This blog is written a day before Election Results are announced. I am not going by exit polls. I have called this election for BJP/NDA by end of Phase 4 itself to my friends.
What most analysts dont talk about is that Congress is no longer a Political Party. All it has is a motley collection of people (I wont call them leaders), most of whom sons or daughters of erstwhile Congress bigwigs, whose only aim is to somehow get a share of power, so that they can become rich easily.
And there is a sense of entitlement that only they are born to rule.
It doesnt have an ideology, nor does it have a political vision. There are no long term action plans. Booth level workers are non existent (except in a handful of constituencies) and in case the party doesnt give a damn about them.
Congress survived on the doles given to the poor, which went through middlemen, who took a substantial portion for their own benefit. The poor voted for Congress, as they thought this was the only way for them to get these benefit. "At least I am getting something" syndrome.
Modi changed the dynamic completely. True, 100% electrification, toilets and LPG changed the life of millions of rural poor, but it is the opening of Jan Dhan Bank Accounts to cover the whole population, and Direct Transfer of Benefits to the poor, that has been the game changer. For the first time in their life, the poor could live with dignity, without having to be subservient to the middlemen to get what is due to them. The Rs 2000 per 4 months relief given to farmers, reached their Bank Account within days of the Scheme being announced by the PM. Seeing is believing. People in MP, Rajasthan and Karnataka saw how quickly Congress can take them to the bad old days of hoarding, middlemen and what not. Urea disappeared immediately on Kamal Nath taking over MP, the goal posts were shifted with respect to farm loan waiver in Karnataka, MP and Rajasthan. In short, Congress showed its true face. Word was out in the streets - Goonda Raj is back.
Indian electorate is not stupid to cut the branch of the tree they were sitting on.
And above all, the image of Modi as a honest administrator and his ability to keep his flock clean. There has not been a single corruption scandal during the past 5 years. Rahul Gandhi can shout for all he wants about corruption in Rafaele deal, where none existed. The more he accused, the more disenchanted people were with him. They laughed him off. When he offered the NYAY scheme doles, people turned their faces away, knowing that this is a bluff of the first order. Rahul and Opposition just lacked the credibility to match Modi.
In the peoples eyes, Modi would have not lived up to all their expectations. But at least he is honest, works hard and is sincerely trying. Also, he has brought dignity back into the lives of the poor and the nation. Contrary to what the Opposition thinks, the average Indian cares a lot about India's standing in the World.
All he wants is to live with dignity, see his country prosper and be assured that the future is safe/good for his children.
And he knows these wants are safe with Modi.
