- The major political parties and the regional parties are in the electoral mode is apparent since the mother of all elections – the parliamentary polls – is just a few weeks away. The announcement from the Election Commission of India would happen anytime now. The model code of conduct will kick in soon after the poll dates are announced by the ECI. Nonetheless, every political party worth its salt is preparing full throttle to emerge victorious in the Lok Sabha polls. The last-minute preparations for pre-poll alliances are still underway around the political landscape. Of course, the major work for the political class now is to choose the right candidates by considering all important caste equations that usually override other necessary credentials like winnability.
PC: NDTV
- As you are aware, the labyrinthine caste conundrum plays a significant role in the Indian political landscape and the selection of candidates is largely based on this equation. Remember, though there are only two major national parties viz. the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Congress, several equally strong regional parties provide a competitive edge to the established ones too. This is where the alliances form a crucial aspect to ensure the parties not only enhance their chances of winning but also showcase serious intent and narrative to the electorate. We know how effective and relentless the BJP’s electoral machinery works around the year irrespective of the nature of polls. The BJP’s electoral machinery never slackens its pace one bit.
- Every election is considered crucial and duly important as the election machinery of the BJP never takes its foot off the pedal. No wonder, the BJP goes to any extent to win even if the poll is a by-election or a Rajya Sabha election for instance. None of the mainstream political parties can lay claim to being as diligent, purposeful, serious, and enthusiastic as the BJP’s election campaigns. It’s emulation worthy for sure. As such, it doesn’t come as a surprise to know the BJP is first of the block in announcing the first list of 195 candidates for the ensuing parliamentary polls. Some of the big names like Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah found their names in the first list released recently. This is some confidence from the saffron brigade.
PC: NDTV
- The UPA and the INDIA bloc are still working to finalize seat-sharing arrangements even though the broader contours of the alliance are yet to be frozen. Seat-sharing arrangements in Delhi and Punjab are done. As also in UP with SP. However, the number of leaders quitting the Grand Old Party and joining the BJP as well as other parties is on the rise. This must prove to be a great concern for the Congress who are reeling from the setbacks in the recently concluded assembly elections. Rahul Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra has failed to gain traction among the people. His done-to-death narrative about throwing a diatribe against Narendra Modi will be counterproductive. Indeed, the BJP has taken a definite lead and edge in the fight for supremacy.
