Why the BJP should be worried about winning.

If political analysts and psephologists have got it right this time around, and, are to be believed, their predictions from exit polls put BJP on firm winning ground in the Indian States of U.P., Goa and Uttarakhand. As the results are expected tomorrow, the upcoming festival of Holi might just see the colour of saffron splash across these States! 

If this does happen, the BJP (and its allies) would have established itself in 15 of the 31 States. With Assembly elections due in the States of Gujarat and Karnataka, it appears that the BJP could continue its streak of winning.

So, while the BJP might rejoice at its popularity, rather, at Shri. Modi’s popularity, it may not exactly be good news for the democracy that India practises. Neither would it be healthy for the Federal form of government that is followed. For a healthy, vibrant democracy, it is imperative that the opposition parties play a significant role. 

The States, this side of the Vindhyas, have begun asserting themselves - the Jallikattu protests being a case in point. They are apprehensive of what they perceive to be the North Indian hegemony and will, probably, continue to fight back even at the slightest provocation. At the same time, the BJP with an absolute majority at the centre, and in power in about half the States, will have consolidated its position to push for reforms without significant opposition. While, in the short term, this may paint a rosy picture for the BJP, it might just lead to the rise of more regional parties to challenge them. And this might just be a good thing! 

The one question that has been gnawing at my head is whether the Prime Minister should be the ‘star’ campaigner for his party, in a manner where he is almost the de facto President of the party. Whatever happened to the one-man, one-post rule! While it may not be unconstitutional or illegal for him to do so, it certainly raises questions of propriety and ethics. 

The results of these elections may well sound the death knell to dynastic politics and force the opposition parties to pull up their socks and get their act together, if they indeed wish to remain relevant. It might also pave the way for the emergence of parties such as the AAP. 

Politics makes for strange bedfellows. And what happens beneath those sheets could change the way politics is practised. Universities will emerge as the focal point for discussions on political ideologies and new debates on topics of Secular v/s Hindutva will emerge even as the swinging of the pendulum of politics - left-centre-right - will be keenly watched.

Meanwhile…