The outcome of Sunday’s election, marked by the BJP’s victory, signifies not only the party’s commitment to inclusivity but also reflects Bharat’s new journey. This political evolution emphasizes empowerment over entitlement, focusing on “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, and Sabka Prayaas.” There’s a noticeable shift in voting patterns, moving from identity-driven decisions to those influenced by economic empowerment, cultural assertion, and social assimilation.
The Ladli Behna Yojana, an initiative promoting economic empowerment and financial inclusion for women, exemplifies this altered voting pattern. It highlights a departure from traditional identity-based or family-influenced voting, with women prioritizing economic empowerment.
In Chhattisgarh, the carefully crafted image of outgoing CM Bhupesh Bhagel as a champion of social justice failed to yield the expected results. Despite promises of the highest minimum support price for paddy rice and quotas to appease OBC voters, the traditional voting pattern based on identities and incentives underwent a transformation. The Congress’s attempts to encroach on OBC votes held by regional leaders proved unsuccessful, and even the caste census failed to garner significant support.
The Congress’s setback in the tribal belt contributed to its electoral challenges. The Modi government’s vision for the holistic welfare of tribals and the protection of their cultural heritage resonated well, addressing civic amenities, basic infrastructure, and livelihood opportunities. Initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PM-PVTG) Mission, with an allocation of Rs 24,000 crore, aimed at comprehensive tribal welfare.
The tribal identity’s recognition, cultural celebrations, and honoring tribal icons reinforced the idea of cultural nationalism. Tribal communities responded positively to these efforts, indicating a shift in political preferences.
The election results underscored voters’ focus on core socio-political issues and development policies over short-term inducements and sporadic development. The move from freebies to free will was evident in Telangana, where local leader KVR Reddy’s contributions to local development influenced voters against the incumbent government’s infrastructural projects.
Women emerged as independent voters, not necessarily following family preferences. Female voters played a significant role in BJP’s victory in Madhya Pradesh, emphasizing issues related to farmer welfare and tribal-centric initiatives. Economic empowerment programs like Ladli Behna Yojana, along with other women-centric schemes, attracted women voters, marking a shift toward the BJP.
Nationalist concerns and Hindu identity became integral to the socio-political discourse. The assertion of a national identity and India’s cultural ethos influenced voters, moving from cultural nationalism to civic nationalism. This shift permeated the electorate’s consciousness, shaping decisions at both the national and state levels.
In summary, the election results signify a move away from the politics of appeasement to a politics of aspiration, assertion, and assimilation. This shift reflects a changing political landscape where voters prioritize empowerment, development, and cultural identity over identity-driven and entitlement-based politics.
