30 December 2007
Verdict of Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh people
The jubilant BJP Parivars across the country have now gone ecstatic over their electoral triump in Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh celebrating their victory. The Gujarat poll verdict is a foreshadow for how should a political propaganda not be, or otherwise, what kind of result would emerge then. For many, this result may not be digestable but the real fact is that no amount of rhetoric can hide the fact that the BJP has a mass base. Out of sync with ground reality, the opposition leaders are blaming for their poll debacle on many irrelevant reasons. One of the decisive factors for the BJP’s thumping victory in Gujarat is the lack of an effective opposition. The Congress Party entered the battle without a leader equal to Modi in stature. They could not find a candidate as politically dexterous and charismatic as Modi to sway the masses. The BJP’s victory in Gujarat is on account of pro-incumbency vote, but in a Himachal Pradesh, it is because of anti-incumbency vote. The crisis of the Congress Party is : There are regional leaders looking for the top slot in Delhi but there are no national leaders in Delhi with a hold on the regions. Development is the most potent argument for winning votes. It is the most decisive factor in deciding as to who should win or lose in the elections. Though the opposition party challenged by counter arguments, but they could not convince the electorates. The freebies would not help ever long to impress the voters. The rebel group should not at any cost be supported, encouraged and given a chance to constest election with supporting party ticket. No one should rely on the politics of appeasement and rebel faction. Hard works of party workers and proper guidance of top brass alone would bear fruit in any election. People are not interested in hollow idealism; They want tangible results and a dynamic leadership. When his attempt to placate the dissidents failed, Modi boldy dispensed with the rebel leaders, which on the hindsight proved correct. The entire BJPians rallied behind him supporting wholeheartedly. Jaitley’s stupendous tactics in framing a three-tire strategy and systematic poll campaign planning bore fruit enormously.
Modi might have won and defeated the dissidents, rebellions and rivals but now onwards, he should be very cautious in his activity and administration for they may fuel the top leaders that he is attempting to become the prime ministerial candidate as against Advani. In a few months, Karnataka has to elect a new legislative assembly. Changes do take place in democracy and we should humbly accept the verdict of the people.