Uttar Pradesh is considered India within India. Population wise it is the largest state of the country hence plays pivotal role in the Indian Politics. Recently held 2017 Legislative Assembly Election result in Uttar Pradesh have indicated significant changes in India Politics. Whether you’re ruling party or opposition, it is going to bring revolutions for all.
Every political party was behind particular section of the society such as BSP used to played Dalit card but this time to people’s surprise played Muslim card as well. Muslims along with Yadavs were main attraction for SP lead by the father and son duo Mulayam and Akhilesh. Congress for minorities, Ajeet Singh’s RLD focused on Jaat votes only whereas BJP vote banks were considered so called higher caste. Some had free mobile phones offer; some had reservation and some vowed to wave off farmer’s loans.
This election was so complex that political strategist and advisor like Prashan Kishor whose tactics were instrumental for BJP in 2014 Lok sabha election failed to understand the change of scenario in the state and could not fetch the desired results for Congress.
5 Change are expected in the dynamics of Indian Politics.
1) Polarization and Appeasement: Caste based politics is an age old tradition in the subcontinent. Previous governments played politics of appeasement as they worked mainly for their vote banks only. Appeasement was again visible in this election too when BSP supremo Mayawati gave 97 tickets to Muslims candidate as she believed all their votes will be in her party’s favour which was traditionally SP’s vote bank. Breaking the stereotype Narendra Modi and Amit Shah looked for social engineering and came out with a slogan “sabka sath sabka vikash” which means Collective efforts inclusive growth. This has worked wonders for them and fetched gigantic 325 seats for out of 403 seats. Although BJP didn’t give single ticket to Muslims, they won 75% of Muslim dominated areas which simply means caste/religion didn’t affect them. I’m not saying that it will bring an end to this politics but certainly will not be first agenda to any of the Political Party.
2) Devlopment and Law & Order: It is clear message to all the ruling parties that if they don’t maintain law &order and unable to bring development to region anti-incumbency will prevail in the society. It happened in Punjab election where Shiromani Akali Dal government was dethroned and opened the doors for Congress again. People had high expectations from Akhilesh Yadav as he was young politician and well educated as well. He tried initially but lost focus and could not make any significant change in the state’s development or law & order situation. Yamuna express way was the only key highlight to his achievement which was blamed to be overly budgeted project. On the other hand Prime Minister’s Ujjawala Gas yojana was extremely successful which provided gas connections at ease to rural areas of the countries.
3) 360 degree Campaigning: Since digital media and social networking sites have reached to every household in India it has become essential to use the platform wisely. This is now quickest way to spreading your view to masses; however, it has to be used wisely as facts are now available just a search away. Modi, who advocates the digitization, is the master of using this platform for the interest for people and for his party as well. Apart from the modern tools, traditional tools are equally important i.e. ground level work by party workers who have the responsibility of conveying their ideology and their work to people. To make them understand how it will change or better their lives.
4) Effective Manifesto: It’s time to say enough of fake promises. Fellow Indians know better which promises are feasible and in the interest of everyone and which are just for the sake of taking their votes. It was probably the first time in UP when BJP came out with agenda of development first and kept Ram Mandir issue secondary among other propaganda. This tactical change in the manifesto has worked wonders for them as when Ram Mandir waves were on high, they managed to win 221 seats in the state whereas in Modi’s Development waves they won 325 seats. Time has changed so as manifesto will have to.
5) Nationalism: To oppose unlawful or unconstitutional act of the government is the fundamental rights of any opposition. However, when you oppose even acts which are in the national interest or support anti-national it is going to give you dire consequences. From questioning surgical strike’s credibility to supporting anti-nationalist like Kanaihya Kumar and Umar Khalid who were chanting anti-national slogans opposition have done everything wrong. In a statement Nitish Kumar CM of neighbor state Bihar said opposing demonetization has resulted into opposition’s disgraceful defeat. We hope they will understand that nation is first and foremost for all of us irrespective of our political views.
Having progressive government and strong competitive opposition is always good for the democracy as government will be proactive and alert all the time. If above possible changes take place over a period of time, we can rest assured that India will progress with great speed and will become superpower of the world someday.
Jai Hind.
Raghuvanshisandeep 
Mr Sandeep your thoughts are very positive ,I appreciate you for this job ,but my question is why you not wrote the real face of BJP-RSS alliance. I thing you ignored the actions of the central govt which was taken against Muslims and Dalits. They want to stop Muslims to follow there religion and freedom of religious beliefs,how can govt decide that what kind of food Muslim can eat or cannot eat ,how can they decide dalit cannot do there tradition of leather business.i think you don’t mind this problems because you don’t this is a problem, and that is not happened with you .
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Dear Tariq I certainly understand your concern. What I was trying to make a point here is that Dynamics of India politics where caste/religion plays a key part is going to be changed. I mentioned the points like polarization, appeasement and also anti incumbency. SAD with BJP with failed in Punjab because of anti incumbency. I was not writing on problems in India but Dynamics of politics in India. I’ll try to take your point into consideration when I’ll write on religious tolerance in the country.
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