IMC Mulaquat with Prakash Javadekar

The third meeting of the Indian Media Centre (IMC) initiative "Mulaquat", was held at the residence of senior politician and BJP spokesperson Mr Prakash Javadekar. Intended to give a glimpse of the strategy of the principle opposition party of India for the coming Lok Sabha session, the IMC members were regaled with anecdotes from the bygone era when politics was, in Mr Javadekar's words, for a "mission not commission"


The proceedings began with Mr Shivaji Sarkar, Chairman of the IMC Delhi Chapter, dwelling upon the aims and objectives of the formation of the IMC and the various initiatives it has taken. Mr K G Suresh, the general secretary of the IMC then requested Mr Javadekar to address the members about his views and opinions on the issues of national importance. Mr Javadekar, in his speech, praised the initiatives of the IMC and the role it is playing in sensitising the media community.

Turning to the political scenario in the country, he lamented that the situation has undergone a tremendous change for the worst as far as the value system is concerned. He recalled that how he and other senior leaders in Maharashtra, who were political novices during the 70's were spotted, groomed and nurtured. Not only that, there was a constant focus on probity in public life. He added that his wife Ms Prachi Javadekar provided a perfect support to him in the initial years.

After this, he fielded questions on a range of issues from the IMC members present on the occasion. He maintained his smile and the forthrightness even on some some of the most controversial issues and everyone enjoyed a lively debate. Mr Javadekar's dwellings on the role of husband-wife team in Maharashtra politics were evident as Ms Javadekar played the role of a perfect host, serving generous doses of the home-made Maharashtrian 'Poha' (puffed rice) to the guests.

After the question answer session, Mr Dharamveer, the treasurer of the Delhi chapter of the IMC proposed a vote of thanks. a memento and honorary membership of the IMC was presented to Mr Prakash Javadekar. Ms Abha Khanna, member IMC, presented a copy of the IMC publication "Media Critique' to Ms Prachi Javadekar.

- By Anubhav Srivastava

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PTI Story on 'Mulaquat; with Prakash Javadekar

BJP condemns MNS actions: Javadekar


New Delh, Nov 11 (PTI) In the backdrop of the assault on Samajwadi Party MLA Abu Azmi in Maharashtra Assembly by MNS members, a senior BJP leader today said his party had condemned such attacks in the past and alleged that most such incidents related to Raj Thackeray's party were stage-managed.

During an interaction here, BJP spokesperson Prakash Javadekar said his party had always condemned Maharashtra Navnirman Sena's brand of politics and its actions.

MNS had first come into limelight after its members attacked taxi-drivers and low-end workers from North India who were working in Maharashtra. Javadekar alleged these were "stage-manged under police (patronage)."

"Yes, a few incidents did take place...But on the whole Mumbai was quite.What it did had a psychological impact which helped the Congress-NCP combine in the election," he said.

BJP fared badly in the recent assembly elections in Maharashtra and the Congress NCP alliance won the polls.

Commenting on the just -concluded Lok Sabha by-polls in Firozabad constituency of Uttar Pradesh where Samajwadi Party candidate Dimple Yadav lost to Congress candidate Raj Babbar, Javadekar said "Firstly, it was the anti-Yadav wave which resulted in the defeat. And the traditional Muslim voters also deserted the party (sp)."

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