By repeatedly taking names of Mukesh Ambani and Adani group, Kejriwal has tapped into the public anger against these businessmen who seem to be growing exponentially, and against whom there was a visible public sentiment.
During his rally on the fourth day of his visit to Gujarat, Kejriwal termed chief minister Narendra Modi, the BJP's Prime Ministerial candidate, as property dealer for the Ambani, Adani and Tata groups.
He cited examples to show how common man suffered in Gujarat but industrialists got land at throwaway prices. Ambani group is known to be in good books of both Congress and BJP.
Kejriwal had earlier taken on the group for bagging the big contracts and selling gas at exorbitant prices. Once again, he targeted Modi and alleged that he used Ambanis' choppers to fly.
The Ambanis have got bad publicity after constructing the Antilla skyscraper in Mumbai. But through stakes in major newspapers and TV channels, the group managed to control media to a large extent. Reports against the group no longer got published or telecast.
However, Kejriwal has begun an all out direct attack against the group, just when both the major parties viz. Congress and BJP refrain from attacking the corporates. Clearly, the strategy seems to be working for Kejriwal, as he is getting attention.
The turnout at his rally proves the point. He has brought attention of common Indian citizen against the big groups that are accused of questionable practices to make huge profits, by using resources that are made available to them freely, by governments.
How far he will succeed in translating this sentiment into votes, time will tell. But for now, he has definitely made his move and has taken a stand, which is earning him praise from different sections of the society, with even media forced to publish his comments attacking Ambani.
TIH Bureau
