Will BJP's Hindutva Politics Make Them Win The Karnataka Elections!

To win the Karnataka elections, the BJP is relying on hindutva politics, booth management and social engineering

- Prathima Nandakumar

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.