To win the Karnataka elections, the BJP is relying on hindutva politics, booth management and social engineering
In January, when BJP president Amit Shah entered Karnataka with his box of electoral tricks, the party’s campaign picked up pace. Ahead of the assembly elections, on May 12, party leaders have, in jest, likened the situation to the Big Boss house, a reality show in which contestants have to complete certain tasks to ensure their survival.
While the ruling Congress hopes to repeat its 2013 victory—it had wrested 123 of 224 seats—the BJP, still smarting from being reduced to 40 seats, is hoping to reclaim its lost pride.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s populism will be pitted against Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s development agenda. The real battle, however, will continue to be fought on caste lines. While Siddaramaiah will rely on his Ahinda vote bank, consisting of minorities, backward classes and dalits, the BJP would look to counter with the consolidation of Hindu votes. Shah’s pit stops—at prominent temples, powerful mutts, caste conventions and massive rallies—are all part of a well-crafted path to victory.
The BJP is also relying on its invisible army of master strategists to devise micro-level plans. These members have their ears to the ground, and are dissecting communities, decoding political undercurrents and predicting the voter’s mood.
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة April 15, 2018 من THE WEEK.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 8500 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك ? تسجيل الدخول
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة April 15, 2018 من THE WEEK.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 8500 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك? تسجيل الدخول
Ram temple not an issue in south
Much has been said this election season about the alleged north-south divide.
Haute and sweaty
In Mumbai, where I live and work, there is a severe heatwave going on. The highest temperature this month has been 40 degrees, sweltering and humid for the coastal city.
MOVE AWAY MARY!
In many parts of the world,unique names are becoming popular
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CEPA and beyond
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Brash and raw
When I chanced upon Raj Narain, who humbled Indira Gandhi
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Modi and the Muslim syndrome
I have long been intrigued by the prime minister’s desire to hug every passing sheikh and sultan and his contrasting contempt for the ordinary Indian Muslim.
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Imphal is blanketed in darkness. The sun has set a little too soon in the valley, but N. Biren Singh is yet to call it a day.
SPOTLIGHT ON THE SENTINELS
Manipur government wants the Assam Rifles replaced, but the Union home ministry is focused on upgrading infrastructure and connectivity before deciding who guards the state