This election was unique in many ways. It will be best remembered as foul mouthed opposition with no policy, no common manifesto but one common factor, unbelievable hatred for PM Modi, to remove him at any cost, fair or foul, truth or lies. But as long as Modi and Shah, Chandragupta and Chanakya remain united, they are undefeatable!
The foul mouthed prominent politician amongst opposition cadre, who wanted Modi’s downfall and to warped her politically correct views on others, was West Bengal (WB) CM Mamta Banerji who wanted to slap Modi politically. Modi, as usual, turned this hatred to his advantage; calling Mamta his Didi. (Elder sister) “She has every right to slap me” thus claiming moral high ground.
In an unexpected about-turn, matured voters of WB gave her fitting reply through ballot box, BJP winning 18 seats against 2 in 2014 election, TMC down 12. It is only a matter of time before TMC is ousted, losing hold on WB Assembly, one of the worst managed States in the Indian Union, infected by vote bank politics, bureaucracy, corruption and cronyism.
No one expected BJP to repeat its 2014 triumph, winning 282 seats on its own, when BJP was in the opposition. But if anything, Modi’s charm and Shah’s decorous efficiency, have stunned every one, winning massive 303 seats on its own, NDA’s total seats numbering 352, same as 2014, mainly due to ADMK, Akali Dal and couple of NDA partners losing 40 seats.
On the whole “Operation Lotus” the political tsunami was success beyond expectation which may have adverse effect on Congress, UPA ruled States like Rajasthan, Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh, allies deserting sinking ship, normal but unwelcome scenario in Indian politics.
Rahul’s future is uncertain, in doldrums, especially after losing Amati, bastion of Gandhi dynasty; to Shruti Irani, an upcoming BJP star. Although Rahul tendered his resignation, it is unlikely to be accepted, unless Priyanka Vadra is willing to take over. In any case Rahul’s gesture is hollow, meant for media and public consumption.
Another notable victory for Indian politics is that voters turned against deserters, opportunist, and floating politicians like Navjot Sidhu, Sinha, Vaghela and their likes who float from one flower to another, whichever yields most honey! It is also astonishing that BJP/NDA made clean or nearly clean sweep in so many States like Gujarat, Rajasthan, Bihar, Himachal, Delhi and few more. Well, there is never a dull moment when it comes to Indian election!
Bhupendra M. Gandhi
By email
