2029 LOOMING LARGE BUT WHICH WAY?

2029 LOOMING LARGE BUT WHICH WAY?

Will it not be tough going for BJP in 2029 unless it radically shifts gear? Anti-incumbency may be massive, now held tightly under carpet. 2024 was a scare. 2029 could be decisive. Time for deep introspection, 'abolition' of sycophancy and narcissism, and adoption of quick rectification measures. Action, not talk, necessary, and genuine sympathy for citizens all, not hobnobbing with the prized and the privileged. Above all, the Prime Minister must learn to visit affected places promptly, afflicted people immediately, address grievances swiftly, and stop linguistic gimmicks and affectation in speech. These will enhance his image immensely. 

Decentralisation is also the call of the day. Young voters are not so easily wooed by the personality cult. So, such slogans as 'Modi hai toh mumkin hai' will not work with them. The BJP, despite protestations to the contrary that it is a highly decentralised democratic party unlike the family enterprise that the Congress is, has thus far been projected as the Modi Party, sort of a one-man show. This worked wonders in 2019 but almost ousted the gentleman from power in 2024 before post-poll alliances forged in the wake of the election shock salvaged for the party another term. But the lesson that history sought to teach and that ought to have been learnt was not learnt and the consequence may become evident in 2029. 

As yet three years remain for course-correction but who will bell the cat? Sycophants can't. Beneficiaries won't. Critics will not be heard, for like Caesar's was, the left year is deaf and Anthonys on the right will offer assurances that will on the ideas of March backfire. Decius Brutuses and Caius Cassiuses are ready to prompt the precipitation at the feet of Pompey's statue come 2029 and the build-up is on. Modi must take cognisance of these developments instead of happy-harbouring in his bubble. Horse-trading does not work wonders anymore when people are aggrieved, and no amount of media-hype in favour of the ruling dispensation can alter reality on the ground. Three years are as yet time enough but is anybody listening? 

Written by Sugata Bose