"To make
Democracy work, we must be a notion of participants, not simply observers. One
who does not vote has no right to complain"
-Louis L'Amour
MAY 16, 2014.
It was day of extremely hot season. Scorching heat and rising mercury levels
would make people uncomfortable during any other day in this season but not on
this day. There was some kind of feeling in the air that provided relief to the
people, some kind of excitement that kept people glued to their TVs and to
their Smartphones. People across strata of age and life constantly tweeting, texting,
chatting and discussing about Results. There was some kind of feverish
excitement in the air that distracted people from the punishing weather. Well it
certainly wasn't IPL. Apart from Cricket there’s one other thing that boosts
the adrenalines of 125 crore Indians, It was Elections. It was the result day
of 16th Lok Sabha Elections, the one which will change the traditional Indian
Political demography and decide the fate of 125 crore Indians
2014 ELECTIONS: AN OVERVIEW
The 16th Lok Sabha Elections were the longest
election in India’s history, running in nine phases from 7 April to 12 May
2014. According to the Election Commission of India, 814.5 million people were
eligible to vote, with an increase of 100 million voters since the last general
election in 2009, making it the largest-ever election in the world. Around 23.1
million or 2.7% of the total eligible voters were aged 18–19 years. The
Election commission of India undertook extra efforts in commissioning vehicles
to spread awareness about Voting. To add glamour, it even held a vintage car
rally in Ludhiana to impress the youngsters. NGOs also played a significant role
in voting awareness campaigns. Personal appeals by prominent faces of the
Political Parties and Bollywood to go out and vote in large numbers motivated
the youngsters. All these efforts were to motivate the population of Young
Voters to exercise their franchise which could cause a rise in voter turnout
and most importantly a tectonic shift in vote shares.
RISE OF YOUNGISTAAN
No one was more excited, more enthused and more
vibrant than the Young Voters who were eligible to exercise their Democratic franchise.
They proudly held their Voter ID Cards as a symbol of power. Selfies of Inked
Finger were shared on Facebook and Twitter to catch the attention of their
friends and relatives to show off they have done their duty as a young citizen
by voting. The cool quotient on social media, the hasthtags like #GetInked #InkedForChange,
#MyIndiaMyVote applied before selfies of inked fingers made sure that it
reached a large number of users. Hashtags dedicated to political parties like
#iSupportNamo #voteforJhaadu also caught the attention of youth who could
specifically show their support to a Party.
What was to be noted about the youngsters was
they weren't bound by ideology of any party nor by any caste or religion
quotient. They were concerned only about serious issues like Price rise,
corruption, women's safety, unemployment, terrorism etc. All they wanted was a
solution to these pressing issues, to vote for a party, to elect a Leader who
could deal with this issues responsibly no matter what his caste or religion is
, no matter whether he hails from urban or rural area. The sudden enthusiasm
and Political awareness in youth could be traced back to the Anna Hazare
movement, where it took a septuagenarian to awake the Young India from the deep
slumber to the political reality around them. Scams of mammoth figures and an under performing Government boiled the blood of youth. The not-so-cool political
reality around them made them think responsibly about their future and of the
country's. The youngsters chipped in to offer their support to the
anti-corruption movement and gradually during the elections season some of them
joined the Political Parties who they taught would lift the country from
current stagnation.
SOCIAL MEDIA, THE VIRTUAL KURUKSHETRA.
The outreach and influence of social media among
the population, especially the youngsters was another reason to use it as a
platform to share information about Party and its leaders and its stand on
pressing issues. With an internet population of 243 Million India ranked 3rd in
the list. Mass leaders had their own Facebook and Twitter accounts from which
they would update about their rallies and programmes and share their messages.
Followers ran into Millions. Mission 272 was formed by BJP IT communication
Cell to garner support for the BJP's mission of 272 seats (272 is the halfway
mark of 545). Fans groups propped across the social media supporting their
leaders. Hashtags like #IsupportNaMo #RahulGandhi #AamAdmi began trending on
twitter. But sometimes the hashtags took an ugly form. #Feku #Pappu #Bhagoda
etc were used by party's detractors to mock or share hate messages. Propaganda
machine were placed on work to spread exaggerated claims or unethical messages
to garner support for them or turn the public opinion against their detractors.
Mass leaders used Google Hangouts to communicate online with public. Leaders
would take questions from selected users and they would have a chat session
with them. Power of Social Media was harnessed to garner support among the
users. Social Media turned yet another Battleground for 2014 elections.
THE MODI FACTOR
Love him or Hate him no one, not even his
hardcore critics could deny his overwhelming popularity and influence over India
during the Elections. The man solely responsible for turning the elections into
Presidential style referendum of his own, Narendra Modi’s run for Prime
Minister ship was no cakewalk. During the 2013 Goa Conclave where Rajnath
Singh, BJP president elected Narendra Modi as the Prime Ministerial Candidate
he faced strong opposition from Party's senior leaders. His opponents declared
that a divisive figure like Modi would not attract Allies for NDA. Media too
didn't spare any mercy. It was a big risk taken by Rajnath Singh but that would
pay off in coming months.
