Certainly, Modi’s track record was very crucial for his win. Which means going further, he will only be assessed on deliverables
The 17th Lok Sabha election was, perhaps, the most bitterly fought in Indian history. It will be remembered for a lot many things but the most important of all was that it ushered the country into a new era of politics. For the first time since India’s independence, a non-Congress Government was voted to power with a record number of seats. Of course, its long-term effect will depend on how the new regime under Prime Minister Narendra Modi shapes its policy. Second, this was a presidential style election with Modi as the star campaigner. The focal point of both the ruling NDA and the Opposition was on one leader — Modi, the monolith. His landmark win will, therefore, be remembered not just for the fact that his Government secured absolute majority but also for changing the contours of the hitherto political playfield. Third, the mandate was against the cobbling up of an unsteady alliance, which the people felt will not be able to govern India if voted to power.
The Opposition Congress has been almost decimated in the Hindi heartland States of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh where it had registered wins only last year. The BJP’s remarkable recovery in these States is a reflection of the people’s mandate to repel the negative politics of the Opposition. The BJP has also made significant inroads in West Bengal. It could retain its influence in North-Eastern States of Assam, Tripura, Arunanchal Pradesh (both in Assembly and Lok Sabha) and to some extent in Manipur.
Let us examine the reasons for this resounding mandate for the Modi government. As a matter of fact, not every voter can be swayed by rhetoric or negative politics. The BJP successfully focussed on ‘nationalism’ and its achievements like surgical strikes and the Balakot bombing as its commitment to the grand cause. It portrayed itself as a strong Government that is ready to take revenge. This is what people expect. Public opinion was building up against non-action on the killings of Indian soldiers in terror attacks. Further, the BJP put the blame on the Opposition that it was playing into the hands of Pakistan by questioning the strikes and painted Congress chief Rahul Gandhi into a corner. The slogan, “Modi hai to mumkin hai” was shown as the greatest positive of a strong Government. Rahul’s high decibel accusation of the Prime Minister as a “Chowkidar chor hai” backfired and harping on the Rafale deal dealt a severe blow to the Opposition’s credibility. Another reason for Modi’s appeal was his resonance among the country’s youth, who rejected dynastic regional parties in the north, especially in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.
One of the lessons from this election is that the era of caste-based politics is almost over. Similarly, the concept that Muslims would never vote for the BJP was dented majorly in Uttar Pradesh. Apart from this, the Congress’ jingoism to garner Muslim votes in north India backfired and came to a cropper. This led to the consolidation of Hindu votes.
The BJP further surpassed the Congress in communication strategies and was able to encash some of its welfare schemes. In rural and semi-urban areas, the Ujjwala scheme has come as a boon, reducing drudgery of more than 15 crore women. Another feel-good scheme, which had an impact on the minds of the voter, is Ayushman Bharat, which provided the much-needed medical facilities in good empanelled private hospitals to the poorer sections. Already, more than 18 lakh people have enrolled for it and are availing benefits. Yet another scheme which made an impact was the pension scheme for the poor and unorganised sector workers who constitute a very sizeable vote bank of 25 crore people. Increasing road and housing projects for the poor also benefitted the people.
On the other hand, the Opposition kept on portraying Modi in a negative light than demonising the schemes he had failed in. The Congress’ manifesto, despite having the grandiose and hopeful plan of Nyay, was more about theory than practice. The repeated logjams in Parliament also played a role in decimating the Opposition, who were seen as stallers rather than doers. The 10 per cent reservation for the weaker sections of the upper class also played a role in this victory and the anger of the upper caste was the reason BJP lost in MP and Rajasthan. The farmers’ anger was dealt with by announcing the Rs 6,000 scheme for farm uplift.
It is now up to the new Government to lead the nation to greater heights. Prime Minister Modi should review the efficacy and deficiency in the machinery responsible for policy implementation. A lot of reforms in governance structure and decentralisation is needed.
(The writer is a former civil servant)
