was being titled “2014: Election that changed India”. As it may sound odd at sometimes, but, Rajdeep a debutant in book writing, has written a well-researched book. His journalistic background has given him an exclusive access to some of the insider information that was accounted in this book in a detailed manner. As one of the controversial figure in the journalists arena in India, Rajdeep has took great care while airing his opinion. At times, one may feel like he is being biased and it seems very true in few chapters. His hatred towards some section of the politician, and his love and care towards other politicians is almost evident in this book.

The book covers everything from post UPA-2 government times and of course he begins his journey with his favorite topic “2002 Gujarat Riots”. I somehow felt, this has been written out of proportion. Rajdeep doesn’t follow the rule of “forget and move on”. Anyways, that’s what made him the man today. He constantly nitpicks about Modi and his Chief ministerial day’s right from the days of 2002 till the 2012 elections where Modi scored convincing 3^rd time win. He writes about his encounters during riot days and also writes his journey as a beginner journalist to his newsroom editor job.

While writing about Modi versus Rahul part, Rajdeep has shown his affinity towards the later one by being apologetic. He was constantly writing about how Rahul Gandhi missed an opportunity to conquer the vacant spot rather than writing about Rahul’s quality as a politician. He has expressed his prejudiced opinion about Narendra Modi and doesn't even care to write about the dumbness of Rahul. All he wanted to showcase was his loyal support towards a much hyped secularism at the cost of being righteous.

What was more fascinating about the book is its detailed explanation of the various strategies that was used by every political party during the 2014 elections, the mother of all elections as he puts it. He constantly reminds us about the unwillingness of Rahul Gandhi to take up the leads of his party and how he remained as a shadow and never shown up his face in the time of crisis and stuff. He goes on mentioning about the various corporate heads that turned and poured their money towards the BJP and Modi. He also writes about the amount of money being spent by each party during election without giving concrete evidence. All he writes about “a close associate from the BJP has said that” or “a senior politician from the party has told me” or “a bureaucrat has updated me on the request on anonymity” and so on. So, it’s understood that he wrote many things just by going with the information leaked. He equated the BJP as cash-rich party of 2014 and congress as a sinking ship.

The book accounts some of the greater details about each political party that has recruited some of the major advertising agencies for their campaign. This is good information from the book that can be taken away. I always suspected that, no major political party could win any election only because of their foot soldiers door to door campaign. It was proved right on the spot after reading the major advertising companies that each party has recruited and spent crores of money on ads and make over of the politicians. The BJP, The Congress and the new entrant AAP has been in this roller coaster ride of campaigning. Rajdeep even writes about the major women politicians of the country such as Mamata Banerjee, Mayawati and Jayalalitha and their strategy and planning in the 2014 elections. It was a detailed, well researched story.

At the end of the book, several astonishing statistics about this 2014 elections juxtaposed with the 2009 elections is quite fascinating. Surely, this 2014 election was mother of all elections considering the preparations and execution. A simple, no nonsense book that can be read easily. However, it seemed like, Rajdeep hasn't left his one liners, mocking high profile people and their political inclinations. Anyways, a good book to learn about the 2014 elections.

My Rating:

3/5

Book Review #12 - Unreal Elections By C.S.Krishna And Karthik Lakshman

Bhaiyon aur Behenon aur mere pyaare mitron, When I read this book, I was simply taken aback. Can satire go to such an extent ?. Indeed Yes. This is an awesome attempt to take a dig at the Indian political arena. Loaded with witty jokes, fake facebook walls and fake interviews and what not. A complete laughter package to end your apetite for humour. No matter, whether you are an AAPtard, Congtard, Moditard or BJPtard. You will love this book.!

This book, Unreal Elections penned by the founders of the satire site THEUNREALTIMES CS Krishna and Karthik Lakshman. It is a complete package of comedy and spoofs. After all the serious election battle came to a conclusion a week before. And, expectedly, Mr. Modi's thumping win has set the records straight for all his haters. All modi baiters are finding a new channel of hope to malign modi and BJP.

When the whole country was in much awe of the elections, who can think about writing something funny that cools down you a bit. Ofcourse, you should be a hardcore political enthusiastic maniac!!. Take a break from your regular work and sit back, relax and put your hands on this book. I assure you, you will never be disappointed. At the end of the book, you feel much delighted and refreshed.

Coming to the writing style of this book, it is much more lucid and engaging and holds you back till the end. You can very well finish reading this book in one sitting. You would certainly find a new way of looking at the politics than regular one and wish that this writing is actually a real incident. As far as the characters in the book are concerned, all the main politicians, party spokespersons, TV journalists names and their pictures are retained as it is. This is a classic attempt, becuase, the reader actually feels the story as real while reading through. The readers feels connected to the story and they can easily relate to the existing political affairs.