The ghost of Gujarat Riots loomed over Modi.
Even though the Courts let him free, the public wouldn't forgive him. Hindutva
agenda won't earn him enough support from the diverse population. He had to
reinvent himself.
Modi choose something that the Indians across
strata of life so desperately yearned for, that they lacked under UPA's 10 year
rule; Development! Around the cloak of Hindutva he wore the shining armour of
Development. He transformed into a Vikas Purush (Man of Development).
Development was the field where he was best at. When the whole of India faced
the heat of Global Meltdown, Gujarat progressed. Referred as India's Guangdong,
Gujarat outpaced every other Indian state with its double digit growth rates.
Gujarat registered 10.7% growth rate in Agriculture against the National
average of 2% putting West Bengal and Kerala to shame. Nearly 100% of Gujarat's
villages are electrified. Over 26 districts are connected with Broadband with 9
Lakh users. Almost all the Indian corporations had their Industries and Plants
in Gujarat. Over 20% of the World’s Top 500 conglomerates have corporate
offices in Gujarat.
With the armour of Development he wielded his
Vajrayudha, the Gujarat Model of Development. He addressed his first 2014
Election Rally at Rewari, Haryana. From there on he never looked back. What he
unleashed was a blitzkrieg in the coming months. Modi has travelled 300,000 km,
or seven times the Earth's equatorial circumference. He has attended 5,187
events, addressed 477 rallies in 25 states. 3D Holographic speeches were
relayed using Mobile Vans in the remotest of areas where technology hadn't
penetrated. The cornerstone of his campaign machine was technical innovation.
His IT army, commandeered mainly by IITians unleashed a technological warfare
that his opponents couldn't withstand. Whether it be Radio, Mobile, TV or
Internet his tech savvy supporters made sure their Leader's message was relayed
to every corner. By dialling 4501-4501 one could listen to Modi's speech. The
India272 mobile app for Android devices were developed to connect with every
Modi supporter. Modi4PM donation drive was developed to collect funds from both
his supporters home and abroad. Television Media wasn't left alone. "Abki
Baar Modi Sarkar" ads filled the advertisement blocks. Even during the
Cricket season Political themes with the cricket field background became a hit.
His personal Facebook account had hit 10 Million likes, second only to Barack
Obama. Wherever he went for Rallies he was given the welcome of a superstar.
When he roared the crowd feverishly chanted “MODI MODI” There was indeed a
Wave, a Modi wave on the way to sweep India. His political opponents and ivory
tower intellectuals would deny it outright but any aam admi with simple common
sense would feel it. Modi's march to Delhi would not be a smooth ride, he would
have to face obstacles when dealing his opponents with the new addition to the
list, Arvind Kejirival of AAP. Other than Modi, mass leaders of other Parties had
their eyes on throne of Delhi.
CLASH
OF THE TITANS
Narendra Modi, Rahul Gandhi and Arvind
Kejirival.
2014 Elections would be an incomplete story
without these characters. Their personality cult turned the Lok Sabha Elections
into a Presidential style campaign wherein much importance was attached to the
ability and charisma of the Leader who represented their party. Jayalalitha of
Tamil Nadu, Mamatha Banerjee of West Bengal, Nitish Kumar of Bihar, Naveen
Patnaik of Orissa and Mulayam Singh of UP had their personality cult built over
the years of experience . But theirs were only Regional Parties that could
influence only the regional voters but nevertheless it posed a challenge for
RaGa's, AK's or Modi's national ambitions .Rahul Gandhi, projected as the Young
face of Congress portrayed the Young India which wants to progress and break
from tradition. Arvind Kejirival, projected as Mr. Clean by AAP, portrayed the
frustrated Aam Admi (common man) who is fed up with corruption in Govt. Offices
and the influence of Crony Corporates on Govt. One in a million who was had
guts to take upon the system and clean the filth of corruption. Narendra Modi,
projected as the "Vikas Purush" (Man of Development) by BJP
represented that Leader who is capable enough to lift the Country out of
current political stagnation. A leader who can develop India like Singapore,
lift the Disadvantaged out of Poverty ,take strong action against Pakistan's
Proxy War. Thanks to the media, by playing a significant part in spreading the
Modi Wave, the Political bigwigs sensed the threat. Out of chaos formed 2
groups; Modi and anti-Modi.
