It wasn't a shocking result, in fact very much anticipated by political pundits. But some of them did claim that this year will be much more tougher for Modi than his first term. The poles have proved it wrong and BJP is elected with huge leads over Congress. I am not a follower of BJP or Congress but somehow elections create a kind of interest for me, except election there is nothing in politics that I appreciate much.
Many newspapers claim that Congress's lack of ideas / focus on the local issues is one of the reasons of their defeat. On the other side, Modi's firebrand image, outspoken personality and 'straight from the heart' speeches are rewarded with a clear-cut lead over the opposition. Some of the speakers of opposition also lament saying that its a win of devil over god or bad over good. No doubt a bit of communal touch is given to this election, you can refer to Modi's statement about Soharabuddin's encounter and Sonia Gandhi's much criticized remark of 'Maut Ke Saudagar'. But somehow I believe that BJP did not win on the basis of these usual 'election mantras'. Modi has proved to be a good chief minister having nice portfolio of development, especially his prudent decision after Gujarat Earth quake and even after Godhra . Also his various 'vikas yojana's' over Gujarat are primarily focused during the election campaigns , a stand for which Congress has no answers. Modi's elections campaigns were more inclined towards promising a new, developed Gujarat while Congress was much into riots issues. Naturally, a positive attitude won over the negative one. Sonia Gandhi worked really hard with countless rallies but her 'Des ki Bahu' image did not create magic in a common Gujarati's business oriented mind. Congress did touch upon the sensitive and emotional points like Mahatma Gandhi and his connection with Gujarat, but again , failed to attract voters on their side. I personally feel that political parties in India should not use any of India's heroes in their election campaigns , it's because these great souls did not have any political motives behind their deeds. Let me clear one thing, the list of Great Souls does not include Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru !!!
People might come up with different conclusions after this result and may even predict that Modi will be next Advani, or The Saffron Brigade will get a rejuvenation after this win, or there will be more communal riots in India or anything... But I think, Gujarat election has put forth an example that the democracy is changing now. Gone are those days when people vote you just because you belong to some so called elite family, or a powerhouse of India. Now, the shrewd 'Aam Janata' find her leader with much precaution and after deep analysis, of course there are places in India where someone votes for you just for the sake of Rs. 100/- and a 'Desi Santra' , but we can look at it as a beginning . I suppose the voters should take decisions on the basis of the 'work done' and not on the basis of anything else. Gujarat gave Modi another chance and now its Modi's time to keep his words.
2 comments:
Surely the powerhouse effect has started to vanish but it is far from completely gone. I also wholeheartedly agree with your opinion that political parties of today do not deserve to use the names of India's heroes.
Ya, it is not completely gone, but certainly the impact of Gandhi and Nehru dynasty on an average Indian is reduced. This is because, people are knowing more facts than the earlier 'janata', who blindly followed these families. Instead, a state level parties suddenly popped up, promising a state's development as their main aim. This effect is partially good and partially bad. But still we don't have an ideal political environment. In Maharashtra itself, there are divides in the names of casts. We have parties which call themselves as the protectors of Marathas, Bramhins, Marwadis, Dhangars, Vanjaris etc. So, the votes casted are yet not based on the 'work', but on the cast which the candidate belongs to.
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