The story opens with Ravi Shastri's epilogue of welcoming the audience to the match. Whereas, the match is a preparation of all political parties for the 2014 elections. As the book progresses, Ravi Shastri's commentary runs like a tracer bullet, who introduces us to the opening overs, slog overs and climax.

Few tidbits from the book which I would like emphasize:

Incident 1:

When Narendra Modi was about to wake up in the morning:

"Dekho Dekho, kaun aaya ?", "Gujrat ka sher aaya"
"Dekho Dekho, kaun aaya ?", "Gujrat ka sher aaya"

And, suddenly, Narendra Modi, stops his NAMO Smart Alarm clock!! :)

Who would have thought about this (Un)real story. Can this joke be a true incident after all?, Only, NAMO can answer. :D

Incident 2:

Why Mamata Banerjee hates McDonalds that server Mayonnise ??

This is certainly a takeaway from the book. Its a sheer brilliance of the author to connect Maoism with McDonalds. May be the symbol "m" would have distracted her a bit.

The discussion with famous quiz master and a sitting MP Derek'O Brian and his madam Mamata Banerjee.

Mamata: What do you call a person who plays a piano ?
Derek: errr... a pianist.

M: OK, What do you call a person who exercises ?
D: Well, may be.. excorcist ?

M: ok.. now answer me., what do you call a person who server Mayonnise ?
D: Ohh madam, you are genious, It is indeed, Maoist.

Then Mamata tells derek, why she hates to eat at McDonals, and justifies calling McDonals, a Maoist restaurant.

These are just few trailers from the book. Picture abhi baaki hain mere dost. The (un)real stories of why Pawan kumar bansal had to quit. The grammar battle of former Law Minister Ashwani Kumar, Why Sanjay Jha feels Rahul Gandhi is a true Heir Apparent and why he fits to be the prime minister, etc.. Both of the authors had shown no mercy while poking fun at everyone. Right from Modi's 56-inch chest comment till Arvind Kejriwal's "Main ek aam admi huun, mere koi aukat nahin".

The best part of the book is when the authors go after media guys, especially Barkha Dutt, Sagarika Ghose, Rajdeep Sardesai and Arnab Goswami. The funny incident of why Arnab Goswami had argued with Doodhwallah is a real cracker. Every little incident has blown out of proportion to achieve the full comic effect.

The climax part is the best one, where the elections are conducted not by voting, but by playing a game of KBC, hosted by Amitabh Bachchan. Where the ace contestants were asked to answer some questions in first round, had to give speech in 2nd round, and goes on till the end to announce who is the winner. But, who is the winner ?, that you must read it in the book.

Also, you must not miss the "Baker and Bakery" analogy at the end of the book. The candid talks between Arvind Kejriwal and Rahul Gandhi, which will leave you spellbound and feels like it is for real. There is also an interesting character V-MAN, created as an alternate to BATMAN. I can't reveal much details of V-MAN here, you must fetch your copy to read who is V-MAN here.!!

All said and done, the things with the satire, especially political satire, is that you actually never come to a conclusion that is this real or (un)real. And being a regular reader of the unrealtimes myself, I never had a thought of reading a fiction though. Because, it makes you think parallelly about the current political happenings as well. As I flipped the last page of the book, I am left with a big question, "What if this is all real?".

My Rating: 5/5 

Book Review #11 - Matadana (Casting Vote) By Dr. S.L. Bhyrappa

Matadana (Pic Source: Internet)

This is a simple but elegant novel penned by Dr. S. L. Bhyrappa. Unlike his other novels, this novel is not interwined with so many characters. Rather, it is quite straight forward. The main theme of this novel is about the elections, politics of a small village. Interlaced with engaging characters and adding a portion of Tragedy and family problems makes this novel as one of the best fiction novels of Kannada literature.

With a strong plot this book makes it an easy adoption for movie. Without surprise, this novel has been adopted to movie that goes with the same name as "MATADANA" directed by one of the renowned directors of Kannada movie industry T.N. Seetharam in the late 1970's. This movie has won the best regional movie golden award from the President of India at that time.

The main protagonist of this novel is a well educated, MBBS grad, simple man Dr. Shivappa, who was practicing in his village by serving poor people. Shivappa's family consists of his mother Kallamma and an elder sister. His father was already dead even before the novel starts.

