One of the best known factoids from the recent Lok Sabha elections is BJP’s electoral loss in Ayodhya, despite the inauguration of the Ram temple in January, and the much-hyped installation of Ram-lalla, the infant Rama, in his rightful place.
I think its a bit far fetched to assume folks have suddenly become aware of how they are always played by the politicians using religion . But neverthless , a good observation . We will have to wait and see if it translates into something broader in state elections in Hindi Heartland in next cycle .
Please check how much of the hype is from educated deep pocketed Indians in India and overseas. Average struggling poverty line Indians are more interested in survival than what the mandir was a political stunt. If there was a few parties than what India has today note BJP got 37% while 63% was against.
My completely unscientific opinion - there are basically two strands to Hindutva
1. we will protect rights of Hindus and curb appeasement of minorities.
2. we will build back historical temples, destroying mosques if necessary.
the former, IMHO, has a fair amount of currency. The latter is something that doesn't directly affect most people's lives and so pales in comparison to more "real" stuff such as economics and livelihoods.
again - this is highly unscientific and unsubstantiated opinion. voting is a highly complex process.
Going into the elections I thought that with temple inauguration BJP has got on the right side of Indian voters, especially those in the countryside. I could not have been more wrong. The mainstream media was singing paeans of the government while they were reeling under inflation and lack of income. And this is what turned into votes against BJP. The divisive politics of BJP/RSS has taken a normative place in Indian society and is here to stay. The historical and cultural ramifications of RSS/BJP in places of authority are going to create newer fractures in our society. Another poster rightly mentioned that the average poor Indian's interest in survival has caused this reversal of fortunes. Majority of urban voters are still happy peddling whatsapp messages eulogizing Modi as the just king.
I am not aware of the other constituencies, but in Ayodhya there was mass destruction of private property to build the temple and its surroundings.
For all major temples in India, there would be a yearly pilgrimage planned by a certain group of people and a local economy springs up to support those people. The new Ayodhya temple coupled with Modi's obsession for grandeur has essentially built a restricted access temple that keeps away the poor. I think the "awareness" could stem from the realization that these temples were mere political theatre and not built for people to visit/worship.
I’d love to believe this analysis but alas, I’m too cynical for that. I think the Modi will run hard and fast with the mandate he currently has, however stilted. And that’s something to beware of! The voter is fickle (thankfully for this time). Great writing nevertheless!!
Absolutely intriguing facts and unfortunately, would be provocative to some as it reaches greater masses.
Could't agree more on the string of facts presented by your friend Mohit and that rekindles my hope of a secular India where both, healthy politics and melting pot of religions have their rightfully deserving place, though separate.
Thank you so much for answering this million dollar question which many like me were pondering over and again, such lucid, still hard hitting writing. Loved it like always.
I think its a bit far fetched to assume folks have suddenly become aware of how they are always played by the politicians using religion . But neverthless , a good observation . We will have to wait and see if it translates into something broader in state elections in Hindi Heartland in next cycle .
Its not an assumption; it is an observation of some facts, and a prayer, or hope.
Please check how much of the hype is from educated deep pocketed Indians in India and overseas. Average struggling poverty line Indians are more interested in survival than what the mandir was a political stunt. If there was a few parties than what India has today note BJP got 37% while 63% was against.
My completely unscientific opinion - there are basically two strands to Hindutva
1. we will protect rights of Hindus and curb appeasement of minorities.
2. we will build back historical temples, destroying mosques if necessary.
the former, IMHO, has a fair amount of currency. The latter is something that doesn't directly affect most people's lives and so pales in comparison to more "real" stuff such as economics and livelihoods.
again - this is highly unscientific and unsubstantiated opinion. voting is a highly complex process.
That is a crisp and telling bit of research. The bastion did not fall but there is discontent there as well.
यदा यदा हि धर्मस्य ग्लानिर्भवति भारत ।
अभ्युत्थानमधर्मस्य तदात्मानं सृजाम्यहम् ॥४-७॥
परित्राणाय साधूनां विनाशाय च दुष्कृताम् ।
धर्मसंस्थापनार्थाय सम्भवामि युगे युगे ॥४-८॥
Thanks, Dev.
I am sure there is much insight in that quote.
I would be truly grateful if you would attempt a translation for my benefit, and that of Gimme Mo readers who look at comments.
Going into the elections I thought that with temple inauguration BJP has got on the right side of Indian voters, especially those in the countryside. I could not have been more wrong. The mainstream media was singing paeans of the government while they were reeling under inflation and lack of income. And this is what turned into votes against BJP. The divisive politics of BJP/RSS has taken a normative place in Indian society and is here to stay. The historical and cultural ramifications of RSS/BJP in places of authority are going to create newer fractures in our society. Another poster rightly mentioned that the average poor Indian's interest in survival has caused this reversal of fortunes. Majority of urban voters are still happy peddling whatsapp messages eulogizing Modi as the just king.
Yes.
Most self-styled urban intellectual subscribe to the status quo, even if they claim they are rebels.
My pet theory is that El Nino caused unusually high crop losses in Eastern UP where BJP lost a bunch of seats. Is there evidence in my favour?
P.S. Not an Indian.
I am not aware of the other constituencies, but in Ayodhya there was mass destruction of private property to build the temple and its surroundings.
For all major temples in India, there would be a yearly pilgrimage planned by a certain group of people and a local economy springs up to support those people. The new Ayodhya temple coupled with Modi's obsession for grandeur has essentially built a restricted access temple that keeps away the poor. I think the "awareness" could stem from the realization that these temples were mere political theatre and not built for people to visit/worship.
I’d love to believe this analysis but alas, I’m too cynical for that. I think the Modi will run hard and fast with the mandate he currently has, however stilted. And that’s something to beware of! The voter is fickle (thankfully for this time). Great writing nevertheless!!
Absolutely intriguing facts and unfortunately, would be provocative to some as it reaches greater masses.
Could't agree more on the string of facts presented by your friend Mohit and that rekindles my hope of a secular India where both, healthy politics and melting pot of religions have their rightfully deserving place, though separate.
Thank you so much for answering this million dollar question which many like me were pondering over and again, such lucid, still hard hitting writing. Loved it like always.