Gujarat Elections: How has caste emerged as a key factor?
To counter the Congress offensive in Gujarat, BJP has invited 200 backward class and Dalit leaders from across states to enhance its election campaign. Earlier, Congress had roped in the trinity of Patidar leader Hardik Patel, Dalit activist Jignesh Mevani and OBC leader Alpesh Thakore to woo backward class voters. How has caste politics shaped Gujarat elections? Read on!
Congress-KHAM alliance: Modi successfully breaks it
Towards the end of the 1970s, Congress had forged a winning alliance of Kshatriyas, Harijans, Adivasis and Muslims (popularly known as KHAM), which resulted in a few wins for Congress. This was done to counter the dominant Patel vote which had shifted to the BJP. However, after Modi (an OBC himself) became the CM, he was able to break KHAM and simultaneously retain Patels.
What is the electoral importance of Dalits?
Dalits make up about 7% of Gujarat's population. Also, in Gujarat, the population of STs is higher than that of SCs. RSS/BJP has been successful in wooing the STs in areas like South Gujarat's Dang. However, OBCs and Dalits, mainly concentrated in Northern and Central Gujarat, are mostly presumed to be Congress supporters. Now, BJP is leaving no stone unturned in wooing them.
Congress strategy: Woo backwards classes; chip away BJP's Patel votes
Congress is once again trying to recreate the KHAM alliance, but with a twist. Dalit and OBC votes are usually in Congress favor, so Mevani and Thakore's presence in the Congress fold might only make a slight difference. However, Congress's trump card in the trinity is Hardik. Hardik could spoil BJP's game, if he manages to pull in BJP's votes in Congress's favor.
BJP strategy: Pull Dalit votes; Unleash Modi's rallies
BJP has called leaders from across the states, including UP and Bihar, to undertake door-to-door campaigning and address backward class voters. Union minister Ram Vilas Paswan has been called to engage Dalit voters. Moreover, once candidates are finalized, Modi will also address a number of rallies. As per reports, rallies will be "intense, captivating and overpowering."
Meanwhile, BJP faces the tough task of finalizing tickets
Meanwhile, BJP chief Amit Shah and state in-charge Bhupendra Yadav face the tough task of finalizing probable candidates. A draft list with candidates' strong and weak points will be sent to BJP's parliamentary board where Modi will personally oversee the preparation of the final list.
