Late evening returning home from office, I came across a few policewalas driving in a particular direction and I suddenly thought, "Mahajan must be dead." God knows why those policemen made me reach this conclusion, but that was the only thought to cross my mind. And so it was. Pramod Mahajan, the firebrand BJP leader passed away Wednesday afternoon.
After the teenage attraction and awe of all things glamorous and mystifying, and a brief stint in journalism, I have almost become indifferent to individual politicians. No matter how charismatic, how great their work might be, they fail to make me give them that second look. I still laugh at the thought that when around 5 years back A B Vajpayee took to fast unto death for some reason, I had briefly cried out of worry that comes out of love. I know the reaction would differ today.
For BJP Mahajan's loss is immense. He was one of their star campaigners, the right hand man of the two most important men in the party, the skilled manager, the expert fundraiser, the firebrand spokesperson, the face of a young BJP. With him a lot is lost. His death was so unexpected that fallback options might not in place; but for contenders it is an opportunity, a larger playing field.
To me it was curiosity initially. Yesterday the news of his death made me sad. I am no great fan of his. But definitely appreciative of his standing in the BJP, his rise from a small town boy to one of the probables for the PMship, careful grooming of his person to suit the media tastes, management of the BJP election campaign in Rajasthan and his oratory. The content of his speeches is a matter of debate, but his style was definitely impressive. He left you enthused, almost voting for him (or his party). His smile was assuring, though at many times cunning but lovable, and left you with a feeling of him being that 'familiar-face-uncle' you smile at during your morning walks. His death left me with the same feeling you have when that uncle is not seen for a couple of days and you wonder if everything is alright and then smile a extra wide smile when you spot him a few days later. Of course here, 'uncle' is never going to return.
After the teenage attraction and awe of all things glamorous and mystifying, and a brief stint in journalism, I have almost become indifferent to individual politicians. No matter how charismatic, how great their work might be, they fail to make me give them that second look. I still laugh at the thought that when around 5 years back A B Vajpayee took to fast unto death for some reason, I had briefly cried out of worry that comes out of love. I know the reaction would differ today.
For BJP Mahajan's loss is immense. He was one of their star campaigners, the right hand man of the two most important men in the party, the skilled manager, the expert fundraiser, the firebrand spokesperson, the face of a young BJP. With him a lot is lost. His death was so unexpected that fallback options might not in place; but for contenders it is an opportunity, a larger playing field.
To me it was curiosity initially. Yesterday the news of his death made me sad. I am no great fan of his. But definitely appreciative of his standing in the BJP, his rise from a small town boy to one of the probables for the PMship, careful grooming of his person to suit the media tastes, management of the BJP election campaign in Rajasthan and his oratory. The content of his speeches is a matter of debate, but his style was definitely impressive. He left you enthused, almost voting for him (or his party). His smile was assuring, though at many times cunning but lovable, and left you with a feeling of him being that 'familiar-face-uncle' you smile at during your morning walks. His death left me with the same feeling you have when that uncle is not seen for a couple of days and you wonder if everything is alright and then smile a extra wide smile when you spot him a few days later. Of course here, 'uncle' is never going to return.
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10 comments:
Well-written. Though I am, by no means, a fan of his, I was very saddened by his death. Not a very nice way to die huh? I liked that familiar-face uncle example. I tend to agree with you!
Manasi,
Very well written post.. but honestly, with due respect to teh departed soul, I'm scared of media now..
They'll come up with stories about him and how he died.. and come up with weird titles like.. "khoon ki holi" or "bhai bana khooni" or something like that..
Media makes such hue and cry about the whole situation that I find politics everywhere.. Call me a cynic but that's how the things are..
I believe, family and well wishers should be allowed to mourn without any interference of media.. but I guess when you're a public figure, you can't escape from it!
May Mahajan's soul rest in peace!
Nirwa
Shruthi: Thanks. Definitely not a god way to die. Its like the family has lost two brothers at one go... one dead and the other in jail, and probably a life sentence.
Nirwa: I agree. The media can go overboard. But at such times it should respect he privacy and the sorrow of family and friends and maintain a decent distance.
The family might want to come out of this grief as soon as possible, but the news channels will thrive on this for a week, or even longer, and make it worse for them to limp back to normalcy.
viky: You are right there. Considering the importance of Mahajan to BJP it will definitely be in the news for quite some time. And afterall not everyday does a highprofile politician get killed by his own sibling...... assasinations and accidents are now routine.
Suyog: Its quite unlikely that the BJP or any party for that matter foregoes a chance to cash in on the death of such an important figure in the party. Sad, but true.
I always loved his hindi and the clarity & authority with which he spoke on different issues, it is indeed a great loss.
Me too was unhappy.
direkishore: you are right, his language was indeed very powerful and clear. That's what added to his oratory. He will surely be missed.
harshad joshi: but all we can do is maintain a minute of silence as a matter of respect.
Thanks for dropping by :)
it is sad when young (by standards of indian politics) politicians die. be it rajesh pilot, madhav rao sindhia or promod mahajan...very few have that sense of leadership.
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