The Modi Gamble or Modi's Gamble!

Amidst all the ho-ha around Modi’s anointment as the campaign chief, I was sure that it was the best bet for BJP to get back to power. Although I apprehended less pre-poll tie up on the basis of Modi’s secular credentials but had belief on our political parties to come with him after 180+ seats.

As JD(U) snapped ties and almost none coming into the camp; it almost strengthened my belief that Modi not going back to the Hindutva-what I call Moditva brand- politics. But as things shaping up it’s all going the other way. as before BJP is doing its Hindutva litmus test before the elections and Modi is leading the brigade.

While I thought the “puppy” remark was somehow taken out of context his constant try of polarizing the voters with use of words “burqa” etc. conforming he again going back to the Hindutva brand. For me it all started with his deputy Amit Shah’s first visit to UP. As Modi and his party clearly knows, to converted their 110+ seats to 180+ they need to get the bulk amount of the gap from UP; and as Shah found out it was almost impossible on their part to get that much in the present circumstances. The best bet there for them what Modi and co. found out was Moditva or Hindutva, and all this comments from Modi is the part of the bigger picture. Modi may carry on his attacking Moditva politics in Maharastra, Odisha, Bihar, Karnataka and all those states where chances of success is fringe. And as shown in Shivraj Chauhan’s posters, he will keep himself away from states where success chances a fairer with the state leadership at helm. It may turn out to be a game changer if this huge gamble comes up.

But if this is his strategy for the general elections then his credentials to be the PM may get a huge beating on the basis of secularism. Apart from all this, his constant try to play the presidential style of politics has the least chance of succeeding. And if this presidential style goes with the polarization politics it may just be curtains for the principal opposition. After his 2012 victory on the agenda of development, it just confirmed my faith in Indian secularism ; the type of campaign going on at the moment, a victory in 2014 will have a severe dent on that belief of mine.