Governance and Government

Saturday, December 22, 2012

Political Marketing: Turning Indian Politics

Gujarat Assembly election was a semifinal for 2014. Modi of BJP defeat Cong for the third time. Gujarat was not a simple assembly election like Himanchal Pradesh. Recent elections of Bihar, UP and Gujarat are indicator and proof of turning of Indian polity.

Modi is a prospective PM candidate. This simple news made Gujarat assembly election comparable to national election. Modi is adorned by foes and friends with many negatives. The blames are communal, authoritative, personality-politics, non-acceptability, and skewed development in state.

Apparently these negatives look true. But he is a very excellent photographer. He knows how to have a positive (photograph) with a negative. This he has proved in recent past.

He started converting communal negative by Sabhawana sabha. Now result proves his success. BJP won 24 seats which have more than 15% Muslim voters this time. This is six more than 2007. In Muslim dominated areas BJP did well. In Bharuch it won all five. Around Ahmadabad it won 17 out of 21. Likewise, it won 15out of 16 in Surat and 11 out of 13 in Baroda. This is when he didn’t give any ticket to Mulsims.

He convinced them by developments. He developed Muslim areas. Industrialization provided them jobs. Bread and butter are first among all. He assured them of no communal politics. He created a message of developmental politics keeping all issues aside. Efforts of changing platform brought fruits. Muslims forgetting old owes, moved on a new path of development and voted Modi.

He is called authoritative. Any authority without this quality can’t deliver. He delivered by his authoritative style of functioning. This annoys many and invites criticism. But in our democratic system it is must if used for public welfare. This has more positive than negative if used with a view of delivery. It will prove a fatal if used for self. The sum of this is in his favor which proved him a performer.

Personality politics is the culture of the day. Leaders are trying to be bigger than party. US president do this type politics. His personality is bigger than his Democratic party. This is needed to prove first among equals. In BJP, Atal’s personality was bigger than the party. The only difference is Atal is more moderate than the Modi. This leads to his criticism.

He has poor acceptability at national level. There is truth in it. Time is his side to enhance acceptability among party and allies. If he can Change Muslims by changing himself, he can improve on this issue. No doubt he made a start just after counting was over. He went to meet his old friends turn arch rival Kehhubhai patel. He knows how, when to change. By 2014, he will overcome this problem. Here he needs to make efforts like his communal image shedding endeavor.

Among BJP, he is first among equals for PM candidates. His perception for PM candidate in his party is better than others in public. With winning Modi’s candidature perception and support has increased. The best part is that he is far ahead in this race in the party. Modi has his own image among pubic and better than his party competitors.

In congress, Rahul is in focus for 2014. He has all weakness without any strength in sight. His only strength, he is a Gandhi of Gandhi family. This was a strength is past. But politics have changed the political landscape. This doesn’t mean Rahul can’t do or not having qualities. But so far, it is not proved. And without proof how public would believe.

Rahul is mostly batting from periphery. He never played from center. If played very limited and seasonal, results were adverse. Bihar and UP elections are some example to it. He is sufferer of spill over of current governments negativity for which he is not responsible.

His danger is more from inside. His party has not embraced the change. It is doing politics in old fashion. President Obama came to power by adopting the change. Modi is riding and rising by change. But Cong is not willing to change, hence lagging in the race of 2014.

Congress is trying to get back the traditional vote banks. They are trying to take back SCs vote bank by Reservation Bill and Muslims by showing fear of Hindu face of Modi. This was norm when nations were having boundaries. In the boundary less world and internet age with 3D technology how it will bring result. Congress is trying to give a ride to a Fresh Rahul in a vintage car.

One more issue needs deep thought. When Cong was single party and player, there was no competition. Monopoly was working. Now when BJP is national party comparable to it and regional parties many in number with better performance than ManMohan, how Cong is dreaming to make Rahul PM in 2014. Why Congress in not taking these hard ground realities into account to embrace change to win the competition.

In 2009, Cong had a trump card- Good work of PM ManMohan acted as this card. But this time all positive is negative. Scams, non performance, sluggishness, inactions are some cards to be in sight.

