But howsoever wide his chest, howsoever broad his shoulders and howsoever confident his gait, does he have it in him to perform the miracle that very few Indian politicians can do in these years, namely, to defy anti-incumbency? And in his case, though it is only the second election for him directly, it is double anti-incumbency because he had taken over in the previous incumbent’s term without facing elections. So if he wins, it will be his third term as chief minister. These days that is a near impossibility, unless, of course, you are a Marxist in Bengal.

Not that it fazes him. In so many years of watching Indian politics, of figuring out that most fascinating character called the Indian politician, of dealing with the demagogues, rabble-rousers, caste craftsmen, unifiers, dividers, visionaries and opportunists, I have never seen someone so confident, audacious and arrogant — and that too while seeking his third term. Mostly, Indian politicians only ooze charm and humility at the time of elections. Arrogance and a ruthless exercise of power then follow the victory. But this one does not fit any type. He does not mention Atalji, Advani (and who is Rajnath?) or even the BJP, except in conclusion when introducing his candidate who, not taking any chances, waves a reasonably freshly plucked lotus flower at the audience. You want Modi back as chief minister after all he has done for you, vote for him, he says. Now, when was the last time you heard any incumbent from a national party announce himself as the next chief minister like that? In the Congress, nobody would dare to do that even in his dream or he might have to spend the next five years in the AICC library, sorting out newspaper clippings. Even in the BJP I have never heard such a claim before. National parties still believe in the final prerogative of a high command, and at least in the pretence of their legislature parties electing their leader. But Modi has sorted that issue out. This election is BJP versus Congress. It is Modi versus Soniaben. Or, more likely, as many of his detractors — and you now find lots and lots of them also in Gujarat — it is Modi versus Modi this time.

... contd.