Is India’s Modi ‘clearly scared’ of opposition’s caste-census challenge ahead of state polls?
- Modi’s BJP may have its work cut out for it in next month’s state elections if the opposition INDIA alliance’s caste-census proposal proves popular
- Highlighting welfare policies for the poor and other caste-based issues could cut into the Indian prime minister’s personal popularity, analysts say
Sporting a saffron turban synonymous with the Hindu religion, Modi derided his rival – the state’s ruling Congress party Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot – for allegedly indulging in corruption and spreading unrest in a province renowned for its pilgrimage sites and the valour of its people.
“In the five years since the Congress party came to power, it has run down everything. Should such a government remain? Should it remain even a day longer?,” he thundered, as chants of “Modi, Modi” and “Jai Shri Ram”, an ancient Hindu victory cry, pierced the air.
Modi ended with a promise to speed up development and end corruption, if his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) wins the coming state elections.
His many references to Hinduism, India’s dominant religion, and touting of his government’s efficient administration have become hallmarks of the hugely popular leader’s whistle-stop electoral campaign over the past month.
But the BJP is facing a tough battle as India heads to the polls in five states – Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Telangana and Mizoram – ahead of national elections set to be held next year.
On Monday last week, India’s Election Commission announced a 24-day window – from November 7 to November 30 – for polls to held in the five states, with vote counting due to take place on December 3.