Union Minister Jitendra Singh on Thursday hailed the Uttar Pradesh Assembly election results as a watershed moment in India’s political history, attributing the outcome to a new political culture under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He said this emerging political culture resonates with the aspirations of a “New India” that seeks development, empowerment, and equitable growth, devoid of historical biases and prejudices.
According to Singh, the transformative governance model under Modi has redefined political engagement in India by focusing on marginalized sections of society and making development accessible to all. “This new political culture is driven by the spirit of reaching out to the deprived and providing them with the benefits of equitable development, ease of living, empowerment, and dignity, without any bias or prejudice,” Singh remarked. He emphasized that the outcome in Uttar Pradesh was a testament to this new approach, where governance is shaped by inclusivity and development-centric policies.
Breaking political jinxes
Singh, the Minister of State for Personnel, drew attention to how Uttar Pradesh had shattered several longstanding political “jinxes” that once dominated the electoral landscape. For instance, he mentioned the myth perpetuated by the Congress for over half a century that any ruling party would inevitably face anti-incumbency after five years in power. This perception, Singh said, was presented as a norm, making it difficult for parties to sustain electoral support beyond a single term.
However, under Modi’s leadership, Singh asserted, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has not only defied this norm but has also transformed it by winning elections based on pro-incumbency sentiments. “The BJP, under Modi, has proven that elections can be fought and won with a pro-incumbency vote. This is something I had been predicting during the UP election campaign as well,” Singh added. The resounding electoral victory in Uttar Pradesh, he noted, reaffirmed that good governance, combined with development and social empowerment, could overcome the traditional cycle of anti-incumbency.
Moving beyond identity politics
For decades, Singh said, India’s political discourse had been dominated by identity-based politics, driven by caste, religion, and vote-bank considerations. According to him, the Congress and its allies built their political strategies on dividing society and securing votes through sectarian appeals, following what he called the “feudal legacy of divide and rule.” This, in turn, became a deeply entrenched political norm, with elections often fought on the grounds of caste and communal divides rather than development and governance.
Under Modi’s leadership, Singh argued, this narrative has shifted dramatically. The BJP has demonstrated that elections can be fought on the basis of development and inclusive governance rather than pandering to divisive identity politics. “Under Modi, this trend has been done away with, and the BJP proved to the world that elections could be fought and won by rising above these biases and focusing on development, providing security to the insecure, empowering the weaker sections, providing benefits to the deprived, and ensuring equal justice and respect for all,” Singh said. He emphasized that Modi’s leadership has created a new template for governance, one that prioritizes unity and equal opportunity for all citizens.
Silent support from women and youth
Singh further elaborated on the shifting dynamics of voter behavior, particularly highlighting the silent support the BJP received from women voters in Uttar Pradesh, including Muslim women. During the election campaign, Singh said he had predicted that many women, though not vocally expressive, would vote for the BJP because of the sense of security and empowerment they experienced under Modi’s government. “In Uttar Pradesh, the BJP received support from a large number of silent women voters, including Muslim women, who may not have openly declared their support but certainly voted for us,” Singh noted.
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In addition, the minister pointed to the influence of young voters, particularly girl students from various religious and social backgrounds. These young women, Singh said, felt a new sense of freedom and security under the BJP government, which empowered them to move about freely without fear. “Before the BJP government came, their parents would not allow them to step out of the house alone, but now they feel absolutely secure,” Singh said, citing feedback from students during the campaign.
A broader political victory
The BJP’s success in Uttar Pradesh was part of a larger trend across multiple states, including Uttarakhand, Manipur, and Goa. As the vote counting continued, the BJP was poised for a second consecutive victory in Uttar Pradesh and showed a commanding lead in other states. The minister praised the party’s performance, noting that it reflected the public’s trust in Modi’s leadership and the government’s policies.
However, Singh also acknowledged the rise of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which secured a landslide victory in Punjab, marking its entry onto the national stage. While the BJP celebrated its dominance in several states, the AAP’s victory underscored the shifting political dynamics in India, as newer players challenge established parties in key regions.
In conclusion, Singh hailed the Uttar Pradesh election results as a pivotal moment in Indian politics, signaling the rise of a new political culture under Modi’s leadership, one based on development, empowerment, and inclusivity.
