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Why Tamil Nadu CM is Lord Voldemort and UP's Behenji a Devi

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Manas Gupta
Manas GuptaJul 26, 2016 | 16:49

Why Tamil Nadu CM is Lord Voldemort and UP's Behenji a Devi

AIADMK activists touch Jayalalitha's feet after win in Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections in 2016.

Did you know the chief minister of Tamil Nadu is Voldemort? Well, she could be, because going by the state Assembly speaker, the CM is "she who cannot be named".

Miffed DMK MLAs staged a walkout on Monday when the speaker disallowed them from taking the CM's name. Apparently, the dispute arose after the same DMK members were outraged at Karunanidhi's name being taken in the House. Irony just staged a walkout of the Tamil Nadu Assembly.

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Overawed man falls at jayalalithaa's feet to congratulate her after winning Tamil Nadu elections.

Sometimes one wonders what the nameless one feels about all the drama that goes on in her name. Are you not repulsed madam, by grown men in lungis with beer bellies, prostrating themselves at your feet? Is that how you choose your best lieutenants... by their prostrating abilities?

Earlier, there have been instances of instant branding, when flood aid has suddenly been covered with Jaya posters and stickers. Graffiti of birthday wishes for Amma being wiped has led to outrage and abuse, even months after the birthday.

When will this sycophancy stop? What is this obsession with netas and supporters treating leaders like gods and goddesses? Maybe this tendency to put humans on a pedestal is why the business of babas and gurus flourishes in India, with blind followers hanging on to their every word, even if they're jailed or sexually exploiting their women.

Recently, Behen Mayawati told national TV that her supporters treat her like a Devi. Perhaps, the former UP CM was just clarifying why she gets her statues built, complete with designer handbag.

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 Mayawati immortalised in Dalit Prerna Sthal in Noida.

Well, one does wish the Devi used some of her divine powers to help UP develop a little. One would think a state with a Devi for a chief minister would have seen fewer power cuts and lesser crime. Not that her successors have been any better.

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Of course this obsession with worshiping netas is not restricted to women politicos. In 2015, a temple was built in the name of Narendra Modi, prompting the Prime Minister to tweet how he was appalled at the idea.

In 2013, Modi's bête noire Sonia Gandhi was at the receiving end of some religious largesse. Then former minister and member of Andhra Pradesh Assembly, P Shankar Rao, decided to celebrate her birthday by setting nine acres aside at Nandigama in Kotturu mandal for a 'Sonia temple'.

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 The 'Modi temple' in Gujarat.

In the capital, a bunch of gentlemen did their bit to make India a laughing stock by holding hawans for the success of Donald Trump.

We understand that these are devoted followers, but perhaps they're taking the word devoted too far?

Last updated: July 26, 2016 | 17:06
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