Overview of the 2018 Assembly Elections in Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan

The 2018 assembly elections in Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan witnessed a pivotal shift in political dynamics. This article aims to dissect the political strategy employed by the Indian National Congress (INC) and why it managed to secure significant victories in these states. We will also explore the contrasting narratives from BJP regarding their approach and the credibility of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs).

Welcome to Luck, Chaos, and Incredulity

The political scenario leading up to the 2018 elections in Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan was marked by a series of events that defied conventional strategic planning. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) traditionally relied on a robust strategy involving the manipulation of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) to predict and influence election outcomes. However, this time, the Congress managed to thwart such plans for a miraculous victory.

Ambassador Rtd. HVS Manral’s Perspective

According to Ambassador Rtd. HVS Manral, a trusted source with decades of experience in Indian politics, the electoral win of the Congress was a stroke of luck underpinned by a domino effect of circumstances.

He argues that the Congress’s victory was driven by a combination of anti-incumbency sentiments and a fortuitous decision to waive farmers' loans, while shifting the burden of increased expenditure onto the middle and working classes who rarely voice their opinions. The shrewd political maneuvers by the Congress party led to a situation where the BJP, particularly Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself, appeared ethically compromised, as he had publicly taken credit for loan waivers.

The BJP’s Strained Claims and EVMs

The BJP’s narrative surrounding the 2018 victories in Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan was heavily concentrated on their strategic control over the EVMs. BJP leaders believed that by ensuring the safety of EVMs, they could easily predict and orchestrate their electoral outcomes.

They maintained that their victory in 2019 in the Lok Sabha would be a testament to their expertise in this domain. However, the absence of a coherent strategy in 2018, coupled with the apparent gap in their understanding of how public sentiment could alter electoral outcomes, led to a significant setback.

No Clear Strategy

According to another perspective, the BJP’s failure was more indicative of a lack of a concrete strategy rather than any grand tactical blunder. Ambassador Rtd. HVS Manral stated that the BJP’s win was merely a result of good fortune, specifically:

Anti-incumbency sentiment against the BJP government in Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh. Thehips and loans waiver program that the BJP had announced but Congress managed to implement more effectively at the local level. The limited influence of the middle and working classes, who rarely engaged in large-scale political mobilization.

HVS Manral asserts that BJP’s Prime Minister, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, should have been more aware of the potential risks in relying too heavily on the EVMs.

Conclusion: A Shift in Electoral Manipulation Tactics?

The 2018 assembly elections in Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan marked a significant shift in political maneuvering. The Congress managed to outmaneuver the BJP not through a meticulously crafted strategy but through a combination of factors:

Anti-incumbency. A drive to help farmers through loan waivers. The strategic non-engagement of the middle and working class voters.

While the BJP relied on the overwhelming control of EVMs, the Congress capitalized on the mistrust in electoral systems and local sentiment. As we approach the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, these lessons raise questions about the future of electoral tactics and the role of public trust in democratic processes.

With the increased scrutiny of electoral systems and the growing consensus on the need for transparency, the political landscape is likely to witness further adaptations in tactics. The upcoming elections will undoubtedly shape the contours of political maneuvering in the years to come.