What cong think positive. Are really they? Withdrawal of subsidy of LPG, FDI, cash transfer of subsidy, giving mobile phone to poor etc are flags to be hosted. The best among is cash transfer but it will be a seed till 2014. Then one can’t expect the fruits form it. To be tree to bear fruits it will take its own time.

Cong is thinking and bringing reforms in Government. But it is not reforming its party and thinking style to accommodate on going fast changes. How one can win the war with old thinking weapon (traditional politics) and weak house ( prikarima culture). This is the new area where cong needs to work to update and to make itself strong.

Ref:

http://blogs.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Swaminomics/entry/three-major-hurdles-in-modi-s-march-to-7-rcr-delhi

Political Marketing: Turning Indian Politics

Apparently these negatives look true. But he is a very excellent photographer. He knows how to have a positive (photograph) with a negative. This he has proved in recent past.

In 2009, Cong had a trump card- Good work of PM ManMohan acted as this card. But this time all positive is negative. Scams, non performance, sluggishness, inactions are some cards to be in sight.

Ref:

http://blogs.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Swaminomics/entry/three-major-hurdles-in-modi-s-march-to-7-rcr-delhi

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Political Marketing -Gujarat Election Prediction: Modi will Win by more Than 117

Congress Ensures Modi’s Win

Political Marketing

BJP is in power in Gujrat. Cong is ruling party at center. Modi’s re-election is no loss for Cong. But its defeat in 2014 will damage Rahul Gandhi’s prospect of future PM. Modi’s wining and becoming PM candidate to polarize voters is of great help to Cong. This guiding factor is compelling Cong to ensure Modi’s win.

Modi’s defeat will weaken his candidature. Modi as PM candidate is favorable to both Cong and BJP. Polarization will be main plank for both the parties in 2014. Therefore, Cong is trying to see him winner by diplomatic election management.

Cong is afflicted with many dieses. Among serious are corruption and misgovernace. It can’t sail in 2014 with the good deeds of present government. Though Cong is trying to divert public attention, but it will not be of any help.

Bringing FDI as reform is old style politics of imposition. This style is not workable now. Bihar and UP’s election proved this. Public demand-driven supply will work. Corruption reduction measure is in great demand. Here Government has not taken any convincing measure. Cash transfer will help to some extent. But it will be neutralized by subsidy withdrawal particularly of cooking gas.

Cong is trying its best to establish Rahul the next PM candidate. With this in focus and eye on 2014, Cong is chalking out its strategy. Defeat means a great damage to Rahul’s future prospect in particular. Hence Cong is ready to leave part (Gujrat) to achieve whole (New Delhi).

Cong can’t ride its own work. Incumbency factors are adversely against. Only option left out is to polarized electorate. To achieve this and weaken the opposition BJP, Modi is helpful. In Cong, there are no aspirants for PM and hence no dispute. One prospective candidate is already shifted to Rashtrapati Bhawan respectably to make way to 7RCR completely clear for Rahul.

BJP has many aspirants for PM. So, dispute has cropped in for this post. Modi is trying hard to be PM candidate from BJP. It will be premature to say anything definitely. But among all prospective candidates, he is mass leader. Therefore, it is expected; he will win the race. This will increase invisible infighting in BJP and allies-Nitish may leave. And it will weaken the opposition.

Modi’s image will help in polarizing the voters. His candidature as PM is helping both way- wakening opposition and polarization. A defeat of Modi in Gujrat means weakening of his PM candidature. This will be the end of the game. Winning will serve both purposes of Cong. So, it is trying to see his repetition.

BJP as party has lost momentum with Nitin Gadkari’s case. Public is of opinion that no party has will to work on public demand of corruption reduction and political reforms. In BJP ruled states, the performances are not outstanding to sell them as political product in national election. Hence polarization is option for BJP too.

Under current situation, Cong is hard press to lose Gujrat and give a walkover to Modi. Cong requires this to tilt social and emotional situation in its favor. This is the reason Rahul is absent and not working in Gujrat like Bihar and UP. But I doubt, this strategy will work in 2014.

