WINTER IS COMING!!!!

Winter is Coming!!!

With the winter elections almost at the doorsteps in Gujarat, it is but obvious that the political parties are in full swing to take over the most developmental state of the nation. The dates have been declared and the election propaganda has started. Both BJP and Congress have been having heated debates with numerous statements and remarks being hurled from both the ends.

Actively ruling for more than two and a half decades, the BJP although has a strong hold over the Gujarat, there are certain setbacks that have left BJP with no choice but to put extra efforts in the campaigns this time. Talking in particular, reforms such as Demonetisation and GST are yet to be digested by the common man. Until seen in clear light and with a long term vision, these measures are still being thought of as autocratic and a sore to the otherwise supportive public.
A recent conversation with a cab driver in Ahmedabad encouraged me to write on this. The conversation started off something like
Me: "So sir, are you all prepped up for the elections? Who do you think will win? (Actual conversation in Gujarati, translated for the ease of readers)
Being an ardent BJP supporter, I have always believed that people here do support the government of Vikaas rather than giving the reigns in the hand of a family that has running the show since years even though I have acknowledged people saying and doing otherwise.

Driver: " Yes Ben (sister in Gujarati) Right now, more than the public, the parties are more into preparations. Though BJP rules the hearts, it will be a tough competition this time. The demeanor of the public is somewhat different at the moment"

Me: "Why do you say so?"

Driver: "There have been steps taken without thinking of the public. Decisions that have had adverse effects on the common men. The public is still a bit agitated. For years, the public has been selecting their leaders. But this time, the public needs answers. They are in situations which they fail to understand. Their chosen ones have till now been unable to give them a clear vision of what, why and how. The faith is wavering. Even BJP has sensed that. They are moving each and every stone, putting up meetings, reaching out to the public and doing everything that they can to get back the faith of the public"

These words and many more lead to quite a bit of further discussion during the 45 minutes drive to the destination. I spoke on how the reforms were necessary, how the bitter medicines would give sweet and improved results in the long run and how the long term benefits would come back to the people whilst the driver spoke on how the government of the state and specifically the rulers in the city had fallen short of fulfilling certain promises and delivering facilities to the public in time.

All this lead me to deduce certain points:

• The BJP, though being a ruler of hearts in Gujarat has some serious sh#t to take care of. 
• The people need their faith to be re-established. For this the BJP needs to take quick steps to win the people over. Thankfully #GauravSamparkAbhiyan has taken off.
• The people are positive and hopeful, but need to understand the vision of the leaders and accept the changes brought into picture.
• The government needs to be more attentive to the needs of the public and the facilities and infrastructure built for the public should be put to use at the earliest. (One major concern highlighted during my conversation with the driver.)

However, the BJP still scores several points over the Congress in ways more than one. The Gujarati praja has been a loyalist till now and out of the entire population, the majority are the Smart Alec business- minded Gujaratis, our favorite Gujjus who trust their 'Modi Bhai' and would vote for a government that has brought development to their homes. Increasing ease of business, digitization, infrastructural make overs and fast tracked decisions to cater to public issues and many more are credit points in the Super Prime Minister's bucket.

The BJP needs to brace itself and has already pulled up its socks for the coming time. Their aggressive campaigns that overshadow the campaigning of Congress and RaGa's claims which rather invite trolls than depicting a leader's vision would be a satisfying thrust and catalyst to their already strong position.

In the meanwhile, we can only hope for the best and make sure our votes are helpful enough to bring a comforting warmth of development, peace and good rule to the state and its people this winter!!!