The Bigger Picture
After the Maharashtra and Haryana elections, Karan Thapar wondered if state elections focused on issues like the state of the economy, the effects of demonetization, and rural distress in general? Whereas the national elections, held just a few months back, was based one on national security, thanks to the Balakot strikes? Thapar got it all wrong. Shekhar Gupta in his YouTube talk wondered if it was a sign that voters voted for a strong man at the center in national elections. Whereas at the state level, they vote based on other criteria. Further, continued Gupta, a year back, BJP and allies ruled 70% of India’s territory. Today, post-Maharashtra and Haryana, that figure is down to 48%. Is this a sign that we’ve crossed Peak BJP? Before I continue, I’ll take a deviation. But don’t worry, this diversion will join the main thread of the questions raised above. Many people ask why the right is so angry. Even though they’ve been in power for the last 5 ½ years. And another 4 ½