The other main characters of this novel is, Ramalingappa Gowda the popular contractor of neighbour village. His 2 daughters Kempalakshmi (elder) and Rangalakshmi (younger). His son-in-law Putta Tammayya who married Kempalakshmi. Mr. Appaji, the local elected MLA, now a minister. Mr. Sadaravalli and his son Mr. Prakash Sadaravalli, who was the political rivals of Mr. Appaji and Ramalingappa Gowda. Mr. Appaji and Ramalingappa Gowda were close acquaintances. Through Mr. Appaji, Ramalingappa Gowda has acquired many contract works in his village. And lastly, Cheluvashetty, a close friend and adviser for Dr. Shivappa.

The plot opens when Dr. Shivappa goes to see Rangalakshmi for a marriage proposal. This meeting was setup by Shivappa's mother Kallamma. Reluctantly, Shivappa agrees to see this girl, but never accepts for a marriage. Shivappa had a thought in his mind that, once he marries, he has to increase his earning, which makes him to leave the village and start his practice in some city, which is totally against his principles. Shivappa had always thought to server poor people and hence he has declined serveral high paying jobs from various hospitals from city and decides to practice in his own village.

Though Shivappa liked Rangalakshmi and it was reciprocated from Rangalakshmi as well. Shivappa declines that marriage proposal once and for all. He continues his practice without giving a much importance to his marriage.

As the story further reveals, Kempalakshmi would die of pnuemonia and hence Putta Tammayya along with his kid Manjayya comes to Ramalingappa's house to ask him to get married him to Rangalakshmi again. Here author tries to tell us that, through Mr. Appaji's influence, Ramalingappa had succeeded in getting a good government job for Putta Tammayya, which was supposed to go to Prakash Sadaravalli. Ramalingappa agrees to this marriage proposal reluctantly, and hence Rangalakshmi was married off to Putta Tammayya for the 2nd marriage.

Now the actual plot opens up, when the general elections was declared in the country. And, all political parties were in a frenzy in selecting their candidates and canvassing for them, etc... Even few lawyers and other influential people from city comes to Shivappa's house one day and asked him to contest for elections, because Shivappa as a doctor has garned much respect and popularity in the neighbour village. Finally Shivappa agreed to contest in elections. Even Mr. Sadaravalli's son Prakash Sadaravalli is also contesting in the same constituency along with Mr. Appaji, thereby making it as a triangular fight between himself, Shivappa and Appaji.

Now, the twist in the novel appears, though Shivappa agreed to contest in elections. This was a sheer game plan of Mr. Sadaravalli to finish the political carrier of Mr. Appaji by appoiting an honest man like Shivappa to contest in elections, mainly for the reason of polarizing the votes that used to go to Appaji, now will go to Shivappa and his son Prakash. Without understanding these things, Shivappa with full enthusiasm particiaptes in campaignings, meetings, gave speeches. One day, his close aides reveals him that, the opposition parties are distributing money and they must also do the same with villagers. Speeches alone cannot help to win elections in village and they demand money as well. This was again a plan of Sadaravalli to distribute money to villagers in the name of Shivappa. Villagers till now beleived Shivappa as an honest man, now in a doubt once Shivappa started distributing money.

Off late, Shivappa understood that he was made as a scape-goat in the elections. Without a surprise, Shivappa lost the elections and Prakash Sadaravalli have won with a huge margin winning against Mr. Appaji.

Soon the new government was formed, making Appaji powerless. The new government in which Prakash Sadaravalli was also a part of, ordered a probe against Ramalingappa's contract work. They set up a committeee to investigate all the contractual works of Ramalingappa. Ramalingappa has minted lot of contractual money when he was getting the support from Appaji. Now, he became helpless, he decides to seek support from Appaji. He was disappointed that Appaji couldn't able to help him in any way. Here the new committee has ordered Ramalingappa to pay all the money that he has minted in contracts. Ramalingappa tries to seek his son-in-law's support, disappointed there also, he sells his land in the village for a nominal price and tries to settle some of the dues. Having learnt that, the new committee is all set to put Ramalingappa in jail. Frightened for his reputation in the village, Ramalingappa commits suicide by jumping into a nearby dam in the village.

Here, Rangalakshmi decides to leave her husband Putta Tammayya comes back to her village and decides to take up the nursing course and was wishing to work with Dr. Shivappa.

Having lost his mother and damaging his reputation as an honest man by contesting in elections, Shivappa had no interest in practicing in his village. He seeks his friend Cheluvashetty's advise on this. One day when Shivappa was treating Cheluvashetty's wife in a hospital. He saw Rangalakshmi working as a nurse in the same hospital. Without a second thought, he goes and proposes to Rangalakshmi. Wishing for the same, Rangalakshmi had also agreed for this proposal. And they lived happily ever after.

My Rating: 4/5