There can be no denying the fact that the BJP under Mr Modi’s leadership has been able to, over this past decade, reinforce the perception of being seen as a focused and forward-looking party, intent on pushing our national interest to the fullest. This is in complete contrast to the rather dismal picture that our opposition presents with its inherent lack of focus, regressive emphasis on caste and the inability to work together. There is little doubt then, that Mr. Modi will once again lead the BJP and its allies to another win, though the margin of victory is difficult to predict.
This result need not have been inevitable. As our foremost and shrewdest political strategist, Prashant Kishor, points out, despite their best efforts, the BJP alliance has historically never got more than 38% of the votes cast. That leaves a sizeable 60% plus, opposed to the BJP and its ideology, that the opposition has failed to use effectively. More so, since we still have a long way to go to becoming Viksit Bharat anytime soon. The Government’s economic claims are under a bit of a cloud given the existing scale of unemployment, middling growth and rising prices. However, in addition, there are a couple of other fundamental issues that must be tackled urgently, if we are to truly unshackle our potential as envisaged.
