Dr. N Bhaskara Rao
How is this general election different?. Why this is going to be the most expensive election? A lot of experts wonder about it. And media reporters are after the facts. Everyone wants to know. So many referred to the estimates of expenditure, including quoting mine based on decades of field studies at micro and macro level. Six distinct trends could be summed up for now (April 15) a few weeks before the beginning of the polling.
Also read: Is it “One Nation, One Election” or “Simultaneous Elections” that is proposed? It is not the same
First, long drawn ever poll. Stretched over six months, although officially 45 days
Second, cash cow parties and candidates. In the wake of burst of Bonds scandal
Third, unleashing of a Mandi phenomena in poll scene with too many criss crossing
Fourth, many more outlets and channels to manipulate, beyond poll surveys
Five, free for all without level playing and even chance for a local voter and candidate
Six, as if it is all incumbent’s khel, led and manoured by those in power
The blatant casualty of the elections is representativeness of candidates and the elected. As if it is now “We the political parties”, and no longer “We the people of India” as the Constitution contends…..and expects.
The next twist in this saga is going to be with ”One India, One Election” (read my two articles on this topic).
Also read: We, the parties…
Also read: Nothing better could be expected without change in the scope of poll campaigns
