(Image source from: What India wants from Narendra Modi})
As India begins to wrap its brain around the staggering success of the Hindu nationalist party Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Narendra Modi, with the party overwhelming the LS by winning 282 of the 543 seats, the country is now trying to comprehend what led to the massive mandate — the saffron sweep. Wishesh explores.
Firstly, it is a mandate for growth. BJP sweeping victory in the Lok Sabha elections 2014 has little to do with sectarianism or right wing ideologies, but progress and change. For a party that campaigned on the motto of “progress and development for everyone”, the voters expect nothing but growth and good governance. The deal is simple: we won you majority, now give us growth!
Second, it is a mandate against “dynasty politics”. The fact that the only non-BJP winners in Uttar Pradesh either belong to Gandhi on Mulayam Singh Yadav family is a clear testimony of a feudal vestige still prevalent in certain areas. The only parties to win thumping mandates of their own are Mamata in West Bengal, Jayalalithaa in Tamil Nadu, and Naveen Patnaik in Odisha – all non-dynastic groups. This shows that the country has had enough of dynasties pulling the strings of government. Now it wants someone more competent and presumably more selfless like Narendra Modi to lead the nation.
Third, the mandate is for restitution of power and prestige back to the Prime Minister’s Office. A whole decade of UPA's inept rule has depraved the office, blame it on the docility of Manmohan Singh and the Gandhi Dynasty’s uncouth intentions to run the nation indirectly. This is what prompted the electorate to pick Modi – the ultimate non-dynast, who is no one’s idea of anybody’s lackey – obvious to the electorate.
Fourth, this is a mandate for change. The upper classes seek growth, the middle classes need jobs and bigger paychecks, and the lower classes want inclusion with dignity. This is why a government that kicked off the largest redistributive effort ever was booted out of office acrimoniously.
Fifth, this is a mandate for active governance — a government that is prompt and yield results. The people are sick of inept governance. The escalation of the Aam Aadmi Party to power in Delhi – before Arvind Kejriwal botched it up - is how people wanted their leaders responding to their needs. Modi signifies responsive leadership, albeit of a different kind: he interacts with his people directly and in a language they understand. His office is accessible to the ordinary people and all their emails or grievances are promptly addressed. That’s one reason why Modi scored.
Sixth, this is not a mandate against corruption, but a mandate to make corruption less pervasive. Modi’s has slowly but steadily whittled down the need for common people to network with bribable, unscrupulous government officials in Gujarat so that all their works can get done sans any hassle. Gujarat isn't corruption-free , but systemic corruption is being brought down steadily and transparency is rising.
Seventh, the mandate shows that the nation is unanimous in their needs. The mandate is a fervent plea from all Indians to uplift and modernize India. Different Indians may have different needs, but this national consensus of vote is a clear call from India that now wants to touch the skies.
The bottom line of this mandate is give India a government that works. It is a mandate to change India and Indian politics for the better.
AW: Suchorita Choudhury
