Too many cooks spoil the broth…. & the party

As high-handed and unceremonious as it was, Baba Ramdev’s midnight eviction from Ramlila grounds showcased the government’s strength in dealing with political nuances. This incident, which catapulted Union Minister Kapil Sibal in the limelight as UPA’s trouble-shooter also triggered the diminution of UPA –II. With the party patriarch convalescing of an undisclosed ailment at an undisclosed location, the party descended into factionalism and rumours adrift. During the early evening hours of India’s 64th Independence day, Anna sounded the war bugles. UPA’s troubleshooters swigged into action with meeting invitations, letters and media briefings. That’s where it all went wrong…

Anna’s campaign underwent meticulous media planning - research on media schedules, online communication strategy, international media outreach program, media infrastructure support and database management all were planned to the tee. On the contrary, UPA representatives have showcased their little or no knowledge of the power of “LIVE” media. The knowledge of managing media and its expectations helped the activists propel their precise messaging to a wider audience.

Anna camp’s strength was the clear definition of the media spokesperson: During the course of the fast, only three individuals represented Team Anna– Arvind Kejriwal, Prashant Bhushan & Kiran Bedi (It did not include Anna himself…masterstroke!). The jurisdiction of their media interactions and its topicality were clearly marked. In the UPA camp, all ministers assumed the role of spokesperson sending out mixed messages. Sibal and Chidambaram managed to bruise themselves in the legal tangle over the bills legitimacy, Congress mouthpiece Manish Tiwari feel flat on his face while slinging dirt on team Anna. UPA’s alliance patriarch, Sharad Pawar, had distanced himself from the bill debate far before mayday call was made. Senior leaders like Pranab Mukherjee decided to keep out of the controversy till the water reached the nose high.

A confused communication from the coalition fueled the energies of the Anna brigade, furthering the credibility of the Anti-corruption cause. The government could have seized the day much earlier, by appointing interlocutors and assigning specific task to leaders for communicating specific aspects of the Lokpal bill.

After all, it is the Italians who invented the phrase “Too many cooks spoil the broth”