Promises of ‘Khata Khat’ false, speeches hollow
Growing up in a village in North India, phrases like “Khata khat” and “Jhata jhat” (both meaning swift action, sometimes impromptu) were used colloquially. I recall these phrases being more prevalent among the less-well-educated in the 1950s and 60s.
It was once inconceivable that “Khata khat” would enter the lexicon of political campaigns, prompting me to write this piece. This article explores the political and literary implications of “Khata khat” and similar phrases in contemporary Bharat’s (that is India) politics. These are now classified as Onomatopoeia—a figure of speech evoking the sound of what they describe. These phrases gain effectiveness through repetition.
Credit in the current political sphere goes to RaGa (Rahul Gandhi), often referred to as Pappu and formerly labeled the Shehzada (prince) of Congress by Prime Minister Modi during election rallies. RaGa prominently featured “Khata khat” in his campaign, promising women below the poverty line (BPL) Rs.8,500 in their bank accounts starting July 1 if they voted for Congress. His punchline, “‘Khata khat khata khat paise ayenge account mein‘ (money will swiftly come into your accounts),” resonated widely among women voters and in the media. RaGa even distributed printed cards guaranteeing Rs. 100,000 annually to BPL women.
Many were enticed by this generous promise from one of the Congress party’s influential figures, part of the infamous Nehru dynasty. However, RaGa’s actions were deemed deceptive, manipulating the less educated and less fortunate into exchanging their votes. He continued a legacy of divisive tactics inherited from his ancestors, perpetuating what critics call the “Brown Raj” in the twenty-first century, damaging Bharat’s unity in diversity.
The revival of colloquial phrases like “Khata khat,” “Jhata jhat,” “Thana than,” “Fata fat,” “Safa chat,” and “Thaka thak” is noteworthy. Tejashwi Yadav of Bihar’s RJD party, another political heir apparent, effectively employed these phrases, repeating them rhythmically three times to amplify their impact.
He stated “Mahaul Thana than …; Naukari Fata fat…; Paisa Khata khat…, BJP Safa chat…; and I.N.D.I. Alliance ko vote Thaka thak…“ His statement encompassed employment (Naukari), Money transfer (paisa), and vote for I.N.D.I. Alliance including his own party in it. In that environment (Mahaul), he wished, that the BJP will be wiped out (Safa chat).
In 2024, prominent figures including the Prime Minister, Finance Minister, Home Minister, Chief Ministers, and the Samajwadi Party Chief deserve credit for the revival and use of colloquial language in their political discourse.
As someone rooted in colloquial culture, I find joy in this renaissance of childhood phrases, still vibrant in post-election scenarios. RaGa, now Leader of Opposition after three failed attempts at becoming Prime Minister, continues to make headlines with his ‘Khata khat’ actions on the first day of Parliament, spreading what critics describe as lies and innuendos.
During discussions on the ‘Motion of Thanks’ to the President’s address in the joint session, RaGa launched sharp attacks on the ruling BJP, asserting that Hinduism should not spread fear, hatred, and falsehoods. This led Prime Minister Modi to respond, highlighting the seriousness of such accusations. Gandhi retorted that his criticism was not directed at the entire Hindu society, but specifically towards the BJP and RSS.
RaGa’s other actions, such as displaying a statue of Lord Shiva despite warnings from the Speaker, have also stirred controversy. RaGa’s speech as Leader of Opposition, a position of constitutional responsibility, has met criticism for lacking substance and relevance to national issues like democracy and Bharat’s development. His conduct on July 1 showed a swift (Khata khat) shift from humility to arrogance. He assumed his role akin to a supreme leader over Bharat which he is not.
RaGa’s falsehoods and personal attacks prompted Modi to indirectly label him with “Balak Buddhi” (childish wisdom), reflecting on his conduct. Imagine a 54-year-old RaGa, still behaving like a child. Modi also referred to July 1 as “Khata khat day,” reminding RaGa of his promise of Rs.8,500 each month in the accounts of BPL women.
I would advise RaGa to avoid comparisons with Modi or anyone else, focusing instead on exercising restraint, wisdom, and respect for Bharat’s Constitution and parliamentary rules. Just holding the Constitution in his hands is no guarantee that he understands its essence. His assets should be humility, collaboration, and learning from others rather than asserting himself as the “learned.”
As a first-time Leader of the Opposition, RaGa can be a significant asset in celebrating Bharat’s democracy and diversity. His constructive contributions on behalf of the I.N.D.I. Alliance, if held together, could mark a positive trajectory for his political career.
In conclusion, will Modi uphold the zero-tolerance policy against corruption and initiate action Khata Khat against Prince RaGa and Queen Mother Sonia in the National Herald case? Could it lead to their ‘Safa chat’ from Bharat’s political landscape?
Note:
1. Text in Blue points to additional data on the topic.
2. The views expressed here are those of the author and do not necessarily represent or reflect the views of PGurus.
For all the latest updates, download PGurus App.
Formerly, a researcher in Italy, Japan, and France, he has widely travelled and came to the US in 1978. He was a faculty and academic administrator in several different universities in PA, TX, NJ, MN, WI, and NY, and an Executive Fellow in the White House S&T Policy during the Clinton administration.
