Mini Rant

I never discuss politics with our driver. But today he asked me about farmers' protest. I broadly summarised that MSP and APMC are being done away with and that farmers can sell their produce to anyone at any price.

He responded, "Thats good. So whats wrong?"

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I explained to him about how APMC/Mandi structure is critical for farmers and how its destruction wl lead to their ruination. I also briefly explained how sharks like AmbaniAdani would benefit from such a move!

He sort of understood but was still unconvinced about the protest

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Then I asked him if he buys stuff from PDS. He said "yes'. I asked what all he buys. He said he buys all his stuff including rice; and buys only extra requirement from shops. I asked him what price he pays for rice. He said he gets 10kg staple rice and 10kg idli rice for free

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I asked him what will happen if they stop supplying rice in PDS. He was shocked. I explained to him the concept of MSP and how it enables the Govt to procure rice and stock it in FCI which is then made available in PDS. Also FCI stock enables tiding over rice shortages!

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I then explained, "the ultimate outcome of these Farm Laws is to do away with subsidy schemes including PDS. If there is no MSP, Govt may not stock rice in FCI and if so, there may be no PDS supply"

That opened his eyes. He cd instantly connect farmers' protest to his family!
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A few points emerge :

1 If a non-farmer in Chennai doesnt understand the impact of Farms Law, how do you expect folks like him in other TN towns to fight Modi's nefarious plans?

2 Is it not the job of opposition parties to communicate to all stakeholders about what they lose?
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3 According to driver, the farmers are unnecessarily causing chaos;

4 Is it not then time for opposition in TN to develop smart targetted messages for different social groups about various misdeeds of Modi and EPS; and devise ways and means for their efficient outreach?
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5 Despite being a DMK sympathiser, I got to tell that DMK communication 'sncks'. Long rants, motherhood statements and pointless histrionics add no value

6 Most communication from DMK including from MKStalin are for "the already converted"; they are not meant for fence sitters +

7 Evidence for this can be found by visiting MKS tweets to see the number of likes and retweets. Even I flip over his tweets. There is either a long-winding speech or an attached image with 200 words statement in it

8 Cant they make crisp 1min video or post few bullet points? +

9 May be the DMK guys are happy and convinced about the great work of the Party. But is it reaching others? Time to introspect!

10 Also I urge DMK guys to talk more about future; dont keep ranting about past laurels too much. DMK's trackrecord can utmost be termed 'mixed' +

11 Any party in political course for more than 70 yrs wl hv a lot to regret and hide about. When DMK puts excessive focus on its past, there is ample scope for its opponents to keep pointing out its many past failures

12 Talk more about what DMK will do differently in future +

that will make TN get over 10yrs misrule of ADMK!

13 I wonder what @PrashantKishor is upto! This communication approach of DMK is so unlike Modi's for 2014 elections!

14 Once Rajni formally enters politics, BJP is going to unleash blitzkrieg that will rattle TN

Watch out!

END