As India votes in the second phase of the Lok Sabha elections on Friday, it is evident that the context has changed (and become even more vituperative) from what it was before the first phase. It was about ‘inflation, unemployment, caste census, etc.’ in the first – taking the fight to the BJP in a general sort of way. Suddenly, the desperation of the Congress to make a mark, particularly in the South where it also has rivals other than the BJP, has caused the narrative to be turned on its head. The nothing short of outrageous claims in the Congress manifesto have allowed the BJP to launch a massive counter-attack. From being the challenged incumbent, it has transformed into the challenger. Instead of the Modi Government’s record being questioned, it has now become about the socialist policies of the Congress since independence and the good or harm they have caused.
One can only imagine what the state of affairs will be by the time the seventh phase comes along. Will matters go downhill as they are doing at present, or are there limits to the depths to which politicians can sink? The people will get to witness this in the days to come and discover some harsh realities about themselves and the democratic process. Quite obviously, they will continue to respond to the situation, vote-wise, as the situation develops. Is it good that the mandate for the future government will evolve over an extended period instead of being decided at a single stage? It will be for the political analysts to research. This will truly be a trial by fire and the government to come will have been through an extraordinarily severe test. Hopefully, the process will conclude successfully and peacefully without inflicting too much psychological damage!
Physically, of course, the politicians and the electorate are being quite severely tested. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari collapsed on stage during a public meeting due to the heat, but recovered to heroically continue the battle. With so many of our leaders going through this added challenge in the quest for power, the people will feel greater respect for these ‘agniveers’, who go through this tour of duty every five years. In areas where the voting has been completed, the people have the option of disconnecting and watching the IPL, for they have made their choice and will have to live with it whatever the outcome.
