BJP is a large national party. What did they stand for in this election? Hindutva or secularism or the economy? Did they stand for health care or technology enablement in the country? Did they stand for strong international policies or did they stand for domestic security? Did they stand for Roti, Kapda aur Makaan? Did they stand for education and commerce?
Actually they stood for all of these. All of these are needed for India today! So, where is it that they went wrong? Should they blame Congress, the Left or themselves? Here are four possible reasons why they have lost:
01. Positioning of the party moved from plank to plank. This was the biggest blunder. Any marketer would want to have a focused campaign with a single minded proposition. Unfortunately, BJP did not follow this basic marketing principle. Maybe, they did not have any strong plank to promote.
02. BJP tried to score political points in time of a disaster – 26/11, Mumbai attacks. This actually backfired on them. Insensitivity to the voters’ feeling was a key contribution for their failure.
03. Personal attacks on the Prime Minister – weak vs. strong. This actually showed, that they were again insensitive to people who have contributed to the growth of the country – cutting across party lines. Plus the reason for this attack as seen by voters is the fact that BJP does not have any plank to make a pitch or debate.
04. Last reason but no the least, was the support for non-secular Varun. This was another tactical move by the BJP to showcase their pro-Hindutva stand. This was another piece that backfired for them – although it built a political career of a non-existing Varun.
In short, BJP was insensitive, lacked positioning (read as lack of real agenda), indulged in personal attacks rather than attacks on issues and finally they supported Talibanization within India.
And yes, they paid the price. Two pieces of advise to the BJP:
a) They should have some strong differentiated issues and agenda
b) They should hire a good marketing organization the next time around!
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Friday, May 8, 2009
The vanishing lines – politicians will be politicians
Ideologies vanish, passions vanish, agendas vanish and so does conscience. This is what happens with political parties and politicians in India. The day election fever started, every one wanted to stand on their own two feet. Smaller parties moved out of from larger national parties to announce their own sq ft of land. The lines were clearly drawn for negotiation tables (????).
As the days go by, you see each one of them keeping their options open and trying to be friendly to one another on ground (read everyone as the types of Sharad Pawar, Lalu Yadhav, Orissa CM, CPM, the Southern parties etc.) and still show their dislike for one another. A unique love and hate relationship between parties and players.
Slowly as we come to the climax we see alliances which were once broken, come closer. And the lines vanish. Some party workers clearly say that alliances will be announced only after elections are over and the results are out. Obviously, we are talking about money transactions (obviously coz’ they had moved out due to difference in agendas and opinions). How can these clear demarcations be moved after elections? (The official story will be 'for the good of my country'.)
I know this country cannot do without politicians and politics. But how long do we have to take this crap. I remember vaguely there was a law (once upon a time) that barred politicians from jumping political parties, immediately pre and post elections… Not sure if that rule stands good today. But how different is this?
Its almost like banning hawala and allowing free money transfer by Western Unions and Times of Moneys of the world.
Today the same nitwits change parties (well, not technically) but yes, for a price, the political bazzar is abuzz with bids, quotes and currency passing hands!!! Or am I dreaming of a bad world when the life with politics and politicians are very noble!!!
How can the lines vanish so fast? What happens to their own sq ft of land?
As the days go by, you see each one of them keeping their options open and trying to be friendly to one another on ground (read everyone as the types of Sharad Pawar, Lalu Yadhav, Orissa CM, CPM, the Southern parties etc.) and still show their dislike for one another. A unique love and hate relationship between parties and players.
Slowly as we come to the climax we see alliances which were once broken, come closer. And the lines vanish. Some party workers clearly say that alliances will be announced only after elections are over and the results are out. Obviously, we are talking about money transactions (obviously coz’ they had moved out due to difference in agendas and opinions). How can these clear demarcations be moved after elections? (The official story will be 'for the good of my country'.)
I know this country cannot do without politicians and politics. But how long do we have to take this crap. I remember vaguely there was a law (once upon a time) that barred politicians from jumping political parties, immediately pre and post elections… Not sure if that rule stands good today. But how different is this?
Its almost like banning hawala and allowing free money transfer by Western Unions and Times of Moneys of the world.