Based on above logic, political marketing analysis predicts he will secure more seats than 2007. He got 117 in 2007. In 2012, he will get more than 217. The reason is very simple. He is having full command in Gujarat with almost no opposition.

The very astonishing part of his this election is that he is getting stiff oppositions from his own party BJP form all levels. But getting tacit blessings from main opposition. This unique combination will repeat him with more than old tally of 2007.

Heera Lal( views are personal and vase on different sources)

Political Marketing -Gujarat Election Prediction: Modi will Win by more Than 117

Congress Ensures Modi’s Win

Political Marketing

Heera Lal( views are personal and vase on different sources)

Sunday, December 9, 2012

Congress Ensures Modi’s Win

Political Marketing

Heera Lal( views are personal and vase on different sources)

Congress Ensures Modi’s Win

Political Marketing

Heera Lal( views are personal and vase on different sources)

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

Open Government

President Obama committed to change the way Washington works. On his first day in Office, he signed the memorandum on transparency and open government, ushering in a new era of open and accountable government meant to bridge the gap between the American people and their government. This proves his noble intentions. He wants to cherish democracy and to take it to a new height which made him the man of history.

Open Government (OG) hammers what is this all about, and why it is required. OG concept does affect everyone’s life everyday in some ways. It is as fundamental to our democracy as free speech. If government records were not open to all, there would be no accountability and there would be no journalism. In essence, there would be no democracy, as democracy was founded on the principles of openness and freedom of information.

A lack of accountability might mean that those who hold positions of power would be more likely to abuse it. When government is open every person has the power to hold those in power accountable for following through on their promises and serving the people.

Why is OG Important? A free and democratic society can work only if government works in the open. Access is what ensures that government officials will remain honest. It keeps us aware of how our taxes are spent and helps citizens decide whom to vote into office and whom to replace. It provides a check on government officials by providing voters with the information.

Citizens need a constant stream of information to provide meaningful attention to the actions of government. Deprived of such information, they can’t monitor their elected and appointed leaders. And they can’t hold them accountable.

Obama opined that for too long, the American people have experienced a culture of secrecy in Washington, where information is locked up, taxpayer dollars disappear without a trace, and lobbyists wield undue influence. For Americans, business as usual in Washington has reinforced the belief that the government benefits the special interests and the well connected at the expense of the American people.

On December 8, 2009, the White House issued an unprecedented open government directive requiring federal agencies to take immediate, specific steps to achieve key milestones in transparency, participation, and collaboration.

The directive aspires to create an unprecedented and sustained level of openness and accountability in every agency, senior leaders should strive to incorporate the values of transparency, participation, and collaboration into the ongoing work of their agency.

Achieving a more open government will require the various professional disciplines within the Government – such as policy, legal, procurement, finance, and technology operations – to work together to define and to develop open government solutions. Integration of various disciplines facilitates organization-wide and lasting change in the way that Government works.

The transparency directive expected that Open Government Plan should explain in detail how agency will improve transparency. It should describe steps the agency will take to conduct its work more openly and publish its information online. The participation directive directed to create more informed and effective policies, the Federal Government should promote opportunities for the public to participate throughout the decision-making process.

On Collaboration front directive instructed that Open Government Plan should explain in detail how agency will improve collaboration, including steps the agency will take to revise its current practices to further cooperation with other Federal and non-Federal governmental agencies, the public, and non-profit and private entities in fulfilling the agency’s core mission activities.

Addressing 65^th assembly of United Nation in September 2010 President Obama emphasized “the collective call for open government: Each country will pursue a path rooted in the culture of its own people. Yet experience shows us that history is on the side of liberty; that the strongest foundation for human progress lies in open economies, open societies, and open governments. To put it simply, democracy, more than any other form of government, delivers for our citizens. And I believe that truth will only grow stronger in a world where the borders between nations are blurred.”

He further remarked to the assembly that no one country has all the answers, but all of us must answer to our own people. In all parts of the world, we see the promise of innovation to make government more open and accountable. And now, we must build on that progress. And when we gather back here next year, we should bring specific commitments to promote transparency; to fight corruption; to energize civic engagement; to leverage new technologies so that we strengthen the foundations of freedom in our own countries, while living up to the ideals that can light the world.