FINAL BATTLE BEGINS
5th March
2014, Election commission sounds the
poll bugle and lo! The Parties join the fray, to fight the biggest battle of
their life. With the enormous war chest and armed with technology, Narendra
Modi was well ahead of everyone. Not to mention his impressive oratorical
skills and stamina that others obviously lacked. On the ground only that made
the difference. Laced with sarcasm and humor added with specific inputs and
data of the regions he visited, Modi delivered impressive speeches that swept
the crowd by their feet. He delivered the final salvo with his Vajrayudha; the
Gujarat Model of Development. Comparing with his state Gujarat he talked about
how Gujarat progressed and why their leader lacked the ability to lead the
state on path of Development. In the Congress ruled states he vehemently
attacked the state and central leadership declaring "60 years of Congress
rule lead you nowhere" "Congress party is hijacked by one family and
One family ruled the country for 60 years" and then he went on to gave his
punch line. “I will bring you the development in 60 months what Congress
couldn't do for 60 years" earning him applause and standing ovation from
the crowd. Well de facto leader of Congress, Rahul Gandhi wouldn't shy away
from a fight during an election. He mocked Modi's Gujarat Model as "Toffee
model of Development" and went onto explain how Modi Govt. Sold land to
Corporates for as cheap as Re 1. Some say Modi has a hide as thick as that of a
Rhinoceros. The accusations did not cause any slightest harm to him but it
quickly boomeranged on Rahul causing extra damage. In a rally Modi countered it
by saying "Congress has followed a new type of Development agenda. RSVP,
Rahul Sonia, Vadra, and Priyanka". News Hungry media jumped on the crumb
and the rest was history. Rahul had the youthful energy, what he lacked was
oratorical skills and ability to convince. He hurled accusations on Opposition
but he lacked facts to back it. He had no achievements to show off unlike Modi.
What public wasn't aware of was his lack of knowledge of politics and history
until he gave an interview on Times Now. Interviewer, Arnab Goswami, a renowned
anchor (interrogator as some call him) grilled Rahul on 1984 riots, his views
on Modi and vision for India. Rahul displayed his ignorance of his family
history, ignored questions on Modi and lacked any solid vision for India. It
would be an understatement to say it was the worst. It was disastrous! The
interview became an instant hit on YouTube with 2 million views. Rahul Gandhi
was devastated. Congress was left in a fix. The reputation Rahul Gandhi earned
in his 10 years of political life quickly evaporated. For the public, Congress
was out of the race.
Modi's real threat came from the Arvind
Kejirival, leader of fledgling party AAP. An IITian and a former revenue
officer, Arvind Kejirival became the favorite of common man with his Aam Admi
topi and simplicity. He did not possess an enormous war chest or any super
weapon but he struck where it hurt the most. He took the battle to Gujarat. He
held rallies in remote places of Gujarat where he was well received by the
public. He declared that Gujarat development model is farce and rural areas
still are in dire need of development. To everyone's shock he tried to barge
into residence of Gujarat CM without an appointment and later declaring Modi
was afraid to give him one. In later weeks Magazines came up with cover topic
"expose of Gujarat Development model" but it received flak from its
readers, many unsubscribing for carrying a false and sensational topic. Now
public had a choice other than the Congress.
What starts with Modi ends with Modi. In the
coming rallies he revealed his early life of working as a Chaiwala (Tea vendor)
and his rise to Chief Ministership, exploiting it to his advantage. He declared
he is the real Aam Admi for he has experienced the struggles of poverty. The
image of a Chai wallah turned CM punched deep in the minds of public when Mani
Shankar iyer (Congress leader) spoke sarcastically of his past and declared
that Modi will have opportunity to sell tea at Congress party office. Modi
turned that sarcasm to his advantage. BJP flagged off “Chai pe Charcha"
(Discussion over Tea) campaigns all over country. A small teashop was setup
with a flat tv screen with net connectivity where Modi would appear on TV
responding to Public's questions. The campaign became a roaring hit delivering
a fatal blow to Congress and on Mani Shankar Iyer for making the comments in
poor taste.
In the last stages of campaign Modi addressed
190 Bharat Vijay rallies which also covered South Indian states of Kerala and
Tamil Nadu where it has least presence. Narendra Modi filed his nomination from
Varanasi considered as the Holiest place of Bharat.To give a run for his money
Arvind Kejirival too filed his nomination from Varanasi and later declaring 450
candidates for LS polls. He was fighting a battle where he had nothing to lose.
Shutters came down on high voltage campaigning on April 22. Now the final
choice was of Common man.
"SECULARISM" OR DEVELOPMENT? WHAT INDIA
NEEDS?
The whole Lok Sabha elections were concentrated
on two issues; Secularism and Development. Corruption too was a major issue.
The Lok Sabha elections turned into a Presidential style referendum. Either
with Modi or against Modi. Even if there was a middle ground it was
insignificant. While Modi moved on from Hindutva to Development his opponents
were stuck on branding Modi as communal. "Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas"
(Development for All) became his motto. No majority pleasing or minority
appeasement, it was for Savasokarod deshvasiyo (125 crore Indians).Opposition
Parties appealed to Minority sections to beware of "Saffron" BJP and
its mascot Modi who was a divisive figure and presided over the Gujarat riots.
Appeal was made to Majority section to stem the rise of "Fascist" and
Corporate Friendly Modi to save Nehruvian Socialism and Democracy. For all the
accusations and counter accusations the onus was on 23 Million Young voters and
100 million new registered voters who could cause a tectonic shift in vote
shares. Youngsters were no longer shy of possessing an electoral card or
showing their support to their favorite political party. Thanks to the
internet and smartphone, Youth had access to ocean of Knowledge on their
fingertips. Social Media debates made them more informative. This generation of
Youth were no longer bound by caste or ideology equations. All they wished for
was a Vibrant and Unified India and a Strong Leader who can raise their country
from stagnation to new heights and make their mark on Global Stage. Vande
Mataram!
