(EconomicTimes)
This is an election that has challenged and threatened traditional political geographies. Broadly, the BJP has sought to turf its way into regions where it was traditionally weak. In that sense, April 30 represented perhaps the most fascinating phase of the election, especially if narrowed down to West Bengal. The days before the seventh round saw Narendra Modi and Mamata Banerjee exchange barbs. Playing Mamata's Rottweiler, an over ..
What changed in the interim? Frankly, the BJP became unexpectedly competitive in Bengal. In 2014, its incremental vote is being sourced from discontented and desperate CPM voters, seeking a strong anti-Trinamool platform. As such, Modi realises there is little extra to gain from assailing the Left, but there is a constituency hostile to the Trinamool that is waiting to be exploited. For Mamata, hitting back at Modi is essential to consolidating Muslims. Also, if the BJP gets more support, in
Is there a commonality to these seats? To be fair, they represent a mix. The BJP had won Darjeeling in 2009 as well, backed by local Gorkha parties. In the other seats, it is benefiting from a small but existing base — in some cases non-Bengali and in many cases anti-Left — but has added a layer that comprises anti-Trinamool and formerly pro-Left voters. On top of that is the curiosity about Modi and the fact that political spaces, possibilities and unlikely social coalitions have opened shop in ..
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