By Ram Kumar Kaushik
As the political landscape heats up in the run-up to the 2024 general elections, the tone has already been set for the upcoming 2023 state elections in Congress-ruled states. While the much-debated Uniform Civil Code (UCC) is expected to take centerstage in 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the current focus seems to be on “Bazaar” and shop politics, rather than policy discussions.
Political attacks and counterattacks have started and both the lead campaigners of the Congress and the BJP, Rahul Gandhi and Narendra Modi respectively, have resorted to employing populist tactics in their campaigns. The political lexicon is being rewritten with terms like “Mohabbat” and “Loot” dominating the discourse.
Rahul Gandhi, in an attempt to connect with the masses, recently announced the opening of a shop of “Mohabbat” in the bustling “Bazaar” of “Nafrat”.However, Modi counterattacks, alleging that this move is nothing but a ploy to loot the people.
Another phrase that has gained prominence in this election cycle is “Hug Vs Jhappatta” (Hug Vs Snatching). Rahul Gandhi claims to open his hands for hugging people, symbolizing his empathy and compassion. However, Modi labels it as the Congress' attempt to use their palm to snatch or catch hold of whatever benefits the Modi government is providing through public welfare schemes.
The political potshots continue with Prime Minister Modi taking aim at the ongoing Gehlot versus Pilot fight in Rajasthan. Modi alleges that MLAs belonging to Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot's faction have been given free hand to plunder the public exchequer, while the MLAs aligned with Sachin Pilot's faction are being denied their rightful share.
The political discourse in Congress-ruled states has taken a noticeable turn, with issues of love, loot, hugs, and power struggles dominating the narrative. As the 2023 elections approach, it remains to be seen how the electorate responds to this new style of campaigning and whether it will shape the political landscape in the run-up to the 2024 general elections.
The BuckStopper, run by a group of seasoned journalists, holds the powerful accountable. The buck stops with them, as they cannot shrug off their official responsibilities.
