Why Was Union Government Called ‘Corrupt’ at Kerala BJP Event

An Unintended Contribution to Political Comedy

Newsreel Asia Insight #140
Feb. 23, 2024

The Kerala Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) found itself in a rather awkward position. At a recent political rally, charged with fervor, supporters gathered with anticipation, the music started. But instead of a rousing anthem that rallies the crowd to their cause, the speakers blare out a song urging people to “destroy the ‘corrupt’ Union government.” The very Union government their party leads at the centre.

“Kerala BJP shoots itself in the foot, plays song urging people to destroy the ‘corrupt’ Union government,” reads the title of the story published by South First, covering the party’s state-wide foot march on Feb. 22.

Imagine the faces in the crowd as the lyrics sink in. There’s probably a moment of confused silence, a collective blink-and-you-miss-it pause, as everyone processes what they’re hearing. Then, perhaps, a few nervous chuckles, followed by a frantic scramble as someone—probably the event organiser, now sweating bullets—rushes to change the track.

But the damage is done. The song, in its brief moment of glory, becomes an instant legend. It’s the kind of story that’s retold at dinner tables and in WhatsApp groups, each retelling adding an extra layer of humour and hyperbole. “Did you hear about the time the BJP accidentally played a protest song against themselves?” becomes a classic opener.

This incident is a perfect reminder of the importance of double-checking your playlist before a big event, especially if you’re in politics. It’s one thing to shoot yourself in the foot, but it’s another to provide the ammunition and play the soundtrack for it.

In the grand scheme of things, this episode will likely be a footnote in the annals of political gaffes. Yet, it offers a much-needed moment of levity in the often too serious world of politics. After all, in times of division and debate, who can resist a good laugh—even if it’s at one’s own expense?

Mr. Surendran need not lose heart. He should inform the BJP’s central leadership that the Kerala chapter is not the only one facing challenges.

In the district of Bijnor, Uttar Pradesh, a road inauguration ceremony took a comedic turn, transforming into a scene straight out of a slapstick comedy. A brand-new, under-construction road, gleaming with the promise of smoother commutes, awaited its grand opening in December 2021, as reported by The Times of India. The guest of honour, BJP MLA Suchi Chaudhary, arrived, ready to bless the road with the traditional coconut-cracking ritual. But fate, it seems, had a sense of humour that day.

As the MLA took a swing at the coconut, expecting it to shatter in auspicious celebration, the coconut emerged victorious, unscathed and defiant. The road, however, did not share the coconut’s resilience. Instead of a festive crack, the crowd was treated to the sight of the road itself chipping away, leaving everyone in a mix of shock and disbelief.

The scene quickly shifted from celebration to protest. Ms. Chaudhary, in a twist no one saw coming, transformed from chief guest to chief protester, staging a dharna right there on the compromised concrete. For three hours, she became the immovable object, demanding justice for the road wronged by substandard materials. Her resolve was so firm that not even the promise of tea could lure her away.

The district magistrate, Umesh Mishra, had to step in, promising action against the culprits of this construction comedy. The MLA’s demand? A thorough investigation into the road’s materials, which she suspected were as weak as a poorly written sitcom script.

So, let’s give a round of applause to the Kerala BJP for their unintended contribution to political comedy. In a world where every news cycle seems to bring another reason to furrow our brows, they’ve given us a reason to smile. And perhaps, just perhaps, the next time they plan a rally, they’ll consider a live band instead.