What happened?

The BJP has strengthened its hold in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Rajasthan, while Congress won in Telangana. Congress' emphasis on caste-based census and OBC outreach didn't connect with voters in the Hindi heartland, possibly pushing tribals further towards the BJP. BJP's promise of a "double-engine" government, assuring better governance, resonated with voters.  A clear divide has emerged between BJP strongholds in the north and west and non-BJP states in south India.

The surprising dominance of a new party, the Zoram People's Movement (ZPM), in a Christian-majority Mizoram, is also noteworthy.

Theories behind the State Assembly Election results

Madhya Pradesh

BJP won despite potential voter dissatisfaction after an 18-year rule (anti-incumbency). PM Modi and CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan focused on women-centric schemes like 'Ladli Behna Yojana,' promising to raise monthly transfers from Rs 1250 to Rs 3000 if re-elected. His government also decided to reserve 35% of seats for women - an attempt to shift from the aggressive image of "Bulldozer mama," demolishing houses of accused Muslims, resembling UP's Yogi Adityanath's politics.

Jyotiraditya Scindia's defection to BJP also cost Congress, especially in the Gwalior-Chambal region. MP elections strained the Congress-Samajwadi Party alliance, with accusations of "cheating" and being BJP's "B-team," exposing tensions in the INDIA bloc.

Rajasthan

BJP used anti-incumbency against the Ashok Gehlot government, highlighting issues like increased crimes against women, paper leaks, unemployment, and corruption. Congress' welfare measures, like Chiranjeevi health insurance scheme, offering cashless health services of up to Rs 25 lakh to all families in the state, and freebies like smartphones, were countered by BJP's emphasis on Hindutva.

It fielded saints as candidates and highlighted incidents of anti-Hindu violence. By denying a ticket to its last Muslim MLA in Rajasthan, the BJP shunned religious inclusivity to strengthen its Hindutva image. BJP also promised initiatives like 'anti-Romeo' squads to prevent eve-teasing, setting up women police desks and women's police stations in each district, and offering 'bonus prices' for wheat procurement beyond the Minimum Support Price (MSP).

Chhattisgarh

Despite Bhupesh Baghel's welfare policies and push for regional pride, the party collapsed due to corruption allegations, the Mahadev Book betting app and recruitment scams. Some experts believe the slogan "Abki baar 75 paar" led to complacency among party workers and supporters.

Baghel’s government emphasised Hindutva by renovating Mata Kaushalya Temple and promoting the Ram Van Gaman Path. However, the BJP accused the Congress of being against Sanatan Dharma, alleging "forced conversions" to Christianity in tribal regions. BJP secured support promising a "Modi guarantee" on paddy prices to farmers and the Mahtari Vandan Yojana, a cash assistance of Rs 12,000 for married women.

Telangana

The setback for Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) reflects a rejection of CM K. Chandrashekar Rao's dynastic rule without a clear ideology.

Following a successful playbook from Karnataka, Congress also united dominant castes, OBCs, Dalits, and religious minorities. The idea of 'Prajala Telangana' (rule of the people) appealed to social groups facing discrimination.

Congress State president Revanth Reddy's padayatra, strategic efforts to prevent defections to BJP, and his speaking skills resonated with locals who saw KCR as a farm-house CM.

Mizoram

Mizoram has been ruled by Congress and the Mizo National Front (MNF) since it became a state in 1987. ZPM's recent win brings Lalduhoma as the new CM face, who promised a better government to improve the state's finances and support farmers.

The BJP winning two seats shows its gaining influence in Mizoram. MNF losing power means that the ethnic violence in Manipur against the Kukis, who share close ties with Mizos, didn't play a decisive role.

What's next?

These state elections were a crucial semi-final to the upcoming general elections.

The Congress has almost disappeared from North India, only holding Himachal Pradesh. In contrast, in his winning speech, PM Modi talked about a 'hat-trick of victories,' assuring a winning streak in 2024.

Un-charted

Climate injustice: Richest 1% versus the World

Oxfam's report, Climate Equality: A Planet for the 99%, shows that in 2019, the wealthiest 1% produced as much carbon as the poorest two-thirds of the world - that totals five billion people! This group caused 16% of global consumption emissions, more than all the combined emissions from cars and road transport.

As world leaders gather in Dubai for the 28th UN Conference of Parties (COP) to discuss climate change, the report stresses the issue's importance. This is especially critical as 2023 is expected to be the hottest year ever recorded. Alarming trends indicate that, at the current pace, global emissions will only decrease by 2% by 2030. This falls significantly short of the 43% reduction needed to meet the Paris Agreement target of limiting temperature increase to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.

The study points out significant inequality in how climate change impacts different groups. Those least responsible, such as people in poverty, marginalized groups like women and Indigenous Peoples, and low-income countries, are facing the most severe consequences. Shockingly, emissions from the super-rich could result in 1.3 million excess deaths due to heat.

Therefore, Oxfam calls for government action, suggesting wealth taxes on the richest 1%, a rapid shift away from fossil fuels, and a change from relying on GDP growth. Instead, they stress the importance of prioritizing human and planetary well-being.

Bonus section

Boost your productivity with the Pomodoro technique

Feeling distracted at work? Give the Pomodoro technique a try to manage your time better.

Start by choosing a task or project you want to focus on.

Set a timer: Use Pomodoro timer apps to set intervals, each known as a "Pomodoro" after the tomato-shaped timer Francesco Cirillo used. The aim is to have a 25-minute work session, long enough for progress without feeling too much. Consider dedicating one or two sessions in the morning  to set a positive tone for getting things done throughout the day.

Eliminate distractions: Turn off your phone, shut down email, and block interruptions during these focused intervals.

Take breaks wisely: After 25 minutes, take a 5-minute break. Move, stretch, or take short walks during this time to avoid burnout. Such short breaks encourage purposeful activities, replacing mindless scrolling.

Be flexible: Adjust the intervals and breaks depending on the task at hand. Remember, the goal is to create blocks of focused work.

You will be amazed at how much you can accomplish in these brief intervals. Consider it your superpower against a world full of distractions!

Before you go, watch my video for a detailed analysis of State elections 2023

SHARE THIS VICHAAR 🙌

If you enjoyed reading my newsletter, please consider sharing it with your loved ones.

Was this forwarded to you? Sign up here.

If you want to give us feedback, Click here.

Read our previous newsletters here