Is Modi's victory in the recent elections indicative of an increasing inclination of Indian masses towards extremism?
What do Indian members (who blame Pakistani's for supporting Taliban) have to say about full Indians support to a known terrorist directly engaged in mass murder of thousands of Muslims and Christians?
(No Trolling please)
There is a tendency to portray this clinching victory in different intellectual corners as a a rise of extremist feelings among Indian masses which is not entirely true. There worked three apparently distinct but mutually linked factors which reduced Congress,a national party just merely above a regional party in terms of seats gained and allowed BJP to be strong enough to form a government of its own.
First and the most deciding factor played was the anti establishment factor. In this age of communication revolution when almost every educated Indian can afford mobile internet, television is not an object for amusement only for the riches it is difficult to keep people even in the most remote and inaccessible part of India, unaware of the scams happening in the corridors of ministries far in Delhi. The series of corruption both in civilian and military form made the decision making difficult for the ministers and public hated this policy crippling.
Second factor that held enormous weight in this election was the lack of good orators in the UPA camp. Even the most staunch cadre of Congress party can claim that Sonia Gandhi or Rahul can communicate well with the en mass. Manmohan Singh may be a good economist but there was no need for intellectuals in PM office. On the other hand, look at BJP office. Sushma Swaraj,Jaitley, Ravi Shankar Prasad, all these are brilliant orators. These folks can debate and outflank any Congressi leader on any day any time.
Third and one of the most fatal mistake congress made was they didn't understand the pulse of the people. After the massive economic depression after which every economy of the world faced serious challenges Indian economy too slowed down though the effect came a few months later. No body from the party bothered to make people understand the reason behind the slow growth rate in the last few years. While Modi continued to cash in his success story in Gujarat and promising Indians to make this country walking on the path of South Korea, Congress office led by an economist chose to sit deaf and dumb.
People of India are not necessarily anti Muslim nor this result proves that we are heading towards a Fascist regime. It is too early to say at this moment. Contrary to the certain beliefs which are showing up since yesterday, a majority voted against the previous regime not against a secular,liberal spirit of democracy of India.