(Image source from: Modi's mantras for sweeping the elections})
If Narendra Modi makes it to the 7, Race Course Road, as is evident now, than the credit for the rip-roaring success wouldn't go the man alone, but his management, his marketing principles and the undying effort of the team who are equally responsible for guiding NaMo and BJP to such glorious victory.
Right from the start, Modi and his party were focused on getting a majority of their own as well as building the right alliances and voter niches. From Modi, who led from the front, to the BJP and RSS karyakartas, the spirited campaign of BJP coupled with social media hype and 3D technology ensured that no one remained unswayed by the Modi wave. And now, the results are for all to see. As Modi readies to step into the corridors of power now, we analyze what steered Modi to such stupendous victory.
Be honest about your ambitions
Until now, we had barely seen any candidate voice out his hopes, goals and aspirations to his countrymen. While Indian politicians are used to pussyfooting around and acting coy, Narendra Modi unhesitatingly proclaimed his PM ambitions from the start. He openly stated his vision and ambition with clarity, something that the country welcomed as a refreshing new.
Stretch your targets, align your team
With Mission 272+ in mind, getting a majority was the sole aim of BJP this Lok Sabha elections. They weren't willing to settle for another allied government but sought total control. Hence, to stretch their target, they rose above the normal diffidence and everyday pettiness to get every shoulder to the wheel. The most spectacular part of the Modi campaign was that there was perfect alignment between leader and foot-soldier, where everyone, right from the leader Modi to his last foot soldier believed that they were fighting their own cause.
Divide and rule
Don't get us wrong. We are talking about NaMo's despotic tendencies, but his ability to unite all forces and guide them towards one common goal like a true leader. His strategies were clear: First, sweep Gujarat, next get public backing for his PM candidature through carefully-choreographed speeches, then garner party confidence, and then widen the support base by winning votes for his party CMs in various assembly elections. Lastly, cinch enough votes in crucial states to drive his party to victory and form a government. Modi ran his campaign like a US presidential election - from primaries to the final party nomination and on to voting day.
Demonstrate strength, then invite stakeholders
The media had perpetrated that Modi will have difficulty finding allies because of 2002. And, for sometime, it did appear so. But Modi was unfazed. He knew allies would rush to him once he wins. Once he put a big show of public support and the opinion polls started swaying in his favor, allies started flocking. He proved us that at the end of the day it is strength and not entreaties that attracts allies.
Always target your enemies' Achilees Heels
Modi’s greatest strength was UPA’s failures, and the fallibility of Manmohan Singh as PM. It did not take Modi long to figure out the chinks in UPA’s armors. Long years in politics had taught him that if you attack a meek opponent, you run the risk of public opprobrium. But if you pity him, you gain. Modi was happy to defend Singh when Rahul Gandhi insulted him. He rather attacked Sonia and Rahul to expose the weakness of their government. Modi was astute enough to know whom, when and how to attack.
Never play to your weakness
Facing aggressive TV anchors isn't easy. However, unlike Rahul Gandhi, Modi, only went for friendly interviewers for his Q&As. He realized that losing his cool on national television could be severely detrimental to his PM ambitions. So he treaded with caution.
AW: Suchorita Choudhury
