Image Source: CNN
Bengaluru, India – As the world’s largest democracy steers through the second stage of its complex seven-phase elections, Political Analyst Umar Shariff points out a potential critical shift in India’s political landscape, a development that could reshape the nation’s future, contrary to prior expectations.
During an interview with Salaamedia, Shariff shared insights into the current election atmosphere, mentioning that the tension among political parties is intensifying daily.
“At this point in time, we can expect any great change because the BJP is at the back foot at the moment. The BJP, for the past ten years, has been ruling India under the leadership of Modi. Still, of late, they have been criticised for all their shortcomings and for not having fulfilled their Manifesto promises. Therefore, we can expect the Congress and its allies coming together to bring about a change in the political system.”
While many anticipate a victory for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) by the end of the elections, Shariff argues that it will not be a straightforward win for the incumbent party led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The opposition, despite its internal divisions and differing agendas, could pose a significant challenge to the BJP’s dominance.
Another significant hurdle for the opposition parties is PM Modi’s strong popularity, particularly in Northern India, driven by various communal sentiments. This popularity could translate into a significant number of seats for the BJP in the region.
In contrast, Shariff highlighted that the South exhibits a more analytical and rational approach to politics and elections, translating into less support for Modi. This could lead to a more lopsided distribution of seats between the BJP and the opposition parties in the South.
“Based on the past experiences we can say that the north of India has got a different feel altogether. It gets very easily communalised and is easily gullible to the promises given by any party for that matter. Therefore we cannot base our judgement on mere logic, it also has to go with emotions. South India for that matter is more rational and more objective in selecting its leaders.”
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Southern India Leans Towards the Opposition
In terms of political leanings, the southern regions of India are traditionally more inclined towards the opposition parties, a trend that could impact the overall election results. In stark contrast to PM Modi and the BJP, Rahul Gandhi, leader of the Indian National Congress (INC), is highly esteemed in the southern regions of India.
Shariff commended Gandhi for his grassroots political style, which included direct interactions with citizens, holding public meetings, and conducting door-to-door campaigns to grasp and tackle their issues. This approach has endeared him to many and could potentially boost the INC’s chances in the upcoming elections.
“He evolved to be the Rahul Gandhi who walked on the streets of India from the length and breadth. North to South. He has walked all through [India] talking to the common men and engaging with them to find out their needs and attend to their requests. Making a clear Manifesto, a clear Declaration of what the people of India want.”
Because of this approach, Shariff believes that the INC, under Gandhi’s leadership, is poised to secure the majority in the southern provinces. They could pose a severe challenge to the BJP with sufficient backing from the voters.
