One of many methods Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel sought to counter the BJP was by making an attempt to forge a definite ‘Chhattisgarhi identity’ amongst voters within the State.
The State authorities crafted a variety of insurance policies in direction of attaining that finish.
Whereas the BJP, for instance, deploys the image of ‘Bharat Mata’ to indicate its nationalist outlook, the Baghel authorities directed district administrations to put in statues of Chhattisgarh Mahatari (Mom). The latter was a strong image of the separate State motion. Apart from this, State holidays had been declared on events of folks festivals like Pola Ka Tyohar and Gedi Pageant.
The federal government additionally organised an occasion for native sports activities known as the Chhattisgarhi Olympics. This transfer by Mr. Baghel was not with out political significance. In spite of everything, six in 10 (59%) voters gave extra significance to their regional identification in contrast with their nationwide identification (Desk 1). The Lokniti-CSDS survey, nonetheless, throws gentle on why this much-talked-about transfer by the Congress authorities couldn’t deliver the required dividends for the get together within the latest election.
Regardless of Mr. Baghel’s efforts, voters remained divided about which get together labored extra for selling ‘Chhattisgarhi identity’. On this challenge, the Congress couldn’t safe an edge over the BJP. Amongst those that credited the Congress on this regard, 73% voted for it, with one other two in 10 voting for the BJP. Alternatively, 77% of those that credited the BJP equally voted for it, with 14% selecting the Congress (Desk 2).
The BJP subsequently was profitable in stopping the Congress for gaining any decisive traction amongst voters who had been moved by the query of regional identification. On the identical time, it managed to safe a decisive lead amongst people who thought-about their nationwide identification to be extra essential. Half of such voters voted for the BJP, whereas solely 38% selected the Congress (Desk 3). The convergence of each these elements subsequently considerably helped the BJP offset Mr. Baghel’s regional flip and surge previous the Congress on this election.
The methodology used for the Lokniti-CSDS survey
Lokniti-CSDS survey | Notice on weight software on knowledge
Abhinav Pankaj Borbora is a researcher at Lokniti-CSDS