By K Raveendran
Assessments by the RSS leaders attribute the BJP’s setback in the Lok Sabha elections to the pervasive issue of arrogance among its leaders. This critique points to a critical introspection within the party, suggesting that overconfidence and hubris have significantly contributed to electoral losses. Arrogance, as highlighted, indicates disconnect between the party and the grassroots, potentially alienating voters who perceive such attitudes as elitist or dismissive. The organisation has further suggested the need for the BJP leadership to recalibrate its approach towards governance and public engagement. The emphasis on humility and responsiveness to people’s concerns becomes paramount in rebuilding trust and support.
The failure to secure a clear majority in the elections appeared to set a testing ground for Modi’s political acumen and he seemed to begin well. In a departure from his usual rhetoric centredaround personal promises, read the ubiquitous ‘Modi guarantees’, he adopted a rhetoric emphasizing the collective strength of the NDA. This shift seemed to indicate a willingness to accommodate diverse voices and a recognition of the necessity for coalition politics in a pluralistic democracy. The echoes of Modi’s newfound humility resonated across political spectrums, sparking speculation about a potential softening of his attitudes towards governance. But indications are that this will change sooner than later.
Modi’s foray into coalition-building was not merely an ideological pivot but a pragmatic necessity to navigate the intricacies of parliamentary arithmetic. With the support of key coalition partners such as Chandrababu Naidu and Nitish Kumar, Modi’s position seemed fortified. As the dust settled and alliances crystallized, observers keenly watched for signs of Modi’s true intentions. The initial semblance of humility and inclusivity gradually gave way to the familiar contours of Modi’s leadership—marked by an unmistakable aura of self-assurance bordering on arrogance. The body language that once hinted at a willingness to compromise now reverberated with the echoes of past triumphs, fuelling speculations about a return to his old ways. The language may have changed, but not the body language.
The prospect of Modi reverting to his earlier style carries profound implications. A resurgence of his old ways could signal a reassertion of his authority, bolstered by a renewed, though truncated, mandate from the electorate. It risks exacerbating existing faultlines and widening the chasm of political polarization. Modi’s reluctance for change is systemic.
In fact, when comparing Modi and Amit Shah, determining who exhibited greater arrogance proves challenging. For instance, during the swearing-in ceremony of Chandrababu Naidu’s ministry, Amit Shah’s public scolding of Tamil Nadu BJP leader Tamilisai Soundarajan raised more than a few eyebrows. What captured attention wasn’t just the rebuke itself, but the perceived continuity of Shah’s body language, seemingly unaltered from the more humbled demeanour he exhibited during election result announcements.
Shah’s pointed finger suggested not only a disdain for the Dravida land, but a sense of racial superiority, neither of which has been lost on the people of the state. The public scolding of Tamilisai by Shah, seemingly without regard for the optics, indicates a return to a more assertive and authoritative stance. This could be interpreted as a signal of Shah reasserting his authority within the party hierarchy or a reflection of the changing political landscape post-election. The shift from humility to sternness in Shah’s demeanour could be indicative of a recalibration of political strategies in response to evolving challenges and objectives.
Furthermore, the timing of this incident, occurring during a high-profile event such as a swearing-in ceremony, amplifies its significance. It not only underscores Shah’s assertiveness but also raises questions about the internal dynamics within the BJP and its state units. The public nature of the rebuke also suggests a potential message being sent to party members and allies alike, regarding the expectations of discipline and loyalty. Tamil Nadu has been a crucial state for the BJP’s expansion plans, and the handling of intra-party conflicts in such a setting can have far-reaching implications. (IPA Service)
