Buzz in Delhi: Hardik and Sena share common goals

The enemy of my enemy is definitely my friend, when it comes to politics. Marred by an alleged sex scandal, Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti (PAAS) leader Hardik Patel has heightened his effort to vote out BJP from power in Gujarat. And quite surprisingly, BJP’s longest ally Shiv Sena has been covertly helping Hardik. According to sources, Sena head Uddhav Thackeray had met Hardik for four hours in Mumbai a couple of months ago. In the meeting, sources claimed that Thackeray had offered Hardik, Sena’s leadership in Gujarat, but Hardik chose to align with the Congress over Sena. Although Hardik’s decision irked the Sena chief, he had still asked his party workers to assist Hardik in order to teach BJP a lesson.

Is Rupani no longer Shah’s favourite?

Amit Shah is apparently irked with incumbent CM Vijay Rupani, who is said to be his man in Gujarat. The growing prominence of the Congress in the state has annoyed Shah along with the sorry state of affairs there. Shah thinks that Rupani failed to curb the Congress rise in the state despite having full support from the party and the central government. Those who walk the power corridors have been whispering that Rupani will have to pay the price after ‘the elections. If BJP is voted to power, Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel is likely to be appointed as the CM. If not Patel, then Ganpat Singh Vasava stands a chance.

What can a yogi know of love?

Samajwadi Party leader Naresh Agrawal, who is known for his criticism of the government, lambasted the anti-Romeo squad in a meeting attended by SP members. But, more than the squad, it was the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister, Yogi Adityanath, who came in the line of fire. Agrawal emphatically stated that a monk cannot understand what love is. He went on to add that someone who had not married cannot understand who Romeo was and what love stands for. Lucknow watchers are wondering why the BJP has not replied yet.

Where is poll strategist PK?

Good times do not last forever. Celebrity election strategist Prashant Kishor akka PK is a shining example. PK who had emerged as India’s first professional campaign manager in the run-up to the 2014 general elections is going through challenging times. Many of his colleagues have left him and those with him are looking for new opportunities. Lack of funds is the reason. PK has only one party as his client — the YSR Congress Party. His services were not sought by any political party in Himachal Pradesh or Gujarat. And chances of him getting any opportunity in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh or Karnataka seem slim.