Today the same nitwits change parties (well, not technically) but yes, for a price, the political bazzar is abuzz with bids, quotes and currency passing hands!!! Or am I dreaming of a bad world when the life with politics and politicians are very noble!!!
How can the lines vanish so fast? What happens to their own sq ft of land?
Low Electoral Turnaround – looking the different direction
Interestingly, this year, we are seeing lower turnaround of voters. Is it surprising?
TV news channels say that voters do not like any candidates and are hence, keeping their distance from voting. My Bombay saw low turnout after the phenomenal heights of voices, post the Bombay terror attacks. Was this different from other elections or are Bombaites really not concerned?
Vir Sanghvi, wrote on The Hindustan Times (dated: May 2, 2009), that Bombay voters are somewhat not interested in voting or taking part in any kind of democratic voicing. Is that really correct? Today, when we see other cities and states, we find the same trend. We did not see the the expected young voters or first time voters this election. Why?
Jaagore.com started a massive campaign and ensured that many citizens had their cup of tea and woke up. They did – a good number of them. It will be interesting for the sponsors of Jaagore.com to do a small research. From all the people who followed their path and registered with the government for voting, how many were actually allowed to vote?
I will take my example. The form that Jaagore.com wanted us to present was not accepted by the election office in Kandivali (E), Bombay. They gave us anther form and refused our proof of residence (one that was confirmed by Jaagore.com). We followed the new form with the Jaagore.com form and interestingly we were told that we will be allowed to vote and that our names will take a month or so to come on list. Every time we checked after our month of waiting we were told that the new name lists have not come yet. Four trips to the election office and many phone calls - no effect.
Finally on the day of voting, when I checked with the lists in our locality, I found two new names against my house number!!! Some Mr. Singh and Mrs. Singh. Who are these people? How do they appear on my house number when I am the very first occupant of this house and I have registered with the election office at least 3 months in advance?
Mr. Sanghvi, and dear TV news analysts, are you reading something here? You are not only barking up the wrong tree, you are also misguiding people. Have you ever thought how goons in politics are taking advantage of pushing down new voters and ensuring their vote banks are more stable?
When will we be truly democratic and give the basic rights of voting to citizens who want to vote? When will politicians and their so called followers (read jokers) keep the real cards in play?
My question to the election commission is, “When will I be able to vote”?
TV news channels say that voters do not like any candidates and are hence, keeping their distance from voting. My Bombay saw low turnout after the phenomenal heights of voices, post the Bombay terror attacks. Was this different from other elections or are Bombaites really not concerned?
Vir Sanghvi, wrote on The Hindustan Times (dated: May 2, 2009), that Bombay voters are somewhat not interested in voting or taking part in any kind of democratic voicing. Is that really correct? Today, when we see other cities and states, we find the same trend. We did not see the the expected young voters or first time voters this election. Why?
Jaagore.com started a massive campaign and ensured that many citizens had their cup of tea and woke up. They did – a good number of them. It will be interesting for the sponsors of Jaagore.com to do a small research. From all the people who followed their path and registered with the government for voting, how many were actually allowed to vote?
I will take my example. The form that Jaagore.com wanted us to present was not accepted by the election office in Kandivali (E), Bombay. They gave us anther form and refused our proof of residence (one that was confirmed by Jaagore.com). We followed the new form with the Jaagore.com form and interestingly we were told that we will be allowed to vote and that our names will take a month or so to come on list. Every time we checked after our month of waiting we were told that the new name lists have not come yet. Four trips to the election office and many phone calls - no effect.
Finally on the day of voting, when I checked with the lists in our locality, I found two new names against my house number!!! Some Mr. Singh and Mrs. Singh. Who are these people? How do they appear on my house number when I am the very first occupant of this house and I have registered with the election office at least 3 months in advance?
Mr. Sanghvi, and dear TV news analysts, are you reading something here? You are not only barking up the wrong tree, you are also misguiding people. Have you ever thought how goons in politics are taking advantage of pushing down new voters and ensuring their vote banks are more stable?
When will we be truly democratic and give the basic rights of voting to citizens who want to vote? When will politicians and their so called followers (read jokers) keep the real cards in play?
My question to the election commission is, “When will I be able to vote”?
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