Obama’s effort was added upon by a group of passionate and committed advocates of open government. They came together on December, 2010 in Denver, Colorado for a one day unconference: CityCamp Colorado. They launched an OG initiative. This initiative is a collaborative project that includes representatives from CityCamp, OpenColorado, Codefor America and Sunlight foundation, OpenPlans and others. This initiative reflects ongoing efforts around the world and in meant to be shared with them.

Furthermore, a 35years old US based NGO, the TIDES launched the project “Open Government Partnership (OGP) on September 20, 2011.” This is a global effort to make governments better. Project is designed for more transparent, effective, and accountable governments-with institutions that empower citizens and are responsive to their aspirations. But this is never easy.

The OGP formally came into life with 8 founding governments (Brazil, Indonesia, Mexico, Norway, Philippines, South Africa, UK, and USA) endorsed an Open Government Declaration and announced their country action plans. Since then, OGP has welcomed the commitments of 47 governments to join the Partnership.

The OGP is a new multilateral initiative that aims to secure concrete commitments from governments to promote transparency, empower citizens, fight corruptions and harness new technology to strengthen governance. In the spirit of multi-stakeholder collaboration, OGP is overseen by a steering committee of governments and civil society organizations.

Initiating OG is very easy but its implementation is not- most difficult. It is a strong magnet of strong poles of easy and difficult. Hence, it attracts the public worldwide. Its implementation is very closely associated with change of attitude and culture of officials, information holders, and custodians. Therefore it is a slow changing and time taking because of it high inertia. It is like discarding of an old era of secrecy and adopting of a new era of openness.

Evaluating OG performance, Josh Gerstein wrote president obama’s muddy transparency record in politico on May 3, 2012. He said Obama’s Open Government Initiative had all the makings of a signature presidential accomplishment: a poor track record by his predecessor, a public commitment by the president himself and a team of White House staffers devoted to fulfilling his vision. Some of the groups that lauded Obama for his intentions have become increasingly frustrated about the administration’s record.
Karim R. Lakhani, associate professor at Harvard Business School accompanied by
Vivek Kundra, Ex-CIO, led the case discussion for 50 technology executives in a weeklong HBS executive education course.

Kundra observed Information is power. By "democratizing data," ordinary citizens have the ability to shift the balance of power in positive ways that can encourage innovative ideas to be developed into practical goods and services. "Washington, DC does not have a monopoly on the best ideas," he told the executives. "The public has the ability to innovate."

He continued Data.gov allows people to be watchdogs as well as innovators. Our goal is to create a runway, a platform for innovation. The government can't make the most innovative apps. But Data.gov can be a platform.

OG initiative is a dawn of a new era. Barack has made a noble start of this era. Inspired by him, many others like OGP project are doing excellent job to achieve OG worldwide. One should not disappoint on it performance, as it is a time taking process.

Obama’ noble intention planted ‘OG’ tree. It bears fruits beneficial to all countries who export it. This is a political product which helped him indirectly and invisibly in winning second term. It helped his re election by convincing voters about his people oriented approach and noble intention.

This issue is ripe now for the United Nations to take up and popularize it among member countries. OG is in the centre of all issues. To secure desired developments and world peace, UN must adopt this agenda by getting the mandate of general assembly to include it in its core issues.

Heera Lal (views are personal and based on different sources)

Ref:

1. http://www.fas.org/sgp/crs/secrecy/R41361.pdf

2. http://www.whitehouse.gov/open/about/ideas

3. http://www.albany.edu/news/13232.php

4. http://www.govloop.com/profiles/blogs/the-obama-administration-s-open-government-initiative-politico-s

5. http://highestmonkey.commons.yale.edu/2012/04/17/government-online-obamas-open-government-initiative/

6. http://americaspeaks.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/Assessing-Public-Participation-in-an-Open-Government-Era.pdf

7. http://www.nynpa.com/docs/nie/SWNIEfeatures.pdf

8. http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2010/09/23/remarks-president-united-nations-general-assembly

9. http://www.uclalawreview.org/?p=3663

10. http://opengovernmentinitiative.org/