BJP Understands Nationalism In Elections, Opposition Still Doesn’t

In 1989, there was a significant shift in Indian politics when people ‘defected’ to vote out the Indian National Congress government, leading to a minority National Front government. This event sparked hope against electoral totalitarianism in Indian democracy. It was speculated that the longevity of this coalition would alter India’s politics. The ninth Lok Sabha was seen as the culmination of a gradual revolution in Indian politics, according to political scientist Francine R. Frankel.

During this time, secessionist voices were gaining momentum in the state of Jammu and Kashmir, and the BJP was seeking to craft a new national identity for India. The power of nationalism at making or breaking government systems holds true across the world and is particularly keenly felt in the Indian subcontinent due to the uneasy legacy of colonialism. The BJP began to assert its dominance in the realm of nationalism, while the opposition parties, primarily the Congress, failed to challenge this space. The BJP’s increasing focus on nationalism left the opposition on an ideological high horse, allowing the BJP to become the primary player and leaving the opposition parties unprepared to challenge its nationalist agenda.

The opposition’s failure to engage in the field of nationalism led to the loss of the game in Indian politics. While political parties may pretend that elections are won or lost over issues, the reality is that engaging with voters and addressing their concerns is crucial for success in elections. The text emphasizes the significance of regional parties, such as the Trinamool Congress in West Bengal, in effectively challenging the BJP on its own terms. It also highlights the importance of a strong government and an equally strong opposition for a functional democratic nation.

In conclusion, the text suggests that the opposition’s inability to effectively tackle the BJP’s use of nationalism and electoral pragmatism has cost them two elections. The need for a strong opposition and the importance of engaging with voters remain crucial in the Indian political context. The upcoming 2024 elections will reveal whether there will be any change in this dynamic.