WAR OF THE HOODIES
First it was the BJP that came up with its “NaMo Again” merchandise, marketed quite well by the rather telegenic Anurag Thakur, the BJP’s Chief Whip in Parliament. However, when both Thakur and Jayant Chaudhary were invited to a panel discussion on The Contenders, the RLD leader came up with his own political apparel—a hoodie that stated quite firmly “NaMo Never Again”. Since Jayant Chaudhary had just sealed his alliance with the Mahagathbandan, he was making his stand clear. However, Anurag Thakur took it in good humour and commented that even this helped his cause for all it did was to bring the focus back on NaMo, and he still remains the BJP’s best hope in the coming elections.
NAMO APP SURVEY
The PM has released a video on social media asking people to take part in a survey on the NaMo app that takes in the people’s pulse. Interestingly, the survey asks questions about their constituency, achievements by the government and its record on corruption. But what caught most by surprise was a question asking for views on the Grand Alliance and whether the Mahagathbandan would have an impact on their vote. Clearly, the PMO has taken note of the Opposition build-up.
NORTH VS SOUTH
Rajmohan Gandhi was a big draw at the “Lit for Life”, the annual literary festival organised by the Hindu last week. His recent book on South India hit the stands last year and he was asked why he had written a book on the South. Pat came the reply: “So that the North can read about the South.”