- It must be intriguing and beguiling at the same time for the political pundits who are thoroughly versed in the way the Indian leadership and parties function. The political entities do not wish to initiate measures that go against the tried and tested templates having borne welcome dividends right through. Many political parties fervently wish to stick with the accepted norms rather than become adventurous. Since the nitty-gritty of Indian politics is unique where the labyrinthine caste conundrum plays a mercurial role, there is no way earth-shattering changes could be expected vis-à-vis leadership roles. However, the Bharatiya Janata Party has cultivated a welcome habit of throwing surprises now and then while choosing the Chief Minister when blessed with power.
PC: OneIndia
- We know the results of the three Hindi heartland states that went to the polls recently. One interesting aspect stood out in the way the BJP went about impressing the electorate during the campaigning. The BJP did not project any CM candidate in the three states but fought the elections largely in the name of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s imposing presence and various socio-welfare schemes announced by the Central government. The results speak for themselves highlighting the tremendous popularity and acceptance enjoyed by the Prime Minister with the electorate. Modi’s magic hasn’t dimmed one bit. Following much speculation about its CM picks, the BJP has done what it tends to do, proving pundits wrong.
- Of course, that Chhattisgarh, MP, and Rajasthan CMs are surprise picks is unsurprising. OBC consolidation has been a key factor in BJP’s political dominance in MP. Kamal Nath-led Congress wooed OBCs aggressively, promising a caste census and more quotas. Yet BJP succeeded in attracting more OBC votes than in 2018. Thus, the choice of Mohan Yadav is a hat tip to this. Plus, it may also soothe those ruing the exit of Shivraj Singh Chouhan, who mobilized OBCs, especially farmers. The Chhattisgarh pick Vishnu Deo Sai is an emotive and tactical bow to how the tribal vote helped the BJP across MP, Rajasthan, and Chhattisgarh. As reported, the party won 56% of 101 ST seats. In Chhattisgarh, where 29 of the 90 seats are ST, the impact was maximum.
PC: The Hindu
- The BJP won 17 in 2023 as against 3 in 2018. Note that Sai is a Kanwar, the largest tribal group in Chhattisgarh after Gond. He continues the powerful messaging that started with Droupadi Murmu becoming India’s first tribal President. With STs forming around 9% of the country’s population, more representation is fairer. And the electoral motivation is clear: 47 of the 543 Lok Sabha seats are ST, with 40 of them outside NE. Overall, the BJP enjoys an advantage in the parliamentary constituencies while ST assembly seats are more competitive. Again, the CM choice for Rajasthan is a complete surprise as well. A first-time MLA Bhajan Lal Sharma, a Brahmin, makes for an interesting choice. The BJP’s penchant for throwing surprises continues.
