3
In light of the changing circumstances following the ‘paper leak’ protests, the BJP has completely overhauled its strategy. The party has adopted an aggressive stance and begun cornering the Congress and its allies. The filing of a police case in Banaras against MP Pappu Yadav—who staged a play in the Parliament complex while dressed as a Sadhu (ascetic)—as well as against Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi and MP Awadhesh Prasad for allegedly insulting Sanatan Dharma, is seen as the opening move in this campaign. The case was filed by seers and lawyers from Banaras. The BJP intends to counter the narrative regarding the Ram Mandir ‘theft’ issue by highlighting the alleged insult to Sanatan Dharma. The party has also linked the term “Andh Bhakt” (blind devotee)—used by Rahul Gandhi—to Sanatan Dharma. Essentially, the BJP is determined not to let any issue slide; while the party tackles the political front in its own way, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will personally handle the situation arising from the paper leak protests. Indications from the government suggest that the Delimitation Bill will not be discussed during the Monsoon Session. Remaining bills will be passed amidst the uproar, and if necessary, the session could be adjourned early to shift focus to the states heading for elections.
There are nine sittings of the Monsoon Session still to take place; the previous ten were lost to disruptions. Although the paper leak protests have united the opposition within Parliament, a split is inevitable once the session concludes. The opposition lacked unity even during the protests at Jantar Mantar; while the Congress acted independently, the rest of the opposition reached the venue separately. BJP strategists have gauged that the paths of the Congress, SP, and AAP will diverge as soon as the session ends. Meanwhile, other weakened opposition parties show little interest in the upcoming elections. Consequently, the BJP has completely altered its strategy; PM Modi’s direct interaction with students is part of this new approach. This direct dialogue appears to be mitigating the resentment that had built up among the youth. Simultaneously, agencies are working to identify the individuals who attempted to vitiate the atmosphere. The backgrounds of those associated with the agitation are being scrutinized. Sources indicate that the past affiliations of key figures—sometimes derisively referred to as ‘Cockroach Janata Party’ members— are being investigated. For instance, Abhijeet Dipke (from Maharashtra) and Sourav Das (from Delhi) have had past associations with the Aam Aadmi Party. Ashutosh Ranka, a Jaipur native, holds a B.Tech degree from IIT Kanpur; while the Rajasthan government investigated him thoroughly, no incriminating evidence was found. Agencies are trying to determine how a peaceful youth protest turned violent, as reports suggest that certain forces intent on creating instability had infiltrated the movement. Efforts are underway to identify and reach these elements. Following these developments, Prime Minister Modi has taken personal charge, consulting with advisers and initiating decision